Claude Friese

Claude Richard Friese, 64, of Jackson passed away Monday, June 26, 2023, at his home after a long and courageous fight from a spinal cord injury.

He was born Oct. 10, 1958, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Oda and Bernice Hellman Friese. He married Martha Kay Siebert on Aug. 23, 1980, in Tilsit.

Claude was a 1977 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. After school, he joined his father in the family business, Friese Construction Co. When his father retired, Claude continued as owner/operator of Friese Construction Co., working alongside his brothers and his sons until his health failed him.

Claude always looked forward to deer season, which was an opportunity to spend time with his sons. When able, Claude dusted his old ball glove off to play catch with his daughter each spring before summer ball season kicked off; summer nights were meant for a little pitch and catch after work. Together, they also enjoyed turning up the stereo and dancing in the living room. He also enjoyed collecting guns.

Claude was a quiet soul until you got to know him. He was always willing to help those in need with needed home repairs. He would give the shirt off his back to someone in need.

As his granddaughter Anna said, "He was a great papa and will always be in my heart."

Loving survivors include his wife of over 42 years, Martha; two sons, Travis (Kelsie) Friese, and their daughter, Lillie Belle of Sikeston, Missouri, and Austin (Dawn) Friese, and their daughters, Anna and Allison of Whitewater; a daughter, Katie Carlisle of Sikeston; two sisters, Darlene Friese of Oak Ridge and Beverly (Jeff) Johnston of Pocahontas; two brothers, Dale Friese of Oak Ridge and Glenn (Margaret) Friese of Daisy; mother-in-law, Elda (the late Kenneth Siebert) of Jackson; sister-in-law, Mary Henson of Cape Girardeau; several nieces and nephews; and his loyal and supportive friends, Doug and Carolyn Brunne of Sedgewickville, Missouri, and Jeff and Lisa Craft of Jackson.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Allen Friese; a sister, Harriet Friese; and his father-in-law, Kenneth Siebert.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, in Chapel B at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

A private graveside service will be held at Sargent's Chapel Cemetery near Daisy.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com and clicking on the tribute wall tab on Claude's obituary page.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the family to aid with his final medical expenses. Online contributions may be made by clicking on the donations tab on his obituary page.