Alvin Friesen, 93, of Newton, passed away Sunday (April 1, 2018) at Newton Medical Center.
Alvin was born July 18, 1924, in rural Marion County - the son of Abraham and Susanna (Penner) Friesen. Alvin was the fourth of six children born to Abraham and Susanna. He attended school in Marion County, graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1942. He then attended Bethel College. Realizing that a college education was not for him, he went back to help on the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1949. He first served in Germany – helping with reconstruction after World War II. Later, he served in the Korean Conflict for about 18 months –serving with the 439th Engineer Battalion.
After being honorably discharged from the US Army in 1952, Alvin returned to farming. After several more years of farming, Alvin went to work at Hesston Corporation (now AGCO) in Hesston – where he worked until his retirement in May 1988.
Alvin married Anna Doerksen on Feb. 18, 1962, in rural Meade. During their 56 years of marriage, Alvin and Anna enjoyed traveling and spending time with extended family. After 12 years of marriage, they welcomed their only child, Marc, in September 1974. The family celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February 2012 – a celebration Alvin and Anna enjoyed! In February 2015, Alvin and Anna made the decision to sell their home in Hesston to move to Presbyterian Manor in Newton.
Over the years, Alvin has enjoyed hobbies such as coin collecting, International Harvester toy collecting, going to auctions, attending Army reunions and going to coffee with many acquaintances in Hesston. Alvin was well known for his accumulation of knowledge about different topics. In the last two years, Alvin has enjoyed meeting his granddaughter, Kate, two times a week as she entered Presbyterian Manor for preschool. He also has enjoyed talking with his grandson, Luke, about school and golf. Alvin and Anna are members of Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston. Alvin has confessed his faith in Jesus Christ. The hope is that brothers and sisters in Christ will meet Alvin again in heaven.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Anna, of 56 years, who resides at Presbyterian Manor in Newton. Alvin's son and daughter-in-law, Marc and Sarah, and two grandchildren, Luke and Kate, also reside in Newton. Alvin also leaves one sister, Evelyn (Irvin) of Moundridge; and many nieces and nephews. Alvin is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl and Theodore (Ted); and sisters, Linda and Edna.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday (April 5, 2018) at Presbyterian Manor Chapel. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday (April 6, 2018) at the Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston. Burial with Military Honors will be held prior to the service at 9:30 a.m., Eastlawn Cemetery in Zimmerdale. Memorials are suggested to Presbyterian Manor and may be sent in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
