It is with great sadness the family of Joseph Vincent “Toby” Friemel, 83, announces his passing on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. Toby was born November 27, 1935, in Amarillo, Texas, to Fredrick and Mary (Crouch) Friemel. He lived and attended school in Umberger, Texas, for 21 years after which Toby attended the University of Houston, University of Colorado and West Texas AM University. From 1960-1962 he served honorably in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, CO. Toby met his wife Evalina (Eve) in Denver, Colorado, and were married in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. They moved to Burlington, Colorado, where they started their first Napa auto parts store.
Toby owned and operated Toby’s Automotive, Inc. for over 35 years with Eve at his side, giving him roots in Burlington, Colorado; Imperial, Nebraska; and Cedaredge, Colorado. Throughout his life he was active in these communities in the Chamber of Commerce, community special events, Catholic church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Toby’s passion was fueled by his love for hunting, fishing and camping, often leading to the great adventures he and Eve experienced throughout their lives as well as enriching his family and friends’ lives through countless adventures.
When Toby and Eve moved to Cedaredge, Colorado, in 1993, they continued to own and operate Napa Auto Parts Stores and developed many lifetime friends through their membership in the Catholic church and the business as they had done before in Burlington and Imperial. Toby always emphasized the importance of service to your community and church; helping others and encouraging continued education through his charitable giving remained a priority even in his later years.
Toby is survived by his sons Andy (Deb) of Spokane, WA, and Ronald (Christina) of Glenwood Springs, CO; daughter Amy Jo (Lee) Carlson of Spokane, WA; Joedy (Amy) of Spokane, WA; sister Betty Birkenfeld; and 10 grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by the love of his life Eve; and his siblings Richard Friemel, Louise Craddock, Margaret Hill and Cecelia Dye Parks.
A celebration of his life will be held in Cedaredge, Colorado, at St. Phillips Catholic Church, on Friday, March 1, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Memorial gifts can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Toby’s name. Please share memories of Toby at http://www.HennesseyValley.com.
Cards and condolences can be sent to:
Amy Jo Carlson
11811 E. 18th Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
970-270-7026