Friesen, John (1872-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 18 p. 8

Birth date: 1872 May 21

text of obituary:

JOHN FRIESEN

John Friesen was born on May 21, 1872, in South Russia,to Mr. and Mrs. John S. Friesen. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Manitoba, Canada. When he was seven years old, the family moved to Jansen, Neb. It was here that he grew up and spent most of his active days.

The family attended the E. M. B. church at Jansen, and it was there that he was baptized by Bro. C. M. Wall on August 16, 1896, on the confession of his personal faith in Christ, and was received into the fellowship of the church.

Mr. Friesen was married to Katharina Fast on Feb. 25, 1904, at Jansen, Neb. Three children were born to this union: Elizabeth who is now Mrs. Pete Brandt, John, and Jacob, who passed away when he was about one and a half years of age.

The family left Jansen in 1925 and moved to Garden City, Kansas. Here they spent about 10 years. In 1935 they moved to Dallas, Oregon, where he resided until his death. Mrs. Friesen died on Sept. 10, 1946. Since that time Mr. Friesen had lived with his children, and the last six years with his sisters in Dallas. He spent the last few months at the Dallas Rest Home.

Bro Friesen especially enjoyed the house of the Lord, and although he did not have many words to speak, his presence, interest, and fellowship in the church were always an inspiration. During the past months he expressed a longing to go home to be with the Lord. Although he had been in failing health during the past months he was able to attend church services till a week before he died. Then he became seriously ill, and passed away to be with his Saviour on Wednesday, August 27, 1958. He attained the age of 86 years, three months and six days.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are two children, Mrs. Pete Brandt of Garden City, Kansas, and John F. Friesen of Dallas, Oregon; one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law; seven grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brandt, Elmer Brandt, Alvina Brandt, Robert Brandt, Orley Friesen and Barbara Friesen; two sisters, Mrs. Henry Friesen and Mrs. Isaac Harms, both of Dallas, and many friends.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 25 p. 5

text of obituary:

Native of Russia Dies in Oregon

Dallas, Oregon. — Funeral services were conducted at the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren church here for John Friesen, a native of Russia and resident here for 23 years. He died at his home at the age of 86.

Mr. Friesen came to the United States as a boy and was a member of a Mennonite immigrant group settling in Nebraska. He married Katherine Fast at Jansen, Neb., and they lived in Kansas before coming to Oregon in 1935. Mrs. Friesen died here in 1945.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. E. P. Brandt of Garden City, Kan. and a son, John F. Friesen of Dallas.