Oh Donna. I just heard last night from David about Marks passing. I have so many memories of you both. It was an exciting time when we were all young and living in Chicago. 

My thoughts are with you. 

Michiko

Dr. Friedell, what I value most in me is what I learnt from you. I will remain in denial. Cannot believe that you are not there for my career guidance anymore.

My best wishes to the Friedell family.  Although I did not know Mark well, I could sense what a genuine, caring person he was.  The World was a better place for his presence.

Dr. and Mrs. Friedell, I am so sorry to read about your loss of your son.  I can't imagine what that is like.  However, I do know what it is like to lose someone you love.  I do hope that the wonderful memories that you made together will ease some of the pain.  I will keep you in my heart and thoughts as you try to, focus on the love and blessing of having him, in the first place.  Lovingly, Marilyn Dishman, Lexington, Kentucky.

Donna, Don and I are so sorry to hear of Mark's passing.  We have been away and only just heard this sad news yesterday.  Our sincere condolences go out to you and your family.  Andrea & Don Farquharson

Donna, Nick, and Birdie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mark was such a kind man and great Doctor. I pray that God will give you his Peace and remind you daily of all the wonderful memories you shared with him.

With love,
Linda and Mike Bailey

Donna,

I was shocked to see Marks name in the Orlando paper of his passing. I will never forget his banter with me. He was fun and very sarcastic! Please know that I'm sending lots of love to you, Nick and Birdie! 65 is way too young to leave this earth...

Please don't hesitate to call or write if you need anything!

Always, Maureen

Dear Donna,
I was shocked to hear of Mark's death. I had gotten to know him over his time in Kansas City, sharing our mutual love of vascular surgery; as well as our life experiences having trained in the same time period.
He was a great leader; that I am proud to have called a friend.
His life was cut too short; we had many more projects we had planned!!
I will miss all our conversations, but all the past one are firmly planted in my mi

We were so saddened by the news of Mark's
passing. In the midst of this loss we hold tightly
to our belief that all who believe go to be with
God the Father for all eternity. We can be sure that the day will come when we will see Mark again.     So many fond memories come
back at this time. We will be lifting all of you up
in prayer as will our congregation.

We were so saddened to hear of Dr. Friedell's death. He was a terrific physician and well-liked by all who knew him. His contributions to medicine in Orlando were many. May God comfort you in your time of deep sadness.

Sorry to hear of the passing of  Dr. Friedell. Our hearts go out to you and the family . We appreciated his many talents and accomplishments over the many years. May the "God of all comfort " give you strength, peace and hope.   2 Corenthians 1:3,4

Dear Donna,

We enjoyed hundreds of Orlando Magic games with you and Mark. Our friendship was cemented through the highs (and many lows) of the fledgling Magic teams. When we eventually upgraded our tickets to another section, it never felt the same anymore, since the Friedells were no longer our seatmates.

Once during a game Mark was paged to return to the hospital for emergency aneurism surgery. I asked him if he regretted the intrusion that medicine sometimes placed on his family and personal life.  He said that a good surgical case was infinitely more exciting and interesting than even a triple-overtime basketball game. His priorities were perfect and inspiring.

We are both saddened by Mark's passing, and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.

My heart broke when I received the message from Christa about Dr. Friedell.  I am so, so  sorry Donna, and I am sooo sorry Nick.  Mark made me laugh...he was always a comfort in the storm, and he made our world a better place.  Hugs and more hugs from me to you.  Nickie

Donna and family, I was very sad to hear of Mark's passing.  He was a fellow SAE and one of the first students I met in the fall of 1968 at Beloit. The friendship we had with Mark over these 48 years has been remarkable and has enriched all of our lives. The admiration shown in these memories and condolences has affirmed what I and my fellow fraternity brothers knew from the start: that Mark would set the bar for all of us to achieve success, love and friendship in our daily lives.  We share your loss and wish you strength to get through this difficult time.

Donna and Family,

I am totally stunned to learn of Marks Passing.  I have known Mark at our Condo building as an energetic, kind, thoughtful, and outgoing friend.  In the short time i knew him just a really great guy.  My thoughts and prayers are with you....

