Chapter 2: Margaret (Loewen) Friesen

                                                    copyright Lorilee Scharfenberg and Nettie Brandt 2000

Margaret Loewen came from a family of seven girls and one boy. Being the oldest, she worked hard helping in the field as well as in the house and with yard work. Seeing she was one who faithfully kept a diary, she writes how on Sunday morning she would comb her six sisters and herself before attending church. She was also an avid gardener which was evident in the beautiful flower garden she produced at her parents= home and in later years at her own farm for her husband and family to enjoy. She also kept herself and all her sisters dressed in homemade dresses.

Marriage and Moves

After her marriage to Jacob Friesen on March 25, 1917, they lived in Rosenhoff on the parents= yard for about three years as mother=s help at home was still required. From there they moved to McTavish where they resided on a farm for 43 years. After that, Dad sold the farm and they moved to Rosenort. They adjusted well to living in town with the help of good neighbors. After Dad passed away, Mother moved to Winnipeg to live with her daughters. People wondered how she would adjust to this move. When asked, Mother would reply, AI have nothing to complain.@

Family Time

Since we lived two and a half miles from Rosenort (nearest town or village) while we were still on the farm, we spent more time at home doing things together as a family, especially when we had snowstorms or the roads were impassable. We would sit around the table singing in four-part harmony using the Evangeliums Lieder or the Silberklaenge songbooks. Dad taught us at an early age how to do Sword Drill. One year Dad made us a snow slide off the roof of the machine shed which would give us a long ride. The highlight was that Aunt Mary Eidse, who was in the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis, went tobogganing with us, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We also enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together. Our trips to the big city (Winnipeg) were special and going to the zoo was especially enjoyed.

Butchering hogs was a three-day affair: 1) Preparations 2) Butchering 3) Cleaning up.

Neighbours and relatives would come for breakfast, stay all day, and enjoy a delicious Faspa before leaving for home. A busy day was made into a fun day!

Killing chickens for canning was a family affair as well. And then there were the times when Dad would come home with gunny sacks full of frozen fish. Then came the day for scaling fish, frozen fingers, filling sealers, canning, the end result - delicious salmon and the fun of working together.

Mother

Mom was a hard-working woman. The land on the farm at McTavish was not too productive at first, but after putting a lot of hard work into the garden, Mother had the joy of sharing vegetables with others. She continued her interest in planting flowers wherever they lived and space was available. Mother was a faithful supporter of Dad in his responsibilities and activities. She looked after the family when Dad had to be away. She was known for her delicious baking - of course in the brick oven. Due to back problems, her daughters or her sons would have to knead the dough for her. (These were the days before >Bosch=.) Mother had no formal schooling in English but picked up the language by associating with English-speaking neighbours and by joining their Ladies= Group. A daughter-in-law viewed mother as a very organized and caring lady.

Mother loved people and appreciated visitors. Mother had a warm love and interest in her grandchildren and their activities. She faithfully supported them with her prayers.

Some other interests Mother had were sewing patchwork quilts, sewing for her daughters, de Kleeni Dre (the small three), and for M.C.C., and knitting and crocheting. She was an interesting storyteller and loved drawing. A notable talent she had was hospitality.

When we as children would come home from school unhappy with the teacher, our parents would never speak negatively against him, even though we found out in later years they didn=t always agree with the teacher either.

Dad

Dad and the boys took on the responsibility of dragging the road from McTavish to Rosenort and south to the Kleine Gemeinde Church. This gave two of the boys an opportunity to see their future >mates= who were busy hoeing the garden closest to the road where the boys would pass by!

Our Dad was a man of wisdom; therefore he was involved in various businesses while his sons worked the farm. Dad was manager of the Rosenort Farmers= Association, and also Fire Insurance agent with Red River Mutual Insurance, which took him to LaSalle, Osborne, and Winnipeg. He was the secretary for the Greenbank School plus trustee for a number of years. He was also involved with Manitoba Pool Elevators, on the Board of Directors plus auditor for the Rosenort Co-op. He would assist others with their income tax, making of wills, and accounting where needed. After the 1950 flood, Dad assisted Government officials in assessing damage done.

