Friesen, Pete E. (1894-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Oct 30 p. 3

Birth date: 1895 Oct 17

text of obituary:

WELL-KNOWN CONWAY, KANSAS FARMER KILLED WHILE WORKING IN FIELD

Inman, Kan. — Funeral services were held at the Zion Mennonite Church near here Oct. 16 for P. E. Friesen, 63, well-known Conway farmer who was killed while working in the field.

A neighbor notices a tractor circling in the field. He went to investigate and found Mr. Friesen's body being dragged by a springtooth harrow attached to the tractor. Exact circumstances of his death are unknown.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 6 p. 8

text of obituary:

PETE E. FRIESEN

Pete E. Friesen, son of John H. and Katherine Ensz Friesen, was born near Inman, Kansas on Oct. 17, 1894, and passed away very unexpectedly on Oct. 13, 1958. He lacked only four days of reaching his 64th birthday. Death came as the result of an accident while doing field work with a tractor not far from his home.

Father received his education at the South Liberty school northwest of Inman, and grew to manhood in this community.

An older brother, John Friesen, was struck and killed by lightning in 1914. This caused our father to become concerned and to call upon the Lord, feeling his lost condition and the need of a Saviour. Upon the forgiveness of his sins and the confession of his faith, he was baptized and received into the fellowship of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on Dec. 6, 1914. He remained a faithful member to the end.

On Oct. 21, 1917, he was joined in marriage to Margaret Giesbrecht, and we have shared life's joys and sorrows for nearly 41 years. We first made our home at Montezuma, Kansas, afterward near Halstead, Kansas where we lived until 1932. We then moved to a farm near Conway, Kansas, which has been our home since.

Five children were born to this union, two daughters and three sons. Surviving children are Malinda and Alden Unruh of Burns, Kansas, Velda and John Toews of Conway, Kansas, Floyd and Betty Friesen of Halstead, Kansas, and Orville and Ruth Friesen of Grafton, N. Dakota. One son died in infancy.

Father was of a cheerful and quiet nature, making many friends by his pleasant disposition, and was held in high regard by his neighbors.

He was a faithful provider for his own, being much concerned for the spiritual and material welfare of his family. He had a special delight in his grandchildren, who in turn loved and cherished him. Only a few days before his departure we heard him praying to his Heavenly Father, pouring out his heart to Him.

A number of years ago, father was seriously ill with pleurisy pneumonia following an appendix operation, but recovered to enjoy reasonably good health.

After completing his own wheat seeding this fall he had been helping a neighbor for the past week. Sunday evening father showed special concern for his family. Early Monday morning he left home in good spirits, as usual, to operate a tractor and a springtooth harrow. Just how his end came, we do not know, but he was found under the harrow, bruised and lifeless, at about 10 a. m. We are indeed sad that he met such a tragic end, but we are not without hope. Rather we are confident that his spirit has only departed this life of sorrow, pain and tears, to be at rest with the Lord.

He leaves to mourn his departure his sorrowing companion, four children, nine grandchildren; five brothers, George of Reedley, Calif., Jake of Livingston, Calif., Henry and Dick of Montezuma, Kan., and Ike of Zurich, Kan.; five sisters, Mrs. Pete Harms of Montezuma, Mrs. Lena Toews of Inman, Mrs. Edd Koehn of Halstead, and Susie and Elizaeth of Wichita; also many relatives, neighbors and friends.

His parents, one infant son, one grandson, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at 2 p. m. Oct. 16 at the Zion Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Ministers John A. Ensz and Abe R. Toews officiating. Interment was made in the Zion cemetery near Inman with Min. Carl Dirks of Halstead officiating. — Mother and Children.