Kathrine Friesen (nee Hildebrand)

Kathrine Friesen (nee Hildebrand) 94 of Altona formerly of Halbstadt and Gnadenfeld passed away peacefully at Boyne Lodge in Carman on December 20. She is survived by her children Annabelle, Ed (Mellie), Kathy (Frank), Lillian (Harold), Sally (Daryl), Richard (Wendi), 21 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and one brother. She was predeceased by her husband Abram H. Friesen, her son Dennis (Eva) and her son-in-law Bob (Annabelle) and 1 brother and 6 sisters.

Celebration of life for Kathrine Friesen (nee Hildebrand) will be held Monday, December 30 at 11am in the Altona EMMC Church with burial at the Gnadenfeld Cemetery after the lunch reception. 

Viewing will be at the Wiebe Funeral Home Altona, Sunday, December 29, from 1-6.

Donations may be made to Tribal Trails: Tribal Trails - First Nations TV with a Message of Hope 

Kathrine was born in the village of Blumenthal to her parents Henry I. and Marie (Heinrichs) Hildebrand. She grew up on her parents’ farm and had a love for music, playing her guitar and singing at many events.

On September 16, 1949, she married Abram H. Friesen from the village of Gnadenfeld. They had 7 children and raised them on the farm which later became a century family farm. Mom had both a large flower and vegetable garden and sewed clothes for her children. 

In 1960 Mom and Dad accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. They became active members in their church where Mom taught Sunday School for 25 years. She was also very involved with music at the church. Mom and Dad exemplified their love for the Lord with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mom shared her love for music to her children and taught them to pray about everything.

At the age of 50 she was interested in working in health care. Thanks to the wonderful encouragement of many friends, she took the course in home care. She was with Home Care for 15 years before she retired.

In her retirement she enjoyed time with her 21 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Mom continued doing what she loved, quilting, crafting and gardening. She made quilts for all her 21 grandchildren.

Despite having only a grade 8 education Mom wrote a book “Kathrine my life story” which can be found in the Altona library. She also wrote several articles in the local newspaper over the years for which she received awards.

Music was always an important part of her life, continuing to play guitar and keyboard for her own enjoyment and with others. 

Mom and Dad took many trips, including bus trips, with their siblings. They travelled to Brazil and twice to Paraguay.

Mom was a very social person and loved her coffee friends and her weekly sister times. She enjoyed puzzling with friends at Buffalo, Gardens on Tenth Manor and Apartments.

Many thanks to all the care givers at the Gardens on Tenth Apartments, Eastview and the Boyne Lodge in Carman. We would also like to thank the staff of Wiebe Funeral Home for their helpful care and arrangements.