Charles Douglas Friberg

Charles “Charlie” Douglas Friberg, age 75,  passed away on July 9, 2024, in El Paso, Texas. He was born on October 16, 1948, in Odessa, Texas.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marcia. He leaves behind a loving family, including his sister Debra Parsons (Stan) and brother John Friberg (Sue), his sons Michael Charles Friberg (Kayla), Andrew Davis Friberg (Jennifer), Jonathan David Friberg (Rachel), and his daughter Jennifer Dawn Willis. He was a proud grandfather to Mia Friberg, Alexandra Willis, Charlee Pinkham, Douglas Willis (Madison), Samantha Friberg, Benjamin Willis, Emma Willis, Jennifer Friberg, Noah Torres, Michael Friberg, Ryan Friberg, Zachary Friberg, Ashlynn Friberg, Aaron Friberg, and Gavin Friberg.

He was predeceased by his son, Douglas Allen Friberg, his grandson, Sean Friberg, his parents Joseph and Leona Friberg, his sister Vicky Patterson, and his brother Joseph Friberg, Jr.

Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Montoya, on June 15, 1968. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972, stationed in Germany. After his military service, he built a career spanning 35 years as a finish carpenter, commercial superintendent and general contractor in El Paso, Texas and Ruidoso, New Mexico. He took immense pride in his work and was highly respected in the community for his dedication to his skills and craftsmanship.

Charlie also had a passion for cars and enjoyed working on them. He loved understanding how things worked and had a natural talent for fixing things. His favorite vehicle was a VW sand rail that he and his younger brother, John, built in their high school years. He was very proud of their sand rail, as it turned heads everywhere they took it. Years later, as a young father, he could be found at Reds Sands exploring the dunes and sharing his passion with his family. 

An avid fan of baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, Charlie enjoyed spending time with his family watching baseball games. Vacations were often spent in San Diego watching Cubs baseball or attending spring training in Arizona with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Eventually, him and Marcia were able to visit Chicago and watch the Cubs play at Wrigley Field. However, as much as he loved the Cubs, his love of baseball began with Little League baseball where he both coached and rooted for his sons and grandsons. 

Known for his sweet tooth, Charlie was often in the kitchen baking his favorite treats like spice cake and brownies. His grandchildren cherished their "Papa" and knew that he always had a stash of peanut M&M's to share with them.

Though he lived in various places throughout his life, Charlie's heart always belonged to Ruidoso, which is the only place he ever truly called home.

Charlie's legacy of caring for and supporting his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 3, 2024, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruidoso, NM. Following the service, please join the family at a reception celebrating Charlie’s life at their home located at 111 Ridgecrest Drive. 

Pallbearers are Louie Reza, David Reza, Douglas Willis, Benjamin Willis, Michael Friberg, Ryan Friberg, Zach Friberg, and Aaron Friberg.