Peter Friesen, 95
Peter Friesen, Winkler, Manitoba, passed away on June 11, 2024 at the age of 95. Peter was the sixth of 12 children born near LaSalle, Manitoba on Nov. 18, 1928 to German Mennonite farmers Johann and Helena Braun Friesen who immigrated from Siberia, Russia in 1926.
Peter attended a country grade school where he exhibited an early love for music. He did not attend high school but began his piano and voice education privately at age 15 and worked on the family farm until they were hailed out in 1950. Peter gave his life to the Lord at age 18 and serving the Lord through music became his life’s calling.
At age 21 Peter’s love of music took him to Mennonite Brethren Bible College, Winnipeg, Manitoba and Pacific Bible Institute, Fresno, Calif. He completed a bachelor of arts in music at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., 1963, a master’s degree in counseling, 1972, and a master’s degree in music, 1981, both from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan.
Peter and Marilyn Schafer were married on May 18, 1957 in Harvey, N.D. They raised three children: Jenny Lynn (1958), Susan Grace (1960) and Douglas Andrew (1964).
Peter’s career included teaching music, choir, private piano and voice lessons, and heading music departments at Berean Academy, Elbing, Kan. (1964-1973), Calvary Bible College, Kansas City, Mo. (1973-1980), Freeman Junior College, Freeman, S.D. (1981- 1985) and Winkler Bible Institute, Winkler, Manitoba (1985-1994). He led school choirs on many tours in churches across Canada and the US and one tour to Europe. He also directed church and community choirs.
After retiring, Peter continued teaching private voice and piano lessons and was involved with community music opportunities in Winkler as well as at Lithuania Christian College Summer Institute in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Peter directed alumni choirs at Berean Academy and Calvary Bible College and served on the Winkler Bible Camp Board. Throughout his life Peter championed talented young musicians and enjoyed counseling and encouraging individuals. During these years Peter and Marilyn traveled to visit their children, grandchildren and relatives across Canada and the US.
Peter is survived by his wife of 67 years Marilyn; daughter Jenny and husband Robert Wall, Wichita, Kan.; daughter Susan Friesen, Spokane, Wash.; daughter-in-law Monica Clem (John), Freeman and grandchildren Kate Friesen and Richard Friesen, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Sara (Matthew) Fideler, Springfield, Ore.; Allison Wall and Jessica (Jordan) Langford, Wichita; Nathan Buchheit, Post Falls, Id.; Claire Buchheit, Spokane, Wash.; sister Martha Ede; brothers Abraham (Joyce) Friesen, Jack (Marianne) Friesen, Henry (Diane) Friesen, Victor (Heidi) Friesen; sister-in-law Sandy (Ron) Flickinger, Duane (Barbara) Schafer and many nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada and the US. He is predeceased by son Douglas Friesen, parents Johann and Helena Friesen, sisters Mary in infancy, Ann and husband Peter Suderman, Helen and husband Henry Dick, Frieda Friesen, brothers John and wife Margaret Friesen, Isaac and wife Eleanore Friesen, and sister-in-law Gerry Friesen.
Memorial funds will go to the Peter Friesen Memorial Fund for Music Education at Freeman Academy. Gifts can be made online at https://freemanacademy.org/ways-to-give/cultivate120/. Enter a shortened “Peter Friesen Memorial” in the memo space.
