Robert "Bob" Dean Friehe

Jan. 26, 1946-July 15, 2010

EUGENE, Oregon -- Robert "Bob" Dean Friehe, 64, formerly of Hebron, Nebraska, passed suddenly on Thursday (July 15, 2010).

A prayer service was held in Eugene on Saturday and a memorial service is planned for Thursday, July 29, in Hebron at Faith Lutheran Church at 10:30 am.

Bob was born on Jan. 26, 1946 in McCook, Nebraska to Ervain and Nadine Friehe. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he received a B.S. in Agricultural Mechanization. He was married to Mary Pankonin on Aug. 24, 1968 in Holdrege, Nebraska. Bob and Mary were blessed with three daughters.

Following college, Bob farmed with his family in McCook until 1979 when he joined Reinke Manufacturing as a sales coordinator. Bob spent the next 28 years progressing successfully within Reinke's to the role of President and CEO. In 2009, Bob and Mary moved to Eugene where he assumed the role of CEO for Pierce Irrigation Company.

Bob had been a valued member of the Foundation Board for Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska as well as a member of the TTMA board of directors, IAEF board of trustees, various School committees and had served on the board for Blue Valley Homes in Hebron.

Bob was active at Faith Lutheran Church in Hebron as a member of the board, an elder and leader on many church committees.

In addition to his commitment to the community and his industry, Bob was an avid woodworker, model train collector, active in the farming community and a loving father and husband.

Survivors include his parents, Ervain and Nadine Friehe of McCook; wife, Mary; three daughters, Jennifer Given and husband, Scott of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Laura Jaeger and husband, Jeff of North Liberty, Iowa, and Diana Damme and husband, Kevin of Gretna, Nebraska; two sisters, Mary Friehe, and Susan Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska; two brothers, Ronald Friehe of McCook and Tom Friehe of Omaha; five grandchildren, Benjamin and Beth Jaeger, Colton and Colby Damme, and James Given.

Arrangements are by Andreason's Cremation in Springfield, Oregon.

Condolences and memorials can be sent in care of Diana Damme, 21203 McClellan Drive, Gretna, NE, 68028.

Memorials will be given to Concordia University in Seward.

Announcement courtesy of Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook. Condolences may be left for the family, online at www.carpenterbreland.com