Harry Froese

Harry Froese, 93, died June 2, 2015.

He was born on September 2, 1921 at the family home in Buhler, Kansas. He was the fifth of eight children born to Cornelius Baergen Froese and Anna Siemens Froese. Low-German was spoken by most people in his Russian Mennonite community until entering public school. He continued his schooling through 10″ grade.

As WWII was intensifying, after careful thought, he became a conscientious objector (CO), serving in the Civilian Public Service, Camp/IS, in Colorado Springs. Much of his service was operating heavy equipment with the Soil Conservation Service. He and his fellow COs built roads into the mountains, including the road between Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek. They also formed rescue crews; putting out wild fires and helping ranchers dig out buildings and cattle after severe snow storms. During this time, he met and married Letha Marie Evers of Cheraw, Colorado. They lived in Colorado Springs after WWII where their first two children were born.

In 1951 the family moved to Cheraw, CO and dedicated themselves to farming for over 30 years. Five more children were born to them in Cheraw. Harry devoted himself to a life of principle, nonviolence, quiet wisdom, courage and a deep faith. He spent the last six years of his life in Sequim, WA with his youngest son, Kevin and his family. He took great delight in gardening without irrigation and marveled at living in a climate with no dust storms. He grew to be a beloved, wise elder in both the CO and WA communities of which he was a part, using humor, kindness and nature to share his philosophies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings and his wife Letha. He is survived by one brother, Kenny Froese (Marianne), Buhler, KS and seven children; Marcia Froese Beachy, Pueblo, CO; David Froese (Carol), Cheraw, CO; Kathleen Froese (John), Silver City, NM; Ann Froese-Freu (Joseph), Centennial, CO; Julia Froese (Susan), Seattle, WA; Kevin Froese (Heidi), Sequim, WA; and Lori Froese, Sunny Side, WA. In addition to his children, his lineage includes 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 1 3, 10 a .m. at the East Holbrook Mennonite Church east of Cheraw, CO with Revs. Merv and Jane Dick officiating. Interment will follow at East Holbrook  Cemetery. Viewing is from  6-8 PM, June 12 at the church.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Mennonite Disaster Service: https://mds.mennonite.net/donate/  or East Holbrook Mennonite Church, c/o Dave Froese, 32971 County Rd. 34, La Junta, CO 81050.

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