To Mark's beloved family--

It's hard to fathom that he's gone. I had the privilege of getting to know Mark over the years through the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS). Mark was bigger than life. He always wanted to do the right thing for the right reasons. He always took time to share a word of encouragement with his colleagues. His warmth, wisdom, optimism and authenticity made a benchmark in the surgical community to which we all can aspire. I miss him. Prayers for Mark and for you. 

J. Craig Collins

Donna, Nick, and Birdie,

Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Mark was a tremendous person and I'm so glad to have known him as a friend here in Kansas City.

Donna and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Dear Donna and Family,
We had the good fortune to meet Mark and yourself as neighbors here in Kansas City. We parked across from each other in our residential building and had frequent and interesting conversations. I was immediately struck by Mark's kindness, great smile, sense of humor, and humanity. It was apparent that you and Mark were attached, enjoying each other's company as I almost always saw you together.

Reading the condolences of peers and friends, the wonderful qualities  I perceived were seen by others as well. All of us who were touched by this kind man will miss him. With sympathy, Terry and Doug

Dear Friedell family and Lewis girls Anne, Sarah, and Mollie,

Through the years I have heard you speak of your brother and your entire family members with love and admiration.  I know that in spite of distances your family was closely connected and cared for by all.  I know you are all grieving and will need time to carry on from this great loss to your family and to the community.

Know that you have the prayers and heartfelt sympathy of my little family--Leslie, Alex, Edwin, and myself.  We love you all.

Emily Ray

a good doctor and a valued colleague, rest in peace

The Friedell Family
Our deepest sympathies are with you.  Through my sister Jamie, Dr Friedell has been part of our lives and family for so many years.  His amazing contribution to so many people will live on and he will never be forgotten.  Tawn and Brian Kelley

Donna and Family. I knew Mark in his faculty role at the UCF College of Medicine. Mark was a great role model for young doctors and medical students. He had kindness and patience with learners while setting a high standard for excellence. He  was loved and respected by all. He had a great sense of humor and a lot of common sense that some do not possess. Mark made a difference in the lives of many. His loss is felt by us all. 
Deb German

Donna and Friedell family.  I was a fraternity brother of Mark's at Beloit College, and although we lost touched after graduation, we had many shared experiences at school that will stay with me.  Mark had an impish sense of humor, yet was far more serious about himself and focused about his life's ambitions than any of the rest of us.  For those reasons he stood out as someone to be admired and emulated.  He had his mind set on becoming a surgeon, and it's clear from all the other eulogies in this book that he not only achieved his dream but was exceptional at it and that he retained his sense of humor and compassion.

Donna and family,
Celeste and I were shocked and very sad to hear of Marks passing.  Mark was a great surgeon, teacher, leader and good friend. I will long remember the collaboration between ORMC and the North Dakota residency program which Mark was instrumental in initiating and maintaining for many years. We are very sorry for you loss.

Donna and Family, our hearts are heavy at the loss of Mark.  He was a great friend, counselor, leader, and encourager to many who knew him professionally.  His influence on many of us who have served under his leadership nationally in surgery residency program director roles was tremendous.  As recently as two weeks ago I called him for advice, and as always he was generous with his time and wisdom.

We pray comfort, peace, and strength for you and family in the days ahead, and hope we can inadequately convey to you how much Mark's life, and your life together which you shared with us through him, have meant to so many.

John Mellinger

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and make you firm. (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17).

Donna, Nick, and Birdie-
Reading these beautiful tributes about Mark is not only uplifting in this time of great sadness, but an inspiring reminder of how much impact a person can have on so many during a lifetime. Mark, in his quiet way, always seemed to know the next right thing to do.  And he did it, day after day, year after year,  improving lives, encouraging and teaching young doctors, and loving family, friends and life  in such an intentional and wonderful way.  Lots of memories of our kids growing up, and how Mark and Donna welcomed them all-day and night-in your home, with a smile and unending patience!  Ralph will always remember going with the boys to Normandy after graduation, enjoying a great dinner with red wine, and discussing politics, history, law, and medicine.  I will never forget his deep, contagious laugh--always a reminder not to take things too seriously! We will miss him. God bless all of you.

