Dennis Friesen
Obituary
With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Dennis Friesen of Kleefeld, Manitoba; beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. On Friday, October 10, 2025, his fight with cancer ended peacefully at home with family around him.
His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of Louella, his wife of 55 years, daughters Kerri (and Sheldon) Schroeder, Joelle (and Aaron) Klassen and son Andrew Friesen, as well as his grandchildren Adam and Jareth Klassen and Lacey Schroeder. He will also be lovingly missed by his siblings, Wilbert (Hilda) Friesen, Flo Friesen, Elda Borse (Darren Palmer), Leona (Mike) Kroeker, Ray Friesen (Ula Nieuwejaar), Corinne F. (Rick) Loewen, Louise Friesen (Peter Dueck), and Jim (Rhonda) Friesen, his in-laws Al Hiebert, Ron & Wendy Dueck, Sandi Neufeld, Pat Moule, nieces and nephews.
Dennis is predeceased by his parents Albert and Annie Friesen and his step-mother Elisabeth.
Dennis’ faith was the central support in his life. He volunteered many years at Kleefeld EMC on Trustee, Executive and Building Committees. Together with a small group of dedicated men, he began Christian Service Brigade in this church, and was instrumental in leading many boys and young men to Christ.
His drafting and project managing skills led him to many close relationships in the construction industry. Dennis started his career at CT Loewens in 1968. He spent seven years working at PennCo, before moving to Three Way Builders in 1991. In all, Dennis was responsible for drafting or managing over 1000 buildings before his retirement in 2014. Even after retirement, he continued to act as a consultant in other building projects that were close to his heart.
As a young man, Dennis enjoyed playing hockey and baseball at school. At age eight, he moved in with his widowed grandmother as a companion for several years. He also enjoyed helping out with farm chores on his grandparents’ farms.
One of Dennis’ lifelong passions was horses. From purchasing his first pure-bred Arabian to driving a sleigh or buggy in recent years, Dennis was a common sight in the horse community and on the grounds of the Mennonite Heritage Village. He loved canoeing and fishing in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Other hobbies included painting, reading, woodworking and cheering on the grandkids at music, drama and sporting events.
The family would like to thank the Home Care and Palliative Care teams for their help in allowing Dennis to fulfill his wish of dying at home. Special thanks also to Dennis’ sister Louise Friesen for her nursing care and expertise.
“Be still and know that I am God.” ~ Psalm 48:10
The viewing will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with devotional beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The funeral service will be held Monday, October 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Kleefeld Evangelical Mennonite Church, Kleefeld, MB, with viewing one hour prior to the service.
The interment will take place at Kleefeld Evangelical Mennonite Church Cemetery, Kleefeld, MB.
