Beloved sister and dear Auntie peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on March 16, 2026, at home.

Arlene exuded love and kindness to all she met, a reflection of the transforming work of Jesus Christ in her life. She was born in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. At the age of six, her older brother Murray shared the Gospel with her, helping her understand her need for a clean heart before God. Arlene placed her faith in Christ, a life-changing decision made even more profound by the passing of her brother shortly thereafter from a brain tumor.

Arlene’s love for music began at a young age. She started playing piano in church at just eight years old and soon began pursuing her dream of becoming a classical pianist. At sixteen, she dedicated her musical gifts fully to the Lord, committing to use her talents in service to Him. It was during this time that she also began writing songs.

After graduating from high school at seventeen, Arlene immigrated with her family to the United States, where she began working in ministry. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Oral Roberts University in 1970, graduating summa cum laude. Following college, she taught music in public schools in Oklahoma and Oregon.

In 1973, Arlene moved to Dallas, Texas, with her sister Chris to attend Christ For The Nations Institute. While there, she began teaching piano lessons and served as an accompanist for many school events. After graduating, she remained in Dallas and played a pivotal role in establishing the music department at the institute. She faithfully served as the head of the music department for more than 40 years, until her retirement in 2014.

Throughout her time at the institute, Arlene taught countless students in piano, music theory, and worship. She especially loved teaching piano to international students and children. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, leading music seminars and sharing her passion for worship.

In addition, Arlene spoke fluent German and served as a music missionary from 1977-1980 in West Germany.

Arlene will be remembered for her exceptional skill as a pianist, her remarkable ability to play by ear, and her disciplined dedication to mastering her craft. She was meticulous in practicing scales in every key, enabling her to play music in any key with ease. In addition to piano, she also played the organ, accordion, and guitar.

Arlene received her MA in Liberal Arts from Dallas Baptist University in 2006.

More than her musical accomplishments, Arlene will be remembered for her deep love and devotion to her family. Though she never married or had children of her own, she poured her life into her nieces and nephews, instilling in them a love for music and for Jesus.

In the last decade of her life, Arlene faced Alzheimer’s disease with grace. Though she gradually lost the ability to communicate, she continued to play the piano and radiated the love of Christ to all who encountered her. Her sister Chris cared for her with extraordinary love and selflessness, especially in her final years.

Arlene is preceded in death by parents Frank and Adina Friesen and her brother Murray Friesen. Arlene is survived by her siblings, Ken (Debbie), Chris, Warren (Linda); nephews and nieces: Stephen, Rachel, Charity, Peter, Bekah and Matthew and 9 great nephews and nieces.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, students, and all whose lives she touched.

Interment and a celebration of life service will be in Dallas, Texas.