Norman J. FriesenHesston, KS

Norman J. Friesen, 90, of Hesston, Kansas, passed away on November 20, 2025 at Schowalter Villa, where he had been a resident since 2020.

He was born October 25, 1935, in Meade, Kansas, to Jake Z. and Margaret A. (Classen) Friesen. Norman grew up on the family farm south of Meade and attended a one-room country school, learning English as a first grader. He graduated from Meade Academy in 1954 and later attended Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, where he met his future wife, Dorothy Vogt. They were married on May 4, 1956.

Norman completed his 1-W alternative service at Menninger Hospital in Topeka. Afterward, the couple settled near Hesston, where Norman worked as a welder before realizing his dream of farming. In 1960, they began farming near the Harvey–Marion County line, raising crops, livestock, and their three children. Norman was known for his skill in welding and equipment design, and for his service on several boards.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, in 2016; his parents; and brother, Wesley. He is survived by his brother, Vernon (Sarah) Friesen of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; children, Larry (Jeanette) Friesen of rural Walton, Yvonne (Gerhard) Fast of Hesston, and Dale (Shelly) Friesen of rural Walton; five grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family extends their gratitude to Schowalter Villa and Good Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held Friday November 28, 2025 at 11 AM, at Garden Community Church, rural Hesston. Services will be live-streamed at YouTube.com/@GardenCommunityChurch. Private inurnment at Garden Community Church Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Across Nations RADIO Fund or Garden Community Church Missions, in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.