Edwin L. Friesen

Edwin (Ed/Eddie) L. Friesen our adored husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on Saturday October 7, 2023, at the DeSalaberry District Health Centre at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 4 days. He passed away peacefully after a brief illness.

Ed was born November 3rd, 1932, to Henry R. and Marie Friesen. He was third of five children. He accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and made a public declaration of his faith through baptism in 1952. Thereafter he served for many years on various boards, and numerous church committees, serving as a Sunday school teacher, and an usher. On June 18, 1959, he married the love of his life, Mary Friesen, and together they raised two children. Once married, the young couple built their own home near the village of Rosenort. They spent countless hours landscaping and gardening, which they enjoyed. After the flood of 1997 Ed and Mary built a home in Steinbach where they resided for the next 26 years and just now recently moved to Heritage Senior Living in Niverville this summer.

Ed was a man of great integrity. He was generous with his time and many talents, serving on the Rosenort Credit Union board for 35 years as well as many years on the SBC board. All the while, together with his family, he owned and operated a grain and livestock farm.

Ed was pre-deceased by his parents, his older sister Linda, and his nephew Leroy, two brother in laws and two sister in laws.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his son Blake, daughter Tamara and Jeff Siemens, his granddaughter Jillian and Jason Mazinke, his grandson Austin Siemens and Destiny Ludwig; two great-granddaughters Lyla and Sadie Mazinke and awaiting arrival of great-grandson Maverick Mazinke; One brother Murray, two sisters Betty Kornelsen, Annie and Pete Friesen, brother-in-law Leonard and Mary Dueck and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at St. Pierre Hospital, with a special thank you to nurse Heather Plett and health care aid Gaby Vermette for the tender care while he was there. The family also wishes to express their love and gratitude to Ed's caregiver, Rose Dyck, for the many hours of compassionate care she provided for Ed, both in his home and during his stay in hospital.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Crossings Funeral Care, 12e-40 North Gate Drive, Steinbach, MB. For those unable to attend, please join the family via livestream. Please click here to view.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Heritage Village.