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Thread: John Friel, "TooManyFords", has passed away

  1. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Rosemount, MN
    Age
    60
    Posts
    2,224
    Here is John's Obituary.

    John P. Friel III
    Obituary
    John Patrick Friel III, 64, of Waterloo, died on Monday, December 30, 2024.

    He was born on January 21, 1960, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of John “Jack” Friel Jr. and Marion (Denner) Frohn. A 1978 graduate of Cedar Falls High School, John briefly attended the University of Northern Iowa before leaving to launch his programming career at John Deere. On June 22, 1985, he was united in marriage to Kathy Rhinehart at the United Methodist Church in Victor, Iowa; they later divorced.

    A lifelong innovator, in 1984 John authored and freely distributed QModem, a telecommunications program that helped thousands of users access bulletin board systems and, ultimately, the burgeoning internet. With his entrepreneurial spirit, he also established the Cedar Valley’s first internet service provider, the Forbin Project, bringing affordable dial-up internet access to his hometown. John sold his company to VGM at the turn of the century, staying on to grow the business, leaving and then returning prior to retiring in July of 2024. In retirement, he continued as the sole proprietor of Frieltek Consulting, continuing to share his expertise and passion for computers and supporting friends and clients in Northeast Iowa.

    Beyond his technological achievements, John was known as a gearhead, always working on his cars—especially his beloved Mercury Marauders. He raced his blue “Prorauder” at the Cedar Falls Motorsports Park and John received accolades at car shows and drag racing events across the country.

    John filled every space he entered with his jolly, friendly manner and a distinctive laugh that drew people to him. He was a father to one and a friend to all, generous with his time and always willing to offer support, advice, or simply a hearty chuckle.

    John cherished his time at home with his three cats—Thurston, Mr. Fluffy, and Trouble—who will deeply miss his gentle care and attention. He is survived by his son, Aaron (Rebecca Fay) Friel of Oakland, California; his mother, Marion Frohn of Cedar Falls; his sister, Ann Fremont of Des Moines; and his brother, Don Friel of Cedar Falls. He was preceded in death by his father; his brother-in-law, Darrell Fremont; and his stepfather, Robert Frohn.

    Inurnment and a Celebration of Life will be held at noon on May 3rd, 2025, at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls with a reception following at the Cedar Falls Women’s Club. John’s memory lives on through the technology he pioneered, the local internet community he fostered, the rumble of the cars he loved, and the countless friendships he formed along the way.

  2. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Jersey Girl
    Posts
    8,734
    Aaron, I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks to Crouse for posting the obit. John was one of the superstars of our Marauder club. His Prorauder was legendary among our group, and far beyond. We were always so glad to see him when he traveled East to club events like Marauderville and Carlisle. In addition to Marauders, and John's bigger than life personality, I immediately took to him for the mere fact of being a fellow Iowan. I moved away in the 4th grade but have spent a lot of time in the Cedar Falls area over the years. My parents graduated from UNI (formerly Iowa State Teachers College) and were married in Cedar Falls. They were buried last June, just a short distance away, in their hometown of Traer. Mr. Man and I will make a point of paying our respects at John's resting place, when we make our next trip to Iowa. RIP John and our sympathy to all those friends and especially family who miss you.
    Paula
    2004 Silver Birch

    Silver Birch Society

    "I hear and I Forget
    I see and I Remember
    I do and I Understand"


  3. #18
    Join Date
    Dec 2024
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Age
    36
    Posts
    5
    Thanks for the kind words everyone. All are welcome to offer condolences and let us know if you'll attend his funeral at at frieltek.com.

  4. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Near Knoxville TN
    Age
    67
    Posts
    10,732
    Devastating news. John will be severely missed, his innovation, spirit, enthusiasm and sense of humor made him one of a kind. My condolences for your loss, as well as our loss in the Marauder world. RIP John
    Thanks to Darrin @ BC Automotive:
    $1800 and it was worse than when he started!

    Brian (FordNut) FPG # 1458 of 7838
    03 MM 300A (Lotsa mods, 130k mi) was 303rwhp/318rwtq N/A
    then 476/410 D1SC ProCharged on stock block
    then 660/555 D1SC PC on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    then 365/369 N/A on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    Now 751/617 3.4L Whipple on 5.3 Boss5.0 iron big bore stroker

    03 MM 300B Silver (Mostly stock, originally wife's car, 370k mi) FPG # 7053 of 7838 or 49 of 417 SB
    03 MM 300B Silver, Stock, wife's next one, 136k mi FPG # 7134 of 7838 or 89 of 417 SB
    04 MM Silver, Stock, on standby 85k mi, FPG # 1212 of 3214 or 432 of 997 SB
    01 F150 longbed
    01 F150 shortbed
    00 F150 4x4 stepside
    01 F150 4x4 7700
    68 Stang FB (70 351C 4V, 4 wheel discs, project car)

    Mods listed here (some items not current): FordNut's Mods

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