Archived Marriage Records
James A. Didier
James A. Didier, 78, of Frontenac died at 6:34 p.m. Saturday February 15, 2014 at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. He was born November 23, 1935 in Frontenac, KS the son of John and Florence Gay (McMurrary) Didier. Jim attended Frontenac schools and was a 1953 graduate of Frontenac High School. He then attended Kansas State Teachers College (PSU) and received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Following his schooling at PSU Jim attended MIT. Jim married
Carolyn Kritzer in April of 1958 in Frontenac; she survives at the home. Jim worked and traveled extensively for various companies throughout his life. During his working career he worked for Western Electric, Philco-Ford and Control Data in Hawaii. He concluded his work history as Business Manager for Frontenac High School from 1986 until his retirement in 2000; and furthermore during that time he helped coach various sporting activities. He was baptized into the Methodist Faith and was a member of the Frontenac United Methodist Church. Jim enjoyed all sporting events from high school to professional levels; was an avid golfer and enjoyed cockfighting. However his greatest interest and love were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Carolyn of the home; a son John Didier of Oklahoma City, OK; a daughter Carla Proctor of St. Joseph, MO; two sisters Carmen Flottman of Pittsburg, Carole Bowman of Frontenac; four grandchildren Brandon Didier, Kelly, Jacob and Andrew Proctor; three great-grandchildren Clayton Cook, Caroline and Cheyenne Didier. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Julie Didier. According to his wishes Jim has been taken for cremation. Memorial services and visitation will be 6 p.m. Friday February 21, 2014 at the Frontenac United Methodist Church with Pastor Blair Thompson and Father Thomas Stroot officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be at a later date in the cremation columbarium at the Frontenac City Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Frontenac United Methodist Church or the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorials may be brought by or mailed to the Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay/P.O. Box 907 Frontenac, KS 66763.
James Gene “Jim” Bridwell
James Gene “Jim” Bridwell, 68, of Frontenac, Ks died February 17, 2014 at his home. He was born October 22, 1945 in Pittsburg, Ks the son of Wilford “Bob” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Tomaney) Bridwell and was a longtime resident of Frontenac. He was a graduate of Frontenac High School in 1963. He served in the Army National Guard from February 26, 1965 and was honorably discharged February 25, 1971. Jim was an architectural Project Manager for many years. He was a longtime member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He enjoyed roping, loved his Chocolate Lab “Walker”, and enjoyed spending time at the Diamond 6D Indoor Arena with his horse “Pete”. Other activities he enjoyed included hunting and trap shooting. He is survived by wife, Reva Bridwell. Additional survivors include son Grant and his wife Brie Bridwell of St. Louis, MO; a daughter Jessica Meadows and her fiancé Chuck Dell’Antonia of Pittsburg; two grandchildren Tyler Ayers and awaiting arrival of first granddaughter Presley Bridwell, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Bob, Bill and Dan Bridwell and a sister Jeanne Dayton. Graveside services will be 12 noon, Saturday, 22, 2014 at the Garden of Memories cemetery 149 S. Hwy 69 Pittsburg, KS with Fr. Robert McElwee officiating. Friends are requested to meet at the cemetery for the services. Friends are also requested to wear western attire. Family will receive friends at 1pm at the Diamond 6D Indoor Arena 521 E. McKay Street Frontenac, KS following the graveside services. Memorials may be made to Horses of Hope; in memory of Jim Bridwell. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services by Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay, Frontenac, KS.
Jack “Jackie” Verga
Jack “Jackie” Verga, 84, of Arma, KS died 11:15pm Thursday February 27, 2014 at Oakview Estates in Frontenac, KS following an illness. Jackie was born March 19, 1929 in Burgess, MO the son of Joseph and Alice Mae (Harper) Verga. Jackie was a lifelong resident of the area and attended area schools in Mindenmines, MO. Jackie was a Veteran of the Army serving his country in the Korean War. Jackie worked as a Carpenter by trade and worked for various contractors including Verga Construction. Jackie retired in 2006. Jackie was of the Christian Faith; he enjoyed in his free time helping friends and family with handy man work, car shows and classic cars. Survivors include his siblings Bill Verga Sr. and wife Rosetta of Pittsburg, KS and Betty Karlinger of Kansas City, KS; caregivers nephew Bill Verga Jr. and wife Kim of Pittsburg, KS niece Virginia Brown of Frontenac, KS and nephew Jr. Viranda and wife Diane of Frontenac, KS. Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, companion Bonnie Verga, siblings Katherine Viranda, Dollie Inman, Edith Marchello, Maggie Davis, Alex Verga, Johnnie Verga, Joe Verga, Jennie Marie Corvi and Joy Zupan. Funeral Services will be 10am Tuesday March 4, 2014 at the Friskel Funeral Home in Frontenac, KS with Fr. Thomas Stroot officiating. Burial will follow at the Garden of Memories cemetery in Pittsburg, KS. Family will receive friends from 6-7pm Monday March 3, 2014 at the Friskel Funeral Home in Frontenac, KS; friends may call after 2pm Monday. In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay Frontenac, KS 66763. Arrangements are by the Friskel Funeral Home of Frontenac, KS.
