Richard M. “Dick” Friebel
Richard M. “Dick” Friebel, age 90, of Shelby, died early Thursday morning, May 12, 2022 at the home of his daughter, Denise.
Dick was born March 15, 1932 in Sylvania, Ohio, to the late Walter and Otillia (Hoehn) Friebel. He was a 1951 graduate of Shelby High School. Dick was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He served on the front lines and, for his service, was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and a Combat Infantry Badge. Upon his return to Shelby from Korea, he was a farmer and worked for Friebel and Hartman prior to beginning his career at Sears. He worked at Sears until his retirement in 1991 and managed their Paint, Electric, and Toy Departments. However, Dick’s “work” never ceased, but merely his hobbies and passions became his life’s work.
Dick’s green thumb and love for gardening was a major part of not only his life, but also his entire family’s lives as well. From his many years of cantaloupe farming to supply produce for Friebel’s Farm Market to growing multiple varieties of flowers for Friebel’s Greenhouse, which he owned and operated from 1974-1999, his passion was always evident. Even after the closing of the greenhouse, he continued to have a personal greenhouse where he would tend to his flowers which often ended up being gifted to others. For over 20 years, starting in 1994, Dick was the largest Olde Whalers Candle distributor which all took place at his “warehouse”. It was not just candles that were distributed, and eventually made, at the warehouse, but also was a place which created many great memories, housed other hobbies and businesses, and served as a home to his well-known collection. It was at the warehouse that he, his brother, Butch, and friend, Carl Sifferlin, manufactured, painted, and sold cornhole boards for their company (BC&D), making over 2,000 sets over the years. Later, his passion and obsession for collecting Beanie Babies needed a homebase, and the warehouse served as that space for his collection of over 35,000. He traveled multiple states many times over to add to the collection of which he was so immensely proud. But no matter what happened during the day or week at the warehouse, Happy Hour was a staple every Friday at 5 pm where friends and family would gather to unwind from the week- something that Dick would never miss.
Dick was so very proud of his entire family and instilled in them the true meaning of hard work whether that be with assisting with the gardening, to helping with candle packing, to even being the driving instrument and encourager to each grandkid working and selling sweet corn each year at their stand. Dick was a longtime member, 38 years to be exact, of the Shelby Y where he faithfully went each and every morning at its opening to swim and exercise. He was also a lifetime member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, always actively supporting St. Mary School and its mission, and was a member of the Shelby Knights of Columbus Council 1968 where he was a 3rd Degree Knight and had been for over 70 years.
Dick is survived by his children: Becky (Victor) Morris of Shelby, Shelly (Mike) Gwirtz of O’Neals, CA, Mark (Julie) Friebel of Shelby, and Denise Carriere of Shelby; grandchildren: Nikki (Jason) Fortman, Heidi (Josh) Hoffman, Abby (Jeff) Payne, Richele (John) Bruno, Joshua (Katrina) Gwirtz, Terra (Brad) Edris, Michael Friebel, Danny Friebel, Alana (Eddie) Wagoner, Joe (Jayde) Carriere, and Jacob Carriere; 16 great grandchildren; siblings: Tina Cooper, Raphael “Butch” Friebel, Brother John Friebel, OFM, and Theresa (Mike) Lake; sister-in-law: Glenda Friebel; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Berniece “Mickey” (Albert) Friebel, whom he wed on October 1, 1955. Also preceding him in death was his son-in-law: Paul Carriere; and siblings: Roman Friebel, Marie Maier, Wally Friebel, Bob Friebel, and Gerald “DoDo” Friebel.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, from 4-7 pm, where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 23, 2022 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Father Chris Mileski will be the celebrant with Fr. Rick Friebel, Dick’s nephew, and Fr. John Missler, concelebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary School, Shelby Y, or OhioHealth Hospice and left in care of the funeral home.
For those unable to attend, sympathy may be expressed by leaving an online condolence on Dick’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on his obituary post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
My heart is breaking. I love how much he loved others. This world was a better place with him in it. Our condolences to all of his family and friends. He will be missed!!
Dear Friebel family, I loved this man. ♥️ He used to give me a vegetable plant pack as a child and probably is why I got a degree in Horticulture. Then when my children were little he also gave them packs of veggies. It’s no wonder he touched so many lives with the love of plants. Well done Dick!!! May you all find peace and comfort. Our prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Brigette Cornell Harrison
Prayers for the entire family during this time of loss. I always enjoyed having chats with Dick at coffee break time when working at Stompin Grounds. He was a fun and happy visit. He definitely had a gift of growing beautiful flowers. Thinking of the family.ay you hope those fun and happy memories close to you during these days ahead.
Friebel family, Jean and I are very sorry to learn of your loss. Dick was a good man. He was very generous with our Kiwanis club allowing us to sell our Christmas trees on the lot for many years. Rest in peace Dick.
So very to hear of your fathers death but know he is happy to be with your Mother❤️ When Tom and I were married the Friebels took me in as one of them! Dick always took care of Marty and Tom! He set up a stand on our corner!! Said he split the money with her but you know he didn’t!! I will miss him!! God Bless You all❤️
Sending big love and prayers to the entire family. I will always remember Uncle Dick for his incredible energy. It felt like he was always happy to see me and anyone he came in contact with.
May he rest easy.
-Krystal Stone
Uncle Dick, I will miss you, especially getting my kisses from you when I would visit. I have been blessed being your niece. Very fond memories. Until we meet again. .
