John P. Friedrich

John Paul Friedrich, 83, a lifelong resident of Topeka, Illinois, passed away at his home on August 19, 2024. He was born to Paul and Charline Friedrich on February 19, 1941. John Paul grew up around the general store his parents ran and attended school at the schoolhouse in Topeka and Forman schools in Manito. He attended engineering school at Tri-State University in Indiana and has been known to say he quit “once he found out he couldn’t drive a train.” John married Karen Hickman on November 2, 1943. John is survived by his little flower, kumquat, and wife, Karen, of 60 years; brother, Perry (Vicki); daughters, Laura (John) McGahan and Shannan (Andrew) Karrick; grandchildren, Reid (Megan), Hadley, Lane (Alexa aka Axel), and Hayden; and great-grandchildren, Ari, Avery, Rhett, and Simon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Charline Friedrich, and sister, Mary Francis. John worked in management positions at Crescent Forge and Shovel and Wagner Castings in Havana before finding his passion as a blackjack dealer at the Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria. In his spare time, he also served many terms as the mayor of Topeka and was a renowned motorcycle and small engine mechanic for decades. Although John was not necessarily an expert in anything, that never held him back. He knew just enough to convince you he was the smartest man in the room. When it came to repairing home appliances or small engines, he might have been. Besides being right, John Paul enjoyed being a licensed pilot, collecting guns and knives, photography, flipping for sodas with a double- headed coin, classic horror movies, westerns, chocolate, Camel stud cigarettes, Spam, Coke, frogging, canoeing in jeans with a pink polo and velcro shoes, and stringing together words that could make the burliest sailor blush. While he was not affectionate, there was no doubt John Paul cared for his family. Between getting his youngest ready for prom, teaching both girls how to properly drive through an s-curve using centrifugal force, getting his girls special gifts (including a taser, blow gun, bow and arrows, and brass knuckles), assembling Barbie houses into the wee hours of Christmas morning, and waiting patiently for his oldest to finish doing her hair (only to put a hat on); John Paul was the original “girl dad.” His grandchildren fondly recall him teaching them how to play cards, talk smack, cheat, and gloat in victory. With the whole family getting these lessons, video games, mini-golf and croquet were intense, brutal affairs that most looked forward to. In his later years, his quick wit slowed, and good humor faded. It had to be that way, though, because losing him when he was himself would have been too devastating. A private burial is planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church in Havana or the organization of your choice. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

John P. Friedrich

February 19, 1941 - August 19, 2024

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