George Vincent Freidhof

George Vincent Freidhof, age 78, died Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center surrounded by family.

Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Knipper presiding.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton, Iowa, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.

George Freidhof was born on March 8, 1948, in Elma, Iowa, to Vincent and Phyllis (Burke) Freidhof. He lived a life marked by faith, family, service, and a deep love for the land and the people around him. He was raised with the values of hard work, humility, and community that would guide him throughout his years, and he carried those values into every role he held as a husband, teacher, mentor, and friend.

George graduated from New Hampton High School in 1966 and continued his education at Iowa State University, where he graduated in 1970. His education prepared him for a lifelong commitment to teaching and to helping young people discover their strengths and purpose. He especially loved teaching VoAg, where he was able to share his knowledge of agriculture and encourage students to appreciate the importance of farming, leadership, and responsibility.

George began his teaching career in Centerville, teaching there for five years, where he met the love of his life, Julie Hansen. Their relationship grew into a lifelong partnership, and they were married on December 30, 1972, at the United Methodist Church in Rolfe, Iowa. Together, they built a strong and loving family rooted in faith, laughter, and support for one another. George later spent 27 years teaching in New Hampton, where he became a respected and beloved educator whose influence reached far beyond the classroom.

In addition to his years in education, George served 13 years with Howard County Conservation, continuing his dedication to the outdoors and to preserving the natural world he cherished so deeply. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and farming, and he especially treasured the memories of fishing derbies as a child with his dad. Those early experiences helped shape his lifelong appreciation for time spent outdoors and for the simple pleasures that often became the most meaningful.

George was also known for his adventurous spirit. He proudly participated in a cross-country bicycle journey during Iowa’s 150th year celebration, completing a 100-day trip from California to Washington, D.C. That accomplishment reflected his determination, endurance, and willingness to embrace a challenge. He also enjoyed Ragbrai and loved sports in particular wrestling in which his boys excelled. He also worked many wrestling events as well throughout the years (mainly the local Lions Club Youth Tournament), always finding joy in activity, camaraderie, and the shared excitement of competition and travel.

His love for youth and agriculture extended well beyond his classroom years. George was an FFA advisor and had a special appreciation for everything FFA and 4-H represented. What began as his passion became a family affair, as his children and grandchildren came to share in that same enthusiasm and pride. He loved following his children’s activities and later his grandchildren’s events, and he never missed an opportunity to support them with encouragement, pride, and genuine interest in their lives.

George was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes and was deeply involved in the church and all that surrounded it. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he lived it through service, generosity, and steady commitment. He was also an avid member of the Knights of Columbus, where he found fellowship and purpose in helping others and strengthening his community.
In his spare time, George enjoyed doing some taxidermy as a hobby, another reflection of his appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors. He approached life with curiosity, patience, and a steady hand, and those who knew him will remember his many interests, his kind spirit, and the quiet way he made others feel valued.

George will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected teacher, and faithful servant to his church and community. His life was one of purpose and generosity, and his legacy will live on in the many students he taught, the family he loved, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

George is survived by his wife Julie (Hansen) Freidhof of Elma; sons Brad (Tammy) Freidhof of Coralville and Jeff (Heidi) Freidhof of Adel; brother Ron Freidhof of Bettendorf; sisters Nancy Worple of Elma and Kathy Freidhof of Cedar Falls; grandchildren: Carter and Olivia Freidhof, Jessie, Ben, and Jake Peterson, and Hayden, Brynn, and Blayne Schneider; and many nieces and nephews; Step-Siblings Jean (Bill) Irvin of Decorah, Roger (Jessica) Dietrich of Alta Vista and Lois Burke of Elma.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Phyllis (Burke) Freidhof; brother Kenneth Freidhof in infancy; and parents-in-laws Chester and Mildred Hansen; Step-Father Francis Dietrich.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lourdes Cemetery or Luther College Wrestling.

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