Lawrence R. Friesen

A wonderful man, Rev. Lawrence Ray Friesen, 74, of Mounds View, Minnesota entered heaven on Sunday, May 2, 2021.  Larry was born on December 19th, 1946 in Portland, Oregon to Leland and Margaret Friesen.  He was the third son of four boys. Growing up, Larry was very social and athletic, playing football, basketball, track, and baseball. His musical gifts included playing the trumpet in marching band and taking piano lessons from his mom. After graduation from Emery High School in South Dakota he continued his education at the University of Minnesota to pursue a degree in social work.  He met Judy while attending Dayton’s Bluff Church and they married on December 27th, 1969. He went to Fuller Seminary in California for one year before returning to Minnesota to attend Bethel Seminary. He pastored Baptist churches in Randolph, MN and Kansas City, MO. Larry transitioned to a different field of work running his own courier business for many years often with his trusted cockapoo, Molly by his side. In 2007, Larry and Judy returned to Minnesota to be closer to family and worked together as caregivers for four men with special needs until retirement.  During this time he also served as a chaplain at North Ridge Care Center.  Larry’s life was marked by service and devotion to God and his family. He was an eloquent speaker and writer and showed a great interest in others’ lives.  Larry was creative and thoughtful, often sending notes to people on special occasions. He was a devoted husband for 51 years, loving father to his three daughters and son-in-law, encouraging grandfather to his grandsons, and loyal friend to many. His years were filled with special memories of time spent with family. He enjoyed planning trips and took them on many vacations including a two month trip out to the west coast. In more recent years the highlight was making annual trips to Nisswa, MN to spend a week with family at the cabin.  An avid sports fan, he supported the Oklahoma Sooners, Kansas City Chiefs & Royals, and Minnesota Twins & Vikings.   He leaves behind to cherish his memory and love, daughters Shari, Cristin (René), Erin; and grandsons Emilio and Andres; two sister-in-laws, Sandy Friesen and Sandra Friesen and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; parents, Leland and Margaret; and brothers, Stan, Charles and Roger. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held Saturday, June 5th at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. The memorial service will be held at BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH, 5151 Program Ave, St. Paul, MN  55112.  It will also be live streamed and can be viewed at this link 15 minutes prior to the service. A private family inurnment will be held at Elmhurst Cemetery in Saint Paul. According to Larry’s wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program for research. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to  University of Minnesota/Cardiology or Bethel Seminary.