Mamie Friesen

Mamie “Mae” Friesen, age 86 of Henderson, NE died Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at her home in Henderson. Mae was born May 1, 1923 in rural Henderson to Henry and Tena (Janzen) Pankratz. She married Paul L. Friesen on June 21, 1944 at Grand Island, NE. Mae was a longtime member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church where she belonged to Mission Circle 1 and was actively involved in the Chancel Choir. She was also a member of the Homemakers Club and Hospital Auxiliary. Mae enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, walking, crossword puzzles and was an avid sports fan.

Mae is survived by her four children; Tim and his wife Marcia Friesen of Omaha, Sherryl and her husband Phil Friesen of Henderson, Carol and her husband Dale Kroeker of Lincoln and Cindy Huebert of Henderson. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren: Keri (Chad) Dane of Clay Center, NE, Scott (Stella) Friesen of Lincoln, NE, Staci (Jeramy) Hanus of Lincoln, Stephani (David) Hiebner of Columbus, NE, Jodi (Steve) Straub of Omaha, NE, Jeff Kroeker of Lincoln, Lana ( Matt) Dane of Hastings, NE, Ty (Candace) Huebert of Omaha, Shari (Matt) Wood of Lincoln, Joshua Johnson of Walnut Creek, CA and Kristen Friesen of Omaha. Mae was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Molly, Makenzie, Jake and Sophie Dane, Taelyn and Brady Hanus, Avery Hiebner, Aidan Straub, Paige Dane and Quentin Wood. She has two surviving sisters-in-law Ruth Friesen of Henderson and Edna Friesen of Aurora, NE. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, brother Allen Pankratz, 2 infant sisters and her son-in-law Lauren Huebert.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery, followed by memorial services at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethesda Mennonite Church with the Rev. Weldon Martens officiating. Visitation will be from 1-9 p.m., Friday at Metz Mortuary, Henderson, NE. The family will receive friends and neighbors Friday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Chancel Choir of the Bethesda Mennonite Church.