Michael Bernard (Mike) Friga, age 80

Michael Bernard (Mike) Friga made his final trip in life on Friday, July 7, 2023 when he passed away with his ever-present wife at his side.

Mike was born October 4, 1942 in Paris, Arkansas to Frieda J. (Kremers) Friga and Bernard E. Friga. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael A. Friga and grandson Cameron Friga,  both  of Little Rock, Arkansas.

He is survived by his wife, Deanna (Dee Meier) from Paragould, Arkansas, son David Friga of Fort Worth, Texas, grandson, Corey (Kristi) Friga, and great grandsons, Eli and Gannon Friga of Montana, Harlan Friga of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Step-Son Steve Hollis of Little Rock. Three siblings, Betty (Friga) Maddox (Jim, deceased) of Paris, Bobby (Marilyn) Friga of Russellville, Arkansas, Cindy (Gatewood) Dudley of Americus, Georgia, and multiple nieces and nephews.

Mike  was educated at Saint Joseph’s Catholic school in Paris and graduated from Subiaco Academy in 1960. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961 and returned in 1965. He went on to join the US Army Reserves and served his country until 1994, and then in civil service as an aircraft inspector until retirement in 2001.

He found the love of his life, Dee, and they married in 1977 finding peace with her for the next 45 years of his life until the very end. They traveled extensively during those years of happiness. He treasured his family and included his grandsons and great grandsons as often as possible in his and Dee’s life. Mike enjoyed his cigars and a drink in the evening sitting on his porch and watching the Arkansas River flow past his house. We will greatly miss him, and his wonderful smiles.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 9:30am with funeral service at 10:30am at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville.

Mike’s remains will be interned at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, on July 13th at 12:00 PM.

Memorials in Mike’s honor may be made to Saint Joseph Catholic School; 25 Spruce Street, Paris, AR 72855.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com