Peacefully, on January 13, 2001, Martin D. Friesen, husband of Mary, father, grand-father and great grandfather, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. Martin was born on February 4, 1917 to Jacob E. and Maria Friesen who were living in Blumenhof, Sask. He was baptized in the Sommerfelder Mennonite Church in 1936 by Bishop Peter Toews. In July of 1936 he was united in marriage with Mary Janzen of Plum Coulee. To this union 11 children were born , two of whom preceded him in death. They were Erna in 1947 and Richard Allen in 1967. Dad worked at various jobs in his working career and finally he and his family moved to Steinbach in 1969. Dad made a decision for Christ in 1957. This decision was very important to him and he was always prepared to tell what God had done for him. Dad retired in 1982 and enjoyed his retirement very much. He and Mom went on a number of trips out west to visit family and friends. They also enjoyed some bus tours. He is survived by his wife Mary, with whom he enjoyed over 64 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children and their families; Norman (Martha), Ruth (Pat), Ernie (Vi), Irene (Bernie), Ron (Delores), all of Winnipeg. Linda (George), Harvey (Tracey), Irma, Shirley (Don), all of Steinbach. He also enjoyed his 25 grand-children and 20 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Gerry Vogt and his grandson Gary Friesen in 1997. He was a favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews who will also miss him very much. In 1999 Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which really slowed him down but did not quench his sense of humor. He entered the hospital for the last time on December 3, 2000 and passed on to be with his Lord on the evening of January 13, 2001. The family wishes to extend a special word of thanks to Dr. Curtis Krahn and the nurses and staff of the Bethesda Hospital who took such good care of Dad with compassion and sympathy. Funeral services took place at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, 306 McKenzie Ave. in Steinbach on Thursday, January 18th, 2001, 2:00 p.m. with interment in the Heritage Cemetery. Pastor Tim Rempel officiated. . Should friends so desire, donations in Martin’s memory may be made to World Vision P.O. Box 1000 Stn Streetsville, Mississauga, Ont. L5M 9Z9 II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”