Ervain J. Friehe

Ervain John Friehe passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017 in Loveland, Colorado.  He was 93 years old.

Erv was born June 25, 1924 to Fred and Emma (Liebrandt) Friehe on the family farm near McCook.  Erv graduated from McCook High School in 1942.

On February 20, 1944 he married Nadine June Klein at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri.  They made their home in several locations while Erv was in the service.  They eventually returned to McCook where the couple farmed until retirement.

Erv entered the United States Army Air Corp. on December 29, 1943 and was honorably discharged on November 25, 1945.  As a farmer, Erv advanced new techniques like improved grain handling, center pivot irrigation and no till farming.  In addition he was active in a variety of state and national wheat marketing organizations, traveling around the world and serving in leadership positions.  In 1971, he was a founding member of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.  Among other accomplishments, Erv chaired the Nebraska ASCS Committee, was inducted into the Nebraska Agriculture Hall of Fame and advised a number of Nebraska Governors and U.S. Senators.  In McCook, he worked on a variety of civic projects like the McCook Junior College Boosters, the Midwest Sale Barn and Crime Stoppers.   He was active in Peace Lutheran Church as well as the activities of his five children.

Erv was preceded in death by his parents; wife Nadine; son Robert Friehe; sister, Elaine; brother Elsworth Friehe and his wife, Irma; and brother-in-law, Garnet Henton.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Friehe and Susan Christensen of Omaha and sons, Ronald Friehe and wife Doris of McCook and Thomas Friehe of Estes Park and daughter-in-law, Mary Louise Friehe of Omaha.   Also in McCook, sister, Dorothy Henton and in-laws, Don Klein and wife Norma.  Erv is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to be designated at later date.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, with the family greeting from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook with Pastor Kahle officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.