John A. Friesen

John A. Friesen, 93, of Goshen, died Friday morning, Friday, March 20, 2009, at The Courtyard. He was born on November 30, 1915 in Jamgaon, Madhya Pradesh, India, to Peter Abram and Helena (Hiebert) Friesen.  His mother died when he was very young and he was raised by his step-mother, Florence (Cooprider) Friesen.  He married Genevieve Yoder on June 13, 1939 in Topeka.  She died June 12, 2002. Mr. Friesen served in India with Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities until 1981, with short periods of deputation, family medical care, and refreshment in the U.S.  His primary concern was church planting with India Mennonite Church. Gifted in artistic ability, he edited the church paper and worked on literature and audiovisuals.  Over the years he was also charged with leprosy control and care.  When the Indian church reorganized in 1972, he was loaned to Leprosy Mission, although even with this assignment he continued pastoral ministry. He was a member of College Mennonite Church, Goshen. He is survived by five sons, J. Stanley (Delores) Friesen of Fresno, California, Dr. G. Weldon (LuEtta) Friesen of Middlebury, C. Richard (Ruth Ann) Friesen of Formosa, Argentina, G. Delbert (Anna Kay) Friesen of Huntington Beach, California, and D. William (Kate) Friesen, Olympia, Washington; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a half brother, Paul A. Friesen of Hesston, Kansas; and a half sister, Grace Slatter of Filer Idaho. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve; and three brothers, Peter H., William C. and Edward Friesen. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 27, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2009, at College Mennonite Church.  Rev. Gary Martin will officiate. Burial will take place before the service in Maple Grove Cemetery, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be given to Mennonite Mission Network Dhamtari Christian Hospital School of Nursing Scholarship Fund.