LaVerne R. Friesen

LaVerne R. Friesen, 50, Buhler, one of the world’s foremost photographers, died early Thursday at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita.  His death was from injuries suffered in an automobile accident August 30 west of Hesston.  He was born February 12, 1927 in Buhler and married Virginia Gaddert on September 19, 1948, at Inman.  He was a Buhler resident for 30 years, and a lifelong resident of the area.  Friesen was a member of the Professional Photographers of America, an honorary life member of the Professional Photographers of Kansas, an honorary life member of the Professional Photographers of Oklahoma, a member of the American Society of Photographers, a member of the Institute of Incorporated Photographers of Great Britain, and he received numerous fellowships.  He was a member of the Buhler Mennonite Church.  Survivors include his widow, Virginia; a son, Brian, Ft. Worth; mother, Mrs. Mary Friesen, Buhler; brother, Leon, Hutchinson; and one grandchild.  Calling time is from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday at the Buhler Funeral Home.  Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the Buhler Mennonite Church.  Rev. Abe Krause, Rev. Albert Gaddert, and Rev. Leroy Kerdolff will officiate.  Burial will be at the Buhler Municipal Cemetery.  A scholarship has been established in Friesen’s memory by the Professional Photographers of America.  Memorials to the scholarship fund may be given to the funeral home.  (The Newton Kansan, Newton Kansas.  Friday, September 16, 1977.  Page 12).

Print Friendly, PDF & Email