Friesen, Jacob H. (1885-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jan 8 p. 11

Birth date: 1885 Oct 16

JACOB H. FRIESEN

Jacob H. Friesen, was born in Hillsboro, Kan. on Oct. 16, 1885, the son of Henry B. and Helena Duerksen Friesen. He was the youngest of 10 children of whom two sisters, Mrs. Anna Schmidt and Mrs. Mary Fast, both of Newton, Kan., survive.

He attended Hillsboro Preparatory School and Bethel College, and then taught school for eight years, first in Kansas and then in Idaho. It was in Idaho that he married Anna Brandt on Sept. 2, 1917.

In December 1922 the family moved to Reedley, Calif., which has bee the family home ever since except for a period of six years when they lived in Dos Palos, Calif. Until he retired 10 years ago, he was a farmer. After retirement, he and his wife spent five years working at the Mennonite Central Committee Clothing Center in Reedley.

He was baptized in the Hillsboro Mennonite Church. He has always been active in church work — as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, deacon and as a member of the men's chorus for many years.

About three years ago he suffered a stroke which left him partially paralyzed. For the last five months he was a resident of Sierra View Homes. Another stroke followed by pneumonia brought to an end his early life on Aug. 26, 1968, at the age of 83 years.

He is survived by his widow, Anna; four sons, Walter of Orange Cove, Harlan of Reedley, Vernon of Monroe, Wash., and Delbert of Dinuba; three daughters, Mrs. (Rachel) Harry Harder and Mrs. (Frances) John Rogalsky of Reedley and Mrs. (Lorene) Leland Weinbrenner of Fresno; 18 grandchildren; and two sisters. An infant daughter preceded him in death.

We are thankful for his wonderful Christian influence and for the joy of living which he shared with his family and friends. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1969 Sep 23 p. 569