Wouter Frieling

Wouter Frieling passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Wouter was born on September 18, 1938, in The Hague, Netherlands.  His earliest years were shaped by World War II and the German occupation of the Netherlands.  He carried vivid memories of those difficult years throughout his life—experiences that helped shape his resilience, independence, determination, and appreciation for the life he would later build.

Seeking opportunity and a new beginning, Wouter immigrated to the United States on May 31, 1963.  America became his home, and on January 9, 2008, he proudly became a United States citizen.

Wouter married the love of his life, Lois Talitha Frieling (Hackbarth), on March 17, 1968.  Together they built a life centered around family and raised five children: Lucas, Kevin, Matt, Natasha, and Cornelis.

Wouter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Lucas and his wife, Janine (Kramer); Kevin and his wife, Patti (Hoelzel); Matt; Natasha and her husband, Eric Arntsen; and Cornelis; and his grandchildren, Ella and Brennan, children of Lucas and Leslie (Plohasz); Dylan Plohasz-Pouliot; Keane and Lucia, children of Kevin and Patti; and Lucas and Soren, children of Natasha and Eric.  He is also survived by his extended family and many dear friends.

Wouter lived his life with a strong work ethic and a willingness to help others.  When reflecting on what he hoped his family would carry forward, his advice was simple:

“Work hard. Never say no if you can do something for somebody.”

Despite the hardships he experienced early in life and the challenges that came later, Wouter looked back on his years with gratitude.  In reflecting on his life, he said simply:

“I always had a good life.”

In the final days of his life, Wouter made a deeply meaningful decision to believe in God and expressed his desire to have a church funeral.  For his family, this decision brought comfort and added a special final chapter to his life—one of faith, peace, and hope.

Services

Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Meadow Creek Church, 3061 Bunker Lake Blvd., Andover, MN 55304.  Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and stories of Wouter, and celebrate the life he lived. An Italian luncheon will be provided.

Funeral Service will follow at 6:30 p.m. at Meadow Creek Church, honoring Wouter’s life and the faith he embraced near the end of his journey.

Family and friends are welcome to attend either or both gatherings.

Memorials

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Wouter’s name to the American Diabetes Association, supporting diabetes research, education, advocacy, and programs for people affected by diabetes.