Friesen, Gary Allen (1947-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Jul 8 p. 3

Birth date: 1947 Jun 17

Great sorrow came to the Corn, Okla. community when seven persons, all residents or former residents there, lost their lives in the flood waters which covered Highway 66 near Hydro the evening of June 22.

The car carrying the group of four adults and four children became stalled in the rapidly rising waters. They tried to wade out of the danger area, but found it necessary to take refuge in a parked car, and only the husband and father of the one family, Harvey Friesen, escaped when several sudden waves covered the car. Those who died were Harvey's wife and three children; his sister, Mrs. Edgar Rogolsky and son; and his brother, Wilson Friesen.

A mass funeral for the seven victims was held at the Mennonite Brethren church at Corn on Sunday afternoon, June 27, with an estimated 3,000 persons in attendance. The obituaries follow.

text of obituary:

GARY ALLEN FRIESEN

Gary Allen Friesen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Friesen was born on June 17, 1947, and passed away June 22, 1948, reaching an age of one year and five days. Gary was a healthy child and the true sunshine in the home of his parents as well as grandparents. We could not thank the Lord sufficiently for him and his short life, but we know Heaven will be nearer since Gary is there. — The bereaved husband, Harvey Friesen.