Doris E. Fruend, age 88, of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, died Wednesday, August 7, 2011, at her home under the care of her family and Ministry Home Care Hospice.
Doris was born April 28, 1923, in Merrill, daughter of the late Frank and Alma (Chilsen) Mattson. She married Lester ‘Fritz’ Fruend on February 20, 1946, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on March 19, 2011. Doris graduated from Merrill High School and Normal Teaching College, both in Merrill. She taught for 10 years in one-room schoolhouses including: Dudley Rural Grade School; Barnes Creek Grade School; and the Brick Yard School. Fritz and Doris purchased his family’s farm in 1947 and continued the dairy operation until his retirement around 1990. In 2010, Doris was recognized for 50 years as a member of the Homemakers Club. She was also a member of the Sewing Club for 60 years and the Happy Couples Card Club for 57 years. Doris was a member of the American Milk Producers Incorporated which involved organizing the Little Red Barn for ice cream sales. She was also vice-president of the Executive Council of the Lincoln County Extension Homemakers and chairwoman of Family Life Programs. Doris was active in State and District 4-H programs. She was a General Leader for the Pine River Peppers 4-H Club, and a member of the 4-H Advisory Board for Lincoln County. Doris’ interests also included the Merrill Historical Society. Doris was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.
Survivors include her eight children, Peggy (Wayne) Klammer, Merrill, Alice (Terry) Prueser, of Gleason, and Sally (Louis) Yellstrom, Barb (Greg) Spoehr, Deanna Fruend, Brian (Peggy) Fruend, Janet (Lee) Wardall, and Lucy (Jesse) Callahan, all of Merrill; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Lester ‘Fritz’ Fruend; one grandson, Mitchell Fruend; and three brothers, Ken, Frank, and Clifford Mattson.
The funeral will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 25, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Nathan Kramer will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and again after 9:30 A.M. Thursday at the church.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS MAY BE DIRECTED TO ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, MERRILL OR THE MERRILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com