Condolence
Robert L. Friesner
Condolences
December 12, 2013 at 4:50 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of my favorite teacher. Mr. Friesner taught me to love my country and he also taught me to drive, two very important life lessons. As a coach, he was a motivator extraordinaire. By insisting we keep our books closed while he drilled us with questions, he taught me responsibility and accountability, which prepared me for college. I thank him from the bottom of my heart and want to express my sincere condolences to the entire Friesner family. He was truly a great educator and an example for all of us..
Lori (Price) Kramer
December 12, 2013 at 5:09 pm
So sorry to hear of Mr. Friesner's passing. I, like so many others, had him as my history teacher. I came along towards the end of his teaching years. However, he was still a great teacher, even when he was creeping towards the end of his career. There are few classes through school that stand out to me, but his was one of them. If only more teachers could be like him. He was witty and funny enough to keep your attention, but had a very high expectation level for everyone. My condolences to all of you. I know he will be missed by many.
Leah Bauman
Kendallville, IN
December 12, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Dear Joyce and Family,
Kirby and I were so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. We both remember him as he taught us History, Drivers Ed, and his flying eraser!! I really enjoyed visiting with you both on my times of Avon delivery! You and your family are in our prayers and you have our deepest sympathy!
Love,
Kirby and Charms Mynhier
Charms Mynhier
Union, KY
December 12, 2013 at 6:36 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Friesner was one of my favorite teachers, even though I hated history. He made it fun and I actually enjoyed it and did good in the class. He also was my drivers ed teacher. What I remember about that is as I was driving he had his arm hanging out the window and I went through a mud puddle. He laughed about it though, and was a good sport. He was a great person, teacher,& coach and he will be greatly missed!
Dawn (Lengacher) Freeman
Ligonier, In
December 12, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Thinking of the Friesner family at this difficult time. I still laugh about how often he teased his daughter, Kate. In all of it, it was evident she and all of you were so loved.
Karen Mangia
December 12, 2013 at 7:17 pm
I was one of his many students, in the same class as his daughter Sherry, and I remember he was an incredibly dedicated and brilliant teacher. He did not suffer fools and he expected no less than your best attention and effort at all times--in class and out--and we were all the better for it.

Rest in peace, dear teacher. Tell those angels a thing or two, and toss an eraser if they're not listening. You will be missed.
Beth Anne Brink-Cox
Winona Lake, Indiana
December 12, 2013 at 8:06 pm
Mr Friesner was my favorite teacher in my 3 years at WN Middle School. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. I got the privilege to be his eye doctor my first year out of school when I was back in Ligonier. Thank you for influencing my life! Dr David Hyndman. Boonville Indiana
David Hyndman
December 12, 2013 at 9:26 pm
I am so sorry for your lose. I had Mr. Friesner for a teacher when I was in the 8th grade. I know that some kids may have not liked him but I want to tell you that I think he was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was hard on us but fair. I was so sad when I seen that he had passed away. I think that every kid that he ever had in class was better off for having him as a teacher. He was one teacher that cared if we did well in his class and didn't just want to get us in and out. I know he will be missed by all that knew him. God bless you all and keep you in his hands and help you all get threw this hard time.

Sincerely, Penny (Hammack) Lehman
Penny (Hammack) Lehman
Clearfield, Ia
December 12, 2013 at 10:14 pm
He touched so many young lives in a very positive way. No one that had Mr Friesner in class will ever forget him. So many memories and stories. Thank you all for sharing him with us over the years. Prayers for comfort in the days and weeks to come.
Teresa (Zawadzke) Wells
December 12, 2013 at 11:28 pm
I am sad I was not able to see see this wonderful teacher and man after I left West Noble. I learned so much from him and really learned how to debate an issue in his room at the old wn jr high school. We all learned so much from this man whho was kind and compassionate even for us dumb girls who continued t make dumb mistakea. God rest his doul.o.
We were blessed to have him teach us all.

December 13, 2013 at 12:17 am
So sad to hear of your families loss. I have many fond memories of his class. I didn't have many friends in school, but I had a passion for history. He made school fun for me, thanks for the memories.
Teresa Ball Campos
December 13, 2013 at 5:18 am
Sending many prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Mr. Friesners' memories will be a part of so many students and friends, in the classroom or on the track. R.I.P.
Lisa Janes
December 13, 2013 at 6:34 am
We are so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great teacher, great father, great husband, and a good friend.

May the peace of God comfort you and the family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

We are so sorry that we will not be able to visit as we are in Florida.

Dave and Carmi Speakman
Dave Speakman
December 13, 2013 at 8:31 am
I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have such fond memories of Bob as a teacher and driver Ed instructor.We were all so fortunate to have such a compassionate teacher. What a beautiful family.... Babysitting Sherry and Debbie was such a joy. May you all find comfort in your many happy memories together.
Rose(Michael)Yann
Fort Wayne, In
December 13, 2013 at 8:46 am
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. Take comfort in knowing that our heavenly Creator understands your pain. He will soon remove all pain, sorrow, and death forever! Rev 21:3,4 May this promise be of comfort to you as you gain the strength and inner peace to cope with the days ahead, remembering that God will be by your side. Philippians 4:13
D. Johnson
December 13, 2013 at 9:58 am
To the Family of Bob Friesner,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I too had Mr. Friesner as my history teacher, my fondest memory begins with learning to recite "Forescore and seven years ago..." To this day I can still do it.
He also made an impact on my life besides being in his classroom. My mom never learned to drive until she was an adult and Mr. Friesner with all his patience taught her to drive. She still likes to boast that she has never gotten a ticket in all her years of driving and she owes it all to Mr. Friesner.
Thanks Mr. Friesner for being a great teacher for all ages!

