Anna Friesen
1932 - 2018
Obituary
Anna S. Friesen, age 85, of Newton,
passed away June 29, 2018, at Newton Presbyterian Manor. She was born
Anna S. Doerksen on November 15, 1932, in Rural Meade County – the
daughter of John and Sara (Reimer) Doerksen. Anna was the fourth of
six children born to John and Sara.
Anna and her siblings lived and worked
on the family farm. Anna's father, at the age of 43, was killed by a
drunk driver as he was standing by a car on the side of the road
instructing Anna's sister, Lena, where to take the farm equipment.
This event had a profound impact on the family for the rest of their
lives.
Anna attended Lakeview Elementary
School of Fowler for grades one to eight. Lakeview was a small school
with only 14 students. She had fond memories of teachers and friends
at school. Math was one of Anna's favorite subjects. Later, she
acquired her GED, followed by LPN School in McPherson.
Anna met Alvin Friesen through friends.
They were married on February 18, 1962, in rural Meade. They were
married 56 years until Alvin's passing on April 1, 2018. Since Alvin
worked in Hesston when they married, Alvin and Anna resided in
Hesston for 53 years until they moved to Newton Presbyterian Manor in
early 2015.
Alvin and Anna welcomed their only son,
Marc, in September 1974. The family celebrated Alvin and Anna's 50th
wedding anniversary in February 2012 – a celebration Alvin and Anna
enjoyed.
Early in their marriage, they stayed
around home and worked, taking trips to visit far away family and to
Alvin's Army reunions. As they aged, they did additional traveling on
bus trips as well as an Alaskan and a European tour – trips they
greatly enjoyed.
Anna worked for many years as a
Licensed Practical Nurse at Axtell and Bethel Hospitals – which
later merged into Newton Medical Center. She retired in 2001 at the
age of 68.
In addition to working at the hospital,
Anna taught children's Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed
gardening, collecting dolls and watching and listening to Royals
baseball. She would tell you, "Royals all the way." Once
Alvin and Anna moved to Presbyterian Manor, Anna enjoyed playing
Skip-Bo on Tuesday nights with other ladies as well as visiting with
residents who became close friends.
Alvin and Anna were members of
Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston. Anna has confessed her faith
in Jesus Christ. The hope is that brothers and sisters in Christ will
meet Anna again in heaven.
Anna is survived by her son and
daughter-in-law, Marc and Sarah, and two grandchildren, Luke and
Kate, of Newton. Anna leaves sisters Alma (Lou) Friesen of Edmond,
Oklahoma, Sara of Reedley, California, and one brother Pete (Lydia)
Doerksen of Fowler. Anna also is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Anna is preceded in death by her
parents, husband Alvin, and sisters, Lena and Elizabeth.
Visitation will be held Thursday (July
5, 2018) at the Presbyterian Manor Chapel in Newton. Burial will be
9:30 a.m. Friday (July 6, 2018) at Eastlawn Cemetery in Zimmerdale.
Memorial Services will be held following the burial at 11 a.m. at
Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston.
Memorials are suggested to Good
Shepherd Hospice and may be sent in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
