John L. Friesen

John Leonard Friesen, age 92, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Cypress House, Swift Current, SK. John was born October 23, 1930 to Jacob & Catherine Friesen on the family farm near Schoenfeld, SK. The youngest of eight children, John enjoyed farm life, especially working with cattle.

John served as a Corporal in the Royal Canadian Air Force for six years. His greatest desire was to be a pilot but due to health reasons, wasn’t able to realize that dream. He was stationed at Penhold, AB and Winnipeg, MB where he serviced planes.

After his years in the air force, John moved back to Schoenfeld and together with his brother, Jim, they purchased land at Webb, SK. It was then that his romance with Helen Klassen began — their first meeting was on a 44 Massey Tractor, searching for the Klassen’s cows in a blinding blizzard.

John & Helen were married June 12, 1960 in the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Chortitz, SK. They lived in Swift Current for five years then moved to the farm in 1965 and named it Spring Valley Farm. They were blessed with four daughters and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. John enjoyed spending time with his girls and after they had all moved away, eagerly looked forward to their visits. Even as he became frail in the last years and especially the last months, he would always ask who was coming next to visit and when.

John worked on the power lines for SaskTel for two years and worked for SaskPower in the plant for sixteen years. When the power plant in Swift Current closed, John & Helen started a dairy on their farm and together they dairied for seventeen years. They also did grain farming and raised beef cattle. 

John loved the farm and took pride in tending to his property and animals. Although dairy life had its struggles — early mornings, cold winters, frozen watering bowls, and even pulling porcupine quills from cows’ noses — John thrived on the challenges. The whole family received a good farm education on birthing calves, giving needles, and lots more. In their “spare” time they raised pheasants, ducks, Guinea fowl, turkeys, and sometimes lambs for the girls along with planting large vegetable gardens.  

Early in their marriage John & Helen built two houses and in their retirement years, enjoyed using their carpentry skills to build furniture for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. This furniture has become treasured heirlooms for the family. They also used their carpentry skills to assist with many construction projects in their church. John was baptized in the EMC Church upon confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was treasurer at the church for many years.

John loved hockey and enjoyed playing in the air force and for the Schoenfeld Huskies. His family enjoyed many happy times skating on frozen ponds, tobogganing, and playing outdoor games in the yard. On a warm summer evening, John would start a fire in the garden firepit so they could enjoy a wiener roast together.

John & Helen enjoyed traveling and vacationing with children and grandchildren. His favorite warm destination was Hawaii. The highlight vacation of their life was a tour through the Holy Land and walking where Jesus walked.  In the last three years, when John was too tired to attend church, he was encouraged by the teaching of Dr. David Jeremiah and by listening to “Time to Sing” and other gospel music.

John is survived by his wife, Helen Friesen; his daughters and their families, Yvonne (Morley) Herman, Cheryl (Terry) Wall and their children, Taylor Wall and Lauren Wall, Gwendolyn (Gary) Lundman and their children, Kirsten Lundman (her daughter, Kya) and Erin (Cody) Bonham (their daughter, Mavis), and Karen (Gord McKinnon) Friesen.

John was predeceased by his parents, Jacob & Catherine Friesen; and by his siblings, Henry, Wilfred, Mary, George, Helen, Elma, and Jim.

Thank you to the staff at Cypress House and to Dr. Bakare for their exceptional care.

The Funeral Service for John L. Friesen was held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 am from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Paul Little officiating. “It is Well,” “In the Garden,” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Archie Neufeld, with Beatrice Peters serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Archie & Sylvia Neufeld, who sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” The tributes and photo tribute were given by John’s children and grandchildren. The eulogy was read by Marvin Allan. Pastor Paul’s devotional was  Psalm 36:5-9 The ushers in the church were Gloria Parker and Bonnie Dueck.

The service program is available to view below. 

The service was recorded and is available to view below.

The Interment Service was at Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Morley Herman, Terry Wall, Gary Lundman, Cody Bonham, Dale Friesen, and Jack Schimmel serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of John L. Friesen, donations made to Rock Solid Refuge would be appreciated by the family.

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