Michael Adolph Friedrich

It is with a heavy heart that we had to say goodbye to our dear Michael.  He succumbed to the final stages of ALS on December 27, 2024 at the age of 75. His final days were peaceful and surrounded by his immediate family.  A celebration of life will be held in early June to memorialize a life well lived and a soul well loved.

Michael was born March 15, 1949 in Camarillo, California.  He grew up in Cottonwood, California on a ranch with his parents, Helen and Dolph, sister, Mary, and his brothers, Tommy and Eddie, as well as his aunt, uncle, and many cousins.  However, his nomadic spirit allowed him to travel the world. His adventures included two tours of duty with the Air Force as a Pararescue during the Vietnam War, countless motorcycle trips of the country with cousin Ronnie, and many cruises and trips with his family to Mexico, Europe, and other fun places.  

Michael met his wife, JoAnn, of 47 years in a bar in Redding, California. Their first date involved attending her daughter Jill's school open house. They spent the evening looking at first grade art and a reptile exhibit. That was when JoAnn (and Jill) knew he was the “one”. 

Michael and JoAnn married on August 5, 1977. Their life together was never dull. Michael worked as a public safety officer (police officer and firefighter), a private investigator, and in his retirement, a special education aide in school.  

Michael and JoAnn lived with their daughter, Jill, and son-in-law, Dan, for the past three years in Rocklin, California. Prior to that, they lived in many places throughout California and Oregon with wonderful neighbors who became monumental friends in his life. He would spend lots of his free time with their niece, Kara, and her children. And, during the holidays, he always used to visit JoAnn’s extended family.

Michael loved his family fiercely and with all his might. His grandchildren, Cole and Ashlee, were his entire world with a phone full of memorable photos and videos. On occasion, he would take his grandchildren to see his sister and her family in Coffee Creek. They created loads of memories that Cole and Ashlee will hold onto for the rest of their life.

He possessed a gentle soul that animals were drawn to, including his big “water buffalo”, George, who camped outside his room in his final days. He spoke to all dogs in a made up language and they always loved it. Michael also loved the outdoors and had a way with plants that he inherited from his mother. He was forever pruning, watering, and replanting.  

Michael was a bright light that attracted many friends. Everyone loved him. And, he loved to spend time with friends over a cozy meal and cocktails. He never met a martini he didn’t like. He was obsessed with online shopping. He loved stupid monster movies. He exercised daily up to his final days. He snacked incessantly. He was quirky and funny and loving and kind.  

But most importantly, he will be missed in a profound way.

Michael is survived by his wife (JoAnn), daughter (Jill), son-in-law (Daniel), grandson (Cole), granddaughter (Ashlee), sister (Mary), brother (Eddie), nieces (Kara and Angela), grand nieces and nephews (Claire, Savannah, Sterling, and Hannah), a host of cousins, and his dog (George) and granddog (Autumn).