Freda Ann Menze entered her Heavenly home on Sunday, December 21, 2025, surrounded by family at Pleasant View Home in Inman, Kansas.
Born January 22, 1939, in rural Rawlins County, Kansas, Freda was the daughter of Charles L. and Eleanora F. (Sramek) Sis. She attended Prairie View School, District #224, through eighth grade and graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1956. After working for a year at Commercial Bank in Stratton, Nebraska, Freda continued her education at McCook Community College.
On September 17, 1960, Freda married the love of her life, Donald D. Menze, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in rural Rawlins County. The couple began their life together in McCook, Nebraska, where Freda worked at First National Bank. As Don’s career took them to new places, Freda devoted herself to raising their family. Later, she returned to the workforce at J.M. McDonald Department Store and Heritage Savings & Loan in Hays, Kansas. She also enjoyed a successful career with Avon, earning numerous awards for outstanding sales.
In 1983, Freda and Don purchased Gullickson Tire in Hutchinson, Kansas, where Freda managed the business’s financial operations until their retirement in 2004.
Freda was a woman of deep faith and an active member of the Church of the Holy Cross. She participated in the Altar Society, St. Ann’s Circle, Harvest House, Serra Club of Reno County, Prodigal Prayer Group, Perpetual Adoration, and the Daughters of Isabella in Hays. She also served on the downtown development committee and was a former member of the Altrusa Club. Freda loved sports—especially cheering for the KU Jayhawks—and enjoyed playing cards and board games with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Don; her son, Bradley Menze; an infant daughter; her parents; and five siblings: Leo (Margaret) Sis, Charles Sis, Verna (Robert) Dame, Virginia (Jerry) Cox, and Elaine Murphy.
Freda leaves behind her children, Julie (Brian) White of Wichita, KS, Sarah (Scott) Berry of Bentonville, AR, Ann (Jason) Graham of Hutchinson, KS, and Anne Menze of Lenexa, KS. She is also survived by: her grandchildren, Dr. Michael Berry, Connor (Evelyn) Wolfe, Nicole Berry, Noelle Graham, Megan White, and Nathan Menze; one great-granddaughter expected in January; her brother, Michael (Diane) Sis; sister-in-law, Patricia Sis; brother-in-law, Dr. John Murphy; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
A public viewing will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, followed by a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2631 Independence Rd, Hutchinson. The family will receive friends following the Rosary.
Funeral Mass will take place Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Hutchinson, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, Trinity Catholic School, or Community Care Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.