James Leon Frieden

James Leon Frieden, 92, Silver Lake, Indiana passed away on March 1, 2018 at 1:50 p.m. at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Indiana. One of six children, James was born on September 18, 1925 in Wabash County, Indiana to Henry W. and Anna Pearl (Reed) Frieden.

On December 23, 1943, Jim joined the Navy. During his time with the Navy, he served in WWII where he was awarded two battle stars for the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He was a Radioman 2nd Class Petty Officer and served in Pacific Theater. On May 23, 1946 he left the military and started a new chapter in his life. After starting a new chapter, Jim never forgot the old chapter. He was a life member of the VFW #1126, Warsaw, Indiana and member of American Legion Post #286, North Manchester.

After returning from the Navy, Jim married his best friend Margaret Shenefield on December 15, 1946. The two were married for 71 years and had six children and six grandchildren. A man of faith, Jim was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Manchester. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, North Manchester; Indiana Grain Association, member and president of Northeastern Indiana Grain Association. Jim was an EMT and founding member of South Central EMS, Silver Lake, Indiana.

The loving memory of James Leon Frieden will be forever remembered by his wife, Margaret Frieden, North Manchester; two sons John Frieden, North Manchester and Von Frieden, Claypool; two daughters, Nancy Shenefield, North Manchester and Joyce O’Brien, Silver Lake; four grandchildren, Mitchell (Bonnie) Shenefield, North Manchester, Anna (Tom) Ganz, North Manchester, Marjae (Jimmy) Cashdollar, Fort Wayne and James O’ Brien, Columbus, Indiana; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Jim was preceded in death by one son, Jeffery James Frieden; one daughter, Barbara Jo Frieden; one granddaughter Doris Frieden; one grandson Cameron O’ Brien; and two son-in-law’s, Mark Shenefield and Mike O’Brien.   

Friends and family may call March 24, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 113 West Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana. A celebration of life will begin at 12:00 noon on March 24, 2018 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Judy Follis and J.P Freeman will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.

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