Lavern Friesen

Obituary

Lavern Friesen, age 52, of Steinbach, MB., passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Joelah; their daughter Lauren, sons Iain and Vaughn; his parents Diedrich and Elizabeth; his sister Norine (Barry) Plett, and brothers Anthony, Dwayne (Sheila), Jeffrey (Janet), and Matthew (Carmelle); many nieces and nephews; and the Kroeker family.

Lavern grew up on the family farm near Grunthal, Manitoba, where he enjoyed doing chores and tending to his own hobby farm. He raised Flemish giant rabbits, peacocks, pigeons and turtle doves, to name a few. His early years included many memorable family vacations, and he often spoke of their trip to the east coast.

In his high school years, Lavern was involved with summer camps, missions, and church youth groups, where he met and began a forever friendship with his future wife, Joelah. They were married in August 1988 and moved to Steinbach where they began their family.

Lavern had many skills, leading him through a variety of careers. His interest in animals led him to his first job at the local livestock auction mart when he was 15 years old. After this, he took a break from the farming lifestyle and joined his brother in the electronics industry, before farming hogs and poultry, while raising ostriches at home. Many stories come from this time, including when one of the ostriches, “Jimmy,” escaped and ran to Steinbach.

Most recently, Lavern became a journeyman electrician in 2012, an accomplishment of which he and his family were very proud. His final years in the trade were spent as a service technician. He formed many relationships with clients while repairing furnaces on cold winter nights, or air conditioners in the sweltering summer heat. He thoroughly enjoyed the troubleshooting and problem-solving nature of this role.

Lavern enjoyed canoe trips, camping and time outdoors. He took a lot of pride in building a home and caring for his family, and always cherished their time together. Lavern was always willing to give his time to a friend or family member in need, especially when it involved building construction or electrical work.

Lavern was a cancer survivor, having conquered Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1996. In the fall of 2015, however, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and began another valiant battle against cancer. In addition to conventional chemo therapy treatments, his courageous character led him to participate in clinical trials and contribute to cancer research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario. He cherished life and fought for it until the very end.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

The viewing will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m.

A celebration of Lavern’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main St, Steinbach, MB. A private family interment will be held prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9.

Family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Krahn, Dr. Toews, CancerCare Manitoba, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and all the nurses involved with Lavern’s care.

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