1931-2025
Lawanda Mae (Durr) Frees, 94, passed away June 30, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born May 20, 1931, to Leonard and Leona (Schroeder) Durr, in Ellsworth County, on the family farm, near Holyrood, KS.
Lawanda was baptized June 14, 1931, and confirmed March 25, 1945, in the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Holyrood, KS. She graduated from Holyrood High School in 1949, and married Howard Frees on August 20, 1950, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Holyrood. Lawanda considered herself a homemaker, but she was so much more. For 43 years, she worked alongside her husband on the farm.
In 1993, they retired from farming and moved to Hutchinson. Lawanda became active in Lysle Rishel Post #68 American Legion Auxiliary in Hutchinson, RSVP, Elmdale Senior Center, Delos V. Smith Sr. Center and the State Fair Promenaders Square Dance Club. In addition, Lawanda was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, helping with funeral dinners and the LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League).
Lawanda is survived by: her two sons, Lyle Frees (Joyce) of Ellsworth and Loren Frees (Tina) of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband of 66 years, Howard; son, Larry Frees; brothers, Dale Durr and Don Durr; and grandsons-in-law, Jason Tripp and Drew Ekart.
Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th, Hutchinson. Private family inurnment will take place in St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery, Holyrood. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2025 to Friday, July 11, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
Memorials are suggested to St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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