Friesen, John J. (1882-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 May 18 p. 8

Birth date: 1882 Nov 15

text of obituary:

JOHN J. FRIESEN

John J. Friesen was born in Jansen, Neb. on Nov. 15, 1882, to Rev. and Mrs. Cornelius L. Friesen, and departed to be with the Lord on April 9, 1961. He reached the age of 78 years, four months, and 25 days.

Being brought up in a Christian home and community, father was exposed to the Gospel and in early manhood became convicted of his spiritual needs and accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. On June 5, 1900, he was baptized and admitted into the fellowship of the Mennonite Church of Jansen.

On Nov. 25, 1900, he was united in holy matrimony to Katie Heidebrecht. They made their home at Fairbury, Neb. for a number of years, where they were engaged in farming. To this union were born five sons and six daughters of whom one son and three daughters preceded him in death in their early life. In 1907 the parental home was removed from Nebraska to Meade, Kansas. With the exception of a few years, Meade remained the place of the family home for the remainder of father's life. In the early 1940s our parents moved to the city of Meade, where father was employed by the Rock Island Railroad.

In 1945 our mother passed away, leaving a serious void in father's life. This however was filled through marriage with Maria Willems Friesen.

For many years father suffered from ill health as a diabetic. This often complicated his work and joys in life. In October 1959 he suffered a heart attack. After a time of hospital care, he made his home in the Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas. The unceasing care in the home did much to ease the effects of his weakened condition. In February 1961, he had to return to the Meade Hospital for treatment. While here, a clot formed which left its fatal effects.

Just like the Lord spoke to Hezekiah of old, saying, “Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live,” so also father was intent to be prepared to stand before the Lord. His faith was simple but grounded in the blood of the crucified Christ and in the almighty God. Likewise, his prayers were simple but to the point. Church attendance was his regular practice as long as his strength permitted. As late as Easter Sunday, a week before his passing, he attended the morning worship service. This afforded him real joy.

In his departure, he leaves his wife Maria; four sons and three daughters, Henry of Meade, John of Dallas, Oregon, Dick of Wichita, Kansas, Albert of Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. George A. Isaac of Meade, Anna and Margaret of the home; also three daughters-in-law and one son-in-law; one brother, Abe J. Friesen of Meade; 23 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. — The Family.