Katharine Friesen

Kathy Friesen, 79, born Sept. 2, 1940, of Portage la Prairie, MB, formerly of Rosenort, MB, passed peacefully to be with her Lord on April 5, 2020. It is with shock, grief, and peace that we announce the sudden demise and parting of our sweetheart and beloved mother. Her body died of a blood infection from Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Left to mourn are her husband John Friesen, and two sons – Charles, and Bruce and wife Lily and six year-old grandchildren, Felix and John. She leaves behind three sisters and three brothers.  She was predeceased by three brothers and one sister. She had a network of close friends who will miss her greatly.

Kathy was loving, bright, and fair-minded.  She took much care to express her faith to her children and grandchildren. Kathy had a profound faith in Jesus which she expressed in many ways.  She led Friendship Bible Studies for some 45 years, right to the present. She was greatly concerned that as many people as possible come to know and follow Jesus.

She was directly involved in bringing Christian Women’s Club to Portage la Prairie and remained involved in the Club until it closed, serving as chair-person for some years.

She was an LPN nurse and worked at the Portage Hospital for many years.

In 1973 the family moved to Germany for two years, where John taught at Black Forest Academy, and Kathy set up a children’s club called, “Kinder Stunde” in the town of Schliengen, where we lived.  Once again, she was faithful to her calling of spreading the love of Jesus.

Kathy’s family mourns the loss of one so loving and true, but is at peace with her passing.

Due to covid-19, a memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.  A private committal service is planned for April 10, 2020.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Kathy’s memory to Canadian Foodgrains Bank, P.O. Box 767, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4.

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