Magdalena Matarazzi LaForte
Magdalena Matarazzi LaForte, 88, of Lee’s Summit, MO, formerly of Pittsburg, KS, died 7:17pm Friday March 14, 2014 at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lees Summit, MO following an illness. Magdalena was born July 11, 1925 in Frontenac, KS, the daughter of Joseph and Ursula (Turlip) Zortz. She attended and graduated from Frontenac schools. She lived most of her life in the Pittsburg area before moving to the Kansas City area. On June 10, 1946 Magdalena married
Victor Matarazzi in Frontenac, KS; he preceded her in death on March 31, 1987. On June 12, 1992 Magdalena married
Leonard LaForte in Raytown, MO.; he preceded her in death on November 21, 2009. Magdalena was a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Raytown, MO and was a former member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS. Survivors include her children Mark Matarazzi and wife Linda of St. Louis, MO, Bill Matarazzi and wife Barbara of Portland OR and Vicki Harber and husband Dennis of Lees Summit, MO; sister Margaret Villamaria and husband Frank of Pittsburg, KS; grandchildren Nic Matarazzi and wife Lynn, Nathan Matarazzi and wife Elizabeth, Nolan Matarazzi and Elizabeth Harber. Magdalena was also preceded in death by her parents and numerous siblings. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Saturday March 22, 2014 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac, KS, with Fr. Thomas Stroot as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Mt. Carmel cemetery in Frontenac, KS. Family will receive friends from 9-10 am prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of masses or memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may drop off or mail the mass requests or memorials to the Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay Frontenac, KS 66763. Arrangements are by Friskel Funeral Home of Frontenac, KS.
Gertrude I. Southard
FRONTENAC, KS – Gertrude I. Southard, 85, of Frontenac, died Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. She was born October 31, 1928 in Walnut, Kansas and had been a resident of Frontenac for 12 years, moving from Pittsburg, KS. She was a graduate of Walnut High School. She married
Robert L. Southard on November 12, 1954 in Girard, KS and he preceded her in death on June 18, 2008. Mrs. Southard worked at the Kansas Army Ammunitions Plant in Parsons, in the office for Red Fox and later Dr. Beuerlein, and with her husband at Congregate Meals in Arma, KS and was a homemaker. Survivors include two daughters Kathryn Southard, Lisa Grilz and her husband Orville and one son Jack Southard all of Frontenac, KS, two grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Donald J. Southard and a granddaughter Wendy Newman. The family will receive their friends from 6 to 7 pm Sunday at the Friskel Funeral Home, 230 E. McKay in Frontenac, KS. Private graveside services will be at the Pittsburg Garden of Memories. Friends may call at the funeral home after 1 pm on Sunday. Family and friends may call at their convenience at the home of Lisa and Orville Grilz, 601 N. Labette in Frontenac, KS.
Lucille V. Brummett
Lucille V. Brummett, 87, of Mindenmines, MO died 12:14pm Tuesday April 22, 2014 at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS following an illness. Lucille was born January 15, 1927 in Barton County, MO the daughter of Peter and Minnie (Becatti) Lucietta. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Lamar High School. On October 20, 1946 Lucille married
Marvin Brummett in Pittsburg, KS; he survives at the home. Lucille was a member of the Christian Church in Mindenmines, MO. Survivors include children David M. Brummett and wife Linda of Mindenmines, MO, Marcie Bonin and husband Art of Oakland, CA and Linda McKay and husband Bob of Liberal, MO; grandchildren Aaron Brummett and wife Christina, Amanda Ruocco, Andrew Bonin, Sunnye Pearson, Matt McKay and wife Monica; 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother and 5 sisters. Funeral Services will be 10am Saturday April 26, 2014 at the Friskel Funeral Home in Frontenac, KS with Rev. Garry Carter officiating. Burial will follow at the Rosebank cemetery in Mulberry, KS. Family will receive friends from 9-10am prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements at by Friskel Funeral Home of Frontenac, KS.
