Friesen, John J. (1918-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Sep 14 p. 24

Birth date: 1918 Sep 7

text of obituary:

JOHN J. FRIESEN

John J. Friesen of Chilliwack, B.C. passed away June 19. He was born Sept. 7, 1918 to John and Marie Friesen in Lichtfelde, Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm in Niverville, Man. He attended business college in Winnipeg and Bible school in Steinbach, Man. In 1941 he and his parents bought a dairy farm in East Chilliwack. He married Molly Delesky June 8, 1946. In 1947 they moved to Winnipeg, where he studied at Winnipeg Bible College. After a year, they returned to the dairy farm. They also grew raspberries and had chickens. In 1970 ill health forced him to retire. He loved gardening and growing roses. They enjoyed travelling and spent 13 winters in Phoenix, Ariz. Despite years of constant pain, ill health and increasingly limited mobility, he greatly enjoyed life, was cheerful, had a great sense of humour and a deep faith in his Saviour. He was active in Chilliwack Central MB Church, serving as Sunday school teacher, youth leader and home Bible study leader. Predeceased by his sister and 2 grandsons, he is mourned by Molly; children Evelyn Woelk, Betty Wild, Nellie Epp, Clarence, Esther Esau and Karen Hayes; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 23 in Chilliwack Central MB Church, with Adam Wiggins ministering.