Miguel Frietze Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, Miguel (Mike) C. Frietze, Jr., at the age of 97. Mike joined the angels and his children, Michael and Patsy, on November 18, 2024.

Mike was born in Mesilla, New Mexico on September 16, 1927, to Miguel Saenz Frietze and Arcadia Cajen Frietze. Mike grew up in Mesilla and spent time living with his Tio Pablo and Tia Alifonsa Orrantia in Mesilla Park where he attended school. Mike attended Las Cruces Union High School. He joined the United States Navy on July 3, 1945, and completed his high school diploma while serving in the Navy. Mike completed his Naval service in 1949 and returned home to Mesilla. Upon his return, he met Inez Rodriguez, whom he married on October 14, 1950. They’d recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. Together Mike and Inez had six children, Michael, Barbara, Patsy, Ronnie, Mark and Celina.

Mike was a man who wore many hats. He was the County Clerk from 1961 – 1964, State Representative in 1965, County Manager from 1965 – 1969, retired as a Lt. Colonel from the United States Army National Guard after 25 years of service, and then joined the New Mexico State Police Special Investigations Division. Mike was an active member of the Knights of Columbus which had him helping in several areas such as Las Cruces Catholic Schools, Las Cruces Mariachi Conference, K of C Bingo and Bar, among others. Mike enjoyed helping with the enchilada dinners and fiestas in Tortugas, with the New Mexico Senior Olympics, he was an avid golfer, dancer and in his younger years a boxer, football and baseball player.

Mike was preceded in death by his son Michael, his daughter Patsy, as well as brothers Nacianceno (Cheno) Frietze and Lionel Frietze.

Those left to mourn his loss are his wife, Inez. His children Barbara, Ronnie, Mark (Jeannette) and Celina. His grandchildren Nonnie (Gilbert), Juan Joseph (Summer), Joseph Ryan, Andrianna (Stan), Bailey (Drew), Trevor (Alayna), Nisi, and Adi. His best friend, favorite son, confidant, chauffer and caretaker, his grandson, Trey (Hillary). His great-grandchildren Denae (Abdel), Marcos, Marley, Bella, Tone, Gia, Mia, Belle, Paxton and Teagan. He is also survived by his brother William (Willie/Bill) Frietze (Laverne) and Oscar (Cleo) Frietze, along with many relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Tortugas with a rosary to follow at 7 pm. A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 2 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with military honors. Cremation will follow. A fellowship will take place following the funeral mass.

Serving as pall bearers are Juan Joseph Ytuarte, Joseph Ryan Frietze, Trey Rosales, Trevor Frietze, Gilbert Moncada, Marcos Ytuarte, Joe Raymond Fierro, Johnathan Martinez. Serving as honorary pall bearers are Nonnie Ytuarte, Andrianna Gonzalez, Denae Madina, Bailey Frietze, Teagan McLellan, Belle Dudoit, Paxton Trosper, Marley Moncada, Nisi Telles, Adi Telles, Bella Ytuarte, Gia Lopez, and Tone and Mia Stanzione.