Edward Friesen
Obituary
Dad was born October 13, 1920, to Martin K. and Katherine Friesen, at their farm home.
Dad grew up in a Christian home and received Jesus as his Saviour at an early age. He was baptized at the age of 18.
Dad married Anna R. Reimer on November 24, 1940, and together they had five children: Danny married to Della, Judy, James (deceased) married to Marlene, Ruth married to Larry McEwen, Becky married to Larry Henheffer, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Dad was predeceased by their son, James in 2010.
Dad farmed most of his life, adding carpentry work to his already busy schedule. He really enjoyed nature and all of God’s great outdoors. Dad had many fond memories of his carpentry work at Baker Lake and at Fort McPherson. Dad loved snowmobiling in winter. He introduced us to the local swimming holes in summer. He did a great job of alternating fun and work whenever possible. Long before indoor arenas were common in the area, dad built a regulation size skating rink in the back yard in Ridgewood. Young men from Kleefeld, Steinbach, Giroux, Ridgewood, and Blumenhof came to compete against each other, and dad loved it all.
After selling the farm, Mom and Dad moved to Mitchell, MB, where Dad enjoyed his retirement. He enjoyed cutting trails in their acreage, planting flowers among the trees, and picking wild fruit. He loved socializing with the neighbors as well. This made the move to Steinbach easier for him, since it meant having even more neighbors. As Dad’s health began to fade, it became apparent that another move needed to be made. Mom and Dad moved to Fernwood. Here he started a new career, covering almost four thousand hangers, for family, friends and the thrift store.
Dad had a deep desire that people all around him should be committed to the Lord and be ready to meet Him. Time after time he would tell us he had spoken to another acquaintance and now he rejoiced to report that this person had assured him that they were ready to meet Jesus when the time came.
Dad was admitted to Bethesda Hospital June 5. 2015, after X-rays showed a damaged hip from a fall he had experienced the day before. Further tests showed the hip was not fractured, but his health continued to decline. We celebrated Dad’s 95th birthday in the hospital and then on October 22, 2015, Dad was transferred to the hospital in Vita. Here he made a remarkable recovery, being able to think clearly and speak with greater clarity. He was such an inspiration that he made friends wherever he went. In Vita hospital, Mom and Dad celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary. What a blessing that so many friends and relatives came to celebrate this momentous occasion with them! Finally, on September 22, 2016, Dad was moved to the Resthaven Nursing home. Here again he became well known for his cheerfulness, singing, and praising the Lord. What a rich heritage he has left us! Even on his last day on earth he was still in an attitude of love and praise to his Heavenly Father. But because of his inability to walk, and his decreasing physical condition, Dad’s greatest desire was to go to Heaven, and now God has granted him that wish. Dad went to Glory on November 7, 2017.
Dad’s “Better days ahead!” have arrived for him. We will miss you, Dad, but we know you are happy and free.
The funeral service for Edward will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with a viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at the Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Edward may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.
