Edward Friesen

Funeral services for Edward F. Friesen will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Prague, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at the Boley Mennonite Church Cemetery. Edward Friesen, born to John and Katherine Friesen on October 22, 1942, in Morris, Manitoba, Canada, passed away peacefully at his home in Boley, Oklahoma, on September 3, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. He was 81 years, 10 months, and 12 days old. Ed moved to Mexico with his parents at the age of 6, where he received his education and also met his sweetheart. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Kornelsen, on January 7, 1968. Together, they had a family of nine children, one of whom passed away in infancy. Ed accepted Jesus as his Savior in his late teens and was baptized on July 31, 1960. His faith was central to his life, and he was ordained as a minister in November 1986. Throughout his life, he expressed a deep desire for his children and grandchildren to follow Jesus. In March 1977, Ed moved his family from Mexico to Oklahoma, where he instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, and essential life skills through his actions. While in Mexico, he began his career by transporting equipment between the United States and Mexico, eventually dedicating many years to farming. Despite the economic challenges of relying solely on the land for income, Ed remained steadfast in his commitment to farming, making it his primary source of livelihood. His persistence and dedication were key to navigating the uncertainties of agricultural life. Ed enjoyed a variety of hobbies, which included participating in outdoor grilling and cookouts. Being involved in family activities was always a highlight even if it meant sleeping in a tent. He always wanted to be included where the action was happening. Ed had a passion for rebuilding tractors, demonstrating a keen eye for restoring value to old equipment. He cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren; he was often seen holding one or more on his lap. Throughout his life, Ed faced several significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 44. He underwent four surgeries, which temporarily shifted farm responsibilities to his teenage sons. During the wheat harvest, his father from Canada came to help, and the community also rallied to assist with haying. In September 2007, Ed faced a major setback after a head-on collision that significantly slowed him down. A few years later, he endured a tire explosion that damaged his hearing. However, Ed was not a quitter; he persevered, and God blessed him with relatively good health despite these challenges. His final battle with cancer involved numerous trips to the doctor for radiation and immunotherapy treatments, but unfortunately, these efforts were not successful. He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; four sons: Jim and Irene Friesen of Checotah, OK; Dennis and Elizabeth (Pearl) Friesen of Checotah, OK; Ronald and Rosie Friesen of Boley, OK; and Lloyd and Brenda Friesen of Boley, OK. He is also survived by four daughters: Sandra and Wayne Plett of Boley, OK; JoAnn and Kenneth Dueck of Cove, OR; Janet and Jake Doerksen of Keota, OK; and Marlys and Abram (Abe) Enns of Paden, OK. Ed was a proud grandfather to 44 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Ed was one of ten siblings, including Elmer Friesen of Australia, and Helen and Joseph Kornelsen of Mexico, along with Norman and Alvina Friesen, Leo Friesen, Rosalyn Loewen, Marie and Bill Letkeman, and Kathryn and Wilbert Loewen, all residing in Manitoba. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Katherine Friesen; two brothers, John and Ronald Friesen; a brother-in-law, Henry Loewen; one infant daughter; and three infant grandchildren. Ed Friesen will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to family, and the love he shared with all who knew him. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who prayed for the family, and brought meals during this difficult time of his final illness and passing. Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Friesen, Joshua Friesen, Riley Friesen, Ashton Friesen, Kenley Plett and Justin Dueck. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.ParksBrothersFuneralHome.com.

Edward Friesen

October 22, 1942 - September 3, 2024