Jake Friesen, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, born May 13, 1928, passed from this life into the compassionate arms of Jesus on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, reaching the age of 94. Jake Friesen was born to Jacob and Mary Friesen in the Kleefeld, Manitoba, area.
Jake Friesen is survived by his wife Helen; his children Lydia (Clifford) Eberly, Henry (Shirley), Evelyn (Mike) Longbottom, Phil (Justina), Ike (Bonita), Ray, Betty (Martial) Bazinet, Wes (Olive), George (Tina), Sid (Fran), Marilyn (Chris) Rittau, Becky (Errol) Advent; 90 grandchildren, grand spouses and great-grandchildren.
Jake Friesen is also survived by two brothers and one sister; wife Helen’s ten step-children, their families; and numerous other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 1996; his daughter-in-law Mary (Henry) Friesen in 2017; his parents Jacob and Mary Friesen of Kleefeld; six sisters and three brothers.
Jake Friesen moved to Mexico at the age of 20 to wed his beloved Mary Plett. ten children were born to them in Mexico.
In 1965, they moved to Fisher Branch, Manitoba, for two years where another daughter joined the family.
In 1967, the family moved to Stratton, Ont., in response to a call to help start the Evangelical Mennonite Church. There another daughter completed the tribe of 12.
Jake Friesen was the church deacon for 24 years, serving as the church treasurer for most of the 31 years he lived in Stratton. He had an active part in Stratton Meat Processors for 20 years, was a beekeeper, and got his sons started in the logging business.
In 1996, after 47 years of marriage his wife Mary left him for her heavenly home.
In 1998, Jake got married to Helen Friesen of Rosenort, Manitoba. They enjoyed 24 years together, traveling, singing in the local senior choir, and were active participants of the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church.
We, his family, believe that he can truly say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
The viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
The funeral service for Jacob Friesen will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, with burial at Stratton Cemetery, Stratton, Ontario.
