Howard John Friesen

HOWARD JOHN FRIESEN, age 75 of Janesville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Howard was born at home on the family farm near Butterfield, Minnesota on September 18, 1949. He was the son of John and Marie (Quiring) Friesen. Growing up on the family farm, he developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work and nature. He later pursued higher education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa and Mankato State University.

On May 20, 1972, Howard married the love of his life, Rhonda Jo Loudermilk. They shared 53 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love, faith and family. Together they raised three children, Holly (Chris) Aasen of Janesville, Kevin (Sarah) Friesen of Willmar and Kyle (Jen) Friesen of Eden Prairie.

Howard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his 11 grandchildren: Zacary, Alyssa (Trevor), Jenna (Zander), Anna, Brylen and Bella Aasen, Emma, Matthew and Joshua Friesen, and Kate and Kaleb Friesen. He also had a deep passion for gardening, music, woodworking, coin collecting, camping and restoring pedal cars. He loved being surrounded by family and loved ones. Howard also enjoyed singing with the Riverblenders as well as a variety of community and church choirs locally as well as in Homosassa, Florida

Howard formerly lived in Pemberton and St. Clair where he was a beloved member of each community he called home. He spent many years working in the mental health field having worked for the Mankato Rehab Center and Horizon Homes. He also worked as manager of the downtown Mankato Mall until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda; three children and 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Sandra Warling of Little Rock, AR and Shirley (Arnold) Dick of Long Prairie; one brother, Roger Friesen of Minnetonka; sisters-in-law, Sybil Minion of Brandon, SD and Janelle Friesen of Ashland, OH; and many nieces, nephews, and other relation.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ted and Evelyn Loudermilk; one brother, Lee; and one sister, Verna.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Hilltop United Methodist Church in Mankato. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the Janesville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Burial will be at Tivoli Cemetery in rural Eagle Lake.