John E. Friesen, age 88, of York died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, at Henderson. He was born April 8, 1932, to Jacob and Marie (Thieszen) Friesen in rural Hamilton County. John graduated Henderson High School in 1950. On Dec. 28, 1955, John was united in marriage to Lela F. Friesen at Henderson. On Oct. 27, 1989, John was united in marriage to Nancy Rice Smith at Waco United Methodist Church.
John was a partner at Hiebner & Friesen Construction and Carpentry in Henderson. He was a member of Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Henderson Fire Department/EMT and Henderson City Council. John enjoyed wood carving, crafts, canning pickles and baking zwieback. He loved his grandchildren and his whole family.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of York; sons, Gene Friesen of Hastings and Kevin (Lisa) Friesen of Henderson; stepson, Rodney Smith of Waco; stepdaughters, Sherri (Rob) Rohren of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Jolene Eikenhorst of York; grandchildren, Andrew Friesen, Jonathan Friesen, Rachel (Nick) Theis, Ryan (Kelsey) Rohren, Rebecca (Josh) Felts, Reid (Melissa) Rohren, Erica Tobey, Darren Tobey, Kendra (Kyle) Heidbrink and Kesia Eikenhorst; 12 great-grandchildren, Samuel, Weston, Charlotte, Rigley, Chace, Clara, MaKinley, Kyan, Kanon, Kreyson, Keely and Kirby. He is also survived by his brothers Gerald (Vernelle) Friesen of Henderson and Elroy (Nancy) Friesen of Greensboro, North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Helen Siebert.
A private family service is planned. Memorial contributions are suggested to to Bethesda Livestream Fund-in lieu of flowers and plants. Condolences may be left for the family at www.metzmortuary.com.
