Riesen, Frederick B. (1872-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Feb 16 p. 6

Birth date: 1872 Feb 7

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Mar 9 p. 8

text of obituary:

FREDERICK B. RIESEN

I Fred B. Riesen, son of Rudolf and Katharina Friesen Riesen, was born on Feb. 7, 1872 in Berdjiansk, South Russia. I was the second youngest of nine children. I was one and one-half years old when we left for America with my parents.

We stayed in Summerfield, Ill. about three months, and then moved to Marion County, Kansas. I went to the district school and to the Halstead Bible School. I attended church and Sunday school regularly. I felt the desire to join the church through baptism, so in the year 1890 I was baptized by Elder Benjamin Unruh, and entered into the Brudertal Church of which I remained a faithful member.

My parents passed away when I was 20 years sold. After that I had to make my own living for five years. I found my companion in Elisabeth Nickel, and was united in marriage with her on March 18, 1897. She passed away on Nov. 27, 1911. To this union were born five children: Rudolf, Martha ((Mrs. Ed. H. Unruh), Arthur, Cornelius and Frederick.

I married Katharina Dyck on Oct. 3, 1912. To this union were born two sons, Karl and Orlando.

My occupation was farming. I was willing to help in church and school. I served as Sunday School teacher 10 years, as trustee 10 years, on the Bible School Board six years, on the school board 18 years, six years as Peace Treasurer, on the church council for six years, Hillsboro Bible School Board also for six years.

(Up to this pint, the obituary was written by father himself.)

Father attended church regularly as long as health permitted. When church attendance was not possible, the parents enjoyed the First Mennonite Church worship service by radio. They also listened regularly to the Faith and Life radio programs.

Father passed to his eternal home on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the age of 88 years, 11 months, 22 days. Preceding him in death were one son Rudolf, a daughter Martha, Mrs. Ed. H. Unruh, and two great grandchildren.

Remaining to mourn his passing are five sons, Arthur and wife Amelia of Newton, Kan., Cornelius and wife Edna of Sedgwick, Kan., Frederick and wife Margaret of Wichita, Kan., Karl and wife Elda of Hillsboro, and Orlando and wife Nina of San Leandro, Calif.; a son-in-law; Mrs. Walter Schmidt of Gotebo, Okla. In addition to these he is survived by his youngest brother, Jacob Riesen of Watson, Sask.; a brother-in-law, H. S. Voth; 22 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.