Harry Friesen

Harry Ike Friesen was born on March 19, 1948 in Swift Current, SK to Jacob & Anna Friesen, the youngest of eleven siblings. He was brought home to the farm in Schoenfeld, SK, where he lived his entire life in the same house. Harry attended Maharg School in Schoenfeld, learning English in addition to the other subjects. He completed Grade 6 in Schoenfeld and Grades 7 to 12 in Wymark. Harry loved playing hockey and joined the Schoenfeld Huskies while still in high school. He played with his brothers and other friends for that team, as well as the Neville Mohawks. Harry also enjoyed playing crokinole and played at the Friesen’s family tournament most years as well as participating in tournaments in Wymark and at the Rhineland Church. Following high school, he got a job with the Saskatchewan Department of Highways, surveying land around the Riverhurst Ferry. Harry started farming in 1967, working with his dad and his brother, Bill. Things changed gradually through the years until Harry and Bill ran the farm together until April 2019 when they hired Keith Trudeau to work with them. Harry was always interested in expanding his skills in ways that would improve the farm. Throughout his career he completed courses for his class 1 license as well as numerous other courses through the Community College in Swift Current. Harry met Trudy Krahn at a Bible study for youth and started dating two years later. After dating for about a year, they were married on October 11, 1980 in the Chortitz church where they met. They were married for 21 years, until Trudy’s passing in 2001. They were blessed with three daughters.

Harry began attending Rhineland Christian Fellowship Church in 1963. Just a few months before his 16th birthday, he took on the role of Sunday School secretary — a position he faithfully served in for many years. Over time, he also contributed in various other areas, including sound and media, the church board, and as a Sunday School teacher. In January 1976, Harry was part of a group of about 20 individuals who helped launch the AWANA program in Rhineland. He remained actively involved in the program from its inception until April 2025. Following several months of illness and uncertainty, Harry was admitted to the Regina hospital in June of this year. When it became apparent that further treatments would not be possible, Harry’s final prayer request was that he would finish well. His wish was granted on August 14, 2025, at the age of 77, as he finished the course with a smile on his face, welcomed by his Saviour and greeted by family and friends. Harry was predeceased by his wife, Trudy; his parents, Jacob & Anna; his sister, Nettie; and by his brothers, Henry, John, Vic, and Abe. He is survived by his daughters, Jolene & Derek Ohlmann (Lukas): Sharlene & Kendal Dunnett (Katrina and Micah): and Kara & Tate Cao (Johan and Yosiah); his brothers, Jake and Bill; his sisters, Susie, Mary, and Helen; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00am from the Rhineland Christian Fellowship Church, Rhineland, SK with Pastor Tim Knelsen and Pastor Owen Retzlaff officiating.

The pianist for the service was Leona Knelsen. “Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” and “In the Garden” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Phil Olney, along with Peter & Hanna Fornal, and Jonathan Olney. Special Music was provided by Winona Laughlin and Gail Nelson singing, “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me”. The eulogy was brought by Germaine Trudeau, with tributes shared by Harry’s daughters, Jolene Ohlmann, Sharlene Dunnett, and Kara Cao, and by a PowerPoint presentation. The chosen recessional song was “His Glory and My Good” by City Alight. The ushers in the church were Stanley Andres, Daniel Dueck, Layton Dueck, Justin Dyck, Dale Friesen, Geno Froese, and Gordon Peters. The Interment was held at the Rhineland Church Cemetery, Rhineland, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Tate Cao, Kendal Dunnett, Derek Ohlmann, Keith Trudeau, Roy Knelsen, and Gary Tschetter. In memory of Harry Friesen, donations made to Child Evangelism Fellowship would be appreciated by the family. 

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