Byrl Glenn Friesen

Byrl Glenn Friesen, 84, of Rogers, died Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born July 31, 1931, in Redfield, South Dakota, to Jacob and Elizabeth Friesen. After graduating high school Byrl joined the Air National Guard, serving during the Korean War he was stationed in Alaska. Following his honorable discharge, he earned a Business degree from the University of Washington. He worked as a sales manager for Sunbeam and later Clairol. While in Green Bay, Wisconsin he met his wife Bernadean Burgess and became a father to her son, Bruce and eventually to Bruce's wife Diane. At the age of 49, Byrl climbed Mt. Rainer on a two-day excursion to the peak. After retiring from Clairol, Byrl and Bernadean moved to Sterling, Virginia. He then joined United Airlines sales where he worked until his wife became ill and they moved to Arkansas so his son and daughter in-law could assist him with her care. Byrl enjoyed volunteering at Mercy Hospital for six years. His warmth earned him the Volunteer of the Year award for 2008 and 2009. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, son and three sisters. He is survived by one sister, Jan Macaraig and her husband Mac; his daughter-in-law, Diane Burgess-Turner; four granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, many nieces and nephews. A Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., September 18, 2015 at Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shepherd's Food Pantry at Bella Vista Lutheran Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.