Lonnie Dean Friest

Obituary

Lonnie Dean Friest

December 15, 1962- August 3, 2025

Lonnie Dean Friest, 62, passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 15, 1962, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Ronald Alvin and LaVonne Ann (Jensen) Friest. Lonnie was raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, and graduated from Centennial Alternative High School.

As an adult, he lived in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. He found work at Holly Sugar and stayed there for several years before seeking something more stable. That opportunity came at Worland Middle School, where he began working as a custodian—a job he would take great pride in for the next 28 years, until his recent retirement as Head Custodian.

He might have seemed to have a serious, matter-of-fact personality but with family, close friends and children, he was soft-hearted and approachable. He became a steady fixture in school, and many remembered him with affection and respect.

Lonnie was independent and liked doing things his own way. He was a jack of all trades and especially gifted in woodworking—crafting tables, bookshelves, and helping upgrade school facilities whenever he could. He was always learning, always building, always fixing. His other passion was cooking; he always had potato soup and chili in the freezer.

Animals held a special place in his heart, and he loved his cats and dogs like family. Coming home to them brought him comfort and companionship. In his free time, Lonnie enjoyed listening to music and collecting anything that caught his eye. His tastes were eclectic—if something sparked his interest, it came home with him. There didn't need to be a reason or a theme—just joy in the finding.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his brother, Ladd Friest of Basin, Wyoming; sisters, Debbie Friest (Ray Bonsack) of Lexington, Nebraska, Dawn (Bill) Tinney of Muskegon, Michigan, Wendy (Robert) Block of Lemmon, South Dakota, Penny Friest of Basin and Brandie Gobble (James) of Flagstaff. Arizona.

No formal services are planned at this time. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.