Paul Friesen

Paul Friesen went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, surrounded by his family.

He leaves to cherish his loving wife of 60 years; Tina, daughter Wendy Schroeder, grandson Corey (Felicia) great-grandkids James, Macy, Levi and Chloe; granddaughter Kaidra (Trevor) great granddaughter Lucianna; Sons Gerry (Bev), Kevin, Jonathan (Shannon) grandkids Taylor (Matt) great granddaughter Juniper, grandsons Jayden and Jaxon, daughter Rachel (Al) Hallson, granddaughters Chelsea, Cassie, Sidney and Maggie.  One sister Helen Hiebert, one brother Albert (Anne) Friesen, two sisters-in-law, Anne & Mary, his step mother’s family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, his step-mother, brothers Ed, Abe and Cornie, brother-in-law Dick Hiebert and one grandson, Bryson.

Paul was born on May 30, 1943 in Steinbach, MB to Cornelius and Maria Friesen.  He grew up on the family farm just north of New Bothwell, MB.  Paul met the love of his life, Tina Hiebert and after a 3-year courtship they were married on September 1, 1963. After their first year of marriage, Paul surprised Tina with a house he had bought which they moved on to their land in the Tourond area where they resided for 6 years until they bought the farm on the 311 where they farmed & raised their family of five, until they retired from farming and moved to Steinbach in 1995.

Paul farmed various crops over the years, but especially enjoyed the harvest of sugar beets.  After the closure of the sugar beet factory in Manitoba, Paul would take Tina south of the border every fall to watch the sugar beet harvest there, often stopping to chat with the farmers to see how the crop did and to just “smell the dirt”.

Paul loved his family and together with Tina enjoyed many family outings and trips – whether just day trips to the zoo or a local lake for a picnic, weekend getaways to Thief River Falls and cabins in the Whiteshell or longer road trips to Niagara Falls and BC.  Paul always enjoyed the extended gatherings at Christmas or the ones held each summer at a park or the Janz Game Farm.   There are many memories made and cherished from these times.

Paul was very proud when the first grandchild came along and was just as excited with each one that followed, including all the great grandkids.  His love and joy was evident - All a blessing from God!  The grandkids had the best grandpa who supported them at their school and sporting activities.  They often had sleepovers at their house or at the camper where many good times were had, stories were told and treats were shared!  Paul enjoyed hosting people with Tina and spending summers at their camper with friends and family or just to relax.

Paul also enjoyed serving in the church.  He was a Sunday School teacher for many years and became a deacon in 1985.  Paul enjoyed sharing the love and saving grace of Jesus with others and especially teaching the Baptism classes as he was always overjoyed to see others live for the Lord.  Paul was a loyal servant and a true prayer warrior.  His faith and trust in the Lord was strong and unwavering till the end.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the Bethesda ER and palliative care staff for their thoughtful and tender care and to all who prayed, visited, and messaged during this time since dad’s sudden stroke.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at the Bothwell Christian Fellowship Church in New Bothwell, Manitoba. With viewing 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the reception in the Silberfeld Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join them through livestream. Please click here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Paul's memory to Adult and Teen Challenge.