Mary Ann Friederich, 93, entered eternal life on August 21, 2024 at Oak Gardens Assisted Living, Eau Claire, WI. Mary Ann was born on October 8, 1930 in Eau Claire to Marvin and Elizabeth (Wiese) Olson. Mary Ann attended Eau Claire schools and was a graduate of UW-Eau Claire. She was a very proud Blugold alumnae. She taught 2nd and 3rd grades in Wausau WI, Plainview, MN and Sam Davey School in Eau Claire. After her family grew she worked as an aide at Arlington Heights Elementary. Mary Ann met her future husband Allan on a blind date. He preceded her in death on January 20, 1997. They married on July 10, 1955 at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. After marriage they moved to Plainview MN, where they taught school in the same building.  Allan's career took them to Rochester MN, before returning to Eau Claire to be closer to their parents and raise their growing family. Mary Ann was a homemaker. Her priority was raising her family and supporting Allan. She was active in her church and sang in the choir with Allan for several years. She supported Allan's military career and spent many summers traveling to Army bases around the country with their StarCraft Camper. She enjoyed many friendships and activities with the Eau Claire Male Chorus with Allan. In retirement she traveled with Allan. Their favorite trip was to Germany to visit distant relatives. After Allan's death she traveled with cousins, Russ and Jeanne Oliver to Florida for many years. She also enjoyed and cherished spending time at Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek, WI. Her favorite place was the family home on Lake Wissota. She could be seen in her yellow kayak in the early mornings, or on her pontoon, the "S.S. Freddy" with her family and beloved dog Trixie. She had a large flower and vegetable garden which she loved working in. She will be dearly missed at 4th of July celebrations, coffee on the deck, and nightly bonfires. Mary Ann was a skilled crafter, winning many blue ribbons at the Marshfield Fair for her knitting and crocheting. She was a published author of free verse and poetry and leaves behind a large collection of her work for her family. She loved to paint and play the piano. Mary Ann moved to Oakwood Hills in 2018. She enjoyed many rich friendships and participated in any social, music or exercise activity. She loved to play card games with her friends.  She was a friend to all and loved the 6 years she lived there. When her health changed she moved to Oak Gardens Assisted Living, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband Allan, daughter Gretchen and grandsons Mark, Luke, Samuel and Matthew.  Her faith in God and belief in eternal life helped her guide her family through many difficult times. She is survived by children Peter (Suzan) Friederich, Catherine Friederich, James (Sue) Friederich, and Christine (Tom) Wysocki and son-in-law David Field. She is further survived by grandchildren Elizabeth (Drew) Baumann, Kinsey (Brandon) Martin, Erin Ott (Steven Collette), Sami Friederich (Payne Sawyer), Mary Ann Friederich (PJ Persechetti), Gabriel Wysocki and Joshua Wysocki; great grandchildren Clara Martin and Charlotte Baumann. She loved her grandchildren deeply and made an effort to be a constant, positive influence in their lives. The family would like to thank all of the friends and family who visited Mary Ann at Oakwood Hills, Dove West and Oak Gardens. Your support made her days brighter. Thank you to the staff at Oakwood Hills, Oak Gardens and St Croix Hospice. Family services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Burial will be at a later date at Rest Haven Cemetery.  Memorials can be made in her name to Luther Park Bible Camp, Chetek, WI. Condolences can be sent to Christine Wysocki, 8109 County Line Road, Armstrong Creek, WI. 54103.

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family.