Susie (Buhler) Friesen

Susie (Buhler) Friesen was born on August 14, 1921 in Gregorjewka, Russia.  The family left Russia in August 1926, she was 5 years old.  They boarded a train to Holland, where they got on the freighter Rotterdam.  They arrived in Mexico after one month on the ship.  Mother had to get eye treatment for trachoma before they were allowed in Canada.  After three months in Mexico they left by train and arrived in Haskett, MB seven days later, in 1927.  Grandpa Buhler picked them up by sleigh and took them to Reinland, where Grandpa and Grandma lived.  Several moves followed, Winkler, then Holmfield into a farm with Uncle Jack Buhler and family.  In October 1934 the two families loaded all their belongings and animals into a box car and headed to Fork River.  In spring 1935 they both found land and built log houses and log shelters for the animals.
Susie did not attend school very long because she was needed on the farm.  At age 17 she got a job by Fork River for 2 years at 50 cents a day.  When her brothers got older she went to Headingley to do housework for 2 -3 years, then she went to work in the sewing factory in Winnipeg for a while where the pay was better.  When two of her sisters got married she was needed at home because her mother wasn’t feeling well. She taught some Sunday school and some verses that were important to her are: Proverbs 3:6 and Deuteronomy 32:7.  She attended Elim Bible Institute in Altona 1949-1951.
In June 1952 Mother passed away.  Later she met Peter Friesen and they were married in 1953.  They moved to Saskatchewan where Peter worked for the C.P. Railroad.  They moved many places, lived in section houses where the job took them.  Last they moved to Yorkton, Peter took early retirement and together they built several houses.  Peter developed cancer and passed away in 1984.  They loved going on trips - fishing, hunting etc.  Susie stayed in Yorkton 8 years.
In 1992 she came back to Winnipegosis and built her house with help from her brothers and others.  She loved sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, gardening, golfing and curling.  She sewed and donated the curtains and communion remembrance tablecloth in the church sanctuary.
Susie enjoyed going on senior tours and went all over North America, Europe and even to Hawaii.  She was also involved with the seniors centre here, was vice president and president of it for 2 years.  She stayed in her house as long as she could look after herself then moved into the Elks Manor July 23, 2013, then into Dauphin Personal Care Home April 2014, then into Winnipegosis PCH June 5, 2014.  Her last year was hard for her and us because we could not understand much when she talked.  Thank you to the Dauphin Personal Care Home and Winnipegosis Personal Care Home for the excellent care they provided for Susie.
Susie’s faith in Jesus Christ helped her through her whole life!
Susie was predeceased by her parents Peter and Agatha Buhler, her husband Peter Friesen, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 foster brother and sister-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law. She is survived by 1 brother and sister-in-law, 1 sister, 3 sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews and relatives in her husband’s family.

Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Nordheim Mennonite Church in Winnipegosis, MB with Pastor Andrew Wiens officiating.  Interment followed in Nordheim Mennonite Cemetery in Winnipegosis, MB.  Pallbearers were Howard Wiebe, Brian Wiebe, Tim Wiebe, Cheryl Warkentin, Audrey De Regt, Jim Buhler.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Susie may be made to Nordheim Mennonite Church or a charity of one's choice.

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