John Friess

CHESTER, Ill. -- John Anthony Friess, 85, of Chester passed away at 6:50 a.m., Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at his residence.

He was born to the late Henry and Leona Aug Friess March 13, 1936 in Belleville, Illinois.

John married Mary Santel on Oct. 3, 1964, in Damiansville, Illinois. She preceded him in death July 6, 2006. He then married Patricia Kalmer Harpstrite Jan. 2, 2010, in New Baden, Illinois. She survives.

He worked in the food service department at Menard Correctional Center for 25 years.

John was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3790 in Chester. John enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved spending time with his family.

He was a Marine veteran.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Friess of Chester; four children, David (Miki) Friess of Red Bud, Illinois; Joseph (Tricia) Friess of Jackson; Steve Friess (fiancee Mindy Childs) of Chester; and Donna (Donald) Saranzak of Spring Grove, Illinois; two bothers, Paul Friess of Trenton, Illinois, and Mike Friess of New Baden, Illinois; 10 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Friess; son, Robert Friess; and two brothers, Tom and Jim Friess.

Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Dan J. Jurek officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Chester.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School in Chester.

Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester is in charge of arrangements.

To view this obituary and sign the register book, visit www.wpfh.net.