Our brother Menno was born to Anna & Martin P. Friesen on April 1, 1942. His childhood was spent on the farm in Blumenof, where he enjoyed helping his dad with the potatoes and sugar beets. Even though he tended to have a quiet nature, he was fun loving, and quite often a tease. One memory of this is when he drove his favorite car, a Super B Dodge, down a street in Steinbach and it skidded out of control, landing on its side. A crowd gathered very quickly, giving him all kinds of advice about what to do, including calling the police for help, to which he replied with a smile, “No way,” and he flipped the car back on its wheels, and sped away. He began working at an early age, probably around 14, with his first job being culling pulp with his dad & brother Peter, at Shoal Lake. Menno’s trade was carpentry, and he has been involved in many building projects over the years, in many parts of the country, reaching as far away as the North West Territories, BC, Alberta and Ontario. Throughout his life, Menno maintained a love for the outdoors, the land and farming. So in 1973 he bought the family farm in Blumenhof, but realized very quickly, that his health did not permit him to do that work. Gardening and producing wonderful vegetables remained a hobby of his. Menno also loved the game of hockey and for several years played for the East Steinbach Eagles. We’ve always believed that he was their star player. Several years ago, it became very apparent that, although he rarely complained about it, he was not well. Through the next years his health deteriorated, which was very difficult for him to bear. We are so thankful, that a year ago, when Menno became very sick, he made his peace with God. After that he often expressed a longing to go home. Praying with him brought him comfort and peace. His prayers were answered on Aug. 7th, 2011 when he peacefully passed away at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. He was predeceased by his father, Martin P. Friesen, his mother, Anna and by one brother, Ernie. He leaves to mourn his son Mark Friesen, his sister Linda (Menno) Barkman, brothers Peter (Violet) Friesen, Paul (Margaret) Friesen, and many nieces and nephews. First of all, we would like to thank Mike and Danny for the incredible friendship and support that they gave Menno, especially during this last year. Thank you to the staff at the Bethesda Hospital for their wonderful care. Thank you to friends and family for your love and support. The funeral service will be held Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach with viewing prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Blumenort EMC Cemetery.