Donald Alvin Friedel

Donald Alvin Friedel Jr., left this earth in the early morning of Februrary 3, 2020 surrounded by the presence and prayers of his beloved family and friends. Ever the warrior, he battled mantle cell lymphoma to the very end and entered into God's presence peacefully, fearlessly, and faithfully.

He leaves behind his wife Johanna, of 37 years, daughter Gillian Amaro and son Ian Friedel, son-in-law Raymond Amaro, daughter-in-law Ascelina Friedel, sisters JoAnn Friedel Christie, Donna Friedel Arnold, and Debbie Friedel Peterson and grandchildren Amelia Rae Amaro, Jacoby Jett Amaro, and Ascelina Noel Friedel. Don is predeceased by his father, Donald Alvin Friedel Sr., his mother Esther Spencer Friedel, his sister Wendy Lou Friedel and his sister Carol Joy Friedel Gload.

Don was born in Plattsburgh, New York later moving to Prattsville, New York where he graduated from Gilboa Conesville Central School. It was here he met his wife Johanna and his lifelong friends, Steve, Helmut, Tim and Mike.

Don followed the family tradition of serving in the military by enlisting
in the United States Marine Corps in 1976 and served four years until Honorably Discharged as a sergeant in the avionics division. Upon discharge, he attended and graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in Computer Science and married Johanna at the Dutch Reformed Church in Prattsville, New York.

Don worked as a Software Engineer for IBM, BMC, CA, and Broadcom until his death. He volunteered in the various places he and Johanna lived, including being a Citizen On Patrol for the McKinney Police Department, Bell Choir for First United Methodist of McKinney, leading small groups for his Vestal church home, and coaching and reffing soccer for his daughter, son and wife in Round Rock, Texas.

Don loved the outdoors, riding motorcycles & traveling with Johanna, skiing in the mountains, reading science fiction novels, spending time with his family and enjoying drinking hot chocolate on his front porch with his beloved wife.

Don was a man of integrity and honor who loved his family dearly. He will be greatly missed.

——-

Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run & not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 4-6PM at the Charles W. Smith Funeral Home in McKinney, TX.

His funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church in McKinney, at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020.