Nita Friesen

Nita was the third child of Gerhard and Maria Thiessen. She was named after her mother's sister and her mother-in-law. The name was shortened to "Neta" now "Nita".

Nita attended Reinfeld School (Calder School) for eight years. At about grade 6 she acquired glasses which brightened her life considerably.

She worked at the Reinfeld Corner Store till she found employment at the Minicipal Hospitals in Winnipeg. This turned out to be a most fulfilling job; she started on cleaning staff and was promoted to switchboard operator. She enjoyed relationships with many new friends and polio survivors as well. After four years on this job, she met and married the love of her life, Leonard Friesen, a pipeline welder from Halbstadt. This resulted in an itinerant life-style.

For a time they lived in Halbstadt and Altona where three children were added to the family; Debbie, Ronald and Richard. Later welding jobs took them to British Colombia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Living in a trailer with three children was challenging. As the children reached school age they decided to settle down in Gretna, MB., where Nita developed her domestic and mothering skills and Leonard continued to practice his welding skills.

As pipeline work slackened off they embarked on new ventures. In 1973 they bought the Star Motel & Waffle Shop in Morden. This was a rather strenuous venture as they had no previous experience in operating a business. Nita had to learn bookkeeping, deal with hungry customers and keeping the motel rooms clean and ready for guests. Additional problems arose with the previous owner who had a nasty habit of repossessing properties he sold. After six years they sold the business and bought the Four Winds Motel in Altona which was for sale at that time. This included a restaurant, living quarters for a small family and a 14-unit motel. After about six years of serving 3 meals a day and providing lodging with only a minimum of staff it was time for a change. They bought a house near the Motel where they resided for the next 42 years. After dads passing mom continued to live there until last year when she moved to the Poplar Apartments. Her door was always open and she made many new friends, the coffee was always on.

In 1984 a new challenge presented itself; an R.V. Park and mobile home beside Kilarney Lake in western Manitoba. Nita and Leonard operated the facility for two years. At this time Leonard was beckoned by the "Snowbirds" to spend the winter in sunny Texas. This started a trend which lasted for some two decades till insurance rates deterred them from continuing. Their permanent residence remained in Altona from where Leonard undertook frequent trips from B.C. to Newfoundland delivering vehicles for dealers.

They were now officially retired. Ron and Richard were married. Their only daughter's untimely death in 2005 was a hard blow. They found solace in the fact that she had been a Christian witness wherever she went. It also made them think of their own mortality. In 2015, following a course of instruction in the Sommerfeld Church, Nita and Leonard were baptised on the confession of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. For some time Leonard had struggled with diabetes. He passed away in December 2015, survived by Nita, Ron and Richard.

The family would like to thank the Dr’s and nurses at the Boundary Trails Cancer Care Unit for their care and compassion during moms cancer treatments. Also to the staff at Altona Hospital for their quick response following moms most recent health condition.

A celebration of Nita's life will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Altona Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. Interment will take place prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. at the Altona Cemetery. Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Wednesday, September 30 from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Nita may be made to the CancerCare Ward at Boundary Trails Health Centre.