Gene Friederich, age 74 of Alhambra, IL, died Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home in Alhambra, IL.
He was born on Saturday, January 6, 1951, in East Saint Louis, IL, the son of Melvin and Bernice (nee Niehaus) Friederich.
On Friday, October 5, 1979, he married Connie Marcine Friederich (nee Carl) in Collinsville, IL, who survives.
He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Corvette Club - Maryville, IL and the Ford Model A Club - Troy, IL.
Gene grew up in Collinsville, IL where he played football and graduated from Collinsville High School in 1969. After working as a train engineer for Missouri Pacific, he started his own business, Lincoln Trail Produce. Gene sold wholesale produce to many local restaurants and stores, including TruBuy, Wayne's Produce and Imo's. Gene and his family lived in Troy and Highland, IL before settling in their final home outside of Alhambra, IL. Gene enjoyed antique cars, tractors, trains and collecting coins. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Gene especially enjoyed attending mass at St. Paul Catholic Church and the Cathedral of Saint Peter.
Survivors include:
- Wife - Connie M. Friederich, Alhambra, IL
- Stepfather - Leonard R. Dickerson, Collinsville, IL
- Son - Shawn M. (Theresa) Friederich, Highland, IL
- Daughter - Brandy M. (Todd) Rolfingsmeyer, Germantown, IL
- Daughter - Autumn J. (Thomas) Severit, Troy, IL
- Son - Nicholas M. (Kayla) Friederich, Rochester, IL
- Grandchildren - Katherine, Miles, Maeve, Marin, Justin, Hailey, Nolan, Kirin, Flynn, Aiko, Kai, David, Abigail and Ryker.
- Sister & Brother-In-Law – Carol Ann (Jim) Meyer
- Sister & Brother-In-Law - Marianne (Bob) Mueller
- Sister & Brother-In-Law - Joanne (James) Kalla
- Brother & Sister-In-Law - Russell (Lesa) Friederich
- Brother & Sister-In-Law - Robert (Shelly) Friederich
- Sister & Brother-In-Law - Susanne (Jim) Osterhout
- Brother & Sister-In-Law - Joseph (Joanne) Friederich
He was preceded in death by:
- Father - Melvin P. Friederich, died 3/11/1975
- Mother - Bernice Elizabeth Friederich-Dickerson (nee Niehaus), died 8/22/2021
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, Illinois, with Father Teddy Adukus, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church.
