Rev. Ben K. Friesen, 94, entered his eternal home on August 5, 2022, at his residence after a brief health battle. He was born December 14, 1927, in Mountain Lake, MN, the fifth child of John and Katie (Rahn) Friesen.
Ben graduated from Mountain Lake Public School in 1946. He went on to get his T.H.B. from Grace Bible Institute in 1948, his B.A. and Teaching Certificate from Bethel College in Newton in 1956, and received his Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University.
Ben served several churches in the Mennonite General Conference and was a school teacher and administrator for several years in Oklahoma and Kansas.
On June 9, 1949, he married Ann Schrag, in Pretty Prairie. After 45 wonderful years of marriage, she preceded him in death on August 16, 1994. He went on to marry RaeVella Giddens on September 17, 1995. She also preceded him in death on March 22, 2018.
Survivors include: his two children, Larry Friesen of Oklahoma City and Judy Wood of Ewa Beach, HI; three grandchildren, Kristen Tomlinson, Anna Wood, and Rebekah Wood; six brothers, Art (Maralyn), Harold (Elzora), Ernest (Debbie), Marvin (Janice), and Elvin (Sherry) Friesen; two sisters-in-law, Roselyn and Elna Friesen; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; five brothers, Gerhard, Orlando (Delores), Jacob (Ardith), John, and Erwin (Janet) Friesen; three sisters, Tina Friesen in infancy, Helen (Harry) Regehr, and Olga (Glenn) Schmidt.
A celebration of his life will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in North Inman Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.
The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking the link below beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the service.
Click here to view the service
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Rescue Mission of Wichita, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Ben inspired many during his time here on earth. He wanted everyone to know his life was rich. Ben was a friend to many and spent hours studying and growing in his faith. As a dedicated man of God, he will be missed.