Carol Mae (Heinrichs) Friesen, age 89, died peacefully on September 18, 2021, at Schowalter Villa in Hesston. Carol was born in Hillsboro, KS, on March 6, 1932, to Peter E. and Lillie (Boese) Heinrichs and raised on the family farm south of Canton with older sister Wanda and younger brother Lowell. She attended the one-room school near their home, then graduated from Goessel HS in 1950. She attended Tabor College, where she met Walter S. Friesen from Meade, KS, and they married on September 5, 1953. They parented three children and lived in many locations in support of Walter’s education and career in education and ministry, retiring in the Newton area. While Carol held numerous secretarial positions and enjoyed volunteering, her passions were music and nature.
Carol participated in more than thirty church and community choirs, numerous duets, trios, and quartets. She accompanied many musicians and was a highly expressive pianist. Carol and Walter sang duets at many weddings, including their children’s.
A keen observer of her environment, Carol coordinated her efforts to the finest detail, taking a scientific approach to adjustments she made in the garden and kitchen. She nurtured remarkable gardens at each residence. She was curious to explore new places near and far, and especially enjoyed nature outings with the family. Carol was an amateur naturalist and knew the names and relationships of plants, birds and butterflies in their environments. She made an art form of collecting and pressing flowers for making exquisitely arranged pressed flower cards.
Carol was deeply spiritual and trusted her Creator. She brought a centered calm and loving effect to everything she touched, punctuated with dry, witty humor. Mealtime was a sacred time for hosting those who graced her table. Carol “made” home for the family and welcomed many guests, often with apple pie. Her resourcefulness and creativity led to a rich life.
Surviving Carol are her husband Walter; children Randal & Mary Helen (Hayes) Friesen, Nancy Friesen & Stewart Gehring, and Jenny & John Fast; grandchildren Peter Friesen & Katrina Eyster, Stephanie Friesen, Dorian Gehring & Sima Cunningham, Karlyn Gehring, Evan & Kelli Fast, and Isaac Fast; great-grandchildren Elias and Emilia Fast; several sisters-in-law; many nieces & nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, siblings, and many brothers/sisters-in-law.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Carol’s immediate family will gather for the event; all other family and friends are invited to participate via ZOOM at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86366181336?pwd=N0VuOHpvNXZkNG1iaXR2bHYwSTdaZz09 Meeting ID: 863 6618 1336 Passcode: 138150
The service will stream at https://www.whitestonemc.com/ on their YouTube site for 30 days after the service.
Memorial gifts may be sent to the Good Samaritan Caring Fund at Schowalter Villa, 200 W. Cedar, Hesston, KS 67062.