Irene Gertrude Friesen (nee Elias)

1928 – 2005

On Thursday, July 21, 2005 at her residence in Winkler, MB, Irene Friesen (nee Elias), aged 77 yrs went to her eternal rest.

She leaves to mourn her passing her beloved husband, Harvey P. Friesen of Winkler; 3 daughters, Bev and Bob Brown of Winnipeg, Carol and Greg Van Wyck of Yellowknife, NWT, Tammy Janz and Pierre Stoute of Birds Hill; 2 sons, Glen and Deb Friesen of Morden, Doug Friesen and Lois Wood of Duxbury, Mass., USA; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Helen Stobbe of Winkler.

She was predeceased by 1 sister, Irma Elias and 1 brother William Elias.

Irene grew up in Drake, Saskatchewan. When she was 16, her family moved to Winkler, where she did office work. She met and later married Harvey P. Friesen on December 26, 1950. Their marriage was blessed with five wonderful children. Their life was filled with adventures. Holidays were spent at their island retreat on Davidson Lake, as well as Easter snow skiing vacations in various points of Canada and the U.S. Snowmobiling and waterskiing were also family passions, and she loved accompanying her family during these excursions.

Irene was very active in the family newspaper and printing business. She served as secretary and accountant for many years. She was also involved in the Kinette Club where she assisted in various community projects. Harvey and Irene joined the Trinity Lutheran Church in 1980, where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years. During this time, she also led the Bible studies in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and continued to do so until a few months before her passing.

Irene loved gardening and had one of the most beautiful flower gardens in Winkler. Towards the end, when her health prevented her from going outside, she sat in her favorite spot by their fireplace, looking out at her gardens, reading and doing crossword puzzles.

After 54 wonderful years of marriage, Irene passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday July 26, 2005 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Winkler, MB at 11:00 am with Rev. Alex Klages officiating.  Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Boundary Trails Health Centre Palliative Care Unit or Cancercare Unit Box 2000 Winkler, MB R6W 1H8.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.