FRIEDMAN, Lawrence (Larry)

FRIEDMAN, Lawrence J. (Larry). (Alta Vista, IA, Sept. 2, 1926--Dubuque, IA, Aug. 14, 2023). The son of Henry and Lena (Meyer) Friedman who moved to Dubuque in 1927, Larry married Renee O’Leary on October 4, 1952. Together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage.

Larry was a lifelong member of NATIVITY CHURCH, even attending grade school. At Nativity he served on the Parish Council and committees, headed Capital Campaigns, and was a proud member of the Over 60 Group. For many years he was active in CEW (Christian Experience Weekend), St. Vincent de Paul and the Legion of Mary (apostolic visiting of the sick). As an original member of the Power of Prayer, he faithfully kept his holy hour every Monday at 6am, until two months ago.

Larry graduated from LORAS COLLEGE in 1945, and served in the army in [[WORLD WAR II], spending most of his time in the Philippines. Following his service, he attended Loras College and graduated in 1950. Immediately after graduation, he joined his father, sister Bernice, brother Cyril and cousin Elmer at FRIEDMAN INSURANCE AGENCY. He enjoyed 44 successful years in the insurance business and was the President of Friedman Insurance from 1985 through 1993.

Larry was involved in many organizations as a board member of many organizations including WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, Sisters of Saint Francis Development Council, ST. STEPHEN'S FOOD BANK, and the DUBUQUE AREA LIFETIME CENTER. He served as President of the Independent Agents of Dubuque, Dubuque Serra Club, Dubuque Kiwanis Club, and The Lifetime Center. In 1999 he was the recipient of the Telegraph Herald FIRST CITIZEN AWARD. He also received the Father John Donaghey Award for service to Divine Word College in the college's Friends Across Nations program which matched college students with area families. He received the Kiwanis International Fellowship Award, Volunteer of the Year Award from St. Stephen’s Food Bank, Volunteer Fundraiser of the year from the Greater Tri-State Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and was inducted into the Junior Achievement of the Heartland Business Hall of Fame. (1) Among his fellow Kiwanis members, Friedman was known as "Mr. Peanut" for his annual sale of more than one hundred cases of peanuts to raise money for the club's projects. (2)

In 2016 Friedman and Katherine FISCHER published A. A. Cooper: Reinvesting the Wheel. In 2021 he continued his contributions to Dubuque history with the publication of Jo Reynolds: A Diamond in the Rough. (3)

In an editorial which appeared in the Telegraph Herald included the following which was written by the TH Editorial Board at the time of his receiving the 1999 First Citizen Award:

                  One cannot overlook the depth and duration of Friedman's service to his community and church.
                  All this service was performed for entirely the right reason--to help others--and with a
                  complete disinterest in receiving praise or recognition. (4)

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Source:

1. Obituaries, Dubuque Today, Online: https://dubuquetoday.com/obituaries/#Lawrence%20J.%20Friedman

2. Porter, Bekah, "Mr. Peanut 'Legendary,'" Telegraph Herald, November 10, 2008, p. 66

3. Lyon, Randolph, "Katherine Fischer," encyclopediadubuque.org

4. "Friedman's Long Life of Service Example to All," Telegraph Herald, August 18, 2023