In Loving Memory of Tena Friesen (née Wiebe)

It is with heavy yet grateful hearts that the family of Tena Friesen announce her passing on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the age of 93. Tena was born on September 26, 1932, to John and Elizabeth Wiebe and was the eldest of fifteen children. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Dick Friesen, daughters Brenda and Leanne, granddaughter Janelle, brother Peter, and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Tena will be lovingly remembered by her children: Lyle (Tammy), Larry (Brenda), Lindsay (Linda), Stan (Carma), and Candace (Ken); her cherished grandchildren Justina, Jonathan, Christy, Angie, Jessica, Kaitlin, Niki, Carson, Ocalla, Kasim, and Madaline; thirteen great-grandchildren; as well as five brothers and eight sisters.

In 1953, Tena and Dick began their dream of farming together—a strong partnership built on love, shared vision, hard work, determination, and perseverance. They purchased 160 acres of prairie land along the Saskatchewan River north of Saskatoon and began with just two cows. Over the years, their efforts grew the family dairy into one of the largest and most respected operations in the province. Tena played an active role in the business well into her 80s, demonstrating her remarkable work ethic and sharp, self-taught business sense.

Family was always Tena’s greatest priority. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who especially loved hosting family celebrations. Her generosity of spirit shone brightest in the kitchen—Tena welcomed everyone to her table, whether family, friends, neighbours, workers passing through, or international guests visiting on farm tours.

Throughout her life, Tena enjoyed gardening, baking, sewing, and quilting. She was an avid reader, a friendly Kaiser player, and loved travelling with her family to destinations including Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Europe, and Asia. A woman of deep faith, Tena was baptized in the Osler Mennonite Church in 1952 and remained active with church life and dedicated much of her time to volunteering.

After retiring from the farm, Tena and Dick moved to Warman. Following Dick’s passing, Tena relocated to assisted living—first at the Haven, then Diamond House, and finally to Heritage Manor in Kindersley, where she spent her final three and a half years to be near her daughter. Though dementia marked a long goodbye, Tena’s steadfast faith carried her peacefully home to eternal rest in the arms of the Lord. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her—until we meet again.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m. at Warman Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 206 2nd Street, Warman, followed by a reception and slideshow. If you are unable to attend Tena's Memorial Service, please click the following link for livestream: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=4eb4a403-e570-4b50-b3fa-c6822b89676d

Martens Warman is honoured to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Tena Friesen.