Ronald G. Friesen

Ronald George Friesen, 86, of Manheim, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Meade, KS, he was the son of the late Elias and Elizabeth Kornelsen Friesen. He was the loving husband of Miriam Martin Friesen. Ronald graduated from Tabor College, and later earned a Master’s degree from Indiana University in Education. He first taught at Bethany Christian School, Goshen IN, and then spent most of his teaching career as a 5th grade teacher in the Concord School District, Elkhart, IN. After retiring from teaching, Ronald and Miriam moved to Staunton, VA and later moved to Manheim, PA in order to be closer some family. Ronald’s ‘second career’ was working as an Amish taxi driver in Lancaster County and he loved meeting new people. He was an avid sports fan and liked both playing and watching sporting events. Ronald especially liked the Boston Red Sox, Indiana Hoosiers and cheering on his three sons. He and Miriam enjoyed playing games with friends and always participated in the local Mennonite Community wherever they lived. They were currently attending Millport Mennonite Church. Ronald was passionate about finding ways to share the story of Jesus with others and was also an active member of the Gideons.

 Surviving in addition to his wife, Miriam, are three sons; Douglas married to Tina Groff of Brownstown and their children, Matthew, Leah and Chloe, Bradley married to Beth Emery of Hinesburg, VT and their children, Greta and Drew, Philip married to Brenda Zook of Forest Grove, OR and their children, Jacob and Michael, and a sister, Dolores Shaw of Portland, ME. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Hannah, a brother, Howard Friesen, a sister-in-law, Bette Friesen, and a brother-in-law, Robert Shaw.

A service to remember Ronald’s life will be scheduled at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mennonite Disaster Service in Ronald’s honor would be appreciated, mds.org/donate or MDS 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543.