Friesen, Peter S. (1851-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Mar 13 p. 3

Birth date: 1851 Sep 6

text of obituary:

PETER S. FRIESEN

Peter S. Friesen, son of Johann and Maria (Schierling) Friesen, was born September 6, 1851, in the village of Eliezabetthal in South Russia. In the village of Marienthal he attended the village school and received his elementary schooling.

At the age of 13 years, he migrated with his parents to a government claim (Fuerstenland) where they made their home. Here he became acquainted with Anna Flaming, with whom he entered into holy matrimony on Aug. 20, 1870. To this union were born nine children, three sons and six daughters. Together with our mother and six other families he migrated to the United States in 1874 and landed in Beatrice, Nebraska, in the month of August. He settled on a farm 14 miles northeast of Fairbury. Continuing to live in that vicinity until he made his home at Paxton, Nebraska, in 1932. Here he continued to live until his departure from this life. He spent his life as an active farmer and Stockman.

While still in Russia he became a member of the Kleine Gemeinde. At Fairbury, Nebr., he became one of the first members of that denomination. For many years he was active as song leader. During a revival at Fairbury, Nebr., he saw his need of a deeper spiritual life and dedicated his life anew and confessed Jesus Christ as he personal Saviour. Upon his confession of faith he was baptized by Elder Jacob Fast October 6, 1901, and taken into the membership of the K. M. B. church of which he was a member until his departure.

While living at Paxton, Nebr., he faithfully and regularly attended the M. B. church. Often he impressed upon his children and others the importance of regular church attendance and living a practical Christian life.

In Aug. 24, 1896, after an illness of one night and one day our mother passed away, leaving father a widower with the care of seven children. This was a hard experience of which he often spoke. Many tears were shed during the following years. On Oct. 1, 1905, he united in marriage with Katie Kohfeld of Lehigh, Kansas. His heart was again comforted. To this union one son was born.

After an extended illness mother passed away on April 1, 1944, leaving father a widower in his old age. He missed her much and often felt very lonesome. During his life father was mostly strong and active and was seldom sick.

His illness began on October 5, 1945, when a blood-clot entered his brain leaving him presently unconscious. This greatly weakened his memory. Since Jan. 9, 1947, he had three similar attacks and became practically helpless. Slowly but steadily his health diminished and his strength failed. Since his last attack on Feb. 16, 1947, he was speechless and unable to eat.

Shortly before and during his suffering, he especially prepared himself to meet his maker. He often expressed a firm faith in the vicarious atonement brought about by the death of our Lord and his redemption, and a desire to go to be with the Lord.

He passed from this life on Feb. 22, 1947, at 12:00 o'clock noon, having attained the age of 95 years, six months and 16 days. He leaves to mourn his departure three daughters; Mary, Paxton, Nebr., Anna (Mrs. Jacob A. Friesen), Reedley, Calif., Aggie (Mrs. David Flaming), Dallas, Oregon; three sons, David, Dinuba, Calif., John W., Big Springs, Nebr., August, Paxton, Nebr.; three sons-in-laws, one daughter-in-law, 23 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren; and his youngest brother, K. N. Friesen, Little River, Kansas, besides a host of more distant relatives and friends. One son, Peter, and a daughter, Mary, preceded him in death in their childhood while still in Russia. In his later years two daughters, Lizzie (Mrs. J. P. Fast), and Katie (Mrs. H. C. Flaming) also preceded him in death.

We will miss our dear father, yet we thank our heavenly Father for sustaining and keeping him with us to a ripe old age and taking him in his eternal home for which he so sincerely longed. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. — The Bereaved Family