John Floyd Friesen
June 23, 1927- March 27, 2019
John F. Friesen passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Johnny was born on the family farm north of Langham on June 23, 1927 to Cornelius and Elizabeth Friesen. He attended Edinburgh school and upon finishing his schooling, he worked at Arthur Rose in Saskatoon and then went on to the Saskatchewan Book Bureau in Regina. John was called back to the farm in 1947 and three years later he married the love of his life, Leola Derksen, and together they continued farming until their retirement to Langham in 1998. John took great pride in the land and his herd of Herefords as this was evident in the quality of crops produced and the sound cattle he raised. He was community minded, serving on the local school boards and various Sask. Wheat Pool Committees.
John enjoyed socializing, especially with his siblings, cousins and many friends. Johnny and Leola loved to travel, spending several winters in Hawaii and Palm Springs as well as trips across Canada and the U.S.
Left to cherish his memory are: Leola, his loving wife of 68 years; daughter Debby (Dusty) Dear and grandson Jonathon (Teddi) Dear. He loved his great grandsons Oliver, Emmett and Edgar more than life itself and treasured every moment spent with his family watching their activities and achievements.
Also left to remember are his sisters-in-law Wilma (Lavern) Regehr and Phyllis (Dennis) Gossen, Helen Derksen and Cindy Derksen and numerous other family members and friends who enjoyed a visit and a few laughs.
John was predeceased by his parents Cornelius & Elizabeth Friesen, siblings Blake (Louise) Friesen, Lillian (Albert) Peters, Eleanor (Walter Schultz, Menno Mandtler), Edgar (Lillian) Friesen, brothers-in-law Ray Derksen, Mervin Derksen, and Dennis Derksen.
As a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, John’s love and caring shone through. His accomplishments and work ethic have provided a role model for his loving family.
Heartfelt thanks to the resident aides at Bethany Place for all their care to make his stay a positive experience. In addition we would like to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by Dr. Ghoorah and palliative care staff at St. Paul’s Hospital.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 10:30 am at First Mennonite Church, 418 Queen Street, Saskatoon, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Box 767, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4. Arrangements entrusted to DALMENY FUNERAL HOME 306-254-2022.
2 Comments
Our deepest sympathies to you Leola and your lovely family! Johnny & Leola were like second parents to me (Bill). Leola was my grade one teacher in 1959, her first challenge was to try to teach me the English language. Recess was way more fun to me!
Then in spring 1970 they hired me as a farm hand. At age 16 I still had much to learn, this time Johnny was the teacher, I think he had more fun at it than Leola did, especially when it was about the birds & bees! I was taught what they didn’t teach in school. Life became real! They treated me like their own son, I have some very good memories! Rest in Peace John.
Bill & Ann Enns
Leola, Debbie and family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss. It has been a tough winter for our respective families – we however are left with many fond memories that we will all cherish forever. Our thoughts are with you – God bless.
Larry & Linda Thiessen, Calgary.
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