Obituary for Frieda Elsie Friesen
Frieda Elsie Friesen (nee Goosen) passed away February 8, 2023 at the age of 84.
Frieda is survived by her husband Rudolf Friesen; children Nancy & Brian Borne, Sandra Taylor, Perry Friesen, and Jen & Jeff Kathler; grandchildren Ashley Rutherford, Michael & Stephanie Rutherford (Alex, Jack, Sadie, Judah), Scott & Filipa Rutherford, Stephanie Taylor & Ryan Jeffrey, Brandon Taylor & Felicia, Emily Kathler & Thomas, Ryan Kathler, and Aron Kathler.
Frieda was born on December 27, 1938 to Jacob and Helen Goosen, the youngest of 11 children. She was predeceased by her siblings Helen Goosen, Margaret Wiebe, Henry Goosen, Annie Klassen, Mary Bergen, John Goosen, and Jake Goosen. Surviving siblings are Peter Goosen, Elizabeth (Betty) Regehr, and Kay Kathler.
She grew up on a farm in Pigeon Lake. After completing school, she moved into Winnipeg and started working at Manitoba Blue Cross, but her favorite job was ushering at Pantages with her sister Kay, where she was able to enjoy many of the great musicians of that time. Johnny Cash was a favorite.
Frieda married Rudy Friesen on July 9, 1960. A year later they purchased the Goosen farm, living in the house where she had been raised. Eight years later they built a new house on the property and here they continued to raise their family of 4 children.
Being a stay-at-home mom became her full-time job. She was an excellent cook and baker, sewed all her children’s clothes, and cared for their every need. She enjoyed vegetable gardening and had the most amazing flower gardens. Frieda loved entertaining and would often have company over on a Sunday afternoon or for weekend dinner parties. Her hobbies included painting, knitting, quilting, and sewing.
Frieda volunteered for many years at the MCC thrift shop in Winnipeg and later on, her caring nature led her to become a volunteer at the Grace Hospital and Hospice.
Rudy and Frieda travelled the world covering many continents. This love of travel has been passed down to their children and grandchildren.
In 2019 they moved to Lindenwood Manor in Winnipeg. Shortly after, Frieda’s health began to decline. This last year had been increasingly difficult, and yet, Frieda never complained or questioned “why me”?
Frieda had a strong faith in God. She was baptized at Schoenfelder Mennonite Church where she remained a lifelong member. Faith was an important part of her home and was well modelled to her children.
Frieda has now left her earthly home to live in Heaven in the presence of Jesus with no more pain or trials.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NKJV
Frieda is survived by her husband Rudolf Friesen; children Nancy & Brian Borne, Sandra Taylor, Perry Friesen, and Jen & Jeff Kathler; grandchildren Ashley Rutherford, Michael & Stephanie Rutherford (Alex, Jack, Sadie, Judah), Scott & Filipa Rutherford, Stephanie Taylor & Ryan Jeffrey, Brandon Taylor & Felicia, Emily Kathler & Thomas, Ryan Kathler, and Aron Kathler.
Frieda was born on December 27, 1938 to Jacob and Helen Goosen, the youngest of 11 children. She was predeceased by her siblings Helen Goosen, Margaret Wiebe, Henry Goosen, Annie Klassen, Mary Bergen, John Goosen, and Jake Goosen. Surviving siblings are Peter Goosen, Elizabeth (Betty) Regehr, and Kay Kathler.
She grew up on a farm in Pigeon Lake. After completing school, she moved into Winnipeg and started working at Manitoba Blue Cross, but her favorite job was ushering at Pantages with her sister Kay, where she was able to enjoy many of the great musicians of that time. Johnny Cash was a favorite.
Frieda married Rudy Friesen on July 9, 1960. A year later they purchased the Goosen farm, living in the house where she had been raised. Eight years later they built a new house on the property and here they continued to raise their family of 4 children.
Being a stay-at-home mom became her full-time job. She was an excellent cook and baker, sewed all her children’s clothes, and cared for their every need. She enjoyed vegetable gardening and had the most amazing flower gardens. Frieda loved entertaining and would often have company over on a Sunday afternoon or for weekend dinner parties. Her hobbies included painting, knitting, quilting, and sewing.
Frieda volunteered for many years at the MCC thrift shop in Winnipeg and later on, her caring nature led her to become a volunteer at the Grace Hospital and Hospice.
Rudy and Frieda travelled the world covering many continents. This love of travel has been passed down to their children and grandchildren.
In 2019 they moved to Lindenwood Manor in Winnipeg. Shortly after, Frieda’s health began to decline. This last year had been increasingly difficult, and yet, Frieda never complained or questioned “why me”?
Frieda had a strong faith in God. She was baptized at Schoenfelder Mennonite Church where she remained a lifelong member. Faith was an important part of her home and was well modelled to her children.
Frieda has now left her earthly home to live in Heaven in the presence of Jesus with no more pain or trials.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NKJV