Allen Friesen

Allen Friesen, a beloved husband, father, and member of the community, passed away on November 8, 2023, in Scio, Oregon. He was born on September 25, 1933, in Rhineland, Manitoba, Canada, to the late Ida Thiessen and Isaac Friesen.

On March 27, 1955, Allen married the late Shirley A Hildebrand in Winkler, Manitoba, Canada, embarking on a journey of love and partnership that spanned decades. Together, they created a beautiful family and shared a life filled with joy, laughter, and enduring commitment.

Allen was a dedicated and hardworking individual, he worked for the Canadian National Railroad in Manitoba before immigrating to Oregon with a wife and 4 children. He bought a 40-acre farm in Scio initially raising beef cattle, baling his own hay, while working in Salem for Howard Coe Appliances, then custom hay baling for others, expanding to becoming a hay broker and hauler with Friesen Farms.

His passion for community involvement extended to events such as the Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair and the Lebanon Strawberry Festival, where Allen generously provided his time and resources. He often lent a helping hand by offering his trailer and assisting with decorations and transportation, leaving an indelible mark on these cherished local celebrations. Notably enjoying hay buying trips in Oregon and adventures to Reno with the Zurfluhs. His love for travel was evident in the annual journeys he and Shirley took in their motorhome to Canada and the Fountain of Youth Resort and Spa in California with friends and relatives. They celebrated one anniversary in Hawaii.

Allen Friesen is survived by his children Terry Friesen, Pauline Brooks, and Linda (Desi) Friesen-Anderson, and is preceded in death by his late son Jeffery Friesen and sisters, Katherine Geisbrecht and Mary Ginter.

Allen's legacy of hard work, generosity, and community spirit will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on through the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the community he helped to build.