Friesen, John E. (1894-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Jun 22 p. 6

Birth date: 1894 Apr 20

text of obituary:

. . .

— Funeral services were conducted Monday forenoon at the First Mennonite Church of Halstead for John E. Friesen, 67, of Pasadena, Calif. Rev. Roland R. Goering, the pastor, and Dr. D. C. Wedel of Winfield officiated. Mr. Friesen had come to Kansas for the funeral of his brother, Cornelius E. Friesen of Hutchinson, and suffered a fatal heart attack Thursday morning, June 15,at the home of another brother, Abe Friesen, in Wichita. He farmed in the Halstead and Sedgwick communities before moving to Pasadena in 1944. Surviving are his widow, Marie, one daughter, two sons, three brothers, three sisters and 10 grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Jun 29 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOHN E. FRIESEN

John E. Friesen, son of Cornelius and Maria Epp Friesen, was born in Harvey County, Kansas April 20, 1894. He died June 15 at 7 a.m. at Wichita at the age of 67 years, one month and 25 days.

In his youth he felt the burden of sin, through earnest prayer received forgiveness of his sin, and was received into the Hebron Mennonite Church.

Later he transferred his membership to the Garden Mennonite Church and here was united in holy wedlock with Marie Ewy on August 20, 1919. To this union three children were born. After his marriage he was engaged in farming in the Halstead and Sedgwick communities until 1944 when he and his now bereaved wife moved to Pasadena, Calif. where he lived until he was taken to his heavenly home.

This move caused his church affiliation to be changed to the Mission Covenant Church in Pasadena where the Saviour because very precious to him. He loved his church, serving as a deacon in the Mennonite Church and later in the Mission Covenant Church.

He was employed by the Light and Power Department of Pasadena as gardener until his death. Six years ago he suffered his first heart attack. Although his strength was not fully restored, city officials of Pasadena appreciated his service so much that they continued to employ him and gave him a leave to come to Kansas to attend the funeral of his brother, Cornelius E. Friesen. He died the day of his brother's funeral.

He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved wife, Marie; one daughter, Velma Broz, and her husband James of Marion; two sons, Harlan and wife Bertha of Halstead, and Kenneth and wife Juanita of Pasadena; and tenderly beloved grandchildren who were a source of inspiration to him and whom he often mentioned in prayer that each might let the Saviour come into their hearts and grow in His likeness. He loved and trusted the Lord until he was taken Home.

Also surviving are three sisters and three brothers. Abe of Wichita, Frank of Tawanda [sic Towanda], Kansas, David, of Portland, Oregon, Mary, Mrs. J. B. Stucky, and Katie, Mrs. J. E. Stucky, both of Moundridge, Kansas, and Elizabeth, Mrs. Charlie Haeger of Almont, N. D.; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held June 19, 1961 at 10 a. m. in the First Mennonite Church in Halstead, Rev. Roland Goering and Dr. D. C. Wedel officiating. Interment was in the Halstead Cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1961 Aug 1 p. 492