Erwin “Erv” Don Friesen was born in York on Nov. 3, 1942, to Harvey and Martha (Mierau) Friesen. He and his twin brother, Ivan, and younger sister, Fern, grew up in Henderson. Erv died July 4, 2022, at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 1 day. Erv graduated from Henderson High School, Freeman (S.D.) Junior College, Hastings College and earned two degrees, M. Ed., and Ed. Specialist, from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Erv was united in marriage to Marcia (Reed) Scharp on June 23, 1972, at First Lutheran Church in Oakland. Together, they raised four children, Lisa (Andrew) Samuelson, Corey (Andrea) Friesen, Julie (Robert) Clark and Kristina (Ryan) Steffen. They also rejoiced in the addition of 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Erv and Marcia lived in Oakland until they moved to Nebraska City in 1979, where they lived until the time of his death. Erv was high school principal in Oakland (1969-1979) and Nebraska City (1979-2001). He was the director of the Nebraska City Chamber of Commerce (2001-2005) and then director of the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Center (2006-2016). In addition, he was a member of the Apple Corps Barbershop Chorus, Utilities board member, Arbor Day Tree Planter of the Year Honoree in 2016, Community Foundation Fund Advisory member, Optimist Club member, Rotary Club member, CHI St. Mary’s Hospital board member, Lewis and Clark Center board member, Arbor Day Foundation member, First Lutheran Church council member and a Lifetime Blood donor (186 pints). Erv was cherished by his family and loved by his community.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nebraska City. The service will be livestreamed on the church Facebook page.
Visitations will be 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Marshall Funeral Chapel in Nebraska City.
Private family graveside services will be held at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska City Community Foundation or First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.marshallfuneral.com.
Marshall Funeral Chapel of Nebraska City is in charge of arrangements.
