Ruth C. Frie

Ruth Christine (Gunderson) Frie, 61-year-old resident of rural Upsala, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, October 20th, 2013 after a courageous 31 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala, MN with Fr. John Odero officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery in Upsala, MN. Visitations will be from 4-9 P.M. on Wednesday and from 10-11 A.M. Thursday at the church. Christian Mothers will pray the Rosary at 6:30 PM, followed by a Parish Prayer Service at 7 PM on Wednesday. Arrangements are with Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Ruthie was born on February 3, 1952, in Little Falls, MN, to the late Loren & Helen (Johnson) Gunderson. She grew up on the family farm near Upsala, MN and after graduation Ruthie attended Anoka Technical College for one year, taking classes for Fashion Merchandising. She worked primarily as a seamstress and lived in Cannon Falls, MN, New Mexico, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, before coming back to Upsala, MN in 1980 when she worked at her brother’s hardware store in Upsala. Ruthie was united in marriage to Elmer Frie on May 14, 1983 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and settled on the Frie family farm in rural Upsala. She continued her seamstress work at home and the couple raised three children. Ruthie enjoyed her homemaking duties: including sewing, cooking/baking, crafting, cross stitching, and plastic canvas. She was an active member of her community, and she enjoyed attending the local social functions, meals, sporting events and her children’s activities. Ruthie loved decorating her home, listening to country music and watching football. She was an avid Cowboy’s fan, and even attended a Thanksgiving day game in Dallas. Ruthie was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Christian Mothers. She is survived by her husband Elmer Frie of Upsala, MN; son, Richard “Ricky” Frie of Upsala, MN; daughters, Chantelle Frie of Upsala, MN, and Nicole Frie of Upsala, MN; brothers, Lee (Cheryl) Gunderson of Dawson, MN, K.H. “Charlie” (Beth) Gunderson, David (Patti) Gunderson, and Alan (Tina) Gunderson, all of Upsala, MN; brothers-in-law, Werner (Anna Mae) Frie of Pine Lake, MN, and Fred (Madonna) Frie of Mound Lake, MN; sisters-in-law, Iline (Dennis) Murray of Arlington, WA, Lorraine Frie, and Mary Frie, both of Upsala, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Helen Gunderson; step-mother, Delores Knoll; sister, Lois Gunderson; and brother-in-law, Norbert Frie. Pallbearers will be Michael Gunderson, Brad Gunderson, Brian Gunderson, Derek Bollig, Karl Gunderson, Bob Frie, and Jim Frie.

Tributes

Ruth C. Frie

February 3, 1952 - October 20, 2013