Lois Friesen

Lois was born on April 14, 1941, to Paul G. and Mae Schrag on a farm near Moundridge, Kansas. She grew up with her three brothers doing all the things that young girls do to entertain themselves. Lois was very fond of her dad and loved helping him with the many of the activities around the farm. One of her favorite memories was driving the grain truck during wheat harvest time. She was so proud that her dad allowed her to do that, in spite of the fact that she ripped off the granary door while she was honing her driving skills.

Lois attended Liberty Grade School, with her 6 other classmates. It was a 2 room country school located about ½ mile from their farm. She enjoyed any subjects that did not involve math. She was always very creative and loved to draw and sing.

High school for Lois was a time of socializing and forming friendships, many of which lasted for years. During those years she was selected as May Queen for the county May Day parade and the queen of her schools' FFA chapter. Again, music was a passion and she was selected to join several performing groups.

Following high school, Lois attended Hutchinson Business College for 1 year, followed by 2 years at Bethel College in Newton Kansas. Always outgoing and sociable, Lois was selected to be a cheerleader for both years she attended Bethel.

Lois met Jim in the summer between her freshman and sophomore years of college while both were working at a church camp. Their friendship continued to blossom over the next several years before eventually becoming serious. Jim and Lois were married in 1964, between Jim's junior and senior years. Lois worked at Hesston Corporation as a secretary to two of the companies vice-presidents and served as the couple's breadwinner.
After 2 years of marriage, Jim was drafted. Having grown up in a Mennonite community, Jim served as a conscientious objector and together he and Lois worked at a school for emotionally disturbed boys just outside of New York City. At the start of Jim's service they only earned $30 per month plus room and board, which was increased to $50 the 2nd year. This two year time period was a life changer for both Lois and Jim. Two kids fresh off the farm in Kansas were now living outside of New York City. This was the first time they had been exposed to city life. Not just any city life, they spent their time working with boys from the toughest parts of the inner city.

Lois became a mother in 1970 when their son Scott was born. She welcomed her second son Michael two years later. Jim traveled quite extensively during the boys' early years. He was transferred for work frequently and the family relocated every year or two. It was Lois that held things together for the family. She never complained about her role and always made a warm and inviting home for her family and friends wherever they ended up.
Lois loved being a mom and would do anything for her boys. From the beginning she always supported them and continued to do so right up until her passing. She never missed an event or game, and loved attending Mike's concerts during the years he was in a band. Her proudest moments were in watching her boys mature into fine young men.

Lois and Jim rode a motorcycle for years and traveled all over the western United States. Lois loved the adventure. Some of their most intimate conversations were had while travelling down the highway at 70 miles per hour, over the radio, with Lois staring at the back of Jim's helmet. Another one of Lois' favorite things to do was to vacation in Hawaii. She loved the beauty of the islands and she and Jim called it their 2nd home.

Lois' health began to deteriorate in 2007 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This was a huge blow to her since she was so active and would often run 5 miles a day, as well as ski, play tennis, and other activities. Despite her diagnosis, she always had a positive, although sometimes stubborn, attitude. She could always smile in the face of any problems she was dealing with.

Lois had formed a relationship with Christ during her development years and she never wavered from it. Together with Jim, she helped lead many Sunday schools and study groups, particularly those for younger married couples. Her love of music led her to join the praise team at WaterStone where she sang for a number of years. She had a gift for hospitality and was always willing to serve in any manner for which she was called, including opening their home to others.

Lois was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. She touched so many with her positive attitude and infectious smile. She will be dearly missed by everyone that knew her.