It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Blanche M. Friese. Blanche passed away with her family by her side on April 19th, 2023 at The Kathy Hospice in West Bend at the age of 91.
Blanche Marie Bamke was born on February 5th, 1932 to Anthony and Amelia (Szutkowski) Bamke. On November 8th, 1952, she was united in marriage to Frederick Friese. Blanche enjoyed gardening, and she took great pride in her beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. She definitely had a green thumb, and really enjoyed being outside. She enjoyed canning and baking. In Burnett she was known for her table of fresh homemade donuts, and her house was a pit stop for many of the kids in town. Blanche had a love for all animals, having many pets throughout the years. However, Blanche’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a selfless loving woman, and treasured every moment spent with family and friends.
Blanche is survived by her children, Rosalyn Friese of Horicon, Lorrain (Dennis) Riel of Waupun, Fredrick (Louisa) Friese of Niles, IL, Pete Friese of Horicon, Randy Friese of Horicon, Mary (Jason) Noe of Sarasota, FL, and Karen (Paul) Kennedy of Beaver Dam; 16 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; twin sister, Betty Wanta of Eland, Jerry (Sally) Bamke of Eldron, and Tommy (Bonnie) Bamke of Pella; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband Frederick; daughter, Susan Friese; grandson, Corey Purser; and siblings, Jean Lemke, Joan James, Joyce Gollakner, Bonnie and Connie Bamke, Dickey Bamke and Delia Wolff.
The visitation will be held at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Parish in Beaver Dam on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Will Arnold officiating. Burial will be held at St. Malachy Cemetery in Horicon. A luncheon will follow at St. Katharine Drexel Mission Hall.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com
