Robert Elmer Friedrichs was born July 8, 1943, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robert married Nancy on May 20, 1998, and they had one child together with two children from Nancy's previous marriage: Shaun (son), Gerry (stepson), and Michael (stepson).

Friedrichs obtained an associate of science degree (1973) and bachelor of science degree (1976) in Radiologic Technology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 1984, Friedrichs obtained Master of Business Administration (MMBA) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.