GUILDERLAND — Ernest W. Friebel, a proud family man and avid camper, died suddenly on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. He was 87.

Mr. Friebel was born in Albany, on June 5, 1926, to Otto and Catherine (Olsmit) Friebel.

He married the love of his life, Bessie Wilson, on Nov. 8, 1947. Their marriage ended only with his death.

The couple raised four children together.

Mr. Friebel loved camping with family and friends, according to a tribute written by his family. He was very involved with the Good Sam’s Camping Association and the National Campers and Hikers Association. He loved camping on the East Coast, in Ontario, and in the central United States.

He also loved fishing, and it didn’t matter if it was on a lake or creekside. He loved teaching the art of fishing to his children and grandchildren, especially when vacationing.

“He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments,” his family wrote.

After he retired from General Electric, he and his wife traveled cross-country four times.

He was also an active member of the Guilderland Elks Lodge 2480 and was Elk of the Year in 1986-87.

Mr. Friebel was also a “real Mr. Fixit,” according to his family, and was always working on a project. He enjoyed passing that knowledge onto his children, as well.

“He was a farmer at heart, loved being in the garden, and took pride in his rhubarb,” wrote his family.”

In addition to his wife, Bessie, he is survived by his children, Walter E. Friebel, and his wife, Sandra, William A. Friebel, and his wife, Deborah, Elisabeth M. Whitman, and her husband, Charles, and Steve L. Friebel, and his wife, Adrian; his grandchildren, Vicki Hubert, Katrina, Daniel and Corey Friebel, Matthew and Brian Friebel, Dylan Friebel, and Christopher and Marc Whitman; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents died before him, as did his six siblings.

A funeral service was held on Nov. 6 at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Rottderam. Arrangements were by the Fredendall Funeral Home, in Altamont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2850 Guilderland Ave., Rotterdam, NY 12306, or the Northeast Kidney Foundation, 501 New Karner Road, Suite 6, Albany, NY 12205.