William S. Friske

William S. Friske, aged 86, born May 30, 1926, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away with his loved ones at his side on February 25, 2013. The patriarch of the Friske family was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. At the age of 18 he joined the Army and made it his career, bravely serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He had the heart of a warrior and proudly served his country with honor and courage. In 1951, Bill married the love of his life, Betty Carlson. Over the span of their 60 year marriage, Bill’s Army career took them to many destinations. The first was Germany where they traveled through Europe. Eventually, Sgt. Friske and his family settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Sgt. Friske was Creston High School’s ROTC instructor in the 1950’s, and again in the 1960-70’s, after retiring from the Army. Bill also worked at Reynolds Metal before retiring. Bill was an active member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. He loved fishing with sons, son-in-law and grandkids, especially in his beloved Manistee area. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, and his sister Dorothy. Bill’s surviving family includes, children Rick Friske (Joyce Dailey), Cindy Leach (Dennis), Tim Friske (Vicki), Marla Friske, grandchildren Eric Friske, Alison North (Rodney) Sean Leach (Stephanie), Nick Leach, Brianna Leach, Brett Friske and Kara Friske, also great-grandchildren Jonathan and Joshua Friske and Madelyn North. Funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Reyers North Valley Chapel with Brother Andy Patin officiating and military honors under the auspices of The Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. You may greet his family for visitation on Saturday morning from 10am until the service at 12. A graveside service will follow services at the funeral home at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee, Michigan at 3:30 p.m. also on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Friends of Michigan Veterans Homes Inc., P.O. Box 805, Grandville, Michigan 49468-0805.