Dad was interested in becoming a school teacher. He had the opportunity to study for one year at the Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna and was able to teach for a short while. However, due to financial difficulties, he could not continue his training for this career.

Dad used to farm together with Klaas Friesen. Threshing times were enjoyable times when the ladies would take meals to the field and share them with the men while having a good gab session.

In March 1967, Mother and Dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. This was very special since Mom had suffered a stroke in January. God was so gracious to restore her health so quickly. In November of that year, together with daughter Helen, they went to Mexico via a train.

Facing Family Adversities

When Mary was five years old, Dad had to take her to an eye specialist who confirmed the fact that she had eyesight only on one eye. In 1929, Mom and Dad lost three children within five days - Margaret and Annie, twin girls age 2 1/2 years and on the day of their funeral, 1-year-old Jacob died - the cause of their deaths being a dysentery epidemic. The twins had given the parents much joy as they seemed to have their own language, which only they understood.

One winter when Cornie worked at a lumber camp he had the misfortune of fracturing his leg. Being far from home, and being a close family, we suffered with him.

1937 was a year of testing. Father was rushed to St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, with a ruptured appendix. He was hospitalized for 39 days, a slow recovery. Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, Mom and Dad=s wheat field burned to the ground plus their car burned. Two horses took off and never returned.

One beautiful summer day, Mary brought her Tweeback dough over for Mother to bake in the brick oven, heated with flax straw, in the smokehouse. A passerby stopped to inform the family, who were having Faspa at the time, that the smokehouse was on fire. Not only were the buns charcoal and the smokehouse burned, but several big sleighs and a pile of cut firewood for the winter, were destroyed by the fire as well.

In 1950, the family had to evacuate to Altona due to the flood. In 1961, son Abe passed away accidentally, leaving behind his wife Elma and four children, the baby only five days old. In January 1967, Mother suffered a stroke from which she fully recovered. In 1970, Father suffered a stroke and was under medical care away from home until the Lord took him to be with Him in 1973.

Mother was hard of hearing and as she got older this handicap often caused loneliness, even in a room full of people. In later years her eyesight failed as well and she would appreciate someone reading to her as she had spent much time reading the Bible. Through all the adversities, God was faithful and gave Mother and Father strength and courage to stay true to Him. They trusted God who made no mistakes.

For our parents, Sunday was a special day and it was part of our lives to attend Sunday School and worship services. Dad was on the executive that started the Sunday School in the Kleine Gemeinde Church at Rosenort. He would pick up children on his way to Sunday School and also taught a class for years. Dad loved to relate incidents that happened in the community, the hardships and joys through which the Lord had led them.

Dad'ss mother, Mrs. Abram D. Dueck, came to live with us for the last 16 years of her life. Our parents were fortunate to have a daughter at home to assist with the care. When Grandma passed away, the parents needed the assistance of their daughters as well.

Life's Highlights

by granddaughter Pauline Nickel

Going to see or visit Grandma and Grandpa Friesen was something that we as grandchildren looked forward to. Grandma baked the most delicious bread in her brick oven in the smokehouse, using flax straw. We had no refrigerator at home but Grandma did, so we would go to visit her and beg for ice-cream and ice cubes. Grandma had the most beautiful perennial and annual flower garden. She could cure anything and everything with her herbal concoctions. Grandma Friesen taught us how to shake hands and hug someone in a really genuine way.

CORNELUS J. LOEWEN FRIESEN

Cornelius J.L. Friesen was born on Sept. 12, 1919. He was the first child of Jacob and Margaret H. Friesen and also the first grandchild of the C.D. and Maria Loewen family. Cornelius J.L. Friesen passed away on June 1, 1993.

