Gerhard S. Friesen

Mennonite Genealogy with Michael Penner

Gerhard S. Friesen (1852-1922)

Gerhard Schellenberg Friesen was born on February 15, 1852 in the town of Lichtenau, Molotschna Colony, South Russia. He was the second oldest of six children born to Heinrich D. Friesen and Katharina Schellenberg. Gerhard had an older brother, a younger brother, and three younger sisters.

He married Maria Wiebe on June 10, 1873, and a year later immigrated to Canada. They had eight children together, four of whom survived to adulthood. In 1881, Gerhard and Maria left the Kleine Gemeinde and joined the Holdeman Church. Maria passed away in 1886, leaving Gerhard as a young widower. Gerhard remarried a German Lutheran, Henrietta Koehler four years later, and they had ten children together.

Gerhard was known for his sense of humor and led a colorful life. He had a wanderlust that saw him and his family continually moving. Gerhard passed away on Christmas Eve, 1922, at the age of 70.

Gerhard S. Friesen was my great-great-grandfather. ■

Related Links

Gerhard S. Friesen: biography, Family Bible Register, Family Photos.

Gerhard S. Friesen: one-page life sketch with some inaccuracies was published in Footprints of Mi-Chig-Wun.

Obituary of his first wife, Maria nee Wiebe.

His younger brother, Jacob S. Friesen.

Back to the Friesen page.