Jim Friesz

James "Jim" Michael Friesz, a lifelong farmer with deep roots in the land he loved, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on April 10, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on May 27, 1939, in Flasher, ND, Jim was the 11th of 13 children welcomed into the large and hardworking family of Nick and Perpetua (Bada) Friesz. He was baptized and received all his sacraments at St. Peter and Paul Church in Fallon, ND, beginning a lifelong devotion to his Catholic faith.

From an early age, Jim learned the value of hard work on the family farm. School was not his first love—he preferred the wide-open fields and the rhythms of farm life. Despite his reluctance, he eventually made his way through his early education, even earning the title of valedictorian in eighth grade. However, Jim decided to cut high school short to help operate the family farm due to his father’s declining health. Farming became his life’s passion, and he dedicated himself to it fully.

At 27, when his father decided to sell the family farm, Jim saw an opportunity. Around that same time, he made another important decision—he asked Judy Leingang to be his wife, knowing that farming was not a path to walk alone. They married on July 12, 1966, and together they built a life grounded in hard work, faith, and family.

Jim and Judy were blessed with ten children, raising them with the same strong work ethic that defined their own lives. The Friesz farm was always bustling—with crops to tend, livestock to care for, and endless chores that kept everyone busy. There were challenges along the way—hailstorms that wiped out entire crops, droughts that made feeding livestock difficult, and the hardships that come with farm life—but Jim and Judy faced them all with their faith, determination, and perseverance.

In 2009, Jim and Judy moved off the Friesz Farm to a new home south of Mandan. Though he had stepped back from the daily grind of farming, Jim remained connected to the land and enjoyed time spent outdoors. His greatest joy in his later years was his grandchildren, who brought laughter and light into his life.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy Friesz; his ten children: Julie (Dave) Landsiedel, Janelle (Frank) Thomas, Jess (Jackie) Friesz, Jamie (Carina) Friesz, Jade (Sonya) Friesz, Jodene Friesz, Joel (Charles) Friesz, Justin (Crystal) Friesz, JoLynn Friesz, and Joshua (Rachel) Friesz; his grandchildren: Jordan (Tyler) Epping, Landon and Tryton Landsiedel, Ty and Taylen Thomas, Jonathan, Jordan, and Jenna Binstock, Briston, Bray, and Brecken Friesz, Jace, Javin, and Kelton Friesz, Chloe and Charlotte Friesz; his great-grandchildren: Skylar Binstock and Audie Epping; and his siblings: Loretta Loeb, Luella Collins, and sister-in-law Jeannette Friesz.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Austin James Friesz; his parents; his sisters: Frances (Tony) Hopfauf, Josephine (Bill) Helbling, Odell (Art) Mildenberger, Emerita (Ralph) Loeb, and Margaret Friesz; his brothers: Henry Friesz, Raymond (Irene) Friesz, Martin (Ellen) Friesz, Roy Friesz, and Nicholas Jr. Friesz; and his brothers-in-law, Harlin Loeb and Lee Collins.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Keith Streifel celebrating. Burial will be at St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with a St. Anthony Verein & Knights of Columbus Rosary & Parish Vigil beginning at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the Spirit of Life Outreach Program or the SERRA USA Council in support of priestly and religious vocations.