Jake Friesen

Jake Friesen, age 78, passed away peacefully into the presence of the Lord surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 13, 2018 at The Meadows, Swift Current, SK. Jake was born November 2, 1939 in Rhinefeldt, SK to Jacob J. & Elizabeth (Wiens) Friesen. He grew up in Swift Current and attended Iris School (1947-1957), Rosthern Junior College (1958-1959), SCCI (1959-1960), and the University of Saskatchewan (1964-1965). From 1960-1967, Jake worked at Great West Auto Electric, Swift Current Regional Hospital, and TelRite. He worked 28 years at Mobil Oil as a Senior Utility Man, Production Operator, Senior Maintenance Man, and Electrician. Jake and his father worked together for many years and owned J.J. Electric, and from 1995-2013, Jake built, wired, and did electrical work in houses around Swift Current.

Jake married the love of his life, Mildred Lohrenz, on July 19, 1969 in Waldheim, SK. Together, they raised two children — Kevin and Karen. As a young man, living for Jesus was the most important part of Jake’s life. He was led to serve others and took a mission trip to El Salvador in 2002. Jake enjoyed traveling and traveled to over fifty countries with his uncle, Pete Friesen — he visited the Berlin Wall after it fell, flew on the first Concorde flight from Canada to England, and witnessed the infamous launch of the space shuttle, Challenger. He also went on many cruises and family holidays. Jake was a quiet, kind, gentle man who would take the time to help anyone who needed it. He enjoyed visiting and going for coffee with friends and family. Jake loved to laugh, tease, tell jokes, and had a great sense of humour. Jake was a loving husband, father, and grandfather — he would do anything for his family, especially his granddaughters.

Jake is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mildred Friesen (Swift Current, SK); his children, Kevin Friesen (North Vancouver, B.C.) and Karen (Darrell) Wolfmeyer (Red Deer, AB); his two granddaughters, Emma and Chloe Wolfmeyer; his siblings, John (Marlene) Friesen (Phoenix, AZ) and Helen (Seymour) Fehr (Swift Current, SK); and by his many nieces and nephews. Jake was predeceased by his parents, Jacob J. & Elizabeth Friesen; and by his younger brother, Abraham Friesen. We will all miss you, Dad.  You are safe in the arms of Jesus!

The family would like to thank Dr. Sam Bakare for the extra care and compassion you showed Dad every single day and the many nurses, care aides, and workers of House 12 who loved, cared for, and treated Dad with dignity right up until his final breath. You were truly angels sent to care for Dad and he loved you all, we can never thank you enough for the love and care you showed Dad; Bernie Brown, for graciously allowing us to use his artwork; Full Gospel Church Ladies for providing the luncheon; Pastor Dave Clarke and Wendell Quincey for officiating the Celebration of Life and Interment service; Rev. Abe Wiebe for leading the visitation on Wednesday evening; Dan & Nancy Martens for your help, compassion, and support; The Pallbearers, Honorary Pallbearers, and Ushers for being a part of Dad's celebration; and Chris & Crystal Ljunggren for carrying the load that was otherwise too much for us to handle.

The Celebration of Life for Jake Friesen was held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Full Gospel Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor David Clarke and Wendell Quincey officiating. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “How Great is Our God” were sung by the congregation, with Fred Entz serving as pianist. Tributes were given by Darrell & Karen Wolfmeyer and Kevin Friesen, the Obituary was read by Emma and Chloe Wolfmeyer. Bob Davison read Scripture, a photo presentation was given by Darrell Wolfmeyer. The ushers in the church were Stacey Wiens and Jason Keller. The Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with John Friesen, Grant Lohrenz, Lloyd Fehr, Marvin Wiens, Calvin Schindel, and Ron Giesbrecht serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Don Bedwell, Lloyd Cowan, Bill Froese, Ben Funk, Earl Gehl, Frank Wall, and John Wiens.

In memory of Jake Friesen, donations made to Full Gospel Church Missions (72 – 4th Ave NE Swift Current, SK, S9H 2H9) and the Alzheimer's Society (301 – 2550 12th Ave, Regina, SK, S4P 3X1) would be appreciated by the family. 

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