Donna and the Friedell family. My prayers are with you during this difficult period. Dr Friedell is a man I hold in very high regard. For some reason he believed in me more than I believed in myself.He knew what buttons to push to get me to where I needed to be. This life is about making an impact in as many other lives as possible and I'm proud to be on Dr Friedell's list. He was a great man and his legacy lives on in many such as I. We mourn this loss but be proud so many celebrate this man's life. God bless!!

Donna,
Thank you for sharing your remembrances and wisdom today, regarding Mark and the work which we endeavor to continue at UMKC and Truman Medical Center. I am awestruck by your insights- feeling almost as I was speaking to Mark once more. You truly are "one person". 
Mark was my friend, advocate, confidant and mentor. He joins a pantheon of surgical heroes, who have indelibly left their imprint upon my life and career. I will carry his memory forward as I humbly attempt the task of stewarding what he established here.

Donna, Nick & Alex
We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work and even commiserate with Mark during his time in Kansas City.  It is always enjoyable to associate with kindred spirits who are committed to the betterment of resident education and patient care.  His passing is greatly felt by us all.  We hope you are able to find some comfort in knowing how deeply we cared for Mark.  
Steve Prstojevich MD DDS FACS & David Moore MD DDS FACS

Donna and Family- 
Great sadness filled me when I learned of Mark's death. Mark was a wonderful colleague and physician. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Donna and Family - I was totally shocked when I heard about Mark's passing. We were fraternity brothers at Beloit and we were on Beloit's football team. He played tight end and I played half back. We had too much fun at Beloit but managed to graduate. Mark was kind enough to give me some medical advice a few years ago when my late wife was diagnosed with cancer. I truly appreciated his advice at the time. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Dan Crawmer

Dear Friedell family,

I had the pleasure of working with Mark for the past 3 years. Our research interests aligned well and over these years, Mark had been one of the strongest supporters of the research we did for patients with peripheral vascular disease. Since my arrival at UMKC, he had been a great advocate for the PORTRAIT study we were doing together and had also been very supportive of me as a junior faculty member. He was always available when we needed his input and vision. The research team I work with and myself, will remember Mark as a very warm and dedicated person. He took the time to listen to people. As many already mentioned, he was a true gentleman. I am very appreciative for everything that he did for the research team and me. He will truly be missed and we will honor Mark in the PORTRAIT research work that will come out in the future as he helped shaping this study, driven by his desire to improve the care and outcomes for patients. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. 

Kim Smolderen

Assistant Professor, UMKC SOM  Biomedical & Health Informatics & St. Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
Also on behalf of the PORTRAIT research team at St Luke's Mid America Heart Institute

Donna, nick and Alex,
Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss of Mark. My heart is with you.Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.My sincerest condolences.

Donna,
Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss of Mark. My heart is with you.Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. My sincerest condolences.

To the Friedell family,

I worked with Dr. Friedell since he came to Truman as his Nurse Clinician.  I am stunned and saddened about his death.  He was my biggest supporter and always wanted the best for the hospital and his patients.  He will be missed by everyone he worked closely with in the Vascular Clinic.  I will always remember him and can still hear him laughing and hopefully always will.  So sorry for your loss.

He helped me tremendously after I lost my job. He was a great person and Dr. I enjoyed our Friday afternoon clinics. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Dr. Friedell.

Dr. Friedell was one of my favorite surgeons when I  worked at ORMC.  He always had a smile and greeted me as he did all the nurses.  He was a great man and will be missed

Dr. Friedell was a great man, he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family & friends.

To Donna and Family
We were shocked and dismayed to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague.
He will be missed by all.
       Jack Zeltzer  Md
        Past President of FVS

To Donna and family, We were shocked to learn of Marks passing.I worked at the Vascular office when he was there and I am sorry for your loss.
  With sympathy,Debi and John Pringle

Donna, Nick and Alex,

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mark's passing.  Although it has been several years since I last spoke to Mark, I often thought of him and the impact he had on me.  Without his guidance, I honestly can't say I would be where I am today.  His wisdom and encouragement guided me to return to school and become a Physician Assistant.  I greatly respected his advice and guidance early on in my career.  He was highly respected by all, and was such a kind and generous man.  His legacy will live on in so many of us who will greatly miss him.

