Friesen, Margaretha Epp (1886-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Aug 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1886 Nov 28

text of obituary:

MARGARETHA EPP FRIESEN

Margaretha Epp Friesen was born Nov. 28, 1886, near Henderson, Neb. to the late Jacob J. and Margaretha Siebert Epp. Mother was born to a family of seven children of whom all six have preceded her in death. With her passing the Jacob J. Epp family name comes to an end since there are no sons or grandsons to carry on the name.

Mother Friesen entered into her eternal reward on June 17 at the age of 75 years, six months, and 19 days.

On June 19, 1907, she was baptized upon her confession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord and became a member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church of which she remained a lifelong member.

On Jan.21, 1909, she was united in holy wedlock to Bernhard D. Friesen. Father Friesen was called to his reward in August 18, 1949. For one year after his death, mother remained on the farm. Since then she had made her residence in the town of Henderson.

Mother's health had been slowly getting worse for the last 10 years. Her serious illness came, however, in the last two months. Due to her failing health, she saw her need to enter the Rest Home. The first three weeks in the rest home saw her condition improving and she counted it a privilege and joy to be there. However, in the last two weeks her health failed rapidly so that she spent the last three days in the hospital where she passed away.

Mother received her education in the rural German-English school. Her interests centered around the home. She loved flowers, church-related literature, Bible reading and Scripture memorization. When she left her house just recently she gladly gave up all earthly possessions. She directed her attention to her heavenly home by often quoting in the German, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). The 23rd Psalm was a great blessing to her.

She leaves to cherish her memory; two daughters, Bertha, Mrs. David D. Penner of Butterfield, Minn. and Pauline, Mrs. Howard Friesen of Henderson; four sons, Adolph of Bradshaw, Artie, Clarence, and Jacob of Henderson; four daughter-in-law, Mrs. Adolph E. Friesen, Mrs. Arlie E. Friesen, Mrs. Clarence E. Friesen, Mrs. Jacob E. Friesen; two sons-in-law, David D. Penner of Butterfield, Minn. and Howard E. Friesen of Henderson; 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One son, Alvin, preceded her in death in infancy.

The Mennonite obituary: 1962 Jul 17 p. 459