Harold was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1933 to Friedricke and Herman L. Friedrich Sr. Harold was the youngest of 5 and the last living member of the Herman Friedrich family. He graduated from North Side High School before becoming an apprentice in a machine, tool, and die program. He was also a veteran, having served in Company A, 7th Tank Battalion of the US Army. Harold loved sports, he was successful in track and field at North Side High School, played on the Walther League basketball team, Holy Cross's men's baseball team, and was a fan of High School (North Side and Concordia), Indiana University and Purdue University Basketball. He loved fishing and boating on Coldwater Lake. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran church and served on the Tuesday Crew along with volunteer work at Cross Border Partners, Inc. and the Embassy Theatre. Harold was a great father, husband, and friend to many.
Harold was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters, Elfriede "Fritzie" (Byard) Hey and Lottie Uffleman (Rupert); brothers, Leonard and Herman L Friedrich Jr. (Dorothy); and grandson Max Breitinger.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Barbara Friedrich; his children, Jeff Friedrich (Lisa), Laurie Barela (Mark), Mark Friedrich (Angela); and grandchildren, Jessica Misiak (Ryan), Alex Friedrich, Megan Barnett (Tyler), Alayna Barela, Jenay Barela, Marcus Barela (Lauren), Arie Friedrich, Olivia Friedrich, and Lillian Friedrich. He is also survived by his stepchildren, who welcomed him into their family and treated him as their own, Cynthia Breitinger (Walt), Randy Tatman (Lynette), Rick Tatman (Colleen); and grandchildren, Ben Breitinger, Alex Breitinger (Annie), Paige Goodwin (Daniel), Zachary Tatman, Emily Hagen (Ryan), Ryan Tatman (Elizabeth). He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Harold and the entire family appreciate the wonderful care provided by the staff at StoryPoint Fort Wayne West and Eleos Hospice Care.
A visitation for Harold will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Lakeside Park, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, followed by a Funeral Service staring at 5:00 pm.
Harold would appreciate donations made to Eleos Hospice Care, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, or Cross Border Partners, 929 N Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 in lieu of flowers.
