Theodore "Ted" J. Friesz

Ted was born March 10, 1936, in Richardton, North Dakota to Adam and Anne (Messmer) Friesz. Ted married Margaret (Kearsey) Gabrielson on March 4, 1966, bringing along two sons, Jeff, and Eric.

In his younger days, Ted used to race stock cars and flat tracks.

In 1964 Ted rode his horse Duke from the Seattle World’s Fair to the New York World’s Fair arriving in 1965. Along the way he carried a letter from then Governor Dan Evans, and the mayor of Seattle to the Governor and mayor of New York. He took this adventure on with no sponsors, or horse trailers. He loved to tell people about his journey, and the people he met along the way. Some of the odd jobs he took to make ends meet were, working for a circus in the winter taking care of the circus horses. He also did a mock bank holdup at Jackson State Bank, in Wyoming. He stayed in Boys Town, Nebraska while waiting for the weather to clear.

Ted loved to fish, dig clams, and go crabbing. He loved to build picnic tables, flower planters, and he also smoked the best salmon ever!

Ted was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 612 since 1973. He was a member of the Painters and Allied Trades since 1985. He painted many bridges, water towers, missile silos, navy ships, and the King Dome to name a few.

His years working in the Operating Engineers was mostly with Glacier Sand and Gravel. He helped clear the property where the Tumwater Valley Golf Course is now. He was a member of the Puyallup Elks #1450 for 46 years. He was made a lifetime member of the Tacoma Unit of the Washington State Horseman Association.

Ted was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Rita Stecker, brothers Gordon and Richard, and his son Jeffrey Gabrielson.

Ted is survived by his wife Margaret (Kearsey) Gabrielson Friesz, son Eric, and granddaughter Malea Gabrielson. Twin brothers Duane and Bernard, and several nephews and nieces.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ted Saturday August 23, 2025, at Rivers Edge at 4611 Tumwater Valley Dr. SE Olympia, WA 98501 from       1:00-4:00 PM. Kindly RSVP @ 360 890-6785