Friesen, Henry J. (1869-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Jun 11 p. 8

Birth date: 1869 Jun 16

text of obituary:

H. J. Friesen

Henry J. Friesen was born June 16, 1869, in South Russia. In 1877 he came to America with his parents. They settled one mile north of Inman, Kansas. Here he grew up to manhood, experienced the poineer [sic] struggles, cared for his father and his mother in sickness and death, established his own home and lived here till his own old age.

June 14, 1891, he was baptized by Elder Heinrich Toews upon confession of faith and was received as member into the Bethel church.

His father died after a prolonged illness on January 15, 1899.

January 15, 1901, he was united in marriage to Helena Wiens. For 31 years, 3 months and 11 days, they were permitted to share with each other joys and sorrows. His wife died after a brief illness on April 26, 1932.

January 22, 1933, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah (Friesen) Krause. This marriage lasted for a period of nine years, 4 months and 10 days. The mother, Mrs. Jacob Friesen, lived with them as before, till her death on October 5, 1939.

Previous to this time, sickness had also entered his life, so that he had to spend some time in the Halstead hospital. This was in May, 1938. However,, he recovered sufficiently to return home. But his heart was weak so that he needed medical attention, and repeatedly spent short periods in the hospital to regain some strength.

On June 1, 1942 he was again forced to seek medical help. Mr. and Mrs. Jake Friesen took him and his wife to see a physician at the grace Hospital in Hutchinson. From there he was taken to the Halstead Hospital. His parting words to his loved ones that night at 6:30, when they left him, were that they should remember him in their prayers. Because of intense suffering that night, he was given a hypo. When his brother Jake came to see him in the morning, there were no indications that he noticed him. he remained in this state during the day.

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Friesen and his wife were called in the afternoon and came there in time to see him pass away at 4:45 P. M. on June 2. He reached the age of 72 years, 11 months and 16 days. His death was caused by a failing heart.

He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved widow, a brother, J. B. H. Friesen of Inman, 2 nephews, 4 nieces, as well as other relatives and friends. Three of his brothers and one sister died in infancy, and one sister, Mrs. Isaac Friesen, on November 25, 1918. They mourn but not without hope, for they expect to meet him again with the Lord, in whose grace he trusted.

A short sermon was given at his house by Bro. D. Friesen on Scripture passage from Heb. 1: 27 and Ps.39: 5-8. The assembly sang song No. 538 (Gesangbuch) and the service was closed with prayer.

At 2:30 P. M. the body was taken into the Bethel Church. there song No. 52 (Gospel Hymns) was sung by the congregation. Bro. Jacob Friesen spoke on Heb. 9: 27. It is appointed unto men once to die. Therefore lest us keep this in mind at all times. A mixed choir sang, "I Heard of the Beautiful City of God?" Bro. P. T. Neufeld read the obituary and the bereaved expressed their thanks for help and sympathy.

Another song was sung by the choir, "Wenn ich am Ufer des Jordans steh." After this Bro. P. T. Neufeld preched on Isaiah 28: 29, the same text he had had at the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Friesen. Both cometh of the Lord, the marriage vow and also the call out of this world. Again and again we human beings must say, "Had we only known that it would have happened this way, we would have done this or that." We were therefore much encouraged by Bro Neufeld to speaking more of spiritual matters at our general gatherings. After this followed prayer and benediction.

The congregation sang song No. 545. While the last look was cast upon the face of the deceased, the choir sang, "Schlaf wohl und gut Nacht" and "Es erglaenst uns von fern ein Land". The deceased was laid to rest one mile north of Inman.

Another song, "We are Going Down the Valley," was sung by the choir, then Bro. J. P. Balzer read 1 Thess. 4: 13 - 18 and from 1 Cor. 15. He offered a prayer and supplication for God's blessing. A lunch was served in the basement of the church. — J. T. Pauls