Happy Birthday, Warren Friessen!
Happy 90th birthday to Lake Lorraine and Friessen Construction Co. founder Warren Friessen! Just as Lake Lorraine will leave a lasting legacy for Sioux Falls, Warren also has a lasting legacy for the Friessen family.
While traveling the United States with his wife, Hilda, and friends, Warren noticed many cities had lake communities — a lake surrounded by homes.
“I can do that!” Warren said, as he reminisced on the first vision for Lake Lorraine.
Though there were some bumps in the road with the City and neighbors, like acquiring mining and conditional use permits as well as noise and dust complaints, Warren knew he wanted to make his lake community vision a reality. Over 15 years’ span, he gained five parcels of land to make up the Lake Lorraine area it is today.
Before the area was developed, Warren enjoyed time at the lake with his family and friends — fishing, grilling and boating. When asked about one of his favorite memories, Warren described how he and his youngest daughter, Patty, were paddle boating along the east shoreline. With every pass, they caught large-sized bass. Another story he recalled was with a friend. Warren caught a 42-inch northern pike and five minutes later, his friend caught an even bigger fish. “Those were the two most exciting catches,” said Warren.
Having a lake to fish at was one of Warren’s childhood dreams. Another interesting fishing story was from around 20 years ago. Someone told Warren, “If I can fish in the pond, I will give you two paddlefish from Japan.” Of course, Warren took him up on this deal, and he saw the man put in the two paddlefish.
“I have never seen them from the shoreline, but they may still be there today,” Warren said. Paddlefish can grow up to 100 pounds.
After W. 26th Street expanded to the east of Marion Road, the vision of a lake community shifted to a commercial experience. As the lake became developed, the Friessen family needed to decide on a name for it. Possible contenders included Lake Lenae, Lake Warren and Lake Friessen.
When someone mentioned Lake Lorraine, the family knew it was a perfect fit. “Lake Lorraine has a good sound. Lake Warren sounded bad,” Warren said. “We never argued about it. Lake Lorraine is easy to say and is appealing.”
The name has a special meaning for the Friessen family — Lorraine is the middle name of Warren’s late wife, Hilda. When asked what Hilda’s favorite part of Lake Lorraine today would be, Warren said the name. “It is a good tribute to her,” he said.
Warren’s favorite part of the development is the lights at night. He enjoys seeing the lights from the city and the Lake Lorraine businesses reflect on the water. It is a simple and beautiful reminder to him, capturing years of work.
Warren Friessen captured this photo of Lake Lorraine.
When asked what the best day of his life was, he answered: “Oct. 23, 1993, when I was brought back to life.”
Warren suffered a major heart attack that day. Having this wake-up call changed his lifestyle and priorities. After that day, Warren chose to spend more time with his wife and children, has been able to see his four grandchildren grow up, and witnessed the dream of Lake Lorraine come to life.
His advice for a long life? “Prayer. Enjoy every day. Don’t spend all the money you make; save some for the hard times. Do not hate or envy anybody.”
As for the future, Warren said he would like to see “more people live at Lake Lorraine.” Going back to the first vision for the development — a lake community — he said he would love to see more people live at the lake and spend all their time there. In particular, he thinks the currently vacant high point on the west side of the lake would offer the best views of the development and the city.
Happy 90th Birthday, Warren — Local businessman. Role model. Visionary. Father. Brother. Husband. Grandpa. Great-Grandpa.
Angie Vognild and Warren Friessen are pictured on the “beach” area of the development on the west side of Lake Lorraine.
Angie Vognild, Warren’s youngest grandchild, interviewed him for this story. Her middle name is also Lorraine, as is one of Warren’s great-granddaughters.