Harry "Poppy" Friedli

Harry “Poppy” Friedli, age 84, of Ripon, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Barrett House in Green Lake, WI. He grew up in Nora, IL and graduated from Warren High School in 1958. He attended Platteville State College and graduated in 1962. Harry taught History, Drivers Ed and coached basketball at Black Hawk High School in South Wayne, WI from 1962 to 1975. He then accepted a teaching job at Laconia High School in Rosendale in 1975 teaching the same subjects.  He was the first Children-at-Risk Program Coordinator for the Rosendale-Brandon School District.

Harry fulfilled his dream of teaching and coaching for more than 40 years. In 1971, he married his wife, Susan Johnson. They had two daughters: Shelly and Kaia and were blessed with five grandchildren: Ally, Krista, and Dani Longden, and Eleana and Liam Draijer. He called them the 8th Wonders of the World and loved his family with great joy.

Harry spent time reading every newspaper he could find, enjoyed playing cards, watching sports on TV and listening to country western music. He also enjoyed coaching his daughter’s softball teams in the summer.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Susan; two daughters, Shelly (John) Longden, and Kaia Draijer; five grandchildren, a sister, Helen Sullivan; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law: Ron (Carol) Johnson, and Jon (Liz) Johnson; several nieces and nephews, dear friends, and his cat, Zippy. He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, three brothers, a sister, and a sister-in-law.

The family wishes to thank the Green Lake Barrett House staff for their devoted care, SSM Hospice of Green Lake and Divine Passage Funeral Home. Per the wishes of Harry, cremation has taken place with no services. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is proudly serving the Friedli family during this difficult time. Divinepassagefunerals.com

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