Clarence Friesen

Clarence E. Friesen, age 92, of Henderson, NE, died Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Henderson. He was born October 19, 1918 at Henderson to Bernhard and Margaretha (Epp) Friesen. Following school, Clarence joined the Civilian Public Service where he served 4 ½ years in Dennison, IA. After WWII, he worked on a cattle boat headed for Poland. On October 6, 1946, Clarence and Gladys Duerksen were married in Marion, SD. They made their home near Henderson where Clarence was a lifelong farmer. The couple was blessed with six children.

Clarence was an active member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church, Gideon’s International, and served on the board of Grace Children’s Home in Henderson. He enjoyed woodworking, singing and traveling around the world, with Gladys, to visit family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Gladys, of Henderson; son Delton (Colleen) Friesen of Grand Island, NE; daughters, Vernelle (Jerry) Epp of Henderson, Glenyce (Robert) Larsen of Bloomington, IN, Sylvia (Dan) Rogers of Nampa, ID, Janlee (Rev. Audrun) Siebert of Milford, NE, and Eileen (Gary) Rahn of Loveland, OH. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister Pauline (Howard) Friesen of Aurora, NE. Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Jacob, Adolph, Arlie, and Alvin; sister Bertha Penner; son-in-law Roger Larsen; and grandson Jeremy Larsen.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2011 at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson with the Reverends Jim Voth and Audrun Siebert officiating. Interment followed in the Mennonite “Buller” Cemetery, Henderson. Memorials may be directed to the Gideon’s International or the Grace Children’s Home.