Glenn Elias Friesen

05 August 1965 - 10 February 2025 MEMORY ETERNAL Glenn Elias Friesen was born in Antioch, California to Dr. Howard and Mrs. Bette Friesen on August 5, 1965. He graduated from Antioch High School in 1984 where he enjoyed playing football, baseball, and basketball alongside his friends and brother Jeff. He continued on to study psychology at California State University, Long Beach, graduating in 1989. He spent much of his life serving students with special needs and as a substitute teacher at local schools. In his younger years, Glenn was involved in many Orthodox communities such as the college ministry Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and the summer camp of Antiochian Village. Later in life, Glenn enjoyed spending time with people and was known for his ability to make friends wherever he went. Additionally, he loved gardening, studying history, creating family genealogies, and camping. He brought joy and cheer to the medical staff during treatments despite his increasing health challenges in later years. His doctors and nursing staff loved him as a patient, saying that, "he gave us more than we gave him," after his passing. Glenn is survived by his former wife, Shannon Baustian, and their three children Anastasia (24), Alexis (24), and Audrey (21) in Wayzata, Minnesota. He has three siblings Stan Friesen (Donna), Rebecca Keifer (Dan), and Jeffrey Friesen along with six nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Howard and Mrs. Bette Friesen. FUNERAL DETAILS Glenn's history in California gave him opportunities to deeply engage in several of his local parishes over time. The Trisagion Prayers will be held at St. Timothy's Antiochian Orthodox Church officiated by Fr. Spyridon Jajeh on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 6:00 pm at 4593 Central Way, Fairfield, CA 94534. The funeral will be hosted on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church officiated by Fr. Spyridon Jajeh and Fr. Michael Nasser. Visitation will begin at 3:15 pm followed by the funeral service at 4:00 pm. The church is located at 1955 Kirker Pass Road, Concord CA, 94521 with a mercy meal and fellowship to follow. BURIAL DETAILS Glenn will be buried in Minnesota at Lakewood Cemetery next to St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church where his daughters attend. This is expected to be in the last week of February and additional details will be shared in the near future. We are looking forward to having him officially join our community and will celebrate with a meal afterwards. MEMORIAL GIFTS We are thankful for all who can participate in person and understand that many of you will wish commemorate his memorial from afar. If you wish to send flowers for either the funeral or burial the funeral home addresses are as follows. If you send flowers to Minnesota please delay several days to accommodate Glenn's travels. Higgins Mortuary 1310 A Street, Antioch CA, 94509 925-757-4343 Washburn-McReavy Edina Funeral Chapel 5000 W 50th St., Edina MN, 55436 952-920-3996
DONATIONS We are thankful for all who can participate in person and understand that many of you will support his memorial from afar. For those wishing to make memorial financially in Glenn's name he was incredibly fond of both Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA and the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP Glenn was a counselor at Antiochian Village in the 90s. He loved both the Special Olympics and the regular camp season! He remained close friends with his fellow staff members many of whom are his daughter's Godparents now. He often spontaneously sang the troparia and hymns from camp even in his final days. He has wanted to see the ongoing support of Antiochian Village so campers and staff members can continually deepen their relationships with each other and Christ.
HOLY ASSUMPTION MONASTERY Throughout Glenn's life, he supported this monastery in Calistoga, California. While he did not make it to the monastery as often as he liked, he loved Mother Melania and the sisterhood. He knew how meaningful this monastery was to his father, Howard Friesen, and made it a priority to support them. He wanted to promote their genuine love of God and their hospitality to visitors. In Glenn's death, we ask for donations so their ministry may be continually prosperous