Obituary of Nettie Friesen

Nettie Friesen nee Harms was born on May 2,1932, to Peter and Maria Harms of Rosenhoff, Manitoba. She passed away peacefully on September 16, 2016, at the Boundary Trails hospital after a short but intense struggle following major surgery. Nettie is survived by her husband, Frank Friesen. She is also survived by three daughters and three sons and their families: Daughter Grace and her husband Rudy and their 4 children: Christa and her husband Robb Massey with their children, Orien, Olivia, Silas and Sinead; Marsha and her husband Andrew Oeste with their children Jenna, Kiahna and Joelle; Darryl and his wife Romy; Scott and his partner Josy. Daughter Annette and her husband Elwyn Eidse and their 4 children: David and his wife Lyndsay with their children Tyrell, Evra and Ashton; Jeff and his wife Theresa and their daughter Annika; Patricia; Destiny and her husband Jason Klassen and their daughter Hannah. Son Roger and his wife Monica. Son Mark and his wife Heidy and their 2 children Dawson and his wife Bonnie; Kara and her husband Isaac Epp. Daughter Kimberly and her husband Pat with their 3 children: Tj and his wife Julie; Mitchell and his wife Jennifer; Tria. Son Michael and his wife Vickie and their 4 children; Braden, Carson, Jory and Dalyce. In spite of being poor, Nettie grew up in a very loving and Christ-centred home. Mom lost her mother at the young age of 15, which left her in charge of both her younger siblings and the running of the household. This instilled in her a very strong work ethic; however, it meant she was not allowed the time to properly grieve her mother, and in some ways she felt robbed of the rest of her childhood. She found the love of her life in Frank K Friesen. When she realized that he was not a God-follower their relationship stalled for awhile. He realized that a change in his life would be necessary in order to have her, so he started his relationship with Jesus and then with her! They were married on May 3, 1953, the day after she turned 21. Although it was not her dream wedding she was nevertheless excited about her new beginning with Frank. She was now being cared for. She was so loved! Frank and Nettie enjoyed 63 years together. They had a great life on the farm raising their 6 children and working side by side. When dad was called into ministry she took on the support role. She had a lot of opportunity to practice the gift of hospitality. She was a very well-prepared hostess and did her job well. She blessed many!! Our mom, Nettie, was a hard worker, a lady with many interests. She loved cooking; many people enjoyed fabulous meals around their table. When there was a need for a meal, she would be right on it. Even when she was already feeling really unwell she could not be stopped. She loved gardening; even now she has cucumbers that need picking and pickling! She loved canning and she loved her flower garden. She spent lots of time with her feet up, crocheting beautiful afghans. In her younger years she did lots of sewing for all of her family and also for others as a side business. She loved playing games. Many of you will have been part of her Scrabble lineup! She had numerous games going on Facebook at all times. She also enjoyed a variety of table games and played with all ages, and she was quite competitive! She loved the outdoors. When able, she would go for walks, and as her joints became more sore she took to scootering and loved it. Her coffee club was a highlight for her. She loved and adored her family.....her kids, the in-laws, the grandkids, the great grandkids. She loved people of all ages! Our mom, Nettie, had a strong faith. although she was not one to share her faith much publicly, She had a relationship with Jesus that went deep. She was one of the charter members of the Pleasant Valley Church and was very committed to serving in whatever way she could. She served on the food committee, she was part of the sewing circle group and she visited and encouraged many while serving on the cheer committee. One of her biggest commitments was serving at Morris Community Self Help. She loved working there and would not miss it. We knew she must be very sick when she did miss it. During her stay in Boundary Trails we were encouraged with the peace that she showed in the light of her suffering. Her desire to go home was urgent. She is now where there is no more pain. Mom and dad travelled to places such as Russia, Paraguay, Haiti, and Pakistan. They served short term for MCC in Pennsylvania and in southern Ontario for our church conference. Her favourite travels were to BC to spend time with family there. It is hard to say thank you to all who cared, prayed and loved us during this difficult time. However our family wants to thank the staff at Boundary Trails. They were awesome in their care for our mom! Also we want to say a big thank you to the staff at Katie's Cottage who welcomed us and took care of us during mom's last day here on earth. Finally, we would like to say a big thank you to Pastor Darren and to Morris Funeral Home for your help with the arrangements for this celebration. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at the Rosenort E.M.C. at 2:00pm. A private family burial will take place prior to the funeral in the Rosenort E.M.C. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Katie's Cottage care of Katie Cares (255 13th St. Winkler, MB R6W 1S5 www.katiecares.ca)