Cornie received his formal education at the Greenbank School in Rosenort. He was baptized and joined the Rosenort EMC. On October 25, 1942, he was united in holy matrimony to Kathy Friesen, daughter of the Henry T. Friesen's. They made their first home in the rural area of Rosenort. They were blessed with ten children. In 1952, Cornie and Kathy decided to move to Rosenhoff, where they farmed till the fall of 1963. Cornie sold the farm and moved his family to Roseisle where he again was involved in agriculture. (Their initial motive for making this move was to assist the church at Roseisle.)

On May 5, 1977, Kathy passed away after a brave two-year fight with breast cancer. Cornie then decided to sell the farm and move to the town of Roseisle. Cornie and Kathy had the privilege of witnessing all their children accepting Christ as their personal Saviour.

On August 24, 1980, Cornie married Helen Dueck, daughter of Jacob K. Duecks. Some of the family's highlights include moving in with the P.L. Brauns at Lowe Farm for a couple of weeks during the 1950 flood, neighbouring with the H.H. Brandt family from 1952 - 1963 and Kathy and Cornie=s trips to Mexico and British Honduras. They prepared for five weddings in three years - Pauline, Rosella, James, Alvina, and Marion. Pauline, first daughter of Cornie and Kathy, is also Jacob H. and Margaret Friesen=s first grandchild and Paulette, first child of Pauline and Alfred Nickel, is Cornie and Kathy=s first grandchild.

PETER J. LOEWEN FRIESEN

Pete J. L. Friesen started working in a lumber camp in Roblin, Manitoba, in the winter of 1941 - 1942. Later, he cut pulp in the Dryden, Ontario area for the Dryden Paper Company. After that, Pete bought a truck and hauled pulp for another company.

On July 10, 1955, Pete and I, Evelyn Cornelsen, were united in holy matrimony on a beautiful summers' day. Pete then changed his occupation and we began with grain and mixed farming. We were blessed with four children: Harold, Gary, Ray and Eleanor. As the boys grew up, they helped on the farm. Eventually, Pete led them all into the construction business, which they continue to enjoy doing to this day. As a family, we loved travelling, camping and fishing. We had the privilege of seeing all our children accepting Christ as their personal Saviour. We have been active in church ministries - as Sunday School teachers and as a deacon couple. Pete has been a songleader for many years.

Harold met Sandra Fehr at Steinbach Bible College, and they were married April 17, 1976, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. At present, Harold is Branch Manager for Pennco Construction Co. Canada Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta. Sandra is a homemaker, and works part-time as secretary/receptionist for Mennonite Central Committee in Calgary, Alberta. Harold loves reading, people, and is a good organizer. Sandra=s interests are music, people and family. Steven (18) and Crystal (17) are both interested in reading, drama, music and people. As a family, they love doing voluntary service for M.C.C. and are involved in different church ministries.

Gary married Darlene Froese on July 1, 1977, in Wymark, Saskatchewan. Gary is working as a Commercial Construction Supervisor for Pennco Construction, and he and Darlene also have a home business called International Distribution. Darlene is a cosmetologist and homemaker. They are active in church ministries - singing and meeting people. They are blessed with three children, whose interests are as follows: Alicia (17) friends, writing poetry, and cosmetology: Jeremy (15) basketball, friends and Industrial Arts; Jordan (13) basketball, art and friends.

Ray and Rebecca Thiessen were married August 11, 1979, in Rosenort, Manitoba. Ray is working for Pennco as a Commercial Construction Supervisor. Rebecca has worked in a Day Care Centre and presently is a homemaker. They have two girls, who are both attending Heritage Christian School in Calgary. Desi (13) enjoys reading, biking and helping in the kitchen. Katelynn enjoys swimming, biking and reading. As a family they love reading, meeting people, building homes and travelling.

