Obituary of Abe Friesen

It is with an overwhelming sadness, we announce the passing of Abraham Friesen. A dear Father to his children, Amanda Friesen (Alexandra, Chloe), Angela Friesen (Michael, Sara, Beatrice) and Timothy Friesen (Jodi, Olivia, Nicholas); and loving common-law husband and life partner to Denise Conan. Abe had a short but challenging battle with a rare cancer that put him in the fight for his life. On January 15, 2022, at 8:50 PM, he succumbed to the cancer with Denise at his side, his hand in hers. Abe arrived at his final destination, to be in the presence of God, the loved ones waiting for him, and the never-ending joy that comes with a devoted Christian faith. Abraham was born May 4, 1955 in Chihuahua, Mexico. He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Maria Friesen; sister Margaret; and brothers John and George. He is survived by brothers Jake and Peter. At a very young age, he learned what it was to work. Working the beet and tobacco fields through his summers, school and farm work, this imbedded an extremely disciplined work ethic. This ethic would stay with him for his entire life and show through his trucking career. Moving back and forth between Canada and Mexico a couple of times and settling in the Winkler area, he met Judy Krahn. They married at a young age of 17 and 18 and started their family. Their daughters, Angela and Amanda, and their son Timothy. They stayed together for 23 years, and went their separate ways, but remained friends. After several years, Abraham found the love he had been praying for, Denise Conan. In 2009, he started what was to be the rest of his life with her. Abe learned to focus on himself and his happiness. Denise proved to be the true other half of Abe. Together, they spent the remaining 13 years of his life enjoying each others company, going on work trips together, the two of them traveled, going on a cruise, trips to Mexico for multiple weeks in the winter, and Palm Springs. True happiness. True love. But through the last few years of his life, Abe discovered one other love he never knew he was missing. Golf. This would be how a lot of his time was spent every summer with Denise, friends and family. His love for golf would get him out there while still healing from back surgery, risking it all. It would also play into his final months. Abe’s cancer was aggressive, with other side affects that created a whole different set of challenges for himself and everyone around him. He suffered from Paraneoplastic Syndrome and encephalitis, which caused major confusion and short-term memory loss. His final months in the hospital were difficult but had some moments that made his loved ones smile. He would call his kids or Denise to get a tee time booked, even though it was -20 and snowing. It would be brought up multiple times. He loved his golf. In his last three months in the hospital, despite his confusion and memory loss, he never forgot the essentials. He knew his kids all standing around him, and Denise. Denise would spend most of her time in the last three months the room with Abe. Dealing with all the doctors, nurses, caring for Abe and keeping him company. Abe was very aware when she was not there. He would call her and bug her to get back to him whenever she seemed to leave. The love between Denise and Abe was undeniable. The care Denise gave to Abe before his passing left a strong imprint on those who got to witness what true love really looked like. His children spent what time they could with him as well, trying to not leave him alone for any period of time. Always bringing food and coffees, spending what quality time remained. In the final days, everyone got to say their goodbyes. There were many tears shed, a lot of love given, a lot of prayers said. Abraham went to sleep. His journey was over. He fought a good fight. He finished the race. He kept his faith. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at HSC and the staff on the 3rd floor, East wing at Riverview Health Center for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Funeral service will be held on Saturday January 29th at 10:30am in the Buntain Chapel at Calvary Temple, 440 Hargrave St Winnipeg, MB with Pastor Bruce Logan officiating. In accordance with current Manitoba health orders, proof of double vaccination will be required to attend. For those who can not attend in person, the service will be streamed live. Please go to: : www.ctwinnipeg.com This will bring you to the church website; click on the join online services; then the "YouTube" icon.