Much love to all of you,

So very sorry to hear of Dr. Friedell's passing. I just had the opportunity to meet him this year when he attended the Florida Vascular Society's Scientific Sessions. He was highly respected in the Society and everyone was very happy to see him. My condolences to the family.

What a shock to Mark and I.  Dr. Friedell was Mark's mentor and program director for 5 years at ORMC and I had the pleasure of working with him as well in preop/PACU during that time.  When he would come through preop or PACU, he was always calm and always smiled and his lab coats were ALWAYS impeccably pressed and CLEAN.  He never made me feel incompetent or inadequate.  Dr. Friedell also entrusted me to care for his father-in-law after his bypass surgery.  I will miss him.  Donna and kids, I'm so so sorry for your huge loss.  We feel it too.  Just know that he has left such an impression on our lives and that he will never be forgotten.  

Much love to you all, 
Mark and Shirley Middleton

Dr. Friedell was the reason I chose to go out on a limb and come to UMKC. I never regretted that decision to the end. He was my greatest advocate and someone I always trusted. I will miss him dearly and never forget the lessons he taught.

Dear Friedell family, I was so sad to hear of Mark's passing.  I worked with him at ORMC.  Every day I worked with him I was a better nurse.  His kindness to patients and helpfulness to all was one of a kind.  If there was a crisis I only had to hear that deep, calm voice and then I knew everything would be alright, Friedell is here!  He has a never ending legacy and it is all the residents, nurses and peers he both taught and inspired.

My friend of over thirty years has left us and I am heart broken.  We shared many many good times since that Saturday we met in Highland Park to dinner in Chicago a few months ago.  Thank you for being you.

Dear Friedell family,
My heart goes out to you all.  I worked with Dr. Friedell in ORHS Medical Education Practices.  He is one of my favorite Resident Leaders.  Working with him and The Medical Education team in developing the programs, practices and residents was a highlight of my career.  Through him we saw a great surgeon and family man.  Blessings to you, Diane

Donna,
Diane and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I am sorry to say that we will be unable to attend the Memorial Service in Orlando this Sunday as we will be out of town. Prayers for you and your family.

Donna:  I had the opportunity to know Mark and work with him primarily through the APDS.  He was a gentleman, a friend, a mentor, a teacher and a scholar, in addition to being a surgeon.  He will be missed deeply by me, personally, and by our profession.

Dear Friedell family
I didn't know Mark until late in our careers.  What I discovered when we met was a kind, thoughtful, and generous surgeon who was passionate about resident education and the value of community hospitals in surgical training.
Mark made numerous contributions in surgical education, contributions that will last well beyond the decades that follow.
His wit, passion, and wisdom will be missed. May you find peace by remembering your times together.

Donna, Nick and Alex,
The loss you have endured is unimaginable.  Working as Dr. Friedell's admin for the last 3 years has been the happiest of my career.  He was so straightforward, honest and kind.  He was not only my boss...he was my friend.  Rest in peace Dr. Friedell, you will forever live on in my heart.  Always.

Donna and family,
My heart breaks for your loss. Mark was a gentleman and scholar - and someone I counted as a friend. Know that he was loved and respected by many at UMKC. I can't imagine the world without his kindness.

What a huge loss for us all.  Dr. Friedell was President of APDS the same year that I was President of ARCS.  He was always so supportive of our organization, and treated us with such dignity and respect.  

Dr. Friedell was such a wonderful person and well respected physician and the we will all miss him dearly.

Donna Guinto

Dear Donna, Nick, and Alex, I have not idea how to express my sadness enough. Mark was a wonderful man, we loved him very much and we will continuing loving him trough you and the boys.

