Ralph Leroy Friesen

Ralph Leroy Friesen of Petaluma, CA passed away at his home on January 7, 2015 at the age of 94, following complications from surgery. Ralph was born on May 16, 1920 in Thomas, Oklahoma but resided in Southern California for most of his life. In the 1940's Ralph was involved with the original Flying Wing (YB 49), the grandfather of the Stealth bomber and was flight engineer in numerous test flights of that and other military aircraft. Ralph worked for Northrop for 45 years, retiring as a Project Manager at Northrop Corporation (now Northrop/Grumman) and during his career managed projects in the Far East and Europe, including 14 years in Greece managing Northrop Corporation's contract with NATO. He and his wife returned to Southern California in 1984 and moved to Petaluma in 2003 to be close to kids and grandkids. He is survived by his wife, Olga, his son Lloyd Friesen and daughter-in-law, Michele Friesen, by his stepson, Aris Pologeorgis and his wife Lisa Pologeorgis, his granddaughter Amy Friesen, great grandson, Gabriel Hanes Friesen and grandchildren Theo, Alexa and Silas Pologeorgis. Also, by his sisters, Esther Mae Richwine of Pennsylvania and Allyne Isaac of Ontario, Canada and many nephews, nieces and grandnieces. The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. John's Anglican Church, 532 South McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.