Virgil W. Friesen
Virgil W. Friesen, 81, died Friday
(Sept. 9, 2005) at Newton Medical Center. He was born Feb. 20, 1941,
to Dietrich and Agnes (Wohlgemuth) Friesen in Collinsville, Okla.
They preceded him in death. He was a 1942 graduate of Newton High
School and served his country during World War II, being honorably
discharged in 1946. He worked for 33 years as a Pepsi company
delivery and salesman. He retired April 1, 1987. He then started
driving the bus for Harvey County Senior Services, retiring in
October 2004.
Virgil was a member of the Goodwill
bowling league for 51 years, serving as the league's
secretary/treasurer for 41 years. He was inducted into the Newton
Bowler's Hall of Fame. He was an avid Yankees and KU sports fan. He
enjoyed vintage military aircraft and had the opportunity to ride
with some of his family on a B-17 Flying Fortress. Virgil earned his
pilot's license in 1948. He enjoyed working outside doing yard work
and garden work. He looked forward to spending time with his family
and was anxiously awaiting the birth of his fifth great-grandchild.
Survivors include: wife, Donna (Metz)
Friesen of Newton; daughters, Debbie Nelson and Robin and Randy
Metzler, all of Newton; a son, Craig and Rosie Friesen of Hillsboro;
and a sister, Beatrice and Ed Sawatzky of Corn, Okla.; nine
grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by: a
sister, Bernice Harder; brothers, Clifford Friesen, Levi Friesen and
Vernon Friesen; and a sister, Faye Doyle.
Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m.
today with family greeting friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen
Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday
at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Bliss of First
Baptist Church officiating.
Memorials have been established with
the B-29 "Doc" Restoration Fund in care of the funeral
home.
