Frank August "Buddy" Friemel, Jr.

Frank August “Buddy” Friemel, Jr., 91, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away July 30, 2026. He was born December 13, 1934, in La Grange, Texas, to the late Frank August Friemel, Sr. and Nora (Stamar) Friemel.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. It was while he was stationed overseas that one of the greatest stories of his life began. Frank’s bed was next to that of Glenna’s brother, who kept a photograph of his sister nearby. Frank saw Glenna’s picture and was immediately smitten. He asked her brother if he thought Glenna would mind if he wrote to her—and, more importantly, if he thought she might write back. She did. Before long, letters were making their way back and forth across the miles, and a beautiful love story was unfolding.

When Frank returned home from the war, he and Glenna were married. Together, they built a life filled with faith, family, laughter, and countless memories. Frank and Glenna recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary—more than seven decades with the girl whose photograph first caught his eye from halfway around the world. What an incredible love story they shared.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Frank began a long career as an automotive technician. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family.

Above all, Frank was a man of faith. A dedicated Christian, he made his relationship with the Lord a priority throughout his life and was a faithful member of Benton First Church of the Nazarene. His faith shaped the way he lived, loved, and cared for those around him.

Frank was a wonderful husband, father, Grandpa, and friend. His family meant the world to him, and some of his happiest times were simply those spent together. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. His travels took him through nearly two-thirds of the United States, including memorable trips to Alaska and New England. One place especially dear to him was the family cabin in Treat, Arkansas, near the area where her father had grown up.

Frank also appreciated a good meal! Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday, and he could hardly wait to get his hands on a turkey leg. A holiday centered around family, gratitude, and plenty of food suited Frank just fine.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Nora Friemel; siblings, Gus Friemel, Henry Friemel, Arthur Friemel, Herbert Friemel, Anita Craft, and Hertha Kruse; and daughter-in-law, Tina Hill-Friemel.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 70 years, Glenna Friemel; son, David Friemel and wife Tami; daughter, Debbie Halpain and husband Gary; grandchildren, Christina Smith and husband Todd, Stacey Shellnut and husband Michael, Jared Friemel and wife Summer, and Stephanie Mrdja and husband Eric; bonus grandchildren, Kaleb Wise, Kealey Wyse and husband Perry, and Kyle Wise and wife Carly; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Long, Kaden Long, Audrey Shellnut, Miles Friemel, and Leighton Mrdja; bonus great-grandchildren, Faith Turner and husband Rhett, Justin Smith, Khloe Mrdja, Karson Wise, Kruz Wyse, Keagan Wyse, Kasen Wyse, Van Wise, and Rio Wise; bonus great-great-grandchildren, Emeryson Turner and Ryder Turner; sister, Mannie Fritch; and a host of extended family members and friends who loved Frank and will miss him always.

Frank’s family is especially grateful to the staff of Amberwood Nursing and Rehab, Gentiva Hospice, Pleasant Hill Senior Services, and his special caregivers, Muriel and Jasmine, for the kindness, compassion, and loving care shown to Frank and his family.

Services will be held Thursday, August 6, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until noon, followed by the funeral service at noon. A committal service will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander with her grandsons: Jared Friemel, Todd Smith, Michael Shellnut, Eric Mrdja, Kaden Long, and Rhett Turner assisting as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Benton First Church of the Nazarene, 1203 W Sevier St, Benton, AR 72015 .

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Frank lived a long and blessed life rooted in faith, devoted to family, and shared alongside the love of his life. From letters exchanged across an ocean to 70 years of marriage, from family camping trips to Thanksgiving turkey legs, his life was filled with the simple things that mattered most. His family will carry those memories—and the example of a life faithfully lived—with them for generations to come.