Jean Friske

Jean Friske

June 03, 1937 - January 05, 2023

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Obituary

Madison/Kendall/Waunakee- Jean Evans Friske, age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on June 3, 1937 in Boston, MA, the daughter of Charles E. and Nettie (Davis) Butler. She was united in marriage to William E. Friske on October 10, 1959 in Madison.

Jean was a bassist for the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Symphony Orchestra, while she was a homemaker raising three sons. She also worked part time for many years as a medical transcriptionist in the Rockford area. She enjoyed reading, going to lunch with close friends, and staying active with the silver sneakers program while “snow-birding” from Wisconsin to Georgia for many years.

She is survived by her sons: William C., Tod A. (Denise) and Jon D. (Diane) Friske; grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah O’Melia) Friske, Jonny (David Zamir Diaz Gonzalez) Friske, Ben (Jacalyn) Friske, Nicole (Sophie Israelsohn) Friske, Ryan (Laura) Friske, and Nic Friske; great-grandchildren, Bronson and John; stepsister-in-law, Susan Stager; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; granddaughter, Georgia; sister, Ruth Avery and stepbrother, John Stager.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Fountain Lutheran Church Cemetery, in rural Kendall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in Jean’s name. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at Agrace HospiceCare for the exceptional care they gave Jean in her last weeks.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

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Jean
JF
Jonathan W. Friske
Other •
Jonathan W. Friske sent Dreams From the Heart Bouquet for Jean Evans Friske - January 07, 2023 May your spirit & soul rest peacefully in the Heavens. The suffering ends here on Earth, and the eternal light just begins, beckoning with Grace amongst us all. With Love-Jonny Friske & David Gonzalez
JF
Jonathan W. Friske
Other •
May the light shine brighter, and your soul emanate Grace, Eternal Love, and Harmony in The Heavens. From: Grandson, Jonathan W. Friske
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Jason Friske
Other •
I always looked forward to visiting Uncle Bill and Aunt Jean at the farm in Kendall every summer which has provided me with a lifetime of good memories, the last of which was in 2012 on my way back from traveling around the world - we made it a point to stop at the farm and visit with Jean and cousin Billy, along with the rest of the family in the area.
MJ
Maddie Judenis
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Jean and I had such a special relationship during her time at Home Again. I had a special way of bringing her comfort and peace. Her face lit up any time she saw me walk into her room. I made sure she felt special every day. Jean always called for me and wanted only me to do her cares. I will never forget her and the love we shared. God bless.
NF
Niki Friske
Other •
Grandma Friske nurtured my love of music. I will never forget the concerts she took me to in Thomasville and the jazzy Christmas Eve candlelight cookie tradition she shared with me and my parents over the years. Though her song on earth has concluded, Heaven has gained one excellent bassist. Lots of love, Niki Friske and Sophie Israelsohn

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