Friesen, Bernhard K. (1898-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 May 5 p. 8

Birth date: 1898 May 23

text of obituary:

BERNHARD K. FRIESEN

Bernard K. Friesen, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, was born to Peter A. and Justina Friesen on May 23,1898 at Inman, Kansas, and passed away on April 18, 1960. Death was the result of a heart attack while at work in his vineyard near Winton, Calif. He reached the age of 61 years, 10 months and 25 days.

He was converted and upon the confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was baptized and added to the Church of God in Christ (Mennonite) at the age of 18 years at Montezuma, Kansas. He remained faithful to his vow until the end.

He was joined in marriage to Helen Flaming on Aug.14, 1921 near Hillsboro, Kan. by Minister A. G. Ensz. They shared joys and sorrows for over 38 years. To this union were born five daughters and one son. They made their home at Hillsboro, Kansas until 1945, when they moved to Winton, Calif. where they lived until his untimely death.

Father enjoyed fair health most of his life, but during the last seven years a heart ailment had troubled him to such an extent that he often talked of the uncertainty of life. He was not without struggles and often felt his shortcomings, but always sought the help of his Saviour.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his bereaved wife Helen; daughters Leah, Mrs. Alvin Hiebert of Hillsboro, Kansas, Clara, Mrs. George Koehn of Livingston, Calif., Emma, Mrs. Harold Dirks of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Bernettie, Mrs. Abe Loewen of Colburn, Idaho, Mabel, Mrs. Gerald Brideman of Eureka, Calif.; one son, Herbert Friesen of Atwater, Calif.; 18 grandchildren, whom he loved and enjoyed so much; his aged father-in-law, P. A. Flaming; four brothers and three sisters, Isaac Friesen, Jacob Friesen and Maria, Mrs. P. M. Nikkel of Inman, Kansas, Sara, Mrs. John M. Nikkel of Hillsboro, Kansas, Justina, Mrs. Arthur Isaac of Durham, Kansas, Peter K. Friesen of Glenn, Calif., and Daniel K. Friesen of Salem, Oregon; and a host of relatives and friends. Three brothers, two sisters, and five grandchildren preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted in the meeting house in Winton, Calif. on April 23 at 10 a.m. Min. A. T. Koehn made the opening remarks and led in prayer, after which Min. D. H. Dyck spoke on Psalm 90 and James 4:14. Visitors who came to pay their last respects included friends from Canada, Idaho, Oregon, Kansas, Glenn and Reedley, Calif. the church was nearly filled.

At the cemetery Min. John Esau read I Cor. 15:40-51 and led in prayer. The remains were laid to rest in the Winton cemetery. — The Family.