Obituary

Willmer J. Friesen, 91, died on Friday (Feb. 11, 2011) at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton.

He was born on March 27, 1919, in DuBois, Idaho, to John and Katie (Ensz) Friesen. On March 7, 1975, he married Laura Tieszen in Billing, Mont., and she survives of the home.

Willmer was retired from potato farming in Idaho. He held memberships at the First Mennonite churches in Aberdeen, Idaho, and Newton. He also was a member of the Gideon’s International. Willmer had a love of singing, and his family was very important to him. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his loving family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Laura of the home; son, Dale and his wife, Connie of Lawrence; daughter, Margie Chartrand of Omaha, Neb.; two sisters, Margaret Tieszen of Caldwell, Idaho, and Ruby Friesen of Mt. Angel, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ellen Wedel Friesen; four brothers, Elmer, Waldo, Edwin and Orlando Friesen; and two sisters, Verna Huse and Elma Linscheid.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday (Feb. 14) at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday (Feb 15) at First Mennonite Church in Newton. Pastor Anita Kehr will preside. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Memorials may be left with Kidron-Bethel, Gideons International, First Mennonite Church of Aberdeen, Idaho, or First Mennonite Church in Newton, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.