Friesen, John H. (1882-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Jul 17 p. 11

Birth date: 1882 Mar 2

text of obituary:

JOHN H. FRIESEN

John H. Friesen was born to Henry B. and Helena (Duerksen) Friesen on March 2, 1882, at Hillsboro, Kans. In 1899 he was baptized upon confession of faith by Rev. J. S. Hirschler in the First Mennonite Church at Hillsboro, where he was a member until moving away in 1913.

He was married to Katie Ensz in 1906. They farmed south of Lehigh, Kan. In 1913 they moved to Dubois, Idaho, where they took up a homestead, living under the hardships of pioneer life for about six years.

When the venture into homesteading proved unsuccessful, mother and father moved to a farm north of American Falls. Here they lived for 27 years and here their family grew to maturity. In 1946 they retired from farming and moved to Aberdeen. They had the privilege of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in October 1966.

In 1967 mother was taken to be with the Lord. Father who had been in failing health for many years, became a patient in the geriatric ward of the Power County Hospital. Patient and uncomplaining, he spent the last years of his life there. He passed away at the age of 87 years on June 26, 1969.

Father was a faithful member of the First Mennonite Church of Aberdeen. For many years he served as a deacon. He had great appreciation for the hymns of the church and enjoyed singing. Hymns he had learned in childhood were a source of comfort to him during the final days of his life.

Preceding him in death were his helpmeet of over 60 years, Katie Ensz Friesen, an infant son, two sisters and four brothers. Left to mourn his passing are the children, Waldo, Verna (Mrs. August Huse), Edwin and Wilmer, all of American Falls, Elma (Mrs. Marvin Linscheid) and Margaret (Mrs. LeVern Tieszen) of Aberdeen, Ruby of Salem, Oregon, and Dr. Orlando Friesen of Buhler, Kan.; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Anna Schmidt and Mrs. Mary Fast of Newton, Kan.; and one brother, Jacob H. Friesen of Reedley, Calif.

The Mennonite obituary: 1969 Jul 29 p. 474