Betty Lorraine Friske

Betty Lorraine Friske, age 81, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 28, 2011. The matriarch of the Friske family was dearly loved by family and friends and will be deeply missed. After marrying her husband Bill on September 18, 1951, she accompanied Sgt. Friske who was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Augsburg, Germany. While stationed in Germany, Bill and Betty traveled throughout Europe. Eventually Betty and Bill settled in Grand Rapids in 1967, but her heart was always in Manistee where she was born and raised. She was an active member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and enjoyed gardening, cooking and decorating for ALL holidays. She loved being an active mom in all of her children’s school activities. Her true love was her grandchildren. She loved many pets over the years and had a special place in her heart for all of her dogs. She was preceded in death by her mother and father and numerous aunts and uncles. Surviving are her husband Bill, their children; Rick Friske (Joyce Dailey), Cindy (Dennis) Leach, Tim (Vicki) Friske, grandchildren; Eric (Lisa) Friske, Alison (Rodney) North, Sean Leach, Nick Leach, Brianna Leach, Brett Friske, Kara Friske, great-grandchildren; John and Josh Friske. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Reyers North Valley Chapel with Br. Andy Patin officiating. Friends and relatives may meet her family on Sunday from 12 noon until 2 pm. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to The Kent County Humane Society.