Gerald Jerry Dean Friesen

INMAN - Friesen, Gerald Dean, age 78, was born June 2, 1936, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hutchinson, Kansas the son of Leonard Fleming and Louise Grace (Thiessen) Friesen. He died Saturday, August 9, 2014 in Hutchinson surrounded by his family. Jerry grew up in Inman and graduated in 1954 from Inman High School. On June 19, 1955 he married Shirley Knackstedt in Inman, where they made their home for 59 years. Jerry was employed in the construction industry most of his life, building homes with his father. In later years, he and Shirley set-up Valley Irrigation center pivot. He served in the Kansas Army National Guard; was a member of the Inman Lions Club and a very active member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ-Inman. He enjoyed spending time at the lake with his most valued treasures, his wife and family. Over the years the grandchildren and great-grandchildren spent many hours with him, riding the golf cart, water skiing at the lake, or going to coffee. This is where he earned the nickname “Bumpy Head”. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include: his wife, Shirley; son, Mandel and Angie; daughters, Shivawn and Roy Schierling, Darcel and Randy Miles; daughter-in-law, Missy Friesen; two brothers, Leonard Dale, Raymond (Cheryl); sisters, Verbie (Bruce) Thiessen, Judy (Lou) Willems; grandchildren, Jayde, Devin, Brenna, Dinae, Kehl, Kyndel, Aisjha; great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Maddix, Karson, Kash, Kella, Suttyn, Kru, McClain, Addison, and Benton. Visitation 12 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall with family present from 6 to 8. Graveside service 10 a.m. Wednesday at the North Inman Cemetery. Celebration of Life will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ-Inman with Pastor Dennis Ureche presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 506, Inman, Kansas 67546 or the Inman Elementary Early Learning Playground, P.O. Box 129, Inman, Kansas 67546. Arrangements under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home – East.