David F. Frieden
  • Born on: May 27, 1941
  • Departed on: July 16, 2021
  • Resided in: Swisher, IA

David F. Frieden

David F. Frieden of Swisher, IA, 80, died on July 16, 2021 after battling cancer.  He wasn’t ready to go, but was assured while he would be missed by those left behind, others were waiting to welcome him home.

Born on May 27, 1941 in Elgin, IA, as a youngster, David’s curiosity often got him in some predicaments.  He learned that climbing up a windmill was a lot easier than climbing down.  After a panicked search ensued, he was eventually found and rescued by his dad.  He learned the hard way not to put your hands near farm machinery.  Thankfully only one digit was lost.  Another time, he was found stuck on a barbed wire fence out in a field.  Yet another rescue thankfully came.  

David graduated from Valley High School in 1959.  He joined the United States Navy and served our country for four years during The Vietnam War. 

Karen, his wife, caught his eye at the Heidelberg dance hall and a year later he proposed on a beautiful wintry night, befitting the occasion.  The pristine white snow was gently falling and in the light of the evening, sparkled like the diamond he gave her.  They married on June 5, 1965 and had three children.

David worked at the Elgin State Bank while going to college at Upper Iowa University as a non-traditional student.  He was an Accounting major, graduating in 1969. Of his 10 interviews post-graduation, 9 of which were for accounting jobs, he received 10 job offers.  The one he accepted was the sales job. David’s career was spent at Iowa Precision Industries, later called Mestek Machinery.  He retired as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

His hobbies included flying, boating, skiing – both water and snow, fishing, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and being in nature.  A natural extrovert, David loved to talk and tell stories, particularly reliving memories of growing up on the farm and telling glory day stories of high school football.  He liked to joke and had a silly sense of humor.  David also loved music, dabbling in self-taught piano and alto saxophone.  He liked to listen to songs and sing in his deep bass voice.  In more recent years, he earned the nickname, “the dog whisperer,” as the family canines always seem to gravitate to him.  He volunteered at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital and valued the many friends he made there.  

David had a healthy affinity for coffee and chocolate, which he enjoyed, mostly in moderation.  He held onto this until the end, finding enjoyment in these small pleasures.  

He was most proud of his being able to provide for his family over the years and loved being a grandpa.  He loved his family, including his siblings and parents.  

David is survived by Karen, his wife of 56 years; his children Jeff (Tina Olson) Frieden; Joan Frieden; Mark (Amber) Frieden; his grandchildren Courtney, Sara, Vanessa, Quinn, Finley, William, Amelia, and Charlotte; sisters Jessielee Frieden and JoNell (Mike) Young; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families.  

David was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Coranel Frieden, sister Dianne Havens, brother Charles Frieden, grandson Jonah Frieden, and most recently his brother-in-law and close friend Edward Havens.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Illyria Church in Elgin, IA.  Visitation 10:00 a.m.; service at 11:00 a.m.  
<< Back to listing
Clive.jpg

"Iowa Cremation gave me extraordinary support when my husband passed away. Everything was handled with compassion and respect, and for that I am forever grateful."

- Barbara B. from Clive, Iowa

Muscatine.jpg

"Iowa Cremation's service was incredible and I tell everyone they should preplan with their staff."

- Patti B. from Muscatine, Iowa

Wapello.jpg

"The compassion and professional care extended to us by Iowa Cremation was very consoling and deeply appreciated by our family."

- Mary Ellen M. from Lansing, Iowa