Barbara Marion Friesen

Barbara Friesen, of Clarklake, MI, formerly Gladwin, MI, beloved mother and grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, surrounded by family, under the loving care of hospice at Henry Ford Health Hospice Home in Jackson, MI. She was 89 years old.

Barbara was born Barbara Marion Russell in 1933 in Detroit, to parents Pauline and Anton Russell. She graduated from Gladwin High School in 1951 and continued her education at Henry Ford Hospital becoming a registered nurse in 1954. In 1998, Barbara retired from Mid-Michigan Hospital in Gladwin. She dedicated her life to helping and caring for others not only as a nurse, but as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She also volunteered her time to the hospital in Jackson, in church, and by visiting shut-ins. Barbara loved reading, spoiling grandchildren, playing games, and watching tennis and the Tigers on TV.

In 1954, Barbara married Harold Friesen in Gladwin, MI. Barbara and Harold went on to have 5 children, Kathleen (Tim) Tennis, Scott (Sue) Friesen, Anne (Robert) Rebandt, Dale (Agnes) Friesen, and Tracy (Chris) Maldarella. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold, son Dale, sister Olga Schultz, and brother Roy Russell.

Barbara was beloved by her grandchildren: Heidi Shorter, Mark (Melissa) Tennis, Isaac Friesen, Jacob Friesen, Rachel (Ryan) Carbone, Joseph Daniel (Madalyn) Friesen, Samuel Friesen, Marcy (Michael) Kelleher, Paul (Samantha) Rebandt, Melanie Rebandt, Joseph Dale Friesen, Mark Friesen, Luke (Emelia) Maldarella Dolson, Caely Maldarella, and Cristin Maldarella. Barbara was affectionately known as “GG” to her 13 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of her life on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd, Jackson, MI with Pastor Calvin Walden officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  There will also be a Graveside Service on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Highland Cemetery in Gladwin, MI officiated by Pastor Jeram Dee.

In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the Henry Ford Health Hospice Home, 2150 Kingsbrooke Dr, Jackson, MI 49202. 

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