Friesen, Katherina Classen (1887-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Jan 2 p. 11

Birth date: 1887 Aug 27

text of obituary:

MRS. KATHERINA FRIESEN

Mrs. Katherina (Classen) Friesen was born on August 27, 1887 to Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius J. Classen at Fairbury, Neb. She died in Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kan. on Nov. 18, 1968 at the age of 81 years, two months and 22 days.

Mother was a continuous resident of the Meade area since she moved here with her parents in the year 1907. Although she worked for other people much of the time, she lived with her parents until her marriage.

On May 22, 1919 she was married to Jacob R. Friesen, a widower, upon which she assumed the role of mother to a family of six children. Seven more children were born to this union. The Lord granted the couple 49 years, five months and 27 days of sharing life together.

Mother accepted the Lord as her Saviour on March 17, 1943 and was baptized upon confession of her faith. In April 1944 she became a member of the then newly organized Emmanuel Mennonite Church, of which she remained a member until the time of her death. She was a faithful and loving wife and mother. She never made a distinction between her own children and her step-children.

Mother enjoyed comparatively good health until a few years ago, when she began to suffer from a heart condition. On Nov. 3, 1968 she suffered a heart failure and was admitted to a hospital. Her condition gradually deteriorated until she quietly passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 18.

She leaves to mourn her husband; three step-sons, Ben Z., Jake Z., and Abe Z., all of Meade; four sons, Cornie Z. and Henry Z. of Meade, Pete Z. of Morocco and Isaac Z. of Edenburg, Texas; two step-daughters, Margaret (Mrs. Henry K. Reimer) of Meade, and Susie (Mrs. Art Householter) of Eureka, Ill.; two daughters, Anna (Mrs. John Siemens) of Meade and Elizabeth (Mrs. Walter Penner) of Hutchinson, Kan.; four sons-in-law, eight daughters-in-law, including Mrs. Mildred Friesen of Goshen, Ind., 39 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three brothers, three sisters, many relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were one step-daughter, one son, two daughters-in-law, two grandchildren, one brother and two sisters.

Although her presence is greatly missed, we rejoice in the fact that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Saviour where there is joy forever more. — Jacob R. Friesen and family.