Donald Friesen

Donald J. Friesen, age 84 of Hastings, NE, died Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Good Samaritan Village, Perkins Pavilion in Hastings. He was born April 26, 1926 at O’Neill, NE to Frank A. and Agatha (Harder) Friesen. He was united in marriage to Norma J. Harmes on March 9, 1952 at Chester, NE. Don farmed for many years south of Aurora, NE and following his retirement, he and Norma moved to Hastings, where Don spent much of his time attending car shows and delivering custom cars for friends and clients. He enjoyed showing his own cars and driving them in parades. Swimming was one of Don’s favorite pastimes and he swam regularly at the YMCA in Hastings.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Norma of Hastings; son Randy (Kelly) Friesen of Hastings; daughters, Nancy McElheny of Englewood, CO and Valerie (Bruce) Woods of Haigler, NE; six grandchildren, Megan Friesen of Kearney, NE, Britney Friesen of Hastings, Brianna Woods of Kearney, Shelby Woods of Haigler, Seth Woods of Haigler, and Justin McElheny of Englewood. Also surviving are two brothers, Raymond (Martha) Friesen of Henderson, NE and Robert (Jennie) Friesen of Henderson and one sister Betty (Wilferd) Braun of Aurora. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Friesen, and two nephews, Stan Braun and Weston Friesen.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 5, 2010 at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson. Burial followed in the Bethesda Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Good Samaritan Village, Ward 200, Perkins Pavilion in Hastings or the Mennonite Relief Sale.