Virginia Mae "Ginny" Friesen

Virginia Mae “Ginny” Friesen was born to Henry A. and Helen (Niessen) Olfert on April 2, 1932 at Bethel Hospital in Mountain Lake, MN.

During her early years, Ginny resided on a farm southeast of Mountain Lake.  She attended Rural School District 32 along with her brother Roland and sister Rosella (“Rosie”).  Subsequently, she transferred to and graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1950.

Upon confession of Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, Ginny was baptized by Pastor Erland Waltner and received into membership at Bethel Mennonite Church in May 1948.

Following graduation from Mountain Lake High School, Ginny attended Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas for one year.  She returned to Mountain Lake where she was employed by the Cottonwood County Agent’s Office, Bethel Mennonite Church and the Glick and Wiens Medical Clinic.

Ginny was united in marriage to Elmer E. Friesen on November 2, 1952, at Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, MN.  Their marriage was blessed with three sons.

During the ensuing years, Ginny was actively involved in numerous roles while attending Bethel Mennonite Church.  Among others, she taught children’s Sunday School classes, sang in the Mixed Choir, sang duets with her husband Elmer, participated in Midweek Bible Study groups, and enjoyed participating in various Worship and Sew activities.  She also served on the Bethel Board of Trustees during which time the church sanctuary and Sunday School addition were renovated.

Beginning in 1980, Ginny developed a heart for serving the local Care and Share / Ten Thousand Villages Shop.  She devoted many years both as a volunteer and, later, Manager of the Ten Thousand Villages Department.  The many colleagues with whom she worked remained special friends until the end.

Although cancer and macular degeneration created many challenges in her life, Ginny always maintained her faith and hope in God’s promises.

Among her greatest joys were her three sons, daughter-in-law and two grandsons.  She was a loving, patient mother who cared deeply about the spiritual growth and development of her family.

Ginny was an avid gardener who loved caring for her many flowers.  In addition, she displayed a passion for feeding and watching many bird species from her kitchen window.

Ginny passed away in the late hours of Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.  She had attained the age of 91 years.  Public visitation will be held at Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake on Thursday, April 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A private family burial will take place on the morning of Friday, April 21st.  A celebration of life service with Pastor Jack Scandrett officiating will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church on Friday, April 21st at 11:00 a.m.

Ginny is survived by her three sons, Dale L. Friesen of Mountain Lake, DuWayne L. Friesen of Maple Plain, MN and Dean L. (Stephanie) Friesen of Deephaven, MN, her two grandsons, Sam and Jack Friesen of Minneapolis, MN and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer E. Friesen, her parents, brother Roland Olfert and sister Rosella (“Rosie”) Smith.

Honorary pallbearers include Charles (Chuck) Smith, Carl Smith, Dallas Smith, and Donald Olfert.

She will be lovingly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to either Samaritan's Purse or Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, MN.