Friesen, Katie Martens (1910-1991)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1991 Oct 11 p.28

Birth date: 1910 Sept 21

text of obituary:

KATIE FRIESEN

Katie Friesen of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Aug. 29. She was born Sept. 21, 1910 to Johann and Anna Martens in Taschinak, Ukraine. Her mother died of TB in 1918. The family fled to Crimea. Her father died of TB after his horses and warm clothes were confiscatfed. The children came to Canada in 1925. She worked in the farm house and fields in Plum Coulee, Man. After many struggles she accepted Jesus, based on John 6:37. She was baptized and joined Winkler MB Church. She studied at Winkler Bible School 5 years. She did house work in summers, taking time off to teach DVBS. She moved to Leamington, Ont. in 1938 and continued to do housework. In July, 1941 she went to Saskatchewan to do children's mission work. Abraham Friesen, whom she had met while teaching DVBS in 1936, began writing her; they married Dec. 21, 1941. He opened a shoe repair shop in Winnipeg, but spent 6 months in jail for conscientious objection. In July 1944 they went to Poplar River, Man. as teachers to Natives. In 1949 they moved to Clearbrook, where he opened a shoe repair and later shoe store. She helped run the store while he built houses. In March, 1961 they became administrators of Tabor Home in Clearbrook; she planned menus, supervised staff and delivered mail. They retired in September, 1975. She is remembered for her generosity, unselfishness, wonderful meals, creativity, hospitality, strong faith in God and faithful prayers for family. She is mourned by her husband; daughters Betty Falk and Renetta Neumann; 3 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Sept. 3 in Bakerview MB Church, Clearbrook, with Harry Heidebrecht and Jacob Quiring ministering.