DONNA FRIESEN Obituary

DONNA MAE FRIESEN Donna Mae Friesen, 90, of North Newton Kansas died at her Kidron home on September 18, 2024. She was born on September 11, 1934 to Martha (Jantzen) and Herbert Voth. Donna was the oldest of 4 children, and she grew up in Newton, KS, attending Bethel College Mennonite Church. After graduating from Newton High School, Donna attended Bethel College for 1 year, and then took a secretarial position at the Herald Book and Printing Company where her father worked, in order to save money to attend K-State for a year. She met Jerry Friesen on a blind date at K-State in 1954 and they were married on December 27, 1955. During their life together they lived in 18 homes at locations as varied as Salina, KS, the Phillipines, Bellevue, NE, Tucson, AZ, and Columbus, GA. The initial housing locations were a function of Jerry's employment, largely with the Air Force civil service as a civil engineer. By the time the children were born, Donna had joined the Methodist Church, simply because it was the denomination to which Jerry belonged. Donna worked as a homemaker, but also as a secretary in a mental health clinic. An early purchase of a sewing machine ensured that she and the children had access to stylish clothing that was affordable. This sewing skill and her artistic aspirations later translated into the piecing of multiple gorgeous quilts that adorned the home and were shared with kids and grandkids. She later returned to college at the University of Arizona in Tucson where she got a general studies degree. This led to a job as church secretary at the local St Pauls United Methodist Church, where the family attended. Donna also continued in roles of Sunday School teacher and church youth sponsor. After raising 3 children, all of whom had moved out of the house for college, Donna wrestled with life purpose, and pursued her love of the church vocationally. So when Jerry was offered a job in Georgia, Donna took the opportunity to enroll in the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, and became a minister in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. She completed the masters degree in three years and in 1983, began serving multiple churches in Georgia, including Byromville, Lilly, and Leslie. More recently she discovered the writings of Father Richard Rohr, whose book Falling Upward indicates that spiritual growth most often occurs when we reach the end of our human resources. She reflected this to be true to her life experience. Donna flourished in her new vocation, and particularly enjoyed writing sermons and for her regular local newspaper column entitled "Donna's Doodles." Eventually Donna and Jerry realized that even after 14 years, Georgia had not become home. When they returned to Newton, Donna was the chaplain at United Methodist Youthville and part time pastor at Walton United Methodist Church. She retired from the ministry in 2000. Donna was an avid walker most of her adult life. She relished good food, and took great lengths to prepare and enjoy new recipes. She also was an accomplished gardener, taking after her father, and became a Master Gardener in Harvey County. In retirement, Donna found a renewed appreciation for the Mennonite tradition, and became a Member at Large at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Donna's husband and lifelong partner Jerry died on September 11, 2020, which was Donna's 86th birthday. The family was limited to a graveside service because of Covid constraints at the time. Donna continued to live in Independent Living at Kidron. She suffered a massive stroke on February 16, just a month after making the move into Assisted Living at Kidron. Having been an independent woman for her entire life, she was now reliant on nurses for most all of her physical care. However, her mind was bright, and she worked hard at accepting the new realities of her life. Her faith became even more critical to her existence. Donna is survived by her 3 children: Janelle Albertson of Auburn, WA, Sharon and Keith Penner of Newton, KS, and Kent and Dawn Friesen of Austin, TX; 6 grandchildren: Malcolm Gray, Jacob Penner & EJ Jamison, Isaac Penner and Gabrielle Fangman, Anika and Keith Baker, Eli and Amanda Friesen, and Elizabeth Friesen; and 5 great grandchildren: Sabrina and Karson Baker, Ezekiel, Josiah, and Malachi Friesen. Gifts or contributions can be made to the Kidron Bethel Healthcare Benevolent Fund, Bethel College Mennonite Church, or Trinity Heights United Methodist Church.