William "Bill" Joseph Frisch

With his family by his side, Bill Frisch passed away on June 1, 2024 at the Portage District General Hospital.

Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Teresa Frisch.  Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife Willeen; children Kathy (Kevin Hickey), David (Christine), Ellen, and Michelle (Rick Cleaver); grandchildren Brandyn, Bailey, Austyn, Jaxon, Charlie, Benjamin and Emma; sister Mary (Joe Steffes) and brother Frank (Carol), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill grew up on the family farm north of Manitou.  He attended Midland School in the New Haven District and Nellie McClung Collegiate.  He worked at Lovell’s Electric in Manitou and then worked at the UGG elevator in Portage.  In the early 70’s he returned to the farm.  In 1974 Bill married Willeen Esler of LaRiviere and they lived on the family farm with their four children.

Bill served for 16 years, first as Councilor for Ward 5 and later as Reeve in the RM of Pembina.  His ability to remember names and faces was a huge asset.  He enjoyed people and entertaining.  One of his proudest moments was leading Manitou’s 100 Year Centennial Parade in 1990 with his black percheron team, Dolly and Queen.  The entire Council got to enjoy the moment too, on board his self-constructed wagon.

Bill had a special connection and love of working with heavy horses.  When finished working in the barns, he would spend time building sleighs and wagons.   Some family fun was going on horse drawn rides.  Bill enjoyed participating in the Heavy Horse pulls and events at the Manitou Fair.   His team and his homemade covered wagon took part in the Boundary Commission Ride in the RM of Stanley.

In 1998, the family moved to a country homestead near Rathwell.  He shared his time with the kids driving Rocky, target shooting and going for coffee.   Family holidays over the years took family to Wasagaming, the Black Hills, Jasper and Banff.  Family weddings took them to Newfoundland and British Columbia.

Bill and Willeen moved to Portage la Prairie in 2019.   They enjoyed meeting people, having coffee with neighbors and being closer to family.  They were very thankful for the wonderful love and support from family and neighbors.

The family want to thank the entire staff at the Portage Hospital for the wonderful care he received.  Thank you to the Home Care Staff for their dedication.  Thank you to Father Michael Raj Savarimuthu for his prayers and support.

A private funeral liturgy will be held at McKenzie Portage Funeral Chapel.  Interment to follow at High Bluff Cemetery. 

If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made in Bill’s memory to the Portage Hospital Foundation, 524 - 5 St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8, or a charity of your choice.

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