Steve Friedrich
The 2025 Farmer City Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year is Steve Friedrich. As you all know Steve was taken way too soon from us. Accepting the award tonight is his wife Shelley and their kids Gus and Lily. We really appreciate you coming tonight and allowing us to honor him.
I knew Steve from our boys growing up together and all the school and community events that entails. I reached out to some of his friends to make sure I was able to more fully talk about him. Everyone I talked to about Steve immediately started smiling and really enjoyed reminiscing about their experiences with him.
Steve or “Bolt” was the definition of Old School Cool is my favorite quote I got about him and I think it explains him perfectly. Seeing him ride around on his motorcycle on a sunny day, I hope I have a percentage of that level of cool someday.
Steve was a fountain of knowledge on vintage motorcycles and was great at fixing and tinkering with things. The Farmer City Extravaganza came out of that love for motorcycles and for his fellow gear heads. He was a true leather craftsman making really interesting and intricate items like seats, saddle bags, purses and many other works of art.
He didn't see problems, he saw opportunities is another of my favorite quotes about him. I saw that when we'd be talking about something in the city or school or out on the sidewalk at the Baptist Church. All were things he was engaged in or volunteered for. Pastor White shared that Steve had a huge heart and He was always interested in finding ways to help others. He was just as concerned in providing that help in a humble manner. If he could not provide the help anonymously, he would at least find a way that did not shine a spotlight on himself.
Steve jumped with both booted feet into being the Crossing Guard at the school. He saw an opportunity to help out and brought a lot of joy to the kids, parents, and the faculty and staff at the schools. I would sometimes drive down John Street instead of going around just so I could wave and feel a little of that Steve joy and warm smile. He was definitely a character and he will be missed. I hope that we can all be remembered as having such an impact on our community like Steve did. I would say the best tribute we can give him is to pass on that same joyful smile and servant heart to each other and the rest of the community.
So please help me celebrate and honor Steve Friedrich as the 2025 Farmer City Citizen of the Year.