Friesen, Harry (1919-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Aug 2 p. 8

Birth date: 1919 Jul 9

text of obituary:

HARRY FRIESEN

Harry Friesen, son of Jacob J. and Elizabeth Dick Friesen, was born July 9, 1919 at Corn, Okla. He received his public school training in the O. K. School and Bible Academy of Corn. On Aug. 25, 1940 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in his Redeemer by Rev. Henry Hege and became a member of the Bergthal Mennonite Church near Corn.

On May 2, 1942, he was united in marriage to Betty Janzen, with whom he shared life's joys and sorrows a little over 20 years. To this happy union was born one daughter, Janelda.

He became a charter member on Nov. 21, 1954, of the Mennonite Community Church of Fresno, Calif. He took an active part in the work of the church and rejoiced especially in his work as advisor to the Youth Fellowship.

He also served as the custodian of the church until just a few weeks before he had to be taken to a Fresno hospital because of a serious kidney infection. He had suffered a kidney disease for 3 ½ years which brought many trials to him and his family. His death was due to uremia poisoning.

In his last few years he knew that his time was limited as there seemed to be no cure for his illness. In spite of this he was courageous though resigned to the will of God. Many times he testified that he knew he was a child of God, and that he was ready to meet his Lord. He was employed as a truck driver most of his married life.

He passed away peacefully and quietly in the hospital in Fresno on July 15, 1962, early Sunday morning, reaching the age of 43 years and six days.

Those who mourn his departure are his wife, Betty; one daughter, Janelda Jane; his parents, one brother, Wesley; one sister, Reola Horn, all of Fresno; and a host of relatives and friends. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1962 Oct 9 p. 652