Harry Friesen

Harry Friesen, age 88, went to be with his Lord on July 28, 2020 at the Meadows in Swift Current, SK with his family by his side.  Harry was predeceased by his loving wife Erla, his parents Peter and Helena Friesen,  his brothers Jake, Dan, Elmer, Harvey, Gordon, Menno, and Abram, his sister-in-law Elsie Friesen, his parents-in-law Dan and Katie Klaassen,  his brother-in-law Ormond Klaassen, his sisters-in-law Della Roberts, Jewel St. Laurent, Lucille Klaassen and Judith Klaassen, his nephews Mark Roberts and Roger Friesen, and his niece Joan Lindahl.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son Darren (Sherryl) Friesen, grandchildren Dylan, Madison, and Brock Friesen, his daughters D’Lores (Mike) Talaga, and Darci (Clint) Guenther, his brother Larry (Sharleen) Friesen, his brothers-in-law Doyle Klaassen, Bill Roberts, his sisters-in-law Fern (Ivan) Prefontaine, Nancye Friesen, Stella Friesen and many nieces and nephews.

Harry Friesen was born on December 13, 1931 in Rosenbach, SK and lived much of his younger years in the McMahon area. It was here that he developed the love of farming, which continued as a dream for the rest of his life. In 1956, he started working at the Co-op Creamery, where he worked until he retired in 1996.  One year later, the main Creamery plant in Swift Current closed.

He and Erla were married in 1964, and Darren (1967), D’Lores (1968), and Darci (1970) soon entered their lives.  He was a proud and affectionate father. He umped ball games, fixed cars, built decks, and was always “rarin’ to go.”  He loved his children's spouses like his own and he especially loved his grandchildren.

Dad worked tirelessly, running errands while Erla cooked and cleaned. He could fix or build virtually anything and loved refinishing antique furniture. Occasional wounds never seemed to slow him down and he was very proud of his scars.  Dad was a champion crokinole player and he was never too busy to challenge anyone to a game.  The back deck at 210 Gibbs St. E. hosted numerous gatherings which spanned 40 years.  They loved visiting friends, old and new, over faspa, rollkuchen, or coffee.

Dad’s faith was deeply rooted in Jesus. He read his bible daily and volunteered at this church and at Millar College of the Bible. He consistently leaned on God, especially in the last few years, and although his body was deteriorating, his faith only grew stronger.

His absence is difficult to comprehend. For his children, grandchildren, relatives and friends, there was no one like him. He leaves us with a lasting legacy of his wonderful qualities:  his kind and gentle spirit, his act of helping others, his everlasting and unconditional love, and his steadfast faith in God.  Thanks Dad. We love you.

The Private Family Funeral Service for Harry Friesen was held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 1:30 pm from Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Jay Hinds officiating. “It is Well with My Soul” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Ron Olfert, with Trudy Olfert serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Peg Olfert and Barbara Miarau, and by Darren & Sherryl Friesen. Tributes were given by Harry’s grandchildren, Dylan, Madison, and Brock Friesen, and Harry’s children, Darren Friesen, D’Lores Talaga, and Darci Guenther. Scripture was read by Janet Neubauer (Romans 12:9-13) and Roxy Dyck (Psalm 121). A photo presentation was given by Harry’s family. The processional was “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” the recessional was “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “I’ll Fly Away.” The ushers in the church were Marc & Barb Corbeil.

The Public Interment Service was held following the Funeral Service from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Dylan Friesen, Brock Friesen, Todd Klaassen, Michael Friesen, Lionel Neubauer, and Arverd Dyck serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Harry Friesen, donations made to West Bank Bible Camp, Millar College of the Bible, and the Meadows Auxiliary would be appreciated by the family.

Both the Funeral Service and Interment Service were recorded and will be posted on this page by the end of the week.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry Friesen, please visit our floral store.