Abram "Abe" Friesen

Abram (Abe) R. Friesen was born on May 4, 1928, near Lowe Farm, Manitoba, in the Rural Municipality of Morris, to Peter and Susanna Friesen. On November 7, 2025, at the age of 97, Abe was welcomed into his eternal home with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Above all else, he was a man of God. His faith guided his words, his work, and every act of love he shared throughout his life.

He grew up in a lively home as one of fourteen children, blessed with eight brothers and five sisters. Abe cherished his memories of each of them; all had passed before him.

In 1952, Abe married the love of his life, Anna (née Thiessen), at Austin Mennonite Church. Their marriage of 73 years was a true partnership rooted in faith, devotion, and steadfast care. Together, they shaped a home grounded in prayer, devotion, and trust in God.

Abe is survived by Anna and their children: daughter Val (John) and granddaughter Lindsay with great-grandchild Austen; son Bruce (Cathy), grandchildren Erika (Matt) with great-grandchildren Jax, Greye, and Alice, and grandchildren Carly and Julia; son Ken (Judy); son Tim (Heather), grandchildren Noah and Ana; daughter Nancy (Stu), grandchildren Sierra (Beckett) and Andrew; and daughter Esther (Marcel), grandchildren Wyatt and Jazmin.

Abe also lovingly embraced his extended “adopted” family, including Recy (Mohsen), granddaughter Michele (Kyle) with great-grandchildren Javan, Yana, and Atira, and grandson Michael (Vanecia). He offered each of them wisdom, prayer, patience, and unconditional love, seeing his family as a gift entrusted to him by God.

His early years were shaped on the family farm, working alongside his father and learning the trade of blacksmithing. He often spoke fondly of those days—working as a “cowboy,” tending animals, and developing blacksmith and mechanical skills he would use throughout his life.

At 19, Abe came to faith in Christ under the guidance of Deacon Wiebe at the Bergthaler Church. That commitment took deep root in his heart and remained the foundation of his character and purpose.

Moving to Winnipeg at age 24 opened a new chapter. He worked first for Fairfield Sewing Machine and later Atlas Brush before beginning a 35-year career as a millwright at Furgale Industries. There, he built, maintained, and repaired industrial machinery—a vocation requiring patience, strength, and ingenuity. Abe brought dedication to his work and took great pride in the reliability of his craftsmanship, including several machines he personally designed and built.

Family life grew and flourished in Winnipeg’s Brooklands neighbourhood before Abe and Anna settled in East Fort Garry, where they lived for 30 years. Retirement brought another meaningful season of community at Adamar Apartments, where Abe cared for the workshop and supported neighbours in practical and friendly ways. In his final years, he received compassionate and dignified care at Riverview Health Centre, for which the family is deeply grateful.

Faith and service were constant priorities. A devoted member of Christian Fellowship Chapel since 1952, Abe served as Sunday School Superintendent, deacon, Awana leader, and in various outreach roles. He believed that faith was meant to be lived—and lived it daily. Sharing Christ’s love was, for Abe, not an obligation but a joy.

Together with others, he helped establish Fisher Bay Bible Camp on Fisher River First Nation, where he supported ministry among the Peguis community. He also shared his love of blacksmithing at the Steinbach Mennonite Heritage Village and the Austin Threshermen’s Reunion, entertaining visitors with demonstrations and conversations.

Abe was known by many as “Honest Abe,” a reflection of his sincerity, humility, and fairness. He was happiest when helping others—fixing, building, encouraging, or simply showing up. His humour was gentle and warm, offered in a quiet joke over coffee or a playful sparkle in his eye, often lifting the spirits of those around him. These small moments of kindness and laughter leave cherished memories.

Abe looked forward with peace and assurance to the day he would meet his Heavenly Father. Now, he rests in the eternal home he so faithfully prepared his heart for. His life was a blessing, and his memory will continue to inspire those he loved.

A service to honour Abe’s life will be held at the Fort Garry EMC Church, 602 Pasadena Avenue, Winnipeg, on Friday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow.

Rest in peace, Abe. You will be missed, cherished, and remembered.