John Friesen

It is with sadness that the family of John J Friesen, age 94, of Cypress House in Swift Current, SK, announce his passing on to his heavenly home. He was ushered into eternity by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on the morning of Friday, April 24, 2015. John was born on September 29, 1920, in Blumenort, SK, to Jacob K. & Maria (nee Peters) Friesen, as one a set of twins in a family of nine children who lived to adulthood. He grew up and went to school in Blumenort, SK. After he finished grade nine he joined his father and brothers in the family farming enterprise. Before he left school he had established his reputation as an athlete, jumping over an amazing nineteen feet in running jump. His athletic ability and his love of sports would continue to be a theme for the rest of his life. On October 26th, in 1941, John married Anne Koop at the M. B. church in Blumenort. Then the young couple journeyed just down the road to his parent’s house where they would reside for three years until an opportunity came to buy their own place in the village of Blumenort. Here, finally in their own home, they resided until 1983, when they moved to Swift Current. During those years, dad and mom established their own farm and dad continued to farm until he was almost 80 years old. The farm was a big part of dad’s life. He worked hard to make it prosper and provide for his family. One thing even bigger than farming in dad’s life was his family and his commitment to raise them as a Christian family, committed to church and Sunday School attendance. Dad sacrificed much to make sure he and the family were able to travel the fifteen miles to the church in Rhineland for every event held there, including both Sunday services, midweek Bible study and choir practice on Fridays (for the rest of the family) because he always claimed he was unable to sing. The family never missed missionary conferences or revival meetings because dad was committed to having his family exposed to the gospel of Jesus and His call on their lives. Dad served the church in many ways. He never missed a work bee and he also served as a board member. With mom as his partner they hosted many missionaries and dad supported mom as she served as Sunday School superintendent for more than 25 years.

Dad loved sports and in his younger days he played baseball. As his family grew he loved to take them to see baseball games and hockey tournaments. Neither distance nor storm could keep him away from watching the Blumenhof Blackhawks play. Many a time we ventured through snows storms to watch this team of underdogs defeat much more prominent opponents. This brought him much joy. His love of baseball continued until the very end with his beloved Toronto Blue Jays on the menu any time they played. In his later years, it became a ritual for any visitor to watch baseball with him and it was important for his family to make sure he knew which channel and what time the baseball game was on. Left to cherish John’s memory are Anne, his wife of 73 years; his daughters, Lorna Earl, Linda Niessen (David), Rhonda Graham (Brian), Roxanne Graham (Tim); his son, Don (Charlotte); and by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob K. & Maria (nee Peters) Friesen; his sisters, Mary and Ann; his brothers, Jacob, Aaron, Abe, Pete, Bill and Henry; and by two sons-in-law, Johnny Unrau and Murray Earl. 

The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 2:00 pm from the Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Mike Smart officiating. The pianist for the service was Marilyn Ginther. “Rock of Ages” and “What a Day that Will Be” were sung by the congregation under the direction of John Regier. Tributes were shared by Don Friesen on behalf of the children, and by Sandy Kuglin and Joel Friesen on behalf of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A musical selection of “I’ll Fly Away” was brought by the granddaughters. The ushers in the church were Jack Chalmers, Les Fehr, Harry Friesen and Gordon Peters. The Private Family Interment Service preceded the Funeral Service and was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following grandsons and great-grandsons serving as pallbearers, Joel Friesen, Tyler Friesen, Shawn Graham, Aaron Graham, Chad Lawrence and Brett Kuglin.

 Service Information