Gerald L. "Jerry" Friesen, age 88, died peacefully in Kimberly late Thursday, April 20, 2023. Jerry was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on August 6, 1934, to the late John and Dorothy (Biehl) Friesen. Jerry married the love of his life, Gladys "Tootie" Mueller, on January 26, 1957. After graduation, Jerry started his 44-year career at Marathon Corporation/James River Corporation. During that time, he served 6 months in the Army and was eventually called up for the Cuban Crisis. As well as his work at the mill, Jerry also started Jerry's Golf Sales. He loved golf, bowling, and softball, and was an avid golf club maker. Jerry enjoyed woodworking with his son and his dad, and was a man who was always willing to lend a hand. Jerry was always involved in church projects, and, in his later years, volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Tootie; his children: Jeffrey (Christine) Friesen, of Appleton; Wendy Holten, of Appleton; his grandchildren: Ashley Friesen, Josh (Nicole) Friesen, Emily (Tony) Zastrow, Matthew Holten, Taylor (Mary) Holten, Adam Holten, and Megan (Andrew) Lauritzen; and his great grandchildren: Piper, Reece, Blakley, and Callie. Jerry is further survived by his brother-in-law, David Mentink, as well as other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Mentink and Bev Bliss, and his parents-in-law, Ernie and Mae Mueller.

Per Jerry's wishes, there will be no services held. To sign the guestbook, please visit oconnellfh.com.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to ProMedica Hospice, especially Millie & Colleen, for making Jerry's final days comfortable. The family would also like to thank Barb, his massage gal, for the back rubs that Jerry much looked forward to.