Abe was born in Steinbach on February 15, 1946 and passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 5:00 a.m. at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach just 2 weeks before his 64th birthday. He was pre-deceased by his parents Cornelius M. and Maria Friesen, one brother-in-law Diedrich Hiebert, and one nephew Luther Friesen. He is survived by his siblings Helen Hiebert of Kleefeld, Ed (Anne) of New Bothwell, Cornie (Mary) of Steinbach, Paul (Tina) of Steinbach, Albert (Anne) of Steinbach, and many nieces and nephews. Abe grew up on the family farm 1½ miles north of New Bothwell. He worked on the farm with his parents and siblings until his early adulthood and then worked a number of short-term odd jobs in his early twenties. For the latter 35 years of his life Abe was mostly maintaining a simple lifestyle. In about 1980 family and friends built a small house on his acreage where he continued to reside until his passing. He often expressed his gratitude for having his own castle where he could feel secure and come and go as he pleased. Abe had his struggles and difficulties and many people will remember his hitchhiking, which enabled him to meet countless friends and strangers who so often demonstrated their love and kindness by not only picking him up but often providing him with necessities or sometimes luxuries as well. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia/bi-polar some years ago and this no doubt contributed to his difficulties in life. In 2007 Abe made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour and he was baptized upon that confession in November 2007. He often expressed his gratitude to the Lord and looked forward to meeting loved ones in heaven who had gone before. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Thursday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday, February 5 at 10:30 a.m. also at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with interment at the Silberfeld CMC Cemetery. We as a family would like to express our sincere thanks to the many, many people who have demonstrated love and care to our brother even when we as a family found it difficult or impossible to do so. We would also express our thanks to the many professional caregivers who have ministered to him over the years and also the kind staff during his last days at Bethesda. May God richly bless and reward you. ~The Friesen family. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Abe may be made to the Silberfeld CMC Building Fund.