George Friedrich

George Friedrich, a native of Germany, died Nov. 1. He was 83.

Friedrich was born July 17, 1934 in Esslingen, Germany. He immigrated to Canada 1952 where he worked a variety of jobs - first as a farm worker, then a lumberjack and finally a maintenance man in a bakery. He remained in Canada for nearly three years until he joined his brother-in-law and sister (Charles and Eleonore McAnelly) in Sterling, Illinois.

In Illinois, he worked as a tool and dye maker before deciding to joining the Air Force. Following basic training, he was sent to machinist tech school at Chanute AFB, Illinois. He married and started a family. He was sent to Travis AFB and soon settled in the Livermore valley, where he worked for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (1963-1990) and was a reserve Livermore police officer.

He was hard working and rejoined the Air National Guard to become MSGT Chief of security for the 129th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group Moffett Field, California. Moving to Manteca, he soon retired from that service in 1988 and from the Lab in 1990 and went on to enjoy life. He loved the delta. He owned many sail boats and even took one down to Mexico. He resettled in Pahrump, Nevada.

Friedrich is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Theresia Friedrich of Germany; eldest son, George J. Friedrich; sister, Erika Herlicska of Germany; and youngest son, Jason J Friedrich.

He is survived by his daughters, Jocelyne (Kurt) Koenig and Janine (Ron) Van Groningen; grandchildren, Justin (Tina) Koenig, Ryan Koenig, Vincent (Carolina) Peralta and Alexsandra Peralta; and one great-grandchild, Sadie.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Friedrich’s name can be made to Optimal Hospice Foundation.