Friesen, Jacob E. (1877-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 25 p. 9

Birth date: 1877 Feb 1

text of obituary:

JACOB E. FRIESEN

Our father, Jacob E. Friesen, son of Jacob Friesen and Elizabeth Fast Friesen, was born near Halstead in Harvey county, Kansas, on Feb. 1, 1877, and passed away Nov. 26, 1952. He reached the age of 75 years, nine months, and 19 days.

On Nov. 13, 1897, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Bartel in Reno county, Kansas, by Rev. A. E. Schellenberg. To this union were born eight children: four sons and four daughters. Our mother preceded him in death on Feb. 23, 1951. One son, Elmer, passed away in infancy. Two grandchildren also preceded him in death.

In 1903 our father filed a homestead claim southeast of Hooker, Okla. and in 1904 the family moved to the homestead. Our parents made this their home with the exception of ten years which they spent in Buhler, Kansas. On confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, they were baptized by Rev. Abraham Cornelson and received into the membership of the Hooker Mennonite Brethren church on Oct. 17, 1909. He was active in church serving as Sunday school superintendent, teacher, and other offices. In earlier years he also taught school and later took active part in school and community activities. In 1947 our parents were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

At the time of his passing, our father was a member of the Mennonite Hilfsplan Finance Committee. He had just returned from the annual meeting of the Hilfsplan and mentioned that while at the sessions he had experienced a little heart trouble. Because of the snowstorm he stayed with his children In Adams till the roads were opened and he was helped home. As he was doing the few small chores outside, he suffered a heart attack and from all evidences died instantly. He was found the next day at noon by one of his sons. We mourn his parting, but we know that he “has departed to be with Christ which is far better.”

He leaves to mourn his departure: three sons, Dietrich, Jacob, and Milton, all of Hooker; four daughters, Elizabeth (Mrs. D. W. Schroeder), Hooker, Sarah, (Mrs. H. W. Schroeder), Dinuba, California, Olga (Mrs. J. F. Balzer), Hooker, Elma (Mrs. Herman Wiebe), Waka, Texas; four sons-in-law; three daughters-in-law; 31 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four sisters; four brothers; and a host of relatives and friends. — The Bereaved Family.