Sincerely,
Martha Sanchez Hedges
Martha Sanchez Hedges
Ligonier, IN
December 13, 2013 at 10:02 am


I was sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great man. Sending my condolences to you Joyce and the girls family. He taught two of my girls Drivers Ed. They also had him in school.

Ruth Hite, Ligonier.
Ruth Hite
Ligonier, In.
December 13, 2013 at 10:45 am
Mrs. Friesner,
I was saddened to learn of Mr. Friesners passing. I sure enjoyed when you two coached me in Cross Country. He was a great teacher and coach that inspired so many in the West Noble community.

You and your family will be in my prayers.
Daphne (Huff) Knox
Daphne (Huff) Knox
December 13, 2013 at 11:44 am
Our condolences from Al and Millie Miller, and sons Tim, David, and Dan who all had him in history class and Tim and David were in cross-country. We remember the flying eraser stories well! We always enjoyed and appreciated Bob. Joyce, our thoughts and prayers are with you and also the girls for their dad. May you be blessed with God's comfort.
Al and Millie Miller
Pierceton, IN
December 13, 2013 at 1:31 pm
I was saddened to hear of Uncle Bob's passing. He was always so funny, always laughing and smiling, and ready for "mischief"!! He will be sorely missed and was obviously loved by many; it's comforting to see all the wonderful things written about him. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Friesner family, my deepest condolences to Joyce and the girls. May you find peace and comfort in these wonderful memories.
Pansy L. Leatherman
Defiance, OH
December 13, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Joyce & Family; So very sorry to hear of Bob's passing -- I was shocked. Bob was my son, Derek's favorite teacher by far. There is no doubt that Bob's teaching and influence was a significant inspiration and motivation for Derek to pursue a military career and to become Lt. Col., USAF PACOM Chief of Targeting in the Far East. Bob was very special to the Gardner family. We will miss him and never forget him. Our sympathies, Annie, Derek, & Ned Gardner.
Ned Gardner
Buchanan, MI
December 13, 2013 at 2:15 pm
Mr. And Mrs. Friesnear were two of my favorite classroom teachers. Mr. Friesnear was an awesome teacher and an awesome motivator. Blessings and healing to his family.
Lisa (Jackson) Ubiles
Greenwood, IN
December 13, 2013 at 2:15 pm
Mr. And Mrs. Friesnear were two of my favorite classroom teachers. Mr. Friesnear was an awesome teacher and an awesome motivator. Blessings and healing to his family.
Lisa (Jackson) Ubiles
Greenwood, IN
December 13, 2013 at 7:35 pm
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of Mr. Friesner. I too was a student of his and Mrs. Friesner, both excellent and motivating teachers. I will never forget how Mr. Friesner would smirk when you would give him the correct answer and the sense of pride and self accomplishment felt once seeing that smirk. Getting the facial thumbs up from Mr. Friesner will live forever in my mind and in my heart when I think of him. I feel very fortunate that I will always have that memory rather than an eraser flying around or at me. He also inspired me to be proud of America and to be proud of being an American, I was always moved by his passion of American history and still feel anxious about reciting a portion of the Emancipation Proclamation from memory. Thank you for being a great teacher Mr. Friesner, I will remember you always.
Christina Foster (Dailey)
Fort Myers , FL
December 13, 2013 at 11:09 pm
On behalf of my husband and myself, we send our sincere sympathies to you Joyce and your lovely family. You two were a great team at West Noble. It was an honor to be on the teaching staff with you. May God be your comfort and strength, especially at this time.

Kirk and Rebecca Carrington
Kirk and Rebecca Carrington
Albion, IN
December 14, 2013 at 1:14 am
So sorry to read of Bob's passing.

Remember the good times
because they will get you through the dark days.

I have fond memories of the high school days
shared with Bob, on and off the basketball court.
He was a friend indeed.

God bless you all in this time of need.
Gary and Sandra
Gary Cooper
Van Wert, OH
December 14, 2013 at 9:50 am
Dear Joyce & Girls,

I'm saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Without Bob's support, I wouldn't be Director of the Ligonier Public Library. It was Bob's counsel and encouragement in those early years of my tenure that laid the foundation for future service to the community. I so enjoyed you and Bob's visits to the library when you were in town.