Uncle Dick was an amazing man, loved
By everyone caring, thoughtful and giving. When he walked me down the isle for my wedding of my dream it was one of the most memorable days of my life! U will be missed my dear Uncle .❤️ Until we meet again.
Some people you meet in life can forever imprint your heart! He was such a kind, generous and beautiful person to talk to and know. He truly was one of Shelby’s finest and amazing individuals ever! I will miss my conversations with him. The world was a better place with him in it. My heart goes out to his family. He will never be forgotten and missed by so many
Denise, we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs for the Friebel family.
Cherish your memories of all Dick did and shared. He surprised us and donated beanies for our Community Easter basket project. I also found one in my mailbox one year for Chinese New Year. Loved his flowers also. He was truly an example to others of love and giving.
Our condolences to The Friebel family. Dick was a special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Robin and I are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a very generous and giving man. And what a green thumb he had. He was such a blessing for Shelby! Heaven has a great gardener now. Rest in peace Dick.
My condolences to your family, Dick was my father’s boss at Sears for many years. Dad always spoke highly of him and I remember that he was always such a nice guy when we visited the Sears store. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
What a gentle loving man. Prayers and condolences to the family.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
Dear Theresa, Denise and family. so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Dick was a great guy and very enjoyable to talk to. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you all. Big Hug.
It’s never easy losing someone so special fortunately, Dick has left you guys so many awesome memories that you can keep in your hearts forever. Dick was such an awesome guy to have many laughs with. I will always remember the fun gatherings at the green house, and the naps Dick would take in the van when he came to my studio, in Columbus for photo shoots for his candle business. Big hugs and prayers to all!
My prayers and love to your family. I can only describe Dick as one of the kindest men I have ever known. Memories of him will always remain in the hearts and minds of so many people! How very blessed we all are to have been touched by that kindness! Hugs, Kathy
So sorry to hear of Dicks passing. He always greeted me with a smile when I would come to Nicole and Co. Prayers to all his family and friends. RIP Heaven has gained yet another precious angel
This man, there are many memories I have of him. Going to Sears to talk to him just because Mark was in our class and friend. He always had Daddy’s corn seeds ready for planting that Kissel corn. The candles, he’d always meet us before we left Ohio so I could buy. What a blessing to have known him and to become family. Much love to the family. ❤️❤️
Dear Friebel family, Our condolences on the loss of such a special man!
You have touched so many lives with your kind, caring, and giving spirit. We were blessed to have our time with you.
Truly a life well lived.
Until we meet again my friend.
Our sympathy to “Mr. Friebel’s” family.
When we lived on Wareham Road, Mr. Friebel was always a presence in our lives.
He watched over our homes, and our children.
May his legacy of love for family, friends, neighbors and gardening live on thru the lives he touched.
Our sympathy and friendship surrounds all of Mr. Friebel’s Family and Friends.
Rest in Peace, Mayor of Wareham Road!
With Fond Memories from our life on Wareham Road..
Ron and Susan Keiser
And Children ..Natalie, Cami and Jacob
I used to work at a gas station and I helped him pump gas once with his card! He was having trouble and every couple weeks he brought me plants and flowers! His kindness was amazing and he was the sweetest man!
This makes us so sad but also so happy that we knew Mr Friebel. Not too long ago Craig and I stopped by “Beanie Baby World” and Mr Friebel was kind enough to give Kristin and John’s kiddos (our little grands) Leah and Mason a great tour and even a Beanie baby to take home. A few years ago in the fall our Brad and Carlson stopped by with us and he gave them a tour and a beautiful mum! I can honestly say I ALWAYS loved our visits and got a big kick out of him! One of a kind and the best kind! Hugs and prayers to the family…..Laura and Craig
Mark and the entire family, our sympathy and prayers go out to you. The community lost a good, caring, giving man.
Dick was a very special person; he was a kind and caring soul. my heart goes out to the riebel Family.
My heartfelt condolences to Dick’s family. I first met him while employed at Sears, Roebuck & Co – Mansfield 1964-65 credit sales department as a credit manager trainee. Being a Shelby boy it was always a delight to meet up on occasions as he was a friend forever it seemed. Whether seeing him on the street, at his business or at Cleveland V.A. Hospital o/p he always had a kind word.
Dick achieved a lot in his lifetime so he will be missed greatly. RIP with blessings!
Bob Cassity SHS ‘59
So sad to hear of his passing, he was so kind to me and always said “Hello”.
Would see him often at Ted and Alis or riding the golf cart behind Advance auto parts, many times to let me know about the steak fries for the Knights of Columbus.
He will be missed by many many people that he touched over the years.
Rest easy Dick!
❤
Our family especially my mother was like a second mom to Dick. She was a flower person had all kind large flower garden . Just enjoyed seeing him and talking with him. She passed in 1990 at 91. It will be a great reunion for both.She was Faye Boyce .Synpathy to the family.
My condolences to my entire family especially my cousins Becky, Shelly Denise and Mark. Your father my Uncle was a special guy and he will truly missed, he is now in a better place with his wife Aumt Mick! Love Peace RIP
So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was such a great asset to the community and will be truly missed. I remember him as being a great family man and whenever I would run into him over the many years living in Shelby he was always so friendly and kind like the first day I met him. My heart goes out to the Friebel Family along with my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy. My memories go back to all the cards and laughs and of course the girls watching and playing with me. A true testimony to friendship for my mom and dad.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Jane Hoover Copeland