FRIESEN- Edward was born on November 6, 1933, in his grandparent’s home in Rosenort, MB. He was the first son born to David & Katherine Friesen. He had two older sisters, Erna and Helen, two younger sisters, Bertha and Hilda, and a younger brother, Alfred (predeceased in 2010). Edward became the “head” of the home at the tender age of 5, when he lost his father to cancer, turning him into a very serious and responsible young man. At the age of 11, his mother remarried (Peter B Dueck) and four more brothers joined the family: Norman, Albert, Bernard and Allan. Edward worked hard on the family farm. In answer to the prayers of many, at the age of 17, he whole-heartedly surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Two years later, he went to Steinbach Bible School for three years. During this time, he also enjoyed teaching Sunday School and clubs, and selling Bibles and Christian books. He left for Mexico as a single man in January 1957. In the summer of 1958, he came back to claim his bride, Leona Plett. They were married on August 24, and left for Mexico three days after the wedding to begin 25 years of fruitful ministry. They welcomed four daughters: Josephine, Monica, Evangeline and Lynette. Dad & Mom believed ministry was a family affair and many hours were spent together in their car and in Mexican homes. The loss of Edward’s dear sister, Bertha, in 1960, was a very painful time for him. After the Mexico years, he enjoyed seven years of teaching at Millar College of the Bible. During several of those summers, Edward & Leona taught family seminars in Texas and Mexico. The series of videos on the Christian home recorded during that time, are being circulated in 28 countries. Then followed pastoral ministry in Taber, AB; Fisher Branch, MB; and Wymark EMC. His continued passion was missions, serving in various missions committees, and at the very end, weekly Bible studies at The Bentley (seniors complex) in Swift Current. When he needed to relax, Edward donned his greasy coveralls and you would find him tinkering under a hood or beneath a vehicle. A farmer boy at heart, he always enjoyed helping with farm work. Some of his favorite hobbies were bird watching, enjoying nature and picnics with his family. In 1997, while travelling home from Mexico, his heart began to give him trouble. A pacemaker was implanted in Colorado Springs. Several months later, he underwent a seven by-pass surgery. After that, he was never strong again and spent much time in hospital. Edward died peacefully at home, under the loving care of his wife, on Thursday, June 13, 2013, at the age of 79. Edward is survived by his wife, Leona; his daughters, Josie (Darryl) Janzen - their children, Charlie and Joseph: Monica (Harold) Gerbrandt - their children, Danica, Juanita, Andrew, and their granddaughter, Maria Elena: Evangeline (Dan) Birtles - their children, Michael and Antonia: and Lynette (Kirk) Wall - their children, Bianca and Lucas. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 3:00 pm from the Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Kirk Wall as Master of Ceremonies. The pianist for the service was Trudy Olfert with special music brought by Alvin & Esther Brandt singing, “I‘ll Go Where You want Me to Go“. Pastor Paul Little read scripture from Joshua 1:6-9. “My Savior First of All”, “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be”, “What a Day that Will Be” and “How Great the Father’s Love” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Ron Olfert. Tributes were shared by various family members, Jake Letkeman, David Wright, John and Maria and by a PowerPoint slide presentation. The devotional was brought by Archie Neufeld. The chosen song for the recessional was the “Hallelujah Chorus”. The Interment Service was held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 11:00 am from the Wymark EMC cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Harold Gerbrandt, Dan Birtles, Kirk Wall, Darryl Janzen, Andrew Gerbrandt and Michael Birtles. The Honorary Bearers were, Lucas Wall, Joseph Janzen, Humberto Alire and Ricardo Alire. In memory of Edward Friesen, donations made to the Wycliffe Bible Translators (Dan & Evangeline Birtles) would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to sign the Family Book of Condolences, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com