Irvin Leander Friesen, 86

Irvin Leander Friesen, 86, of Bonners Ferry, passed away Jan. 19, 2007. I

Irvin was born Aug. 22, 1920 to Dr. Jacob and Kathryn Friesen in Reedley, California. He married Lydia Gunther on Nov. 11, 1944.

They joined the Mennonite Brethren Mission Board, and in Jan. 1946 they were on the USS Robin Sherwood heading for Africa.

They served as missionaries in the Dem. Rep. of Congo for 25 years. They returned to the US temporarily while Irvin earned a master's degree and then served as a pastor for 3 years in Orland, Calif.

In 1976 they returned to Africa, spending the next 10 years in Botswana. In 1986 Irvin and Lydia retired in Reedley, California.

In Sept. 2000 they moved to Bonner's Ferry, Idaho to be close to their son, Glenn Friesen. Irvin is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Karl Hoekman of Arkansas; and by his son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Lynda Friesen of Bonner's Ferry; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lydia; his parents; and his brothers, Ebner Friesen and Ted Friesen.

Memorial contributions can be made in Irvin's name to support Congolese student pastors at the Bible Institute of Kalonda, Congo. Donations can be mailed to AIMM, P.O. Box 744, Goshen, IN 46527-0744.