Abe Z. Friesen, age 96, died Thursday afternoon, July 27, 2011, at the Meade District Hospital , Meade, Kansas .

He was born September 7, 1914, in rural Meade County, Kansas , the son of Jacob R. and Susie R. Friesen. As a young boy he attended school in rural Meade County . A lifetime resident of Meade County , he was a farmer and a windmill repairman.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Mennonite Church, serving as a church elder, the church council, as a Sunday school teacher, various boards, and was an active missions sponsor. He enjoyed attending the Beam Senior Center and spending time with his family and friends.

He married Katherine L. Friesen in rural Meade County. She passed away on September 29, 1963. On August 4, 1964, he married Margaret K. Isaac. She passed away on December 18, 2003.

Survivors include:

A daughter, Lavina Bartel and husband, Albert of Dodge City, Kansas

Four brothers, Jacob Z. Friesen of Meade, Kansas

Pete Z. Friesen of Newton, Kansas

Henry Z. Friesen of Milford, Nebraska

Ike Z. Friesen of Edenburg , Texas

Three grandsons, Lester Bartel and wife Naomi of Huntsville, Alabama ; Dwight Bartel and wife

Lorlyn of Fresno, California ; and Wayne Bartel and wife Lynn of Dodge City,

Kansas

Six great-grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his wives, Katherine and Margaret; a daughter, Marlene Faye Friesen; parents, and eleven siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at the Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Meade, with Pastor Ken Harder presiding. Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will follow in the Emmanuel Mennonite Church Cemetery, rural Meade.

The family would welcome memorials to the Emmanuel Mennonite Church in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com