Penny Friesen

Penny L. Friesen passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at her home in Elk River, MN. Her devoted husband, children and grandchildren were there to love her until she went to be with Jesus. 

Penny was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on December 6, 1947. She was the daughter of Orien and Irma Auck of Driscoll, ND. She was raised on the family farm with her 7 siblings. She graduated from Driscoll High School and was the salutatorian of her class. She left home after graduation and went to nursing school at Wahpeton College in North Dakota becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. 

While working at the Detroit Lakes Hospital she met her one and only love Alan Friesen. They married in Detroit Lakes on November 30, 1968. They had three children, Joel, Jessica, and Rachel. Alan worked for the Federal Highway Administration which moved them frequently across the United States. Penny dedicated those years to being an amazing mother and dedicated wife. She made friends wherever they lived. 

Penny and Alan retired at a lake home they built together near Fergus Falls, MN. Many wonderful memories were had there and Penny loved having family and friends come to visit. Penny was a light wherever she went, she enjoyed people and making them laugh and feel loved. She had a unique ability to connect with people of all ages especially having a soft spot for young people. She loved to tell stories but genuinely cared to know the stories of others. 

She enjoyed baking, decorating, painting, collecting antiques and keeping her home clean and organized. She loved traveling and visiting friends and family all over the United States. Penny enjoyed eating out and especially loved chinese food and cheesecake. Penny always put others first, she dedicated her life to those she cared for and really cherished time with her grandchildren.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather George Hoff and brothers, Warren and Ricky. 

Penny is survived by her husband, her children, grandchildren, 5 siblings and many others who love and adore her.

Mass will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Holy Rosary Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Family and friends are invited to a visitation starting at 12:00pm and a luncheon after the service at Holy Rosary Church. 

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed.

***This funeral Mass will also be livestreamed: it will go live 30 minutes prior to the Mass starting. 

https://www.youtube.com/@holyrosarycatholicchurchde380/streams

In lieu of flowers, Penny’s family requests memorials be made to a hospice or dementia organization of donor’s choice in her memory.

Arrangements are being made by David-Donehower Funeral and Cremation Service.