Peter Dietrich Friesen

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father, grandfather, great-father, brother and friend Peter D. Friesen, age 79 on March 1, 2024, at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre. 

Peter was pre-deceased by his father Dietrich Friesen, his mother Anne (Hiebert) Friesen, and wife, Dolores. 

He leaves to mourn his children - Trish Broesky (Bob); Janella Friesen; Carla Walker (Steve); Melissa Presland (Kevin); Grandchildren – Jada Barkman, Spencer Broesky, Sarah Watt (Peter); Matthew Broesky (Ashlyn); Adam Esau (Karly); Jordan Walker (Theresa); Katelyn Walker; AJ Walker and Ava-Grace Presland.  Great-Grandchildren – Jonah and Nevaeh. 

His siblings– Marianne Harder (Jack); Benji Friesen (Mary); Harry Friesen (Theresa); Ernie Friesen (Linda); Jamie Friesen (Karen). As well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends – including the mother of his four girls, Audrey. 

Peter was born to Dietrich and Anne Friesen on September 18, 1944 in the RM of Hanover. He was the oldest of 6 children.  Dad grew up on the farm which was his favorite place to be. He worked very hard on the farm looking after the animals and tilling the fields with the John Deere Tractor. We often heard stories of him and his black lab hunting for gophers and selling the tails to earn extra money. He would buy ice cream with that money and treat his dog. The farm was forever a part of dad.  Even on the way to the hospital he asked if we could just drive to the farm. 

He attended a two-classroom country school called Arron School from Kindergarten to 8th Grade.  He attended Bothwell School for grade 9.  After grade 9 he attended Niverville Collegiate before he entered the workforce.  He worked in various jobs at Reimer Agencies, Penner foods and Derksen Printers before beginning his career as an Accountant at JR Friesen and Son - which Later was renamed Fairway Ford, where he became a partner. In the mid 80s he moved to Hamilton Ontario where he worked as a comptroller at an automobile dealership. Missing his daughters very much, he moved back to Manitoba, finishing his accounting career at Harvest Honda in 2006. Among Dad's contributions to the community, was his service as a school trustee for Hanover School Division from 1974-1979. 

In 1990 Dad suffered a brain aneurysm. Before his surgery we were called to say our goodbyes to him, being told he had a 30% chance of living. God healed him and we were blessed with 34 more years together. 

In 2002 he married Dolores Klassen. They were married 15 years. Dad loved and adored Dolores (Dolly), he missed her deeply after her passing. 

In 2021 Dad moved to Greendale in Grunthal where he made lots of new friends. He started spending time at Pat Porter where he enjoyed having coffee with friends and especially liked the pancake breakfast. 

Dad was baptized on June 2, 1968, at Steinbach Mennonite Church. The last several years of dad’s life were years of healing and restoration in which he re-found his faith and his walk with God grew very personal.  

He became intentional about being a part of the lives of his children and grandchildren. He took great pride in all their accomplishments whether that be in their jobs, education, on ball diamonds, in ringette and hockey rinks, volleyball courts or dance and music studios.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family! Some of dad's favorite things to do were meeting us at Patio Grill on wing night and going on family picnics at AD Penner Park. He enjoyed coming to our family gatherings and many life celebrations.  He also looked forward to having breakfast with his brothers every Thursday morning. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 on Monday March 11, 2024, at Crossings Funeral Care. 

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr Osayi Cindy Eronmwon for her compassion upon dad's diagnosis. And to the nurses at Bethesda Reginal Health Centre for their love, kindness and support during dad’s last days.