Nyla D Friesen

Nyla D. Friesen

Nyla D. Friesen, 73, died January 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Newton Presbyterian Manor. She was born January 6, 1953, in Henderson, Nebraska to Walter A. and Norma D. (Siebert) Friesen.

She graduated from Henderson High School in 1971 as the Salutatorian of her class. She attended Bethel College in North Newton, Ks., earning a bachelor’s degree in music. She was a member of the Chorale that traveled to Vienna to perform, and also at the Kennedy Center.

After her graduation from college, she spent three years as a college recruiter for Bethel College.

In 1975, she was married and to this union, a daughter, Angela Marie Huffman was born. As a result of toxemia, the baby died at birth.

While living in Pratt, Kansas she worked for the Pipeline Gas Company for one year. Nyla then moved back to Newton, Kansas and applied for a teaching position in the Potwin and Whitewater schools. She was hired on the first day and lasted for 30 years. What a job!

Together with Greg Thompkins and Connie Donatelli they acquired a very successful music program which also started a lifetime friendship with Connie.

In 2005 and 2007, she took her choirs to KMEA. In 2007, she was forced to retire because of her health, and in October 2012, she had a successful kidney transplant. She missed “her kids” as she loved her students and teaching very much.

After retiring she sang with different chorales. One of which was a performance written by Cellist, Eugene Friesen, at the Barn at Prairie Pines. She also enjoyed traveling and has made trips to Spain and Ireland. She also loved entertaining friends at dinners, snacks, or just poolside.

She was a member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church where she served in many capacities from playing the organ, the vestry, and for 8 years, she helped with payee program. Her health forced her to give up the jobs she loved. A highlight was the 2000 celebration presenting the top hits of music, fashion, and arts, narrated by Cowboy Bob.

She is survived by her sister, Twila “Twiz” and Lloyd Nickels, Hampton Nebraska, Dianne Wall, Columbus Nebraska and a brother Wallace Friesen of Henderson Nebraska. She is also survived by her nephews: Lonnie, Craig, and Chad Nickels, Dana, Darin and Drew Wall, Kim and Kevin Friesen, and additional family.

Nyla is preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Angela Huffman and a nephew Dylan Wall.

She also wanted to recognize all the special people that have helped her and been so special in her life, and her ever-faithful dog Archie.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Newton with The Reverend Mike Loyd, Celebrant. She will be buried in a private service at Bethesda Cemetery in Henderson, Nebraska.

Memorials may be made in Nyla’s name to St. Matthews Church Organ Fund and left in care of Petersen’s Funeral Home.