Minna Friesen
Obituary
Minna Friesen, aged 94 years, of Blumenort, MB. passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Rest Haven Care Home, Steinbach, MB., with family at her side.
She was predeceased by her husband Jac and daughter Edith and many extended family members.
Minna will be missed by her family and has left a legacy of faith, hard work and joy to her daughters Donnalda Friesen, Landis & Hernan Benitez, Angela & John Reimer, and her grandchildren Monica & Alexander Quintana, Giovanni Benitez, Jillian & Kenton Peters, Thea & Gabe Funk. She will be missed by many who found a place of acceptance and belonging in her home.
Minna was born on December 15, 1930 in Blumenhof to Jacob and Justina Plett. When she was just two years old, her mother passed away. About a year later, her dad married Margaret, a sister to his first wife. Minna had four brothers; Frank, Dave, Jac & Joe and five sisters: Linda, Esther, Emmeline, Eleanor & Diane.
Minna married Jac Friesen on June 21 1958. Minna & Jac were a great team, Minna was the ideal helpmeet for dad. She enjoyed working side by side with dad in the barn, on the field, or cutting firewood. She did this all while maintaining a huge vegetable garden, flower garden and keeping homemade cooking and baking on hand. She was supportive of Jac when he became a lay minister and the responsibilities that brought.
Hosting became second nature to mom, whether it was family, community friends, new acquaintances or even our friends. It was quite common to hear her say: “Eat more – it tastes good” – “It’s good for you” – “Schmeickt schein”. Her theory was that if we ate all the food, tomorrow would be a nice day.
Mom took her LPN training and encouraged us in our education endeavors -” you don’t know what life will bring – you need to be able to carry yourself financially”.
Minna was green before it was fashionable – recycling plastic bags, sheets or towels, composting and collecting rain water.
Despite all her hard work and hosting, mom always had time for handwork. Her interests changed over time as she was introduced to new ideas. She would do embroidery, crocheting, knitting, cross stitch and quilting. She also made practical items such as wool blankets, feather pillows & quilts and was a seamstress, sewing our clothes and mending for family.
The grandchildren were mom’s ultimate pride and joy! Whether it was a school event, graduation, or sporting event, mom would attend. She loved to watch her grandkids play sports – ringette, volleyball, rugby and soccer no matter the weather. She willingly provided childcare for her granddaughters Jillian and Thea before they attended school. Since Landis and her family lived further away, mom would visit, anywhere from a day visit to a week or more when they lived in Brandon and Paraguay. More recently, mom would ask, “What kind of work are the grandkids doing because I want to tell my friends”.
Minna lived out her faith by quiet example. Her spiritual life involved regular devotions and church attendance at the Blumenort Church. She prayed for her family daily, and would say each of our names as she prayed for us.
In 1995, Minna and Jac retired from the farm. Their new home in Blumenort was affectionately known as the “White House”. Even here, mom worked hard at having a manicured lawn and beautiful flower beds.
In November, 2018 Minna moved to the Oakview apartments. She knew exactly which room she wanted and waited patiently until it became available. It was here that she became an avid JETS fan.
Minna enjoyed good health most of her life but had a stroke on December 1, 2023. She was motivated to stay in her apartment with the help of wonderful home care staff. On January 7, 2025, Minna moved to the Rest Haven. This was a difficult move for her but she was brave and understood that it was necessary. Thank you to the staff at Rest Haven who loved mom and took good care of her. She expressed and reflected a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. Mom will be remembered for her ready smile for the staff and anyone who came to visit.
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with interment prior to the service.