Donna .....  I am deeply sadden to hear of Mark's passing.  We had talked a couple of weeks ago.  He was an absolutely wonderful man and a true friend.  A very special person.  My condolences to the entire family.

Donna,
I worked with Mark at ORMC, I came to your house and gave him a massage and also sent the jar of mayonnaise to him when he had his atrial maizing procedure. I have wonderful and fond memories of him.  You and the boys have my deepest sympathy for your great loss. 

Gail Keller

Donna and family, we were so sad to hear this news.  Sending you our love and condolences.

To the Friedell family...Kim, Taylor and I are so sad to hear of Mark's passing.  He made a solid impact on me.  As a 'device rep', I met Mark in 1992.  He did not have to see me that day, but he welcomed me into his office and was just fantastic!!  I considered him a good friend over the past 24 years.  We would always talk about work, our Lake Highland kids and laugh about all kinds of stuff.  He also took care of my appendix and Kim's Gall Bladder....both procedures are very elementary, but he insisted on taking care of us...we joked that he was our family doc.  I hope that all of the surgeons he has trained take his kindness and sincerity with them.  Donna, we met at the FVS many times, and I'm so sorry for your loss..for Your sons as well.  I will miss him

Dear Friedell family, 
I am so very saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Friedell. I worked with him for many years in the OR at ORMC. He was a such a nice man and dedicated surgeon, always a pleasure to work with. Praying for strength and peace for you. RIP Dr. Friedell.

Mark Frieden was a true gentleman, great surgeon and touched so many in his practice. There are no words that have not already been expressed but I know I was blessed to have worked with him for many years in Orlando. May you find comfort and peace in your memories

Donna, this is a shock to the world of surgery and all that have had the opportunity to meet Dr. Friedell. Sending our prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Lillian Badurina (Columbus, OH) and the Association of Residency Coordinators in Surgery

Donna - You have my condolences and prayers always. I will celebrate his life through memories of his humor and kindness. He was a champion of residents and I have fond memories of my association with him through Ava and the APDS/ARCS.

I am so saddened to hear this awful news. Mark was a great guy, excellent surgeon, and most of all, a good friend. I worked with him in PACU, ICU, Radiology,and the ED, and he was always very supportive and good for a laugh.
None of these words can make this terrible event any better for you, his family. But I hope that knowing how many people respected him, how many lives he saved, and how well he was thought of by clinicians at all levels makes you feel less alone in your grief. There are no words that can make this better, so I offer up prayers, peace and love to you as you process your grief.

I was saddened to learn of Mark's passing.  He was a very understanding and compassionate individual not to mention his excellent skills as a surgeon.  He was very supportive of the UCF College of Medicine in its infancy and for that I am extremely grateful.  My sympathy to the entire family on their loss

Dear Donna and Nick and Birdie, and to all the extended Friedell family, I am in shock and grieve with you at the sudden loss of beloved Mark. I will remember him as wise and funny and for his Epicurean tastes but, above all else, for his great love of family. My deepest sympathies and all my love.

Wishing peace, comfort and light to the family!

Donna, we were so saddened to hear of Mark's sudden death. He was a wonderful surgeon and a gentleman always. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Love ,
Van and David Moser

I am so sad to hear this. I worked with Dr. Friedell for many years at ORMC, and he was just the best. Before I even met him, though, he saved my grandmother's life, as she had a leaking AAA in 1992. She lived in good health for another 15yrs, to the age of 92. My family and I have been forever grateful for that time, and for the hands that made it possible. My deepest condolences to the family. Know he was loved.

Donna - I am sorry to learn of Mark's passing.  I have so many memories from ICU to OR and PACU when I worked with him on very very sick patient care.  He was kind, calm and a great teacher to the residents at ORMC.  Mark tolerated so much and always kept a positive outlook.  His sense of humor made for a much better day.  Prayers for you and family.

Donna and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in the unforgettable times you shared together. I will always remember Dr. Friedell's grin when I called him "capo di tutt'i capi." That's who he'll always be for me, my boss of all bosses.

Dear Nick and the Friedell Family,

We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your dad. We know he will be dearly missed by so many people he loved and cared for. May the memories you have with him give you some peace during tough days. We send our deepest condolences. 

