John H. Friesen

John H. Friesen, age 92, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 after a brief stay at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. His presence is dearly missed. John H. Friesen was born to Gerhard & Agatha Friesen on October 6, 1925 in Swift Current, SK — the fourth of ten children, he was especially close with his brother, Jacob.

John married the love of his life, Helen Marie Schultz, on June 25, 1950 in Blumenhof, SK. In 1956, they started their family. First with Marla, then Ken, Nancy, and Wes. John loved his children, and they believe they had the best dad ever. John worked for the City of Swift Current for 33 years, retiring when he was 65. John started at Parks and Rec — in summer, he worked with parks, beautifying the city, winter found him working hard to set up and maintain the outdoor rinks. John enjoyed putting his skates on and teaching his children how to skate, and he would play hockey with kids at the rink. Together, John & Helen took in foster children and they both loved them as their own. John was a very quiet, loving man — but when he spoke, it was greatly spoken. John loved music, and sang in choirs and quartets.

John was predeceased by his daughter, Nancy Boschman; his parents, Gerhard & Agatha Friesen; eight of his siblings, Agatha, Mary, George, Abraham, Isaac, Cornelius, Margaret, and Ben; his parents-in-law, John & Helen Schultz; and by his brothers-in-law, Dave Schultz, Ed Schultz and Lorne Cameron. John is survived by his wife, Helen; his daughter, Marla King; his sons, Ken Friesen (Linda Altermatt), and Wes Friesen (Cindy Fortney); his son-in-law, Laurie Boschman (Andrea); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marla’s family – Regan King (Sherry McLeod, Caitlin and Emma King), and Twyla King (Richard Linsley, Shawn, Nathan, Jessica and Jacob): Ken’s family – Brittany (Derek Wilson, Ronin and Cash), and Brock Friesen: Nancy’s family – Brent Boschman (Samantha and baby Max), Mark Boschman (Pauline), and Jeff Boschman: Wes’ family – Mitchel Normandin (Amber Dormouth), and Danielle Normandin (Troy Coull); his brother, Jacob (Mary) Friesen; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Schultz, Tiena (Ed) Giesbrecht, Betty Cameron, Ida (Phil) Buhler, Joanne Schultz, and Ron (Luanne) Schultz; and by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who all loved their Uncle John. Rest in peace, John, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. Love, Helen and family.

The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm from the Zion Mennonite Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Herman Wiebe and Pastor Lois Bukar officiating. The organist for the service was Grace Funk with special music brought by Kathy Grant singing, “How Great Thou Art”, “Suppertime” and “Far Side Banks of Jordan.” The eulogy was brought by Herman Wiebe, and the obituary was read by Ron Schultz. Tributes were shared by George Friesen, Laurie Boschman, and Ron Schultz. “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Silent Night” were sung by the congregation. The ushers in the church were John Braun and Pete Dyck. The Interment Service was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Jake Friesen, George Friesen, Brock Friesen, Regan King, Shawn King, and Mitchel Normandin.

 Service Information