Laverne Friesen

Laverne James FriesenAugust 21, 1943 - June 2,2025

Laverne passed away peacefully the evening of June 2, 2025. Left to cherish in his memory are his wife Sharon, son Glenn (Pav), granddaughter Courtney (Darion) Jones, great granddaughter Sadie, and grandson Cole Friesen. Daughter Joelle and grandsons Marcus and Carson Pollard.

Laverne was born to Edwin and Sarah Friesen in Waldheim, Sk on August 21st of 1943. Laverne was the oldest of 8, Don (Kathy) Friesen, Vera (Bob) Krismer, Barry (Alma) Friesen, Wanda (Adrian) Siewert, Sharon (Barrie) Spigott, Wes (Kim) Friesen, and Rudy (Tracey) Friesen. Laverne spent his youth helping on the family farm in Tiefengrund and even drove the school bus with all his siblings to school. Laverne graduated from Rosthern Junior College in 1962. He moved to Saskatoon to attend Teachers College, where he met his wife Sharon. During his summers off, he spent time with his uncle Norm learning meat cutting at Drake Meats.

Laverne and Sharon were married in Saskatoon July 7th, 1967. They had two children, Glenn and Joelle.

In Laverne’s early years of education, he taught at Macklin, Milden and Howard Powell. His passion for teaching lead him to further his education and receive a degree in Education at the University of Saskatchewan. After he received his degree, the family moved to Rosetown where Laverne taught for the rest of his teaching career. Laverne was known by his students for his lighthearted antics and his guitar always in tow. Every student was special to Laverne. He continued subbing after retirement and taught his grandchildren Courtney and Cole in Rosetown. He then brought his guitar to Sherwood Park, AB to play guitar to his grandsons Marcus and Carson’s classes.

Laverne had a passion for sports, from hockey at RJC, to fastball wherever his teaching took him. He was an active coach for volleyball, ball and track and field which brought him great joy. Laverne belonged to various fastball teams, a few to note Ardath, Marriot Blues, The Stompers, Athelete’s Haven and most notably the Friesen Fastball team which consisted of his brothers, brothers-in-law, cousins and his son Glenn. Many summer weekends were spent at tournaments playing ball with the family team.

Laverne was a member of the Lions for 5 years and spent 5 years on the Provincial SARC (Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres). From 2003-2009 Laverne became involved in the musical drama “The Pull of the Land” series. They performed in 101 shows across the province. Laverne had great love for his theatre family in this production.

Laverne enjoyed fishing and golfing in Waskesiu with his family as a child and then carried on that tradition with his own children and grandchildren.

Laverne and Sharon moved to Bethany Manor in Saskatoon in 2014. They have enjoyed the sense of community and connecting with old friends.

A life well lived! We will remember the good times we shared and miss him always.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1:30pm at the Conquest School in Conquest, Sk.