Friesen, Gerhard J. (1888-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Apr 21 p. 3

Birth date: 1888 Feb 13

text of obituary:

GERHARD J. FRIESEN

Gerhard J. Friesen, son of Jacob and Anna Friesen, was born on February 13, 1888, on the farm north of Henderson where he lived until the time of his departure. He attained the age of 61 years, one month and 9 days.

He was baptized upon the confession of his faith and was received as a member of the Bethesda Mennonite church at Henderson on June 8, 1908, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

On March 11, 1909, he was united in holy matrimony with Katharina Friesen. For forty years and 11 days they were permitted to share joy and sorrow together until father was called to his Eternal Home. This union was blessed with 8 children, one of whom preceded him in death in infancy.

He received his elementary education in the Wolfe School (Dist. 62) and attended the Preparatory School in Henderson for three winters. His academic and college training was acquired at York college and Fremont college.

He was a man of many activities. In addition to operating his farm, he took an interest in both civic and church affairs. He taught schools in the Henderson community for 25 years. He served as assessor in Brown Township for 13 years, as a member of the Board of Trustees for 24 years, and as choir director of the mixed church choir for 12 years. He helped as Sunday school teacher at various intervals from 1910 to 1940 and served as an active member of the C. E. Society ever since its beginning in 1910. In addition to this, he served as a member of the Board of Education in Henderson for 23 years, and as a member of the York County Board of Commissioners for the last 12 years. He served as secretary of the Bethesda Cemetery Association for 28 years.

He had been in ill health for the last year and began to fail rapidly during the last six months. He had submitted to two major operations since September 1, 1948. After his second operation on December 8, his condition was found to be critical. He received treatment in the Bryan Memorial hospital in Lincoln from January 5 to 20, 1949. The remaining days were spent at home where he patiently suffered and longed to be taken to his Heavenly Home. During his intense suffering, prayer and song seemed to comfort him more than medical aid. He passed away on March 22, 1949, at 7:45 p. m.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Katharina; three daughters and four sons, Lillie, Mrs. R. J. Peters of Henderson, Irwin M. of Hampton, Wendell J. of Aurora, Mildred, Mrs. C. C. Koop, of Aurora, Allen M. of Henderson, Amy, Mrs. Roland Friesen of Henderson, and Dennis J. of York; three sons-in-law; four daughters-in-law; 14 loving grandchildren; four brothers, John W., Jacob, Peter C. and Isaac J.; one sister, Mrs. John H. Pankratz, all of Henderson, and a host of other relatives and friends. His parents and one sister, Mrs. David A. Janzen, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held in the Bethesda church on Sunday, March 27, at 2:00 p. m. Rev. Arnold Nickel, pastor of the church, had charge of the services with Rev. John F. Epp and Rev. H. B. Kliewer of Hillsboro, Kansas, assisting. Interment was made In the Bethesda cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1949 Apr 12 p. 12