On July 4, 2025, Orla Junior Friend, age 104, passed away peacefully at Vancrest Nursing Home in Holgate, Ohio, and went on his long awaited journey home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Junior was born on December 27, 1920, to Orla and Emma (Trietsch) Friend in Putnam County, Ohio. He met Sarah Cline, the love of his life, and they were married on August 21, 1939.
Junior loved and was loved dearly. The moment he saw his wife, Sarah, he knew she was his future, and from that day on, he loved her with everything he had. Together they created a legacy of 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. As his family grew, he became known as Paw Paw, started by his first grandson, Richie. From then on, he was introduced as Paw Paw. He loved being Paw Paw to them all.
Junior served in the United States Army where he was in the Infantry as a First Scout during World War II. His tour of duty took him to the Phillipines and to Yokohama Japan just as the war was coming to a close. He was a brave and proud United States Army veteran.
Junior spent the first part of his working life as a farmer and a factory worker at the Sylvania plant in Ottawa. He enjoyed working in the orange grove where they wintered in Florida and later worked for his son-in-law at Seigman Siding and Window Specialists until he was 82 years old.
Throughout his life, Junior had a love and talent for art, specifically painting. He was humble about his talent, but proud to tell you about his friendship with Bob Ross, who he took painting classes from, and was even offered a job by him to help teach. His paintings are treasures to those fortunate enough to be gifted them.
He also was a master at the turn of a phrase, and wrote Sarah a poem every day for the last few years of her life. He also wrote a memoir of his storied life.
Junior loved to travel with his wife and family, taking trips to all of the states except Alaska. Highlights included the 1965 Worlds Fair, Canada, Mexico, and Europe as a couple.
A man of great faith, Orla Junior Friend was a member of Bethel Christian Church in Arthur, OH. He believed in the power of prayer and lived his life following Christ’s example. His one hope was for all to know and trust in the Lord.
Remembering him in life are his daughter, Ann, and her husband, Denny Seigman; son, Timothy, and his wife, Luann Friend; daughter, Deb, and her husband, Dan Doenges; and daughter-in-law, Rose, wife of the late Allen Friend, along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Gone home before him are his wife, Sarah (Cline), daughter Mary Elizabeth Friend, son Allen (Rose) Friend, grandson Rich Seigman, parents, Orla H. and Emma (Trietsch) Friend, sister Helen Friend, and brother Harland Friend.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Seth Rogers officiating. Junior will be laid to rest in North Mt. Zion Cemetery with graveside military rites.
Preferred Memorials are to Bethel Christian Church or Wounded Warriors. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com
