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Joyce Friesen Obituary
Joyce served as a nurse in hospitals around the country as her husband continued his education. When they eventually settled in Lawrence, Kansas in 1960, Joyce took some time off work to raise her four children. In 1970, Joyce returned as an operating room nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where she worked until she retired in 1996.
Joyce cared deeply for her family and her community. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, Meals On Wheels and L.I.N.K, and was active in the First Southern Baptist Church. Although she was a working mother, Joyce always made time for her friends and neighbors, preparing food and visiting people in need. In their retirement, she and Ben traveled the world, touring Europe, China, Egypt, Israel, Australia, and Uzbekistan.
Joyce and Ben were happily married until Ben's passing in April of this year. Joyce knew her husband was waiting patiently for her and after several months she was ready to join him. Her daughter brought her home and Joyce Friesen passed peacefully in her sleep on September 25, 2020. She is survived by her sister Wilma, her four children: Stan, Rick (Lynn), Karen, and Judy, and six grandchildren: Aryn (Spencer), Ben, Josh, Emily, Chris and Maggie.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the American Red Cross or Lawrence Memorial Hospital Health Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post an online condolence visit warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Friesen
4 Entries
Dalenette Voigt-Catlin
September 23, 2023
Hello to the Friesen family
I saw that this morning was the anniversary of Joyce´s passing and an opportunity to remember her and Ben. I am now 68 years old but was in Ben & Joyce´s Sunday School class for young married couples back in the 70´s. Their class was very special to many young adults still exploring and learning about being disciples of Christ. I know they lovingly shaped my life, and I am very grateful for the gift of their service. I send you all heart wishes for joy, peace, and love in your lives and honor Joyce and Ben for their sweet spirits.
Dalenette Voigt Catlin
September 28, 2021
Joyce & Ben will always be a part of me, both mentors to me when I was a young adult. Joyce´s legacy carries on through me with positively shaping & growing my understanding of life, my strength as a woman, and especially my spiritual growth. I was able to pass some of that along to my children, friends, and clients I served as a clinical social worker. Thank you, Joyce.
Dalenette Voigt-Catlin
March 1, 2021
To Joyce & Ben's family ~
I just learned of Joyce's passing and had also seen that Ben had passed a few months earlier. Both of them hold a special place in my heart forever. My late husband and I had been in Ben & Joyce's fantastic young couples' Sunday school class at First Southern Baptist Church back in the 70s and 80s. Ben & Joyce were the best influence a young couple could possible have. I grew so much through their mentorship when I was in my 20s (now in my 60s). They helped me through the loss of my husband when he was just 26 and me 25 along with my two young children (and with one on the way). I can honestly say that they belong on my short list of critical life teachers and positive influencers. I feel assured that they are peaceful and joyful and that "all is well". I thank them for their love and devotion to be God's instruments to share love & wisdom.
Rosemary Morris
September 29, 2020
To Judy and Family......Your mother was a happy soul when I was around her--after we met at two bridge clubs. Between sessions, I leaned just a bit about her life. Ben, your dad, also played at one of the bridge clubs. What an astute gentleman! He was so conscientious and didn't want to do anything wrong. Just know that your mother--and father-- will be remembered. Many people knew her much longer than I, but I did respect her intelligence and devotion to her family.
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