Marion was born in Detroit, MI on January 9, 1928 to Helen and Frank Shimky. After graduation from high school, Marion and her family relocated to Milwaukee, WI, where Marion worked for AT&T prior to enrolling at Marquette University. While pursuing a degree in Psychology, she met and married Herbert “Herb” Conrad Friess. Their daughter, Gay Lynn, was born soon after. After Herb’s graduation from Marquette in 1951, the family moved to Texas where he began his lengthy career with Chance Vought Aerospace Corporation. While living in first Dallas, and then Arlington, three sons were born over the next few years, Gregory Glen, David Herbert, and Darin Mark. Marion was quite involved in numerous community organizations, serving as PTA president, Cub Scout den mother, an officer in the Arlington Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and a long-time member of the LTV Aeronautical Engineers Wives Club. The family continued to live in Texas until Herb was transferred to Salt Lake City in 1971, where he worked until retiring in 1989. During her years in Utah, Marion was employed by Weinstock’s Department Store until her retirement in 1994. One of her fond memories was having graduated from Clown School and performing at local children’s hospitals. She was also active for many years in the SLC Newcomers Club. Marion and Herb lived the final 45 years of their lives in Sandy and Salt Lake City, while spending many winters in Mesa, AZ.
Lovingly known as “Mimi”, Marion was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was totally devoted to her family. In addition to her active involvement in all her children’s activities, Marion enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, camping, playing bridge, and watching sports, especially her favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys. She also enjoyed traveling with friends and family throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Bermuda.
Survivors:
Daughter, Gay Anderson (John) of McKinney, TX; son, Dr. Gregory Friess (Jane) of Haslet, TX; son, David Friess of Orlando, FL; son, Darin Friess (Doris) of Randolph, NJ; grandchildren: Dr. Erin Pavlak (Edward) of Haslet, TX; Kelli Anderson of Dallas, TX; Elizabeth “Joanie” Roberts (Dr. Matthew Roberts) of Richardson, TX; Margaret “Meg” Friess of Dallas, TX; Mitchell Friess of SLC, UT; Amalia Friess of SLC, UT; great-grandchildren: Luke Roberts, Ben Roberts and Tess Pavlak. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Herbert Conrad Friess.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
