John Wayne Friesen, 74, of Cottonwood died Thursday, November 26. He was born September 12, 1935 in Thomas, Oklahoma, the son of John Leonard Friesen and Jesses Sain Friesen. He attended elementary school in Palo Alto, California and graduated from Junior High and High School in Felton, California. Mr. Friesen served his country in the Army as a SP4, E-4, driver and a paratrooper, earning a parachutists badge. He was a member of the Teamsters and worked for J \u0026 J Trucking in San Jose, California. He built a house for his family in Mount Hermon, California. He was a member of the Verde Baptist Church. He was a handyman who loved working on motors and fixing things. He enjoyed buying and selling at flea markets. He deeply loved and was loved by his family. He loved God and was thankful everyday for the Grace and Mercy of God and the gift of salvation. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Shirley Friesen of Cottonwood; a son David Wayne Friesen (Laure) of Castle Rock, Colorado; a daughter Tammy Michele Miller (Kevin) of Santa Cruz, California; five grandchildren Shannon, Lauren, and Jordoan Miller , Luke and Jake Friesen. There will a memorial service Saturday, December 12 at Verde Valley Baptist Church at 10:30 AM. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com