Elmer E. Friesen
Elmer E. Friesen, 78, passed
away Tuesday (June 24, 2008) at his residence in Newton. He was born April 1,
1930, in Inman to Henry and Minnie (Ediger) Friesen. They preceded him in
death. On June 3, 1970, he married Marjorie D. Bontrager Zook in Newton. She
survives of the home. Elmer attended Inman schools and graduated from Walton
High School in Walton. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a member
of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Newton, American Legion Post No. 2 and the
Veterans of Foreign War No. 971, where he held life membership and served as
commander for one year and quartermaster for almost 10 years. He also served on
the building committee of the recently-constructed VFW building.
After his time in the
military, he worked at Hesston State Bank and was partner in the
Friesen-Ruth-Typer insurance and real estate firm. He retired from KG&E as
a meter reader.
Elmer enjoyed camping,
fishing and spending time in his workshop. He also enjoyed traveling and
spending time with his loving family and many friends.
He also is survived by sons,
David Friesen of El Dorado, Steven Zook of Omaha, Neb., and Rodney Zook of
Hutchinson; daughters, Teresa Mischo of Denver, Cindi and Tim Woelk of Houston,
Monica and Keith Graber of Wichita, and Penny and Matt Amons of Wichita; seven
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Esther Buller of Hesston.
He also was preceded in death
by a brother, Harry Friesen, and a sister, Linda Regehr.
Visitation will be from 5 to
9 p.m. today at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, with family receiving friends
from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The body will lie in state at
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church from 9 a.m. to service time Friday. Funeral
service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Eric Anderson of
the church officiating.
Burial will be at Greenwood
Cemetery in Newton.
Memorial contributions may be
made to Hospice Care of Kansas or the VFW No. 971 in care of the funeral home.
