
George Friesen
1943 ~ 2021
George P. Friesen, 78 years of age, of Winkler, Manitoba passed away peacefully on Friday June 18, 2021 after a short battle with pneumonia complications and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Dad was born on January 11, 1943 to Cornelius and Aganetha Friesen, in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. It was evident from an early age, that he had a very curious mind and was eager to learn and explore. These traits would come to serve him well as he grew older and into adulthood. In the spring of 1962, dad would meet the love of his life, Katherine Banman, and their wedding followed on August 11 of 1963. Shortly thereafter, they would start a family which would include six children: Helen, Cornel, Nettie, Tina, Mary and Margaret. With his natural leadership and obvious talent for problem solving, dad found much success in the employ of local industry, and he quickly gained the respect and admiration of his employers as well as the people in his charge. The same success and respect would follow him as he launched into new business ventures of the next several decades. Within the community, he would freely give of his time with local organizations including the Salem Care Home, MCC outreach, church boards as well as continue as a consultant for local businesses after his retirement. Dad had many interests and hobbies, but woodworking was his life long abiding passion, leaving beautiful works of craftsmanship in many homes and churches over many years. At the core of everything he did was a quiet faith. This was a repeated theme of conversation with our dad in the hospital during his last few weeks. Dad had not only placed his faith in Jesus for his salvation but remained completely yielded to God’s will for him even in illness.
All who knew George remember how involved and concerned he was about raising a good family and he worked tirelessly to provide for their needs and nurture all those in household. George was predeceased by his father, Cornelius, mother, Aganetha, sisters, Justina, Helen, Aganetha and Anna. He is survived by his wife, Katherine along with his daughter, Helen, son, Cornel (Joy), daughter, Nettie (John), daughter, Tina (Frank), daughter, Mary (Randy), daughter, Margaret (Art) and brother, Cornie (Helen). Also left to cherish his memory are 26 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Special acknowledgements also go out to Mariann Friesen, Maria and David Friesen along with many friends he made in the business and church community.
A private funeral service on Tuesday June 22, 2021 at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler with interment at Westridge Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, donations may be made in George’s memory to Mennonite Disaster Services Canada.