I received the following e-mail from Don's wife Liz "Fallen Shipmate Donald R. Friedlein passed away on September 23, 2020.  Please inform the shipmates of his passing.

Thank you.

Liz Freidlein

Don's Obituary Follows:

Donald R. Friedlein, age 76, of Genesee Depot passed away on September 23, 2020 at Angels Grace Hospice. Don was born on September 27, 1943 in Belle City, Missouri to Russell and Grace (Arnold) Friedlein. Don married the love of his life, Betty Ann (Elizabeth) Valsuano in 1968 in Reynosa, Mexico.

Don served in the US Navy from 1961-1964 aboard the USS Talladega (APA-208). He also was aboard the USS Cabildo. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 139. He was employed by and retired from New Berlin Grading. Don was a member of the Dousman Gun Club and was Webmaster for the USS Talladega Reunion Association.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, David.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth; his daughters, Daphne (Scott) Mann and Bobby Joe (Vance) Sumpter; his son, Robert (Tracy) Caraway; his grand and great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Schmitt; a brother, Douglas Friedlein; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Don will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 3:00PM at Thelen Funeral Services (W309S4840 Commercial Drive in Genesee—NW corner of Hwy’s 83 and 59) with military honors to follow. Visitation will be from 1:00PM until the time of services at the funeral home.

Per CDC Guidelines and the WI Mask Mandate the family asks that you adhere to the social distancing and mask wearing rules that are in place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 1:00PM until 4:00PM at the Wales-Genesee Lions Club (S42W31400 State Road 83, Genesee, WI 53189).

Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be directed to the American Cancer Society or to St. Paul’s Parish, Genesee Depot.