Leo George Frieden, 87, of North Manchester, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Peabody Healthcare Center. Born July 4, 1938, in Wabash County, he was the son of George and Selma Opal (Krom) Frieden. Leo graduated from Chester Township High School in 1956 and proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army.
A certified International Harvester mechanic, Leo spent many years with North Manchester Farm Equipment, working in sales, parts, and service. He later worked as an auto parts salesman for Auto Tech, as well as a mechanic and former Service Manager at Shepherd’s Chevrolet, both of North Manchester. Dedicated to his community, Leo served as a firefighter with the Manchester Fire Department, where he also held the position of assistant chief. He played a key role in establishing the Chester Township Fire Department and went on to serve as its chief.
On September 14, 1957, Leo married Beverly Ann Buckingham at the Congregational Christian Church in North Manchester. They shared 61 years of marriage before her passing on October 28, 2018.
Leo was a longtime member of the Congregational Christian Church, the Optimist Club, the Moose Lodge, and the VFW. He had a deep love for country and bluegrass music and cherished his trips to Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry, Printers Alley, and the Renfro Valley Bluegrass Festival. Above all, Leo adored his family and treasured every moment spent with them.
He is survived by daughter, Kelly DeeAnn (Daniel) Church of White House, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Niki (Tyler Stump) Frieden of Plymouth, Indiana, Taylor (Allen Hunt Jr.) Frieden of Defuniak Springs, Florida, Samantha Rose Church and Timothy Leo Church, both of White House, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly Ann Frieden; son, Kris Patrick Frieden; sister, Bonnie Lea Frieden; and brothers, Ted Frieden and Keith Frieden.
Funeral services will be 3:00 pm, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Peabody Chapel, 400 W. 7th St., North Manchester, with Pastor J.P. Freeman and Pastor Randy Myers officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:30 – 3:00 pm Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Peabody Chapel. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 207 W. Main Street, North Manchester.
The family would like to thank the Peabody Staff and Paradigm Hospice Staff for their friendship, care and comfort they have provided for Leo and the family.
The memorial guest book for Leo may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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