Charlene Friedrich

Charlene "Char" Joyce Friedrich, 97, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at her home at Benedictine Living Community - the Villa in Red Wing, Minnesota. She was born on June 7, 1927, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Dagny Adeline (Dahl) and Charles R. Thieman. After the death of her father in 1930, Char and her mother moved to Red Wing to live with Adeline’s parents, Olaf and Albertina Dahl.

Char attended schools in Red Wing and graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1945. She went on to earn her degree in nursing through the Cadet Nurse Corps from Bethesda Hospital Nursing School, where she met a group of lifelong friends affectionately known as the "Robins."

After nursing school, Char worked in Stockton, California, before returning to Red Wing, where she was briefly employed at City Hospital and the Interstate Clinic.

On June 18, 1952, Char married John "Jack" B. Friedrich. Their marriage lasted 22 years until Jack’s death in 1974. Char cherished the memories of their life together, and their bond remained a meaningful part of her journey.

While raising her children, Char continued to nurture her community through her many volunteer efforts. She served as a Red Cross Bloodmobile volunteer for more than 50 years, an Altar Guild member and Sunday school teacher at Christ Episcopal Church, a Care Clinic volunteer, on the board of the Goodhue County Historical Society and a compassionate advocate for abused women. Char helped found a support system for women impacted by domestic violence, connecting them with shelter and services that were previously unavailable or unorganized in Goodhue County.

In 1991 she was named Citizen of the Year by the Red Wing Area (MN) Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Char and friends opened River Peddler Antiques in the St. James Hotel in Red Wing and operated it from 1981 until the shop closed in 2001.

She especially enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage in Wacouta, creative cooking, and working on needlecraft and sewing projects.

Char is survived by her four children: Ann (Kevin) Florine, Catherine (Randy) Johnson, Charlie (Sue) Friedrich, and John (Pam) Friedrich. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Nathan (Laura) Florine, Ted (Kelly) Florine, Clara Johnson, Reid Johnson, John (fiancée Jenn Holtz) Friedrich II, Thomas (Shauna) Friedrich, Jay (Tony) Friedrich, Jackie (Tyson) Augustin, Michael Friedrich (special friend, Morgan Zebro), and ten great-grandchildren: Greyson and Brecken Florine; Kaia, Brielle, and Mila Florine; Lindy Friedrich; Jack and Charlotte Friedrich; and Adeline and Lyla Augustin. She is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews, and special cousin, Kathryn (Rich) Fingarson, and her family.

Known for her kindness, compassion, and vibrant spirit, Char was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She cherished her family deeply and was a beloved member of her community.

Char was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Adeline Thieman-Nerison; her husband, Jack Friedrich and other loved ones.

A memorial service will be held June 18, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church at 1:00 pm. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

The family thanks the staff at Benedictine Living Community - the Villa, and Mayo Clinic Hospice for their care and support. Memorials in Char’s honor may be directed to Christ Episcopal Church Book of Golden Memories, HOPE Coalition, Mayo Clinic Hospice, or to a charity or organization of your choice.