Friesen, Helena Kroeker (1889-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Jun 5 p. 11

Birth date: 1889 Feb 27

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA FRIESEN

Mrs. Helena Friesen, daughter of Gerhard and Elizabeth (Pankratz) Kroeker, was born on Feb. 27, 1889, and grew up near Charleston, between York and Henderson, Neb. Although she had but a limited elementary education she gained a love for reading.

For the past three years she had been staying with two of her daughters in York, Neb. She died suddenly on Thursday evening, April 17, having enjoyed relatively good health until the time of her home going.

She was baptized by Rev. Peter J. Friesen and joined the Bethesda Mennonite Church on June 8, 1908. On Oct. 5, 1911, she was married to George H. Friesen. This union was blessed with one son and three daughters.

Preceding her in death were her husband, on April 13, 1965, three brothers and three sisters. Surviving are one son, Harry and wife Malita of Phoenix, Ariz.; three daughters, Edna and husband Henry C. Friesen of Newton, Kan.; Irene Friesen of York, Neb.; and Leona and husband Edwin Janzen of York; two brothers, Jacob G. and Peter G. Kroeker, both of Henderrson 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mother will be remembered as always having been loving and kind, never complaining or demanding. Her own personal welfare was the least of her worries, for her family always came first. Even in life's darkest hours mother could still find many things for which to be thankful. A highlight of the week for her was the Bethesda Church Sunday morning broadcast. "Grandma," as she was affectionately called by her family, friends and neighbors, will be greatly missed. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1969 May 20 p. 338