John E. Friesen died July 31, 2009, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born Mar. 16, 1920, in Dallas, Ore., to Cornelius B. and Suzanna Friesen. John felt the call to ministry at 14, but could not pursue training after high school because of his job as a machinist when the U.S. entered World War II. When drafted, he entered Civilian Public Service where he served for 2 years. John and Anne Miriam Schultz were married June 17, 1945. After the war, John pursued his education at Multnomah School of the Bible, Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., and Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Cal. After receiving his MDiv from Fuller, he served California MB churches in Dinuba, Bakersfield, Lodi, and Arleta, then spent 7 years in B.C. as pastor in Chilliwack and Dawson Creek. John and Anne led 7 groups to Israel to visit biblical sites and missionaries, and 18 tours to other missionary and historic Christian sites. Serving as a pastor in 8 churches over 45 years, John spread the good news and displayed the compassion and the mercy of our Lord. He is mourned by Anne; children James, Steven, Lois; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
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