John A. Friebohle , 93, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2024, surrounded by family.

John Andrew Friebohle was born on March 21, 1931, and raised in St. Vincent, Minnesota, the son of John and Anna Mae (Bradshaw) Friebohle. He married the love of his life, Glenice Coulter, on July 18, 1953, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in St. Vincent. Together, they raised six children and enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Glenice preceded him in death in 2013, and he missed her dearly.

In his younger years, John was employed with the Great Northern Railroad and finished his career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He was a dedicated employee and would entertain people with stories of living in a bunk railroad car near the Depot for many years. In retirement, John and Glenice sold their house & traveled the United States, Canada, and Mexico while pulling a camper.

John enlisted on March 19th, 1952, and served as a military policeman. He took great pride in being a Marine veteran. You would often see him enjoying a baked good and coffee around town while wearing his Marine Corps baseball cap.

John had a strong faith in God and was proud of his Catholic Faith. He visited the Vatican, Lourdes, and Fatima with Holy Family Catholic Church as well as several of his children and grandchildren. John smiled the most when surrounded by grandchildren and was quick to share a piece of chocolate from the candy dish by his chair but never his date cookies.

John's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Grand Forks Veterans Administration Clinic, Comfort Keepers, Altru Health System as well as Wheatland and Woodside Villages at 4000 Valley Square for their exceptional care and kindness. It was deeply appreciated by both John and his family.

He is survived by a daughter, Roxanne Westbrook, a son, Russell (Connie) Friebohle, a daughter, Mary (Ernie) Yanez, a daughter, Carol (Rick) Johnson, and a son, Kenneth Friebohle. John had more than 75 grandchildren including great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by parents John and Anna Mae Friebohle, his beloved wife, Glenice; his daughter, Beth Broadwell, his great-granddaughter, Samantha Petricig, and his grandson, Casey Westbrook.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of John may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, in Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, with a 6:30 p.m. Rosary Service and 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service in Holy Family Catholic Church.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the Church on Friday.
Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the United States Marine Corps.
Burial: In the Spring of 2025 at St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery, St. Vincent, MN.