Friesen, Jacob M. (1877-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 May 14 p. 8, 10

Birth date: 1877 Jul 1

text of obituary:

JACOB W. FRIESEN

Jacob M. Friesen was born July 1, 1877, at Jansen, Neb. to Abraham and Margaretha Thiessen Friesen. He went home to be with the Lord, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 1959, at the age of 81 years, nine months, and 23 days.

Father lived on a farm near Jansen with his parents and five brothers and three sisters until April 3, 1902, when he was united in marriage to Maria Fast. The Lord blessed his marriage with five daughters and three sons, of which two daughters died in infancy. In 1919 they took up residence on a farm near Inman, Kan. where they lived till all the children were grown and married. In 1942 father and mother retired from farming, moving to their home in Inman.

Father turned from self to the Saviour while still a young man, receiving assurance of salvation through Romans 10:10. He was baptized in October, 1901, by Elder Jacob Fast, after which he affiliated with the Krimmer Mennonite Brethen Church at Jansen. Upon coming to Kansas he transferred his membership to the Zoar K.M.B. church. He prayed regularly at church and was ever concerned about a holy walk for himself, the family and the church.

Father displayed a spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice before the children. Among our most cherished memories are the family devotions which customarily included the singing of a hymn supported by father's strong bass voice. He saw the answers to his constant prayers for the salvation and spiritual welfare of his family answered in that children and grandchildren learned to know the Lord as Saviour.

In 1952 the parents were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. The Lord gave an abundant measure of grace in that they were permitted to enjoy 57 happy years together.

About a year ago,father became aware of a lung ailment which later was diagnosed as cancer. Even though his health was failing, he was bedfast only the last six weeks. On March 23 he entered Mercy Hospital at Moundridge. After exactly a month in the hospital, he quietly fell asleep, to awaken in the presence of the Lord whom he so devotedly served.

Among those who will miss his presence but cherish his memory are his life's companion and the six children and their companions; Marie and Alvin Siemens of Buhler, Arnold and Katherine Friesen of Inman, Jacob M. Jr. and Maryann Friesen of Wichita, Hulda and Menno Prieb of Inman, and Katherine and Arnold H. Penner of Inman; one brother, Rev. Isaac M. Friesen of Hutchinson; two sisters, Mary T. Friesen of Hutchinson, and Mrs. Margaret Thiessen of Reedley, Calif.; 21 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. One sister, four brothers, two infant daughters, and one daughter-in-law preceded him in death.