Naomi (VanRiper Meier) Friedrich, 102, passed away peacefully at her home at the Cedars of Austin on Feb. 2, 2012.

Naomi was born in Aredale, Iowa, on July 29, 1909. She attended school in Sargeant, Minn. and Anoka, Minn. Naomi married Ralph Meier on August 18, 1926. They had three sons: Eldred, Dallas and Myron. They lived in Brownsdale, Minn. and Austin, Minn., then moved to northern Minnesota, primarily Grand Rapids. They moved back to Brownsdale in 1966 to be closer to family. Ralph passed away in 1972.

Naomi married Gustaf Friedrich in 1977 and they lived in Brownsdale until they moved to Austin in 1996. Gus passed away in 2004.

Naomi was active in the various churches she belonged to, most recently Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. She was also active in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, serving as president of the Grand Rapids Aerie Auxiliary in the early 1960’s.

She enjoyed her contacts with people as a retail sales person and school aide. She also enjoyed quilting, knitting and crocheting. She and Gus enjoyed winters in California, camping, fishing trips up north, and time with their grandchildren.

Naomi is survived by her son Myron (Carolyn) Meier, Austin; daughter-in-law Jean Meier, Hilmar, Calif.; step sons Rodney (Sandra) Friedrich, Austin, Roger (Carol) Friedrich, Denver, Colo. and Dwight Friedrich, Macao, China; step daughters Rochelle (Darrell) Cafourek, Albert Lea, Minn., Pat (Dave) Block, Palm Coast, Fla.; sister-in-law Alice Meier, Austin; brothers-in-law Willy and Albert Friedrich; sisters-in-law Edna (Roger) Ludwig, Gen and Rosella Friedrich and Caroline Lewis; nine grandchildren, many step-grand children and great-grand children; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Estella VanRiper; husbands Ralph Meier and Gustaf Friedrich; sons Eldred and Dallas Meier; daughters-in-law Beverly and Eunice Meier and Cathy Friedrich; step-grandchildren Troy Friedrich and Leann Friedrich; brothers Dale (Lois) and Darwin VanRiper; sisters Ruth (Willis) Buirge, Ileta (Louis) Meier, Elizabeth Friedrich, and LaVonn (Carl) Holm; sisters-in-law Freda (Monroe) Roseth, Laurie Watson and Ida Norman; brothers-in-law Harlan (Emma) Meier, Louis (Ileta) Meier, Lloyd Meier and Alvin (Cora) Meier, John, Henry(Jean) and Fred Friedrich.

The family is planning a celebration of Naomi’s life on Friday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with Pastor Jeffrey Forbes officiating.