Eleanor married Ken Thomas on April 25, 1987, in Rosenort, Manitoba. She met Ken when they were both involved with Canadian Sunday School Mission - Eleanor as counsellor and Ken as program director. At present, Eleanor is a homemaker and Ken works as a controller for Bornhorst Mechanical Inc. Eleanor works part-time at Hyline Credit Union as a Member Services Representative. They have a son, Greg, who loves coming to visit Grandma and Grandpa, and take a ride on Grandpa=s prize AAllis@ tractor. Ken=s interests are golfing, reading and people. Eleanor=s interests are homemaking, piano and people. They live in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Pete and I do more travelling since we have retired - visiting children, relatives and friends.

MARY (FRIESEN) EIDSE

Mary Friesen is the eldest daughter of the Jacob H. Friesens. She was born on May 3rd, 1922. Mary completed grade seven in the Greenbank School. Her husband Nick Eidse completed seven years at Rosenhoff North and spent two years in Steinbach where he completed his grade 10. He also attended SBC in 1962 for one semester. They were both baptized in the Rosenort EMC.

Nick and Mary=s lifelong romance began when he went to visit Mary at her home in McTavish but alas she wasn=t there. The second time he came to visit her she was home alone and in the barn because she=d come home early from a wedding and the house was locked. Nick helped her crawl through a window in their house and they continued their first visit indoors.

One of the most special gifts Mary never got was sent to her by Nick when they were dating. Nick was in Dryden and had purchased an alarm clock and sent it to her. The truck driver stole it and she never received Nick=s letter. Nick was concerned because Mary didn=t write back, but of course, it had never arrived. They straightened out the confusion and their romance continued!

She married Nick Eidse, son of David and Elizabeth Eidse, on July 25, 1943. She wore a blue knee-length dress to their wedding. It was a beautiful sunny day and they had Faspa under the trees later on at her parents= home in McTavish. Their first home was on the yard of his parents where Nick helped on the large family farm. For four winters they went to Ontario to work in the bush. Their first vehicle was one-armed Mr. Petkau=s 1929 Model A Ford.

They settled on a farm in Pleasant Valley and farmed there for forty years, from 1945 - 1985. Their first tractor was a Minneapolis KT. Nick=s favourite farm machinery remains Minneapolis but he also liked Allis Chalmers. They owned approximately 480 acres of land and rented more at the height of their farming career. They participated in mixed farming, milking Holstein cows and also raising some beef. The best crop was harvested in 1967 with wheat, barley and oats. The worst year was 1968 when they ended up combining in water. On August 8th the dikes broke through that were holding back water from the Pembina Hills. All the grainfields flooded. Nick began to build bridges because of flooded fields and did so for seven winters, working as a foreman for Sam Hoffman. Their yard with trees, hedges, flowers and gardens was well kept. Mary, always a cheerful homemaker, is an excellent cook and bakes the best white bread, Tweeback and cinnamon rolls which have been cheer-up gifts for many lonely or sick people. Nick and Mary were elected as a deacon couple in the Pleasant Valley Church in June of 1961, a church in which they were founding members. Mary's favourite memory of raising a family was seeing them begin living for the Lord. Her least favourite task was disciplining the children, which she mainly left to her husband to do! Mary enjoyed reading and writing when she was younger. Now she enjoys telling stories to her grandchildren. She used to garden and quilt and collect salt and pepper shakers. As a young lady she also enjoyed singing in the Greenbank choir. She has enjoyed many summers as a camp cook for Living Fountain Bible Camp. Mary owns several handkerchiefs and a bowl formerly owned by Grandma Loewen. She also owns a butter dish that was a gift from her Father to her Mother. Nick still enjoys reading, collecting farm hats and before his baptism, took guitar lessons in Steinbach but he hasn=t played since. They have enjoyed many trips together: to Mexico in 1961, Belize in 1974, Pennsylvania in 1982 and in 1975 they went to Central America. They saw eight countries on an EMC Mission tour as well. They have also gone to Kelowna, B.C. several times to visit their children. Nick and Mary's favorite verses are, "All things are possible to him that believeth" and, "In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. "Einsich Dich, mein Herzensheiland" is Mary's favorite song. Nick and Mary now reside in a lovely home in Rosenort, which is open to anyone who wants to come and chat - especially about the good old days. Their family of three sons and five daughters has grown to 45.

