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Ernest Friesen Obituary

BUHLER - Friesen, Ernest H. "Ernie," passed away August 23, 2011 at the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Center where he lived with his wife Elsie. Ernie suffered from a stroke that took his life at age 86. Ernie and Elsie were married for 62 years and dedicated their lives to ministry serving as Pastor of Mennonite Brethren churches in Orland (CA), Kingsburg (CA), Fairview (OK), Hesston (KS) and Wichita (KS), and as missionaries to Colombia and Spain. Ernie's love and compassion for people was the hallmark of his ministry and those he served. Ernie was born in Jansen, Nebraska on February 1, 1925 to David and Agnes (Rempel) Friesen. He is survived by his wife Elsie, sons Roger (Marsha) of Winnipeg, Canada, Jim (Patti) of Wichita, Kansas and Allen (Reon) of Denver Colorado; grandchildren Charles, Lisa (Jamie) Townsend, Sam, Tim (Christy), Eric, Stephanie, Darren, Reandra and great grandchildren Taylor Axtell and Oliver Townsend; and brother Elmer (Esther) of Reedley, California. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Henry of Fresno, California and Albert of Reedley California, sister Bertha (Vernon) Buller of Dinuba, California, granddaughter-in-law Melanie (Charles) Friesen and grandson Samuel David Friesen both of Winnipeg, Canada. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26th at the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Center in Buhler, Kansas from 4:00-5:00 PM and at the First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita, Kansas from 6:30-8:30 PM. Burial Service will take place at the Zoar Cemetery in Inman, Kansas on Saturday, August 27th at 9:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service at the First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita, Kansas at 11:00 AM. The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Center who looked after Ernie, particularly over the past four months. In lieu of flower donations and to commemorate Ernie's passion for Missions, donations may be made to the Ernest H. Friesen Memorial Fund with Mennonite Brethren Missions in care of Buhler Mortuary, 120 N. Main St., Buhler, Kansas 67522.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Aug. 24, 2011.

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August 28, 2011

Elsie you and Ernie have blessed my family and touched so many others I am so very glad that you both were a wonderful part of our lives. Ernie will be dearly missed. My prayers for you and your family. Thank you for you kindness!

Dorothy Buller

August 27, 2011

Aunt Elsie, Roger, Jim, Allen and families. Thinking about and praying for all of you on this day of memorial celebration. Uncle Ernie touched many lives all over the world and will be greatly missed by all. I have great memories of family gatherings with much laughter and fun. Lots of love and prayers!

Jolene Anderson

August 25, 2011

Aunt Elsie, Roger, Jim, Alan and families. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Uncle Ernie was a very special man and I have many special memories of him and the rest of you. He will be greatly missed. Dad and I were just talking on Saturday about how Uncle Ernie introduced him to Mom. My love and prayers are with you.

August 24, 2011

Elsie, you & your family are in our prayers! You both are a special part of our lives.
Dennis & Heidi Coates

Jeanette Bedrosian

August 24, 2011

Aunt Elsie, you and all of the family are in my prayers. Uncle Ernie made such an impact on so many lives. I am thankful for his service to the Lord. I have many special memories of him and all of you as well. I know he is rejoicing with the angels in heaven.

Nancy Goertzen

August 24, 2011

Aunt Elsie, you, Roger, Jim, Alan and their families are in my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Ernie was such a special and kind man. I know he is celebrating in heaven but he will be missed! He will always have a special place in my family memories.

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