Gerald Herbert Friedell Obituary (1924 - 2016)

Friedell, Gerald Herbert 91, of St. Louis Park, MN passed away peacefully on May 21, 2016. Gerry was born July 30, 1924 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Aaron Friedell and Naomi(Emma) Friedell, and his wife, Sally Friedell. Gerry is survived by his brother, Gilbert Friedell (Janet); three children, Steve Friedell (Suzi), Roger Friedell (Lynn Argetsinger), Carol Friedell; six grandchildren, Kati Martinez(Jeff), Niki Fox(Brian), Kyra Friedell, Seth Friedell, Sarah Whitesel and Aaron Whitesel. Gerry attended University High School and was quarterback of the football team, editor of the school paper and class president. He attended the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate and for Law School. He met Sally while at the university, and they were married June 29, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas. The War Manpower Commission assigned him to go to dental school. After a year he changed course and applied to medical school. He then realized his true passion was law and was accepted to the University of Minnesota Law School. In 1953 he got a job with Hall, Smith and Hedland and then went on to work at his own firm Moses, Friedell, Sharer and Salomon for 25 years. During these years he served on the board of the U of MN Senate Committee and Intercollegiate Athletics Committee. For which he was given an Alumni Service Award in 1954. He had an enduring and deep commitment to the University of MN that he never forgot. In 1960 he was president of the Red Cross of Mpls. He served as president of Temple Israel’s Men’s Club and was one of the founders of the Temple’s Camp Teko. He served on the board of directors of the MS Society during the 70s’. In 1978 he was chairman of the board of the State Banks of Aitkin, Edgerton and Eden Prairie. In 1978 he joined Larkin, Hoffman, Daly and Lindgren where he practiced banking/corporate law until his 90th year. From the 1980’s to 1996 he also served as the chairman of a small banking group. In 1989 Gerry started the “Frescos for Assisi” in Assisi Italy with fresco artist Mark Balma. Gerry loved being a lawyer but he also loved to play. He was an avid skier, tennis player boater, traveler and voracious reader. He traveled the world with Sally and was fortunate to meet some very interesting people, including Pope John Paul and Warren Buffett. Thanks to daughter, Carol, for making it possible for Gerry to remain independent in his last years. Services will be held Sunday June 26, 2016, at 11am Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405 Donations preferred to the Temple Israel Camp Teko or.Gerald and Sally Law School Scholarship Fund, c/o U of M Foundation, 200 Oak Street, Suite 500, Mpls, MN 55455.