Mary Ann was born in 1945. She married Ernie Loewen, son of Dave L. Loewens, in 1968. They have five daughters, two foster daughters and a son-in-law, Matt. They were elected into the ministry at the Pleasant Valley Church in 1976. From 1980-85, they served in Paraguay under the EMC Missions, managing the ZP30 Radio Station. They now live on the former Nick Eidse homestead where Ernie farms. He is also a bus driver, accountant and minister. Mary Ann is busy as a homemaker, foster mom and teaches Sunday School.

Florence married Danny Loewen, son of Dave L. Loewens, in 1970. They have two boys and two girls and a daughter-in-law, Lisa. They live on the former Dave L. Loewen homestead where Danny farms and works as an electrician, owning DKL Enterprises. Florence works as an LPN in the Rosenort Eventide Home besides homemaking and bookkeeping for Danny=s business.

Elmer married Lucille Brandt, daughter of Levi Brandts, in 1971. Elmer worked for his father-in-law for a number of years before going into construction work with brother Jim, working in Brandon, Regina, and Edmonton. They now live in Rosenort where Elmer is self-employed as a building contractor and Lucille is a homemaker for their six children - five daughters and one son.

Larry married Sandra Groening, daughter of Frank Groenings, in 1974. Larry is the principal of the Rosenort Schools since 1991. He is also a lay minister of the Rosenort EMC and coaches in the school. Sandi works as a teller at the Rosenort Credit Union. They have one daughter and two sons.

Jim married Terri Thiessen, daughter of John Thiessens, in 1973. Jim worked in construction with Elmer for many years and now owns Eidse Builders in Kelowna, B.C. Terri is a sales person for Mary Kay and is a homemaker for their family of one daughter and three sons.

Marlene married Clarence Dueck, son of Peter H. Duecks, in 1974. They have three sons and one daughter. Marlene and Clarence are in charge of the AWANA Club in the Rosenort community. Clarence has worked for Riverbend Feedmill for 21 years as office manager. They live on a farmyard lot one mile east of Riverside.

Karen married Lloyd Kornelson, son of Alvin Kornelsons, in 1978. They have two sons and live in Winnipeg. Lloyd teaches at the University of Winnipeg and Karen is a Customer Service Analyst with Canada Post Corporation.

Laverna lives in Winnipeg. She works at Midland Manufacturing in Rosenort where she has been employed since 1981. Laverna is presently taking the fourth level in Certified Management Accounting.

FRANK LOEWEN FRIESEN

Frank L. Friesen is married to Eva (Klassen) Kroeker. They are retired but have been doing some home care. They have five children, who are all married, thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Frank and Eva have both completed a grade eight education. Frank attended the Greenbank School, while Eva studied in Rosenort. The two of them met at choir practice in the Rosenort Church and were engaged in October at Eva=s folks, the Frank B. Kroekers. Eva=s wedding dress was pink and Frank wore a blue suit. Their wedding day was cool and cloudy but they enjoyed the day with about 190 guests.

The first home that Eva and Frank shared was a bungalow. Eva owned her first washing machine in 1948 and, like many other women, her first sewing machine was a Singer. Her favourite memories of raising a family include reading stories to her children, dressing them up for Sunday School and church and taking them to Sunday School! Frank=s first car was a 1930 Model A Ford and his first tractor was a Model D John Deere. Frank farmed 160 acres and participated in mixed farming. His favourite farm machinery is John Deere but he likes Massey equipment, too.

