Obituary of Ervin Reimer Friesen
Ervin Reimer Friesen
(November 8, 1935 - March 1, 2024)
Our Dad, Grampa, Grandpops, and Brother
Ervin R Friesen was born in Swalwell, Alberta. He was the first-born son of Jac and Agnes Friesen. When Ervin was 5 he went to the hospital with his mother to visit our mom (Greta) who was just born. Ervin was baptized by Minister Dave Dyck in 1950.
Ervin had a happy childhood in Linden, Alberta. They spent some winters in California. Ervin was just 12 years old when they moved from Linden, Alberta to Abbotsford, BC. There he helped his dad in the service station on Taylor Road, doing mechanics and raising chickens. Ervin started working for Fraser Way Campers when he realized he was allergic to chicken dust.
In May 1959 Ervin married the love of his life (Greta). Their wedding was the last one in the old church on Mt. Lehman road. In 1974 they moved to the prairies. Ervin wanted to try his hand at grain farming and hogs. After about six years they moved into the Village of Edberg. He opened up the Sharp Shop and repaired small motors and sharpened various tools.
Ervin also secured several positions in Camrose, namely cabinet building, car detailing and RV repairs. He constructed a lot of clocks and did some clock repairs.
Mom (Greta) passed away in 2019. They were married just short of 60 years.
Ervin lived a life of acceptance. We children rarely, if ever, saw him get angry. Life wasn’t always easy. One of the hardest things, besides loosing mom, was the loss of his independence when he couldn’t drive any more. He was a joy to care for. Dad was a quiet man of few words. When he spoke, we listened. His daily prayer was for us children, each one by name. We meant the world to him. His grandchildren were a joy and his great-grandchildren a delight. Videos, pictures and visits from them always brought a smile to his face till the last day.
He loved to build things. Ervin retired at 65 and kept on building and fixing things. He often whistled while he worked. Ervin loved life in his own quiet way. He lived in his own home until he passed after a short time in the hospital. That was his wish, and it was granted.
With lonely hearts and empty arms we are left to mourn his passing. Left to cherish is memory are his three children John (Cheryl), Jayne (Tracy) Loetkeman and Jim (Jennifer); his beloved sister Juanita Friesen; nine grandchildren Mike (Amanda), Troy, Austin (Ryley), Harmony, Jake (Jeralyne), Adrian (Melissa), Jacey (Nick), David (Krista), and Dezray; twelve great-grandchildren Jakob, Emilio, Lily, Naomi, Rowyn, Zoey, Juliet Jennifer, Eliza, Taytum, Lilia, Anthony and Romee; and special friend Debbie Yurkiw.
Ervin was predeceased by his parents Jac and Agnes; wife Greta; and infant sister.
Special friends in his life the last while were Harold and Valerie Boese, Dan and LaRae Boese, Rennie and Fran Friesen, and Don Isaac. Thank you to all of YOU that have had any interaction with Dad. It takes a community to get a senior Home.
A Viewing was held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7 at Burgar Memorial Chapel 4817 51 Ave, Camrose. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024 from the Edberg Mennonite Church officiated by Pastor Reg Siemens.
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Ervin's memory may be made to S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance or to Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
