Madalen “Mutz” Friedges

Madalen “Mutz” Louise Friedges, age 89, of New Market, died unexpectedly with her family at her side on Friday, June 6, 2025, at M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital. Madalen was born on October 13, 1935, in Belle Plaine Township, to Michael M. and Mary J. (Pint) Solheid. She graduated from New Prague High School and went on to beauty school in Faribault. She married her high school sweetheart, David N. Friedges, on May 11, 1957, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Union Hill. Madalen was a human dynamo, wearing many hats. In addition to raising seven children, she owned and operated her own beauty salon, served as a secretary and owner of Friedges Drywall, and owner and waitress at Friedges Café. Her optimistic, bubbly personality brought sunshine wherever Madalen landed. A devout Catholic, her strong faith exhibited itself in her outlook on life and the activities that she devoted herself to. She donated to many charities and when her husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, her devotion to him was inspirational, cheerfully caring for him until his death.

The activities she enjoyed showed her many talents and her exuberance for life. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years, loved painting, did Rosemaling, and made numerous quilts. She was a great cook, famous for her pies, bars and cookies. Her love of people and the gatherings they provided, fed her love of games and cards, favorites being Yahtzee, puzzles, and especially Bingo. Of course, she had to use the frequent Bingo coupons that she got and recently developed a group of Bingo friends, whose gatherings increased from one day a week to three! Her family was central to her life. She and David wintered for 20+ years in Las Vegas and had a community of friends there. She was a great listener, imparting her optimism, kindness, and zest for life to all. Loved by everyone who knew her, Madalen was the beloved matriarch of her family and felt that life was too short to hold grudges. She lived life to the fullest, treating every day as if it were the last and the best one yet. Her footprint is huge and the legacy that she left is one of kindness, compassion, and unconditional love.

Madalen is survived by her children, Terry (Lunell) of Webster, Todd (Char) of New Market, Troy (Kathy) of Lakeville, Tracey (Cheryl) of Elko, Tyrone of Lakeville, Tammy Friedges (John) of Prior Lake, Tanya (Mario) Frasson of New Market; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Sally Nash of Coon Rapids. She is preceded in death by her husband, David, on October 23, 2018; sisters, Adeline Solheid & Vera Simon; brother, David Solheid.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market, with Father Michael Rudolph officiating. Mass will be live-streamed at stncc.net. Visitation will take place Thursday, June 12th from 4-8 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague and from 10-11 AM at church on Friday morning. Burial will occur at St. Nicholas Cemetery, followed by lunch in the church basement.