The Friesens have lived in three communities during their married lives. They made Rosenort their home from >45->63, farmed in Roseisle from >63 til >68 and then moved to Steinbach. Frank worked as an orderly at the Steinbach Hospital and as an assistant ambulance driver for 9 1/2 years. He made a career change and worked at Reimer Overhead Doors for approximately 5 1/2 years. At that time he returned to work at the hospital for another 6 years. Frank and Eva were both baptized in the Rosenort EMC in 1942 and are currently members in the Steinbach EMC. Frank has enjoyed serving in the church both as a Sunday School teacher and as a songleader. Frank=s favourite song is AMy Jesus I Love Thee.@ Eva has been involved in Mission Sisters, taught Sunday School, been a kitchen helper and baby-sitter. Frank and Eva have also done Mennonite Central Committee relief work.

Frank and Eva have many interests and hobbies. Frank=s favourite pastime is carving and he gives away many of the creatures he creates as gifts to others. He also enjoys reading, carpentry, golfing, horseshoes, playing the harmonica and singing in a group. Eva likes gardening, embroidery, quilting, painting and knitting. She also enjoys collecting spoons. They both appreciate doing jigsaw puzzles and visitations.

ABE J. LOEWEN FRIESEN Submitted by Elma Johnston

Abe and I, Elma Kroeker, got married on October 19, 1947. The Lord blessed us with four children. By occupation, Abe was a construction contractor. He was also very active in church - choir director, Sunday School Superintendent, etc. In 1961, the Lord saw fit to take him Home. He was accidentally killed as a result of a traffic accident during a snowstorm on December 28.

Our family is all grown-up and they now have families of their own. Emily married Leroy Barkman and they have three girls. Emily is working as a receptionist. Russ married Bonnie Giesbrecht. They live in Vancouver and have three boys. Russ=s occupation is with C.P. Hotels. Tim married Bonnie Zacharias and they have one son and two daughters. Tim=s operating his own business - Penner Doors and Hardware. Bob married Janet Friesen and they have one daughter. Bob works for Canada Post.

After being widowed for almost 27 years, I married Burton Johnston. We are both retired and live in Winnipeg.

BETTY LOEWEN FRIESEN

I have taken care of Grandma, worked in the hospital kitchen and as a unit assistant. I have also been employed at an addressograph office, a catering service and have been a home support worker for the elderly. Between jobs I have taken care of, and worked for, my parents. After Dad passed away, Helen and I took Mother into our home.

I have been involved in Sunday School and choir and am an assistant leader of a care group in the church. My interests and hobbies include reading, different kinds of handwork and sewing. I enjoy visiting and helping the elderly and other voluntary work.

HELEN LOEWEN FRIESEN

I have taken LPN training and three years at Steinbach Bible School. Other education I have taken includes an evening course for hair dressing. I have been a clinic nurse but am presently a Respiratory Assistant at St. Boniface Hospital.

I serve my church as a deaconess and teach an adult Laotian Sunday School Class. I am also an assistant Care Group Leader at the Braeside EMC. I enjoy singing in a group, travelling, league bowling, cross-country skiing and I play the organ occasionally.

AGNES LOEWEN FRIESEN

I completed High School at the Greenbank School and then took three years of studies at Steinbach Bible School. I also took a three-month Child Evangelism Fellowship course in Muskegon, Michigan.

I have held several positions in my life. I was a sales clerk at Rosenort Co-op and at Christian Press in Winnipeg. I was a receptionist in a doctor=s office for five years. In 1970 I applied to Canadian Sunday School Mission and I have served with them in Amaranth, Swan Lake, Strathclair and now in Winnipeg as office secretary.

Currently I am still involved in Camp Ministry and Vacation Bible School and also occasional Children=s Meetings. I speak to Ladies= Groups from time to time as well.

My church responsibilities include serving as a Substitute Sunday School teacher, as a member of the Church Music Committee and I am involved with the ladies in the church.

My personal interests are singing, oil painting, camping, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

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