Robert "Bob" D. Friedrich

Born July 8, 1933 at home to Philip and Gertrude Friedrich, he married Vergie Schleder on October 20,1957 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one sister, and one brother.

Surviving are three children: Deanne (Charlie) Brown of Pekin, Keith (Christen) Friedrich of Green Valley, and Trudy (Jeff) Kreiling of Benton, WI; five grandchildren, Whitney (James) Bremer of Thompson’s Station, TN, Adam Friedrich of Anaheim, CA, Luke Friedrich of Pekin, Anna Friedrich of Green Valley, and Audrey Kreiling of Benton, WI; three great-grandchildren, Emma, Ethan, and Eli Bremer of Thompson’s Station, TN.

Bob was a 1951 graduate of Pekin Community High School. After high school, he enlisted in the Marines and served 3 years, including a tour in Japan.

Bob was a lifelong farmer in Green Valley. He grew corn, soybeans, and many specialty crops and was also one of the first in the area to install irrigation. Along with his wife, he was one of the founding members of Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Pekin, serving many years on the Tazewell Lutheran School Association board of directors. He personally transported many students to the school over the years, first in his own vehicle, and then many years driving the Good Shepherd school bus to ensure that children from outside of Pekin could attend Good Shepherd.

Bob loved Jesus, which was evident in all he did. He faithfully studied the scriptures and loved Luther’s Large Catechism. He was passionate about sharing the Good News with anyone who would listen, delivering devotional materials to many and purchasing a Large Catechism or a Bible for anyone who would take one! He was a faithful member of St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in Green Valley. He served the church in many different positions over the years, including Senior Elder for many, many years. He was very active in the church’s Couples Club and Dart Ball League. He and his wife also hosted home Bible studies for many years.

Bob loved his Lord, his family, and the land, and dedicated his life to serving all three.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Rd., in Green Valley. His memorial service will be held at the church on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m, Rev. Chris Sansom and DCE Bill Krueger officiating. Visitation will also be held one hour before the service. Inurnment will follow in Sand Prairie Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Pekin or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Green Valley.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.