Mary Friesen

Mary C. Friesen, age 78, of Faribault, entered her eternal home on Saturday, November 14, 2009 following a courageous battle with cancer at the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Shieldsville. Interment will be at the St. Patrick Church Cemetery.   Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.   Mary Catherine McKenna was born on September 28, 1931 at St. Lucas Deaconess Hospital in Faribault to James and Ruth (Norris) McKenna. She grew up on the family century farm on the south shore of Lake Mazaska. She attended the one room school house in Shieldsville and then graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1949, with the class which was the last to graduate from the "old" B.A. Mary attended Mankato State College and then taught grade school at Immaculate Conception for three years.   Mary was an active member of the Shieldsville 4-Star 4-H Club and won several trips to the State Fair. After graduating, she enjoyed the activities of the Rice County Rural Youth Group, an educational and social club.   Mary married Roger J. Friesen on October 22, 1955 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. They made their home in southern Faribault for over 54 years. Mary taught religion classes at Immaculate Conception Church for several years, and also was a scout leader and room mother; always active in her children's lives. Mary worked for Ochs' Brothers Department Store in downtown Faribault for 20 years. She sewed custom drapes in her home, which was a great job for a stay at home mother. She learned to sew by making doll clothes and advanced to making much of her own clothing.  Mary began her banking career at Security National Bank in 1953 and retired from 1st United Bank in August, 2009. She enjoyed being a teller for almost 40 years. She was awarded the "Minnesota Quality Service Award" twice.   Mary enjoyed traveling and visiting historic sites around the country. Family was the heart and soul of her life. She enjoyed gathering all the family to celebrate birthdays and holidays. She loved her church and almamater, Bethlehem Academy and gave of herself in many ways in service to them.   Mary is survived by her husband, Roger of Faribault; four children, Cathy Mach (and Rob Whinnery) of Northfield, Ruth (and Bill) Chavis, Peggy (and Jeff) Purdie, and Ed Friesen, all of Faribault; two grandchildren, Ryan Truax (and fiancée Renea Schlegel) and Chad Truax (and fiancée Sarah Dalby); two step grandchildren, Jeremy Chavis (and fiancée Krista Banon) and Joe Chavis and his children, Isaiah, Camisha, Jerone, and Jaline; brother, James McKenna of Shieldsville; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald (and Ceil) Friesen of Faribault, Francis (and Sharon) Friesen of Apple Valley, and Kenn (and Sandy) Friesen of Sioux Falls, SD; 25 nieces and nephews, many grand nieces and nephews, and cousins.   She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Susan McKenna; father and mother-in-law, Edward and Rose Friesen; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette (Friesen) and Jim O'Neil; and brother-in-law, Bill Friesen.   The family prefers memorials be directed to Bethlehem Academy, Divine Mercy Catholic Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, or Faribault Area Hospice.