Neal Ray Friets, 89, of Keene, NH, died 24 July 2023 at Covenant Living of Keene. He was a person of integrity, devoted to his family and friends. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, 25 July 1933, only child of Nels and Lela (nee McKenzie) Friets.
He graduated from Yale University with the Degrees of Bachelor and Master of Engineering. After over three years of active duty in the Civil Engineer Corps of the United States Navy, he spent the rest of his working life with Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc., a large contractor, working at and supervising construction projects in Greenland and the United States. After retirement in 1982, he and his wife enjoyed travels around the world. Their first retirement home, in Keene, NH, became known as the “Hotel New Hampshire” by the many family and friends who visited there.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years Joan Elizabeth Friets; their elder son Nels Radley Friets, his wife Deborah, their children Nicole Rachel Rui Xiu Friets and Neal Ryan Rui Yang Friets; and their younger son Eric McKenzie Friets, his daughters Meryl James Friets and her husband Robert Daniels, and Sophie Leigh Friets, Eric’s wife Patricia Cerra, and her son Nate Barsanti.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 10:30 am at Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH.
No flowers by request.
Contributions may be made in Mr. Friets’ memory to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests or your favorite charity.
