John was a radio preacher (Gospel Light Hour) and inner city mission worker (Winnipeg City Mission, Union Gospel Mission, Winnipeg). He and Mary pastored in several congregations over 25 years: Fort Rouge Mennonite Brethren (MB), Winnipeg; Vineland MB, ON; Winkler MB; Tofield MB, AB; Waldheim MB, SK; Portage Ave. MB, Winnipeg; Westwood MB, Winnipeg; Morrow Gospel, Winnipeg.
Jacob W. Friesen (1893-1945) was the first child born to Rev. Wilhelm Friesen (1865-1936) and Katharina Braun. Jacob grew up in the Rosenheim district, north west of Rosenfeld, Manitoba. On October 15, 1914 he married Agatha Stoesz (1894-1968) and together they had thirteen children which they raised on a farm.
Jacob Friesen was elected to the ministry of the Sommerfeld Mennonite church on January 14, 1937 and ordained by bishop Peter A. Toews on March 26, 1937. In this capacity he was appointed to go with the young Mennonite men when they had to appear before a judge to claim their Conscientious Objector (CO) status during WWII. He also made frequent visits to the various CO camps across Canada, bringing news from home, offering spiritual guidance, and support. He was highly respected and one of the more active ministers in visiting the men who were away from home.
Rev. Friesen died suddenly of a heart attack in 1945. In his brief time as minister he preached 464 sermons, officiated at 60 weddings and 49 funerals.