Vincent Friedrich

Vincent Friedrich, 93, of Oak Ridge, Missouri, passed away peacefully Monday, July 8, 2024, at his home, with his family at his side.

Vince was born Jan. 20, 1931, near Advance, Missouri, to the late Charley and Agnes (Barker) Friedrich. Vince and his family later moved to Jackson, where he attended St. Paul Lutheran School. After moving to Oak Ridge, Vince and his dad engaged in farming and raising livestock, especially beef cattle and hogs.

After graduating from Oak Ridge High School, Vince attended Missouri Auction School Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1957. For many years, Vince conducted auctions throughout Cape Girardeau County and the surrounding area. His slogan on his auctioneer business cards was: “A Stranger is a Friend I Have Never Met,” and he lived that slogan as he could strike up a conversation with anyone.

While he auctioneered on the weekends, he also worked at the Hosiery Mill at Jackson until it closed in about 1975, and then worked in the grain elevator at Coop Service Center until his retirement. He later worked for Sewings Service Station and Restaurant.

Vince was known for raising and finishing beef cattle, and in recent years, co-owned and operated Friedrich Cattle Farms LLC with his son, Kevin. Vince took pride in his cattle and enjoyed the time he spent working and feeding them.

On June 26, 1966, he married Deanna Eakins at Bethlehem General Baptist Church at Crump, where he was a member.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years; two children, Michelle Friedrich of Jackson and Kevin (Jessica Koch and the late Lourisa) Friedrich of Millersville; two grandchildren, Laine (Kayleigh) Friedrich and Lorryn Allen Friedrich (Jameson McCullough); a great-grandson due in October; two brothers-in-law, Eugene (the late Vivian) Schneider and Willard (Pauline and the late Clara) Schneider; and two sisters-in-law, Darlene Eakins and Wanda Eakins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond Friedrich, Glen (Velma) Friedrich, Harl (Betty) Friedrich and Earl (Maxine) Friedrich; and two sisters, Clara Schneider and Vivian Schneider.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024, at McCombs Funeral Home at Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2024, with the Rev. Joe Allen officiating.

Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery at Jackson.

Memorials may be made to Proffer Cemetery or Bethlehem General Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.