With sadness we announce the passing of John W. Freriks of Humboldt, SK, (and formerly of Englefeld, SK), on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at Humboldt District Hospital. He was 76 years of age. John was born on May 7, 1934, to Henry and Margaret (nee Brunen) Freriks in Humboldt. He was raised on the Freriks family farm northeast of Fulda and attended Canvassback School. Following his education, John entered the work force. Initially, he was employed by local farmers and then worked at Bowman Brothers in Humboldt tearing down engines. Later, John moved to Edmonton, AB, where he worked in the construction industry. Eventually, he returned to Fulda to farm with his father and brother. On July 16, 1963, John married Gladys Pomedli in St. John's R.C. Church, Willmont. John and Gladys began their life together on a farm they purchased three miles northeast of Englefeld, a community they very soon grew to love. Over the next several years, they were blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons. John and Gladys worked side-by-side as they ran their mixed-farm operation and raised their family. As well, John served on the Sask. Wheat Pool executive and the Englefeld Credit Union board. His faith was always a very important part of his life; as an active member of Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church in Englefeld, John was on the parish council and in the choir. Indeed, his passions in life were his farm, family, and church. He was a man of the earth who loved working the soil both in the field and in the garden. Since John was an independent person who liked working for himself, the farming lifestyle was one he appreciated. A true recycler long before it became popular, John didn't believe in waste, and made several items from things he salvaged, such as birdhouses, and usually everything got painted John Deere green. One of his favourite pastimes was reading; history themed books and articles were his favourite, but he also looked forward to the comic strip "For Better or Worse". He loved music and played the accordion and, when he thought no one was around, he could be heard yodeling. Perhaps John will be remembered most for the love and care he gave his wife, children and grandchildren. He was so proud of them and their accomplishments, and was always their #1 supporter. John will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 47 years, Gladys (nee Pomedli) Freriks of Humboldt; three daughters, two sons, and eight grandchildren: Michele (Lyle) Schwartz of Englefeld and family, Lindsey, Kayla and Braeden; Carolyn (Carl) Jarvin of Winnipeg, MB, and daughters Brianna and Mackenzie; Patrick (Angela) Freriks of Saskatoon; Lisa (James) Sullivan of Tokyo, Japan, and sons Liam, Jake and Luka; and Steven Freriks (Kelly Brand) of Red Deer, AB; two sisters: Marianne (Donald) Martin and Betty (Otto) Witte, all of Englefeld; sister-in-law, Joyce Freriks of Pilger; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Margaret (nee Brunen) Freriks; and by one brother, Wilfrid Freriks. The Vigil of Prayer for John was held at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, Englefeld, on Tuesday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m., led by Marie ven der Buhs and Patsy Knafelc. Scripture readers were Valentine Pomedli and Kayla Schwartz, and Prayers of Remembrance were led by Carl Jarvin. Music ministry was provided by organist Sandra Athmer. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church on Wednesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Daniel Muyres, OSB. Others taking part were: Braeden Schwartz, cross bearer; Luke and Laird Pomedli, altar servers; Michael Pomedli and Lester Pomedli, scripture readers; Danny Breker, reader of intentions; Brianna and Mackenzie Jarvin, gift bearers; Alice Radoux, communion minister; Anna- Marie Moellenbeck, organist; Laurie Breker and Rhonda Moellenbeck, memorial table attendants. Honorary pallbearers were the Englefeld Choir and all others who shared in John's life. Active pallbearers were Randal Freriks, Bruce Martin, Derek Witte, Trevor Witte, Leighton Pomedli and Leroy Pomedli. Interment followed at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Holy Guardian Angels R. C. Cemetery Fund or the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
