Dennis R. Friesen

DENNIS ROBERT FRIESEN, 85, formerly of Ankeny, IA and Waseca, MN, died on Friday, March 30, 2018 at New Richland Care Center in New Richland, MN.

He was born on the Friesen family farmstead in Bingham Lake, MN on August 21, 1932, the son of Ben and Lydia (Dick) Friesen. He attended country school in Bingham Lake and later Mountain Lake High School in Mountain Lake, MN. After high school he attended Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, NE. He was drafted into the US Army during college as a medic and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska during the Korean War. On August 14, 1954 He married Elizabeth (Bette) Goertz in Ogallala, NE. To this union were born three children, Wayne, Kurt, and Patti.

Dennis worked as a salesman and in management in various industries throughout his life. He was also involved in vocal music ministries, directing both church choirs and choirs involving high school and college students. He worked with Youth for Christ in the 1970’s and directed the choir, the Refreshment Committee in the 1970’s and early 80’s. His love for youth ministry was apparent and he touched many young people’s lives for the Lord through this ministry.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bette Friesen of Waseca, MN; a son, Wayne (Laurie) Friesen of Ankeny, IA; daughter, Patti (David) Ivance of Owatonna, MN; two granddaughters Katherine and Rachel Ivance; brother, James (Joanne)Friesen of Denver, CO; sister, Marilyn(Raymond) Stelting of Prescott, AZ; and sister-in-law, Liz Haines.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ben and Lydia Friesen and a son, Kurt Friesen.

A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 1:15PM at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Owatonna with a memorial service to follow at 2:30PM with Dr. Gary Terrill officiating. A private interment will take place prior to the service at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. 

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