Love,
Alex and Danielle Hild

Dear Donna and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always treasure the wonderful introduction Mark provided for me when we served as back to back Presidents of APDS. His memory will live on in the thousands of lives of patients who benefited from his care and the care of those he trained. Please know how much of a difference he made for the world of surgery as some comfort for the hours he dedicated to his work.

Donna & Mark's family:

I am totally stunned about Mark's passing.  I just can't believe it.  He was with me in Orlando in January 2016 during the Hess trial.  As usual his testimony was incredible.  He seemed to be in such good spirits and health.  

Mark was a very close friend and one who will be greatly missed.  Please let me know what I can do to help.

Love, Bucky & Maribeth Hurt

So very sorry for your loss. Mark was an excellent surgeon and a wonderful collaborator and colleague. He will be greatly missed.

To the family of Dr Mark Friedell,

I did not know Mark well, but as many in our field, especially in leadership positions in academic surgery, we had common experiences that are unique. He was recognized as a paragon of surgical education, known for his dedication to teaching the next generation of surgeons.

He was entering the next phase of his career with some uncertainty. What he didn't know was that many of his colleagues had total confidence that he would have greater success in the next phase of his life. Our opinions were well-founded, based on his clinical practice, academic achievements, and the respect he held in our surgical community.

Despite long distance and having only recently shared experiences with Mark, my wife Natalie and I were deeply affected by his death. We can only imagine the loss you must feel now.

With sympathy,

Don and Natalie Nakayama

Donna and Family, I am so sorry for your loss.  Mark took me under his wing at the APDS and was a phenomenal mentor and friend.  He was always positive and supportive (and also fun to share a Manhattan with).  I will miss him as I know you will.  My deepest condolences.

I am so sorry for your loss of Mark who was a great man. He didn't know me and yet extended a friendly collegial and helping hand to me. He was so dedicated, insightful, and genuine he will be missed by all and by the field of surgery. Please accept my sympathy.

Sincere condolences to Mark's family and friends in the loss of a fine man within the surgical community.  He will be missed.

To the family of Dr Mark Friedell:

As parents of one of Dr Friedell's medical students we just want to convey how profoundly Dr Friedell touched our son's life. We sensed the genuine respect, admiration and gratitude our son had for Dr Friedell during casual family conversations. We are sure this was one of many lives Dr Friedell touched but one that led to our son deciding on a career in vascular surgery.

May the memory of your loved one and all he meant to you bring you peace and strength and comfort too.

So sorry for your loss.  Thinking and praying for everyone at this sad time.   R.I.P.

Dear Donna, We are so shocked and saddened to learn of your loss of Mark. Deepest condolences to you and your family. Vicki Smith-Bilt and Harvey Bilt.

Donna,
Words can't describe the sadness I feel over the loss of your husband.  He was a kind, giving, dedicated man who will greatly missed by everyone who new him well.  The O.R. nurses at TMC greatly appreciated the respect, leadership, and genuine words of, thanks  he gave to them for the work they did everyday.  I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Kathy Sparks Walsh

I worked with Mark in Orlando.  Mark was a very kind, pleasant and intelligent man.  I was always happy to see his surgical cases in my room.  I knew it would be a great day all around.  RIP Mark and prayers for his family.

To the family of Dr. Mark Fridell; 
He was a genuine, personable, friendly individual that I will truely miss. I only had the pleasure of being his assistant for 3 years, and within that period of time, he treated me with respect, and always thanked me for my help. Know that he touched many, and his spirit will continue on. Magium P.I. as I called him as a term of inderment will be profoundly missed.

Dear Donna, Nick and Alex
I am in disbelief and feel your loss deeply. I am so proud of all Mark has accomplished and cherish our crazy memories of Worcester. There aren't adequate words. I am thinking of you all and sending my love.
Nita

Dear Donna

Shocked and deeply saddened to lose a fine man and good friend...bruce gewertz

OBITUARY

Dr. Mark L. Friedell

March 3, 1951 – July 10, 2016

McGilley State Line Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services