Dr. Laurence John Friesen
Obituary
With heavy hearts, the family of Dr. Laurence Friesen announce his peaceful passing on April 4, 2026, age 86 at Rest Haven Care Home. Laurence was born on March 6, 1940, in Steinbach to parents John R and Maria Friesen. His childhood and young adult life were spent on his family’s dairy farm in Kleefeld, MB surrounded by his one brother and seven sisters. Laurence was baptized at the Kleefeld EMC Church and his faith shaped his life.
Laurie (as he was known by his family) stayed on the farm until his father retired at which time he pursued Veterinary Medicine. He did his pre vet med at the University of Manitoba. In 1969, he was accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. It was there that he met his future wife, Linda Olson.
Laurence and Linda began their 52 year marriage on September 22, 1973 in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Laurence was a devoted husband and proud father of Kevin and Todd. He enjoyed taking them golfing, skiing, playing family games, coaching them in baseball, and taking them along on vet calls. Dad was known as a quiet, gentle and patient man. He warmly welcomed his two daughters-in-law to the family and loved his 5 grandchildren, giving them rides in the cart behind the lawn mower, playing cards with them and coming to watch their musical and sporting events.
In 1973, Dr Friesen joined Dr. Steve Sonya at South-East Vet Clinic where he spent the next 24 years working both as an associate and later as a partner. Laurence loved all animals but had a special affinity for dairy cows where he focused much of his practice. Over the years, dad also held ownership interests in several high pedigree cows that were shown at various Ag shows across North America.
After retiring from the Veterinary Clinic in 1997, Laurence spent a few years doing clinic inspections around the province. In addition to singing in the choir at St. Paul’s Lutheran as he had done for many years, he served his congregation as treasurer, stepping down when he and Linda began spending winters in Texas. In his free time, Laurence enjoyed golfing, travelling, gardening and playing bridge, including two first place finishes at the MB Men’s Senior Bridge Tournament. Dad’s love of nature showed itself in his time spent gardening, birding, tapping trees for maple syrup and wandering the trails in their acreage where he knew exactly when to find the lady slippers each spring.
Laurence is lovingly remembered by his wife Linda; two sons: Kevin (Melissa), Todd (Ruth); five grandchildren: Tanya, Kurtis, Josiah, Joshua, and Johanna. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Vern) Janzen and brother-in-law Gord Friesen. He was predeceased by his parents, Rev John R and Maria Friesen; brother Ron and sisters: Elma (Henry) Dueck, Roseline (Isaac) Loewen, Betty (Dave L) Friesen, Tilly (Abe) Eidse, Marion (Menno) Reimer and Myrna Friesen.
The memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Rest Haven Care Home, the staff at Pat Porter Active Living Centre, and The Circle of Friends for their care for Laurence.
