Ralph Nickolas Friesen Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver’s Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Ralph Nickolas Friesen

December 31, 1953 - September 29, 2022

Obituary For Ralph Nickolas Friesen

It is with immense sadness that the family of Ralph Nickolas Friesen, announce his passing on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Drayton Valley Hospital, after a brave battle with lung cancer, at the age of 68 years.

Ralph was born on December 31, 1953, in Swift Current, SK, to Nick and Nettie Friesen. He was raised on a farm in the Gouldtown, SK, area. Ralph married Sheila Hildebrand in 1971, and they had 3 children: Terri, Cory, and Brendon. In 1973, they moved to Grande Prairie, AB, where Ralph enjoyed many years in the logging industry. After retiring, Ralph and Sheila moved to Breton, AB, and enjoyed many winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Ralph will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife Sheila of 51 years; children: Terri (Lon) Sokalski of Edmonton, Cory (Michelle) Friesen of Grande Prairie, and Brendon (Annaliza) Friesen of Grande Prairie; grandchildren: Coleton, Courtney, Shea, Emma, Tava, Sophia, and Kohen; sisters: Dorothy, Joyce, and Kathy; brother Dennis; as well as numerous extended family. His love for his family will never be forgotten.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents Nick and Nettie; sisters Diane; brothers: Carl, Rufus, and Perry; brothers in-law: Vic Wiens, John Reimer, and Henry Harder.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022, at 11:00am, at McLaurin Baptist Church (10913 107 Ave.). Luncheon to follow. Interment to follow at the Grovedale Cemetery.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Ralph’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

Memorial Donations in Ralph’s memory, may be made to the Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation (4550 Madsen Ave., Drayton Valley, AB, T7A 1N8, or https://dvhealthfound.ca/donate-today/).

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Condolences

October 13, 2022

Neil Penner

I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you Sheila along with the entire family. I have so many great memories of Ralph and I in our younger years and the great family gatherings at our grandparents (Dyck) farm. Ralph was one of my favorite cousins and although our home locations kept us apart it was always great when we did get a chance to visit each other. I am so glad Sheila that we met with you and Ralph last February in Arizona. I will cherish those memories and other visits over the years. I'm sorry I couldn't attend Ralph's celebration of life but did watch the excellent funeral service on line. Ralph was a successful, kind and generous man but most of all a devoted family man. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
October 12, 2022

Randall Klassen

My dad was proud to haul big loads for Ralph. He talked about it often. He was always excited to go back hauling logs in the winter. Hope they are back together to talk trucking. My deepest condolences. Hang on tight to the memories. Randall Klassen
October 11, 2022

Esther Christensen

Dear Shiela, I don't know if you remember me, but Henry and I got to know you at Hillcrest Mennonite Church, where Ralph was baptized. I had lost contact with you, but when I saw Ralph's obituary I had to look it up. I will be praying for you and your family at this time. Jesus will be there to comfort all of you. Esther (Bartsch) Christensen
October 10, 2022

Ray Hildebrand

Sorry to hear of Ralph passing our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Ray and Elvera Hildebrand
October 10, 2022

Darlene Wiebe

What a lovely service for a wonderful man. I wish I could have been there with you. My love and condolences to you all.
October 10, 2022

Cousin Bill

Our heartfelt condolences to you Sheila and your family from Marian and Cousin Bill. I tried to upload several pics from our wonderful time with you both in early 2012 at Lake Havasu but doubt that this was successful. I remember early times on Nick and Nettie's farm and the fun times we cousins had. Ralph was a buddy and a great cousin to me. Love to you and your family at a trying time, Marian & Bill
October 08, 2022

Krista

Dear GP Neighbor Friesen's. Shiela, Brendan, Cory, & Terry. Thinking about you all, and bug hugs out to you guys. -Krista Barkley
October 07, 2022

Wayne Dunbar

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Ralph. Having known and worked with him for many years . He was a true gentleman and friend.
October 05, 2022

Jay Duperron

So sad to hear about Ralph. Lots of memories of Ralph as a loader operator and then as a fellow log hauler. Our condolences to Ralphs family Jay and Joanne Duperron

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