Jake Z. Friesen
Joe Denoyer - September 13, 2018 8:23 am
Jake Z. Friesen was born March 27, 1913, on a farm near Meade, Kansas and passed away September 10, 2018. He was the fourth child born to Jacob R. and Susana (Friesen) Friesen. His mother passed away on March 18, 1919, when Jake was nine days short of being six years old. As a child Jake understood his need of a Savior and put his trust in God. He was baptized in May of 1929.
A young woman named Margaret Classen caught Jake’s eye. Jake often traveled many miles on either horse or bicycle to court Margaret. On August 12, 1934, Jake Z. Friesen and Margaret A. Classen were married by her father, Rev. George J. Classen, who was the pastor of the Kleine Gemeindechurch.
After completing the 8thgrade, Jake farmed with his father and worked for the family business, Friesen Windmill. Jake and Margaret lived near Meade until 1942, when they were able to purchase a farm twenty miles southeast of Meade. There they raised three sons: Norman J., Vernon J., and Wesley J.
He was a member of the former EMB Church of Meade, now the Countryside Bible Church. Jake served the church as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, trustee, building committee, in addition to serving on various committees in the church conference. He had a great interest in missions at home and around the world. Jake spent many winters at Rio Grande Bible Institute (RGBI) – a school for training prospective missionaries and a Bible school for Mexican students. He and Margaret, and later Viola, spent many winters at RGBI helping obtain produce for the school. Jake’s favorite Bible verse was Titus 2:11-14. Several of his favorite songs were: “Sweetly Lord Have We Heard Thee Calling” and “Behold It’s Eventide”.
Margaret passed away in November of 1989 during heart surgery. They had been married over 55 years. Wes, his youngest son passed away in August of 2001. Jake married Viola Warkentin on December 1, 1990. Together they volunteered and especially enjoyed traveling to attend Church Conference around the country and in Canada. Jake and Viola were married for 27 ½ years.
He is survived by his wife, Viola, two brothers, Pete Z. and Ike Z. Two sons: Norman of Hesston, KS, Vernon (Verona) of Tahlequah, OK, daughter-in-law, Nancy Friesen Leichliterof Gretna, NE. His family has been blessed with 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Countryside Bible Church, rural Meade. In accordance to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family inurnment will be held at the Countryside Bible Church Cemetery, rural Meade.
The family would welcome memorials to the Wycliffe Bible Institute in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.
Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com