REVEREND DAVID F. FRIESEN

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REVEREND DAVID F. FRIESEN
December 16, 1924 - July 11, 2019

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Reverend David F. Friesen of Winkler (formerly Rosenfeld), Manitoba, at the age of 94. He passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2019.
David will be missed by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary (Wiebe) Friesen, his son John (Donna) and daughters, Linda (Gil), Mary Ann and Cate (Allan); his sisters, Mary Friesen and Anne (Friesen) Doell, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Helen (Friesen) Doell and brother Tony Friesen, and son-in-law Don Hiebert.
David had a passion for his family, his community and his faith. He had a special gift for connecting with everyone he met, with genuine care and concern.
David grew up on a farm near Rosenfeld and always remained close to his family. He served as a conscientious objector for three years during the Second World War. After that he returned to school and met the love of his life, Mary, while they were students at MCI.
David loved farming, and even after he gave it up, first for teaching and then to serve the church, he was always interested in how the crops were doing. He worked as a teacher for 12 years and then heeded the call to serve as pastor of Altona Bergthaler Church. During the time he served in Altona, and then in Gretna, he officiated many weddings and funerals, comforted and counselled countless people, and welcomed many refugee families to the community.
David and Mary will be remembered well for the flower messages along Highway 14 from 1983 to 2002, including "Keep Hope Alive", "Remember Who You Are" and "Love Never Fails".
When David could no longer walk or get out easily, hardly a day would go by without family or friends coming to David and Mary's home. It is a testimony to the love he gave so freely to others.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church with private burial at the Rosenfeld Cemetery. Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In honour of David's commitment to supporting refugees, donations may be made to MCC Canada, for their work with asylum seekers.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2019