Friesen, Katie (1879-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Sep 17 p. 11

Birth date: 1879 Mar 24

text of obituary:

KATIE FRIESEN

Katie Friesen, daughter of Rev. Peter J. and Eva Abrahams Friesen, was born on Mar. 24, 1879 near Henderson, Neb. Due to the fact that she was born deaf she never attended school. She grew up on the farm next to the first Bethesda church about two miles northeast of Henderson.

In her younger years she helped with various chores on the farm. A good part of her time was spent in the garden, caring for flowers. As the family grew she would faithfully look after the welfare of the smaller children. She had a good conception of right and wrong, and also knew that there was a life after death where too she would be able to talk.

She was baptized on May 30, 1898 by her father, Elder Peter J. Friesen, and accepted as a member of the Bethesda church. On this occasion as father was about to administer the holy rite of baptism, he turned to the congregation and said: "Who has sinned, she or her parents, that she was born deaf." This made a very solemn impression upon the whole congregation. She loved to attend the various services in the church. This was one way she could express her faith in the church. She took an interest in the sewing society.

In 1909 when father was confined to the home for a considerable length of time, he often admonished us children that when we would grow up and establish our own homes, we should not forget Katie. This, too, was the concern of mother when she passed away in 1937. For a number of years she stayed with one of the family for a period of six months, but as time went on she would only remain a short time at one place.

When the nursing home was established in Henderson, she took up residence there. At times she wished she could stay with one of the family, but as a whole she adjusted herself to the home. When her oldest brother John took up residence in the home she was much more satisfied. She was concerned about his welfare, especially when he fell and fractured his hip, which confined him to the wheel chair.

The last year her health gradually failed. It was noticeable that her pilgrimage here on earth would not be much longer. One day she said to one of the family that if she would come to heaven she would not know anyone there. (There was a way we could converse with her.) She was told that father and mother and others of the family were there too. This seemed to comfort her considerably. The last day she was in a coma, and she peacefully passed on to her rest to be with the Lord.

She attained the age of 91 years and six months. Preceding her were her parents; a brother and sister in infancy; Henry at the age of 59; Peter, 85; Eva, Mrs. George K. Friesen, 76; Sarah, Mrs. George J. Kroeker, 59; Anna, Mrs. Peter J. Ratzlaff, 71. Surviving are John D., Rev. Abraham W., and William P. of Henderson, Jacob H. of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., David P. of Aurora, Neb.; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Peter D. Friesen and Mrs. P. C. Friesen, and one brother-in-law, Peter J. Ratzlaff, of Henderson. — A.W.F.

The Mennonite obituary: 1970 Sep 22 p. 577