Cornie Friesen
Obituary
Peacefully with his family by his side, Cornelius Friesen passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, at the age of 76.
He will be forever missed by his wife Mary. Also left to cherish his memory are his children: Tom (Candace), Mark, Kathy, Mary Jane (Cory), Emilyn (Andrew) and Kurt (Liz); along with 11 grandchildren, Isaiah, Jade, Elijah, Julius, Luke, Jasmine, Titus, Ethan, Cameron, Owen and Jordon. Also, his siblings: Helen, Ed (Anne), Paul (Tina), Albert (Anne).
He was predeceased by his brother Abe and his brother-in-law Dick.
Cornie was born to Cornelius M. and Marie Friesen on December 10, 1941 in the RM of Hanover, where he grew up and attended New Bothwell School District and helped with chores on the family farm. As the school days came to an end he explored a few different job opportunities such as construction, the seed cleaning plant and also worked as a lumber jack.
In 1967, Cornie bought the family farm and soon after he married the love of his life Mary Reimer in 1972. Cornie got baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ on December 14, 1975 at the EMC church in Steinbach, Manitoba.
Over the years, they raised their children and continued farming. He really enjoyed taking his children to their sports events, especially hockey. Hockey was one of his favorite past times, he could often be found cheering on his favorite team the Montreal Canadians. In 2003, they moved to Steinbach and he enjoyed his retirement.
Another favorite pastime was fishing. He loved to take the family out to the Whiteshell. Many family camping trips were spent there. Cornie also enjoyed taking trips together with Mary to Paraguay and California.
Cornie struggled with many health problems in the later years of his life and was able to deal with them through prayer and by believing the best in his circumstances. A special thanks to the Vita Personal Home Care and more recently Bethesda Regional Health Centre, for their compassion and care. Also thank you to those who took the time to come and visit Dad and encourage him through their presence and prayers.
A viewing service will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel.
The celebration of life will take place Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main St., Steinbach, MB.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Cornie may be made to the SEMC Missions, 422 Main Street Steinbach R5G 1Z5.
