Kyle Friedow

Kyle Winston Friedow, 62 years of age, passed away unexpectedly on January 19, 2024. 

Kyle was born February 19, 1961, in Belmond, IA. He was the fifth and youngest child born to his parents Doyce and Audrey (Johnson) Friedow. Kyle lived on a farm with his family in Kanawha, IA, where his lifelong love of farming and Poland China pigs began. When he was in the 3rdgrade, his family moved to Madison, SD, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother and father. In 1979, Kyle graduated from Madison High School, where he participated in baseball, tennis, debate, and band.

Kyle attended Dakota State and received Bachelor of Science degrees in English and History and played collegiate tennis. He moved to Rapid City, SD, where he served as a deputy sheriff in Pennington County. He returned to Dakota State to earn a third undergraduate degree, in English for Information Systems. For his Master of Arts in English, he then attended South Dakota State University. During this time, Kyle met and married the love of his life, Jill Manternach of Cascade, IA. 

After a year of marriage, Kyle and Jill moved to Kent, OH. At Kent State University, Kyle earned his PhD in English, specializing in British Victorian literature, in 1996. He began teaching collegiate English and literature courses while he and Jill welcomed their first-born, Eliot. Kyle and Jill moved to Madison, WI, in 1999.

In Wisconsin, Kyle continued to teach collegiate English classes, and he and Jill welcomed their next two children, Quinn and Owen. Kyle turned to raising his children, the pride and joy of his life. The unconditional love and guidance he provided his sons is his legacy. 

Kyle was a very active community member. He volunteered with his sons’ youth hockey and baseball organizations. He enjoyed coaching and mentoring many young baseball players on each of his son’s teams and at Edgewood High School. Kyle was also involved in his sons’ school communities, Our Lady Queen of Peace School and Edgewood High School, and his parish community. Also, he helped establish and tended the perennial garden for the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens for many years. Most recently, Kyle found enjoyment in his time working with staff, patrons, and Owen at Blain’s Farm and Fleet. His smile, stories, kindness, and service touched all who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Kyle is survived by his loving wife Jill Friedow of Madison, WI, and his sons Eliot of Milwaukee, WI, Quinn of Denver, CO, and Owen of Madison, WI. Kyle is also survived by his sisters Donyce (Pete) Eekhoff of White, SD, Holyce Nissen of Ames, IA, Joslyn (Gordy) Lubbers of Iowa Falls, IA, and his sister-in-law Liz (Steve) Hofer of Madison, SD. He is also survived by his in-laws Ralph and Rita Manternach of Cascade, IA, Pam (Dave) Ockenfels of Wellman, IA, Brian (LuAnn) Manternach of Cascade, IA, Dale (Sharon) Manternach of Cascade, IA, and Ross (Jolene) Manternach of Greeley, CO, along with his many nieces and nephews and their families.  

Kyle was preceded in death by his parents Doyce and Audrey Friedow, stepfather Paul Christiansen, brother Monty Friedow, and brother-in-law Steve Nissen.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service of Madison, Wis. was in charge of arrangements.