Herman Albert Friess, 91, of Rice Lake, WI died on the night of Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at home with loved ones by his side.

Herman was born in Rice Lake to Albert and Ethel Friess. He attended the University of Minnesota for both undergraduate studies and law school and served in the Army at Fort Leonard Wood from 1955 to 1958. He then settled in Rice Lake where in 1962 he married his wife, Judith (née Olson). Herman established a law practice in Rice Lake and also served terms as both Barron County District Attorney and Rice Lake City Attorney, while Judy raised their four kids. Herman was proud of his active participation and leadership roles in various Rice Lake community groups including the Kiwanis Club and Jaycies; and at his church, Bethany Lutheran, where he sang for many years in the church choir. His most important and long standing commitment was to the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons. Herman served many leadership roles including in 1979 as Grand Master Mason of WI. He was awarded the 33rd Degree, bestowed for exceptional dedication and service to the order. The dining room of his local lodge, Blue Hills #234, is named in his honor. He was an avid golfer and got out on the course even in his 90s. He was an inveterate crossword puzzler, completing innumerable puzzles. But most of all Herman will be remembered as a consummate joke teller. He had a joke, or more than one, for any and every occasion.

Herman was preceded in death by his beloved brother Foster and his dear wife Judy.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Greg (Michelle), Lisa (Jeff), Cindy (John) and Jane (Diane); five grandchildren: Gilbert, Jacob, Helen, Ryan, and Zachary; his sister-in-law Lynn and his nephew and nieces Traci, Stephen, Carrie and Michael as well as cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30AM Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Arthur Bergren officiating, with interment in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held from 4-6PM Friday, December 16 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals and for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the church. There will be a Masonic Lodge Prayer Service at 6PM Friday.

Last Update: Dec 09, 2022 7:38 am CST