Dietrich Peter Friesen

Dietrich Peter Friesen

Dietrich (or Dickie as he was known growing up, and then Dick as a young man) Friesen was named after his mother's father, Diedrich Thiessen, and had his father's name, Peter, as his middle name. He was born September 3, 1942 in Eyebrow, SK and went to be with Jesus March 27, 2026.

Dietrich talked about Heaven a lot and looked forward to his home there since realizing that he could know for sure that it was guaranteed when he accepted Jesus' payment for his sins. That realization came November 25, 1966, at a Barry Moore Crusade in Regina. He was always willing to share this assurance during his life, sometimes in heated discussions!

He has left a big hole in our family. The grandkids love to tease him about some of his favourite quotes:

"Straight up and a mile east!" It's probably his most well-known one.

Followed by "Sit on your thumb and hang over!"

"Lord willing, and the wheels don't fall off."

When asked how he was, he would always say "I'll make it" and then explain that it's because he knows where he's going when he dies.

No matter the time of day, he greeted you with "Good morning!" because "the best time of the day is still ahead of us!"

As I got to know Dietrich, I often thought of writing "The Principles and Practices of Dietrich Friesen"! He knew what he believed. He also said, "I know what I know I know, you know!"

Learning the advertising distribution business from Tommy Breton in Regina, he wasn't afraid to follow his dream of owning his own business as he set up Sask-Ad Distributing in 1968 in Prince Albert. In the years up to 1990 when we moved to Saskatoon, he added over 14 companies' flyers to his weekly deliveries. In later years, we have run into the high school boys he hired...... Some were now grandparents!

Life slowed for Dietrich in 2016 when he found out he had lost 50% peripheral vision in both eyes. He was sure that I engineered it with the optometrist so that I could drive!

He has always been so proud of his children, children-in-law, and grandchildren: Karmen Friesen (Kristen) with their children Luka and Anya in Mount Joy, PA; Sharla McHarg (Darren) with Janna and Aidan in Fredericton, NB; Kendal Friesen (Krista) with Bennett, Cole and Jude in Saskatoon, SK; and Carala Jellema (Terence) with Trennon, Ryden and Caate in Calgary, AB.

He is survived by his siblings: Rudy Friesen (Moose Jaw, SK); Hardy Friesen (Katherine) (Linden, AB); Abe Friesen (Prince Albert, SK); Margaret Trower (Regina, SK); and sister-in-law Betty (Pete) Friesen and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Peter and Tina Friesen; infant sister, Lena; sister, Tina Viel; brother, Peter; sisters-in-law Helen (Rudy), Helen (Abe), and Joyce (Hardy); and brothers-in-law, Bill Viel and Garth Trower; as well as his niece, Emily Friesen and her son, Steven and nieces Kathy Arndt and Kris Smith.

He is also survived by my (Donna's) siblings: Glen (Bea) Bradford (Sexsmith, AB) and family; and Laura (Paul) Ford (Irma, AB) and family.

He was also predeceased by my (Donna's) parents, Ray and Cathie Bradford, and a great-nephew, Tiegen Bradford. He usually went over the speed limit on his way to his mother-in-law's!

Recently we have discovered many 3rd - 9th cousins at our church! Our pastor is Dietrich's 3rd cousin! Other friends we have known for over 20 years, are distant cousins.

In these last days and weeks, when I would ask him if anything was bothering him, he always answered, "just my wife!"

Dietrich was not afraid to say what he believed. He was a steady, reassuring, involved, grateful husband and father.

I am so thankful for our 56 ¾ years together! He will find out before me what "no marrying or giving in marriage" in Heaven means!

Recently when I was tucking him in, I said, "One of these days you won't be here.... You'll fly away!" He finished it..."to a better place! And you will follow!" Yes, my dear hubby , I will see you again!

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