Obituary of Jacob F. Friesen

 "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" Psalm 91:2

Our Dad and Grandpa, Jacob Friesen, was born to Abram K. and Elizabeth Friesen on November 26, 1916, in Rosenort, Manitoba. He lived to 101 years and 8 months and 10 days.  Jacob's father died when he was just 2 years old, so he grew up in a fatherless, but loving, home.  Together with his 4 brothers and a sister, he helped his mother run the farm for their livelihood.

Dad married our mother, Susie Brandt, on October 8, 1939, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage before she passed away in 2007.  8 children were born to them, 4 sons and 4 daughters.  Dad was a good family man.  He left us a wonderful legacy of hard work, love and caring.  In their sunset years, it was so good to see him care for mother, so that she could stay in their own home until her death.

As a child, Dad learned to work, and he never quit until his health forced him into retirement.  Dad & Mom started off farming, and he also owned a seed-cleaning plant which he operated together with his sons.  When the farm and business were sold, he started working for his sons at Midland Manufacturing, working there well into his 80's.  At 60 years of age, Dad & Mom moved to their new house on River Road, just out of Rosenort.  Dad helped build the house, and thoroughly enjoyed the landscaping.  He loved growing plants - trees, gardens and flowers.

They moved again, in 2005, to Rose Bay Apartments, where Dad lived until he needed more care.  He was then moved to Heritage for a few years, and finally to Morris Lodge, where he resided until his death. He enjoyed exceptionally good health for most of his life.  In his retirement, he loved playing games, doing SUDOKU and jigsaw puzzles.

Dad & Mom enjoyed travelling.  They made many trips to B.C. and also visited Belize, many of the states, and eastern Canada.  They also loved visiting, so they often combined their travels with visits to family and friends.

Dad had a strong faith in God, instilled in him at a young age.  All his life he attended the Rosenort E.M.C. and was baptised, became a member and was married there. In later years when it became difficult for him to go out, he attended services at Heritage and the Lodge. He was always happy when the preacher was someone he knew.  His was a vibrant faith - he talked freely about the Lord, and he witnessed to, and prayed for many, especially his family.  His family often read his Bible to him in later years when his eyesight deteriorated, and he never tired of that. Just recently he was talking about treasures in heaven, and we read Matthew 6 to him, which he really appreciated.

Dad lived through many changes in his 101 years of life - from horse & buggy days to space travel!  He loved talking about the 'old days' but also hearing about what was going on in the world today.

Dad is survived by all his 8 children;  Allan & Gladys of Swan River, Betty & Vernon of Rosenort, Lorne & Lena of Swan River, Katie & John of Winnipeg, Ervin & Erika of Rosenort, Leroy & Lois of Rosenort, Darlene & Brad of Winnipeg, Jean of Niverville, also 16 grandchildren(many with spouses) , and 25 great-grandchildren.  His first great-grandchild got married this spring.

He was predeceased by his wife Susie in 2007, and grandson Lee Friesen in 2004, his parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister and their spouses.  He was the last of his generation!

We as a family want to thank all the excellent caregivers at Morris Lodge and also at his previous home at Heritage.   Dad was always very appreciative of you all!

Auf wiedersehn, Dad. We love you!    

The funeral service will be held Thursday, August 9, 2018 at the Rosenort EMC, at 2:00pm.

Burial will take place at the Rosenort EMC Cemetery.

Viewing will be held at the church prior to the funeral.

Donations in memory of Jacob may be made to the Union Gospel Mission and/or the Intercity Youth (418 Aberdeen Ave, Winnipeg, MB  R2W 1V7).