Alfred Friesen

Alfred Werner Friesen

We grieve the loss of our Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Fred Friesen on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at his residence at the age of 89 years.

Fred was born on the farm August 18, 1926, south of Elie, Manitoba.  God’s plan for his life was laid out early when his father passed away and at the age of 19, his farming career started.   He willingly inherited the farming duties and responsibilities to support his mother and siblings.

Fred loved the Lord and in 1947, at the age of 21, he was baptized and Christ became the center of his life.  He continued to grow in his faith as he studied the Bible and faithfully attended the Newton Mennonite Church.

Then one day a beautiful young woman named Anne caught Fred’s eye and they fell in love.  On September 29, 1951, they were married and embarked on their 64 year journey together.  A very special wedding gift from Anne’s parents was delivered and although Fred, at first glance, considered it to be a nuisance, it turned out to be the beginning of something special.  It was a cow named “Old Lady” and she was the cow that started the herd at Friesen’s Farm.

Fred and Anne were blessed with 5 children....Ron, Ken, Dianne, Rick and Barry.  Ron resides in Alberta and the rest of the children reside near or in Oakville, Manitoba.

Farming had its challenges and Fred worked hard to make ends meet often supplementing the farming income by taking on winter jobs in Winnipeg and Ontario, operating his Cat on various construction jobs or driving school bus with Anne for many years.

In 1967, Fred faced a difficult choice….the lack of water on the Elie farm was a concern and in order to progress the farm and grow his cattle herd, he knew a move was necessary.  He chose to relocate the farm base and move the family from Elie to Oakville where he and Anne enjoyed the rest of their years together.

God blessed Fred with a gift of music and music was his way of connecting with the church and serving in ministry.  He played guitar, piano, violin and even harmonica.  He often played in church for "special music" events and served with a group in jail ministry.  We have wonderful and special memories of Fred playing at home, “jam” sessions with his brother Ed and entertaining us at many family gatherings.

Fred shared many interests with his sons…..his love of farming, teaching and encouraging them with his long years of experience, snowmobiling, motorcycles, airplanes, construction equipment and tractor pulls.  One year he even had the privilege of entering his Vintage JD 730 tractor in the Austin Thresherman’s Parade.

Fred was very proud of his grandchildren, visiting and praying for them regularly.  Recent highlights were playing “shop hockey” with his great grandson Dylan and having coffee and cookies at the shop.

Over the years, Fred enjoyed many visits and winter travels with friends or just staying home in the shop hanging out with friends and neighbours talking farming.

Fred stayed fully active on the farm for 63 years until 2008 when his declining health forced him to reluctantly slow down a little.  He continued to share his passion for farming by growing and delivering grain to the Food Grains Bank and helping his sons grow their farm.

The farm was the world to him so it's very special that his last steps were there.  He passed away Tuesday, September 8 ^th , 2015 in his home at the age of 89.

Fred is pre-deceased by parents:  Aaron and Katherine Friesen; sister Katie Davidson; brothers Art Friesen and Ed Friesen.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Anne Friesen; children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Ron (Vicki) Friesen;Ken (Bev) Friesen with Carissa (Ryan) Cooke - Mathew, Jordyn, Aiden & Josephine, Jocelyn Friesen, Jeremy (Brittany) Friesen - Dylan & Hunter; Dianne (Ed) Giesbrecht; Leanne Giesbrecht, Stacey (Trevor) Wirch; Rick Friesen;     Barry (Jan) Friesen with Kurt (Jackie) Friesen, Joel (Elise) Friesen, Emily Friesen; and other extended family.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 2:30 pm at the Community Fellowship Church, Newton, Manitoba. Interment will take place in the Oakville Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Box 767 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2L4 or Portage MCC, 149 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 0L7.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com