Best always to all,
Jerry
Jerry L. Nesbitt
December 14, 2013 at 12:16 pm
I don't know if you remember me but we knew ench other when we went to school at Van wert hi/school befor I left to go to Van Del, I am sorry about your lost, as been a long time
Ron Brenneman
Lake Havasu City, Az
December 14, 2013 at 1:25 pm
My deepest sympathies to Joyce and her family during this time of grief. I remember last speaking to Bob at our class reunion when he came to find me to take me to see his wife Joyce. I recall his youth in Middle Point, what a great basketball player he had been, and think of him with fond memories when he visited Joyce at Derry Drugs. I am so sorry to learn of his passing but am reassured that he is securely in peace with our Saviour Jesus Christ. Bless you, Joyce, during this absence of your husband. I am thinking of you and praying for you. With love always Janet.
Janet Fauble
Scottsdale, AZ
December 14, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Dear Joyce and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Although we didn't always agree on every issue presented on the negotiating team, I held a deep respect for his principles and knowledge. Our school system was better because Bob fought for the rights of teachers and students. My sympathy to all of you.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Mawhorter
Rosemary Mawhorter
December 14, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Mrs. Freisner and daughters,

I have wonderful memories of Mr Friesner as my 7th grade History teacher. He would walk over by my desk and ask,"Can you babysit on Saturday night so we can go to the Basketball game" . This was my first paying job! I remember falling asleep one night and locking you all out of the house!! Praying for your family in the days ahead. " What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased" Author Unknown. Thank you Mr. Friesner
Jane Bueker Moos
Naperville, IL
December 15, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Joyce and family,

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I played basketball for Bob at Blue Creek High School in Paulding County, Ohio.
He definately made a very positive impression on my life. I have very fond memories of Him as a person and a coach.
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to You and your family. You are in our prayers.


Chuck Dunham
Charles Dunham
Haviland, Ohio
December 15, 2013 at 6:39 pm
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite teachers. I remember one time when he threw an erasure. It was meant for someone else, I tossed it back, & it almost hit him. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sharon Brownback Desper
Ligonier, IN
December 15, 2013 at 7:18 pm
My condolences to Mr Freisners family. He was one of my favorite teachers and taught me how to drive in 1970. He truly cared about his students and was just a wonderful person. I have thought of him often over the years. I hope he knows what an impact he made on his students. When he taught me to drive I almost ran into a ditch trying to turn left. We were on our way to Nappanee so he suggested that we stop for coffee. I think he wanted to get out of the car for awhile. He said he would buy me a cup of coffee. When he went to pay he didn't have any money in his pocket. He blamed it on his wife and was very apologetic when I had to pay. Glad I got to buy him a cup of coffee.
Jeanette Coffelt Moody
December 15, 2013 at 7:52 pm
So sorry for your loss. I'm remembering Mr. Friesner with fond memories as a great teacher.
Cindy(Vance)Rasler
December 15, 2013 at 10:57 pm
Coach Friesner was a big influence both in the class room, driver's ed. and in running. Like so many others he taught and coached, I owe a lot of my successes to his guidance. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with the Friesner family.
Michael Mazier
Memphis, TN
December 15, 2013 at 11:39 pm
So many of us who had Mr. Friesner as a teacher at West Noble, have been posting memories on
Growing Up Ligonier on facebook....could consider it an extension of this Condolence page and good for you, Bob's family, to read. He touched so many lives and all these years later, so many of us agree that he was the best teacher we ever had. He had a wit, charm, command of a classroom that all teachers should be envious of. I regret not keeping in touch thru the years, but hope that his retirement years were the best with your beautiful family. I am so sorry for your loss and am praying for your memories to sustain you and give you comfort.
Cheryl (Price) Allen
Michigan City, IN
December 16, 2013 at 4:18 am
I'm saddened to learn of Mr Friesner's passing. I always get a smile on my face when thinking about his famous eraser tossing ability. He got a lot of practice in perfecting his aim.
I'm not sure what ever possessed him to teach driver's training. A brave man to say the least. Back then we had to have the driver's window down in order to use hand signals for turns. On one of those driving trips I forgot my window was still up when signaling and whacked my hand on it. That brought out a sigh of despair from the passenger seat and I would imagine another moment of wondering why he was teaching that course.
Besides the funny memories I know we all have of him, what also stands out is the passion that he had for teaching and caring for us as people. I think those junior high years are difficult to put up with from an adult perspective but he mastered it and helped make all of us former students better people. He will continue to be remembered fondly. Jolene (Ray) Key
Jolene Key
Alto, Michigan
December 18, 2013 at 11:32 am
Dear Barbara and family:
We just received Bob's obituary from Jim Houdyshell. We spend our winters at the gulf coast in AL and are greatful Jim contacted us.
Our deepest sympathy in your loss. I have great memories of our time together at Findlay College and the great times we had playing basketball for the college. Bob certainly was a great teammate and truly a team player.
You all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in your life.
Joe and Barb Hanauer
Joe and Barb Hanauer
Markle, IN
December 19, 2013 at 7:12 pm
My favorite coach will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.
I think everyone was his favorite one. He made you feel special and gave you confidence. Alot
of good memories. Bob and Joyce had a great influence in my life as well as our childrens Jim and Jenny as well. Know that Joyce, Sherry, Deb, Kate and families you are all in our prayers.
Mark Furkis
Mark Furkis
Ligonier, Indiana

 

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