Liela Fridgen

Liela Fridgen, age 100, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at her residence in Wheaton.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Fr. John Paul Knopik Celebrant. Pianist will be Cindy Sanasack with special music provided by the Ave Maria Catholic Church Choir.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. Urn bearers will be Liela's grandsons. Honorary urn bearers will be Liela's granddaughters.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 2nd from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Time of Sharing Service at Ave Maria Catholic Church. Visitation will continue Saturday one hour prior to service time at the church.

Liela (Honzo) Fridgen was born on July 25, 1924, in Graceville, Minnesota, to James and Cora (Neill) Honzo. She grew up on a farm 15 miles outside of Graceville and attended District 59 Country School through the 8th grade. She graduated from Graceville High School in 1942. Following graduation, Liela completed her teacher training in Wheaton, MN, and went on to teach in rural schools for four years.

Liela met Ervin (Jack) Fridgen at a local dance in Graceville. They enjoyed spending time at these dances with friends and neighbors. After Jack returned from military service, they were married on February 4, 1948. They began their life together by moving Liela’s family farmhouse to Wheaton, where she happily lived for the next 77 years—until God called her home.

Liela was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 78 years. She enjoyed sewing quilts with the ladies of Ave Maria and was a member of the Ave Maria Ladies Guild— always there when a helping hand was needed.

Above all, Liela’s greatest joy was her family. The news of a new baby on the way was always her favorite kind of phone call. With 25 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren, her phone line was always busy and her heart always full.

Liela is survived by her children: Barbara (Joe) Bertelsen, Daniel (Sharon) Fridgen, Julie (Kevin) Deal, Kathy (Kenny) Hoffman, Jane (Kelly) Schultz, Mary (Tom) Peyton, James (Colette) Fridgen, William (Anne) Fridgen, and Thomas Fridgen; sister-in-law Eileen Honzo; 25 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin; infant son; parents, James and Cora Honzo; granddaughter, Kimberly Schultz; great-grandsons: Kage Schultz and Owen Schultz; brothers: Harry and John Honzo; sister, Lois Taffe; brothers-in-law: Leo Taffe, Robert Warburton, and Richard Fridgen; sisters-in-law: Clara Marie Honzo, Lois Warburton, and Anne Marie Fridgen; and special friend, Gene Fridgen.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” – Proverbs 31:31