Margaret Pottorff
Margaret Pottorff, 93, of Wellsville, KS formerly of Mindenmines, MO died at 4:25 a.m. Thursday May 22, 2014 at the Wellsville Retirement Community in Wellsville, KS. She was born October 18, 1920 in Foxtown, KS the daughter of James and Lottie (Schmiskie) Samson. Margaret attended the Curranville School in Foxtown. She had a resident of the Wellsville area since 2003, prior to Wellsville she lived in Mindenmines for 30 years. She had also lived in Kansas City, Picher-OK, Pittsburg-KS and a year in Yakima-WA, where she picked fruit. Margaret married
Lynn Pottorff on July 21, 1939 in Lamar, MO; he preceded her in death on December 3, 2002. She worked for Peerless in Fort Scott, in the assembly of storm and out-door windows. Margaret attended Christian and Baptist denominations. She was an active quilter and did embroidery work. Survivors include a brother-in-law Gilbert and wife Peggy Pottorff of Wellsville, KS; a grandson John Pottorff of Mindenmines, MO; great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son-Robert "Bob" Pottorff, a brother James Samson and 2 sisters Agnes Hubbard and Irene Kellerman. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday May 27, 2014 at the Friskel Funeral Home in Frontenac with Reverend Gary Carter officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosebank cemetery in Mulberry. Friends may sign the register book after 9 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay Frontenac, KS.
Mary Virginia “Jenny” Roberts
Mary Virginia “Jenny” Roberts, 81, of Arma died Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott, KS. She was born April 14, 1933 in Mindenmines, MO the daughter of Earl and Mary (Avery) Edwards. On January 3, 1956 she was united in marriage to Dorn Roberts in Stockton, MO; he preceded her in death on January, 26, 2001. Jenny was a homemaker and also worked as a nurse’s aide at nursing homes in Pittsburg and Columbus for 10 years. Survivors include three daughters: Sherry Edwards Neff of Centerville, KS, Joyce Roberts Henderson of Louisburg, KS and Mindy Roberts Shepherd of Arma, KS; three sons: Loren Roberts of Garland, KS, Ronnie Roberts of Ft. Scott, KS and Gary Roberts of Columbus, KS; two sisters: Shirley Major and Dolores Edwards both of Pittsburg, KS; 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Timothy Carson Roberts, two sisters: Wilma Collins and Carolyn Edwards, 2 brothers: Billy and Raynard Edwards, a grandson Harvey Roberts and a great-granddaughter Sandra Ridley. Funeral services will be 2pm, Tuesday June 17, 2014 at the Friskel Funeral Home with Rev. David Beard officiating. Burial will follow in the Nashville Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the services starting at 1pm. Services by the Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay Frontenac, KS.
Eugene P. Maransani
Eugene P. Maransani, 82, of Frontenac, KS died Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at his home. He was born October 24, 1931 in Radley, KS the son of Joseph and Katie (Ratt) Maransani. He attended the South Radley School and Frontenac High School. In November 1952 he entered the US Army where he spent a year in Korea. He was honorably discharged October 1954. On Nov 17, 1955 he was united in marriage to JoElene Deplue in Girard, KS, she preceded him in death October 27, 2013. In 1956 he and his wife moved to Topeka, KS where they resided until 1991 when they returned to Frontenac. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac, the Moose Lodge in Topeka and the American Legion Post# 43 of Frontenac. Survivors include a brother Jackie D. and his wife Laurel Herbinger of Lamar, MO a sister-in-law Leona Maransani of Arma, KS, along with 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Wife, a brother Joseph Maransani a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Oscar and Margaret Deplue Funeral services will be 10 am Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Friskel Funeral Home with Fr. Thomas Stroot officiating. Burial will follow in the Frontenac City Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 7pm Sunday at the funeral home. Family will receive friends following the rosary. Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Church Education Fund; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services by the Friskel Funeral Home 230 E. McKay Frontenac, KS.
Donald R. Higgins
MINDENMINES, MO – Donald R. Higgins, 69, of Mindenmines, died Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS of a long illness. He was born January 11, 1945 in Lamar, MO the son of Orville Ray and Evlyn Higgins Lucas. He had been a resident of Mindenmines for 42 years, moving from Lamar, MO. Donald served with the Army National Guard in Lamar, MO. He married
Linda Williams on August 6, 1971 in Miami, Oklahoma and she survives at the home in Mindenmines. Donald was a factory worker at O’Sullivan industries in Lamar until his retirement in 2007. He attended the Church of God in Mindenmines, MO. Survivors in addition to his wife include his mother Evlyn Higgins of Lamar, MO, two sons Jason Higgins of Mindenmines and Randy Hill of Pittsburg, one daughter Cande Hill of Frontenac, one brother Carroll Higgins of Lamar and one sister Donna Reedy of Walker, MO, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father. Memorial services will be 7 pm Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Church of God in Mindenmines, MO with the Rev. Gary Carter, officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Nashville cemetery in Nashville, MO. Arrangements are by the Friskel Funeral Home, 230 E. McKay, Frontenac, KS.
