Freida Leah Wickizer, daughter of William David Gfeller and Nanna Jane Lahman Gfeller was born on December 12, 1926 in Logan County, Kansas and departed this life to her heavenly home on August 3, 2018 at the age of 91.
Freida grew up on a small farm in Winona, KS. She had four brothers, Harold, Ralph, Chet and Donald and three sisters Gladys, Helen and Lois. Farm life was hard during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl Days. Prior to electricity modern conveniences were only a dream. In June of 1943 Freida went to live with her aunt Lula and uncle Oren Lahman in Springfield, Mo after receiving an invitation to stay with them. Her aunt and uncle were always very special to her.
Freida met Tom Wickizer in Springfield, MO while going to church with her aunt and uncle. Tom served in the Navy during the war. After his service ended in July 1946, he came home to the love of his life. On August 31, 1946 they were united in marriage at South Street Christian Church. Since 1968 they have been members of Brentwood Christian Church.
Freida’s family always came first during her years of raising her daughter Shirley and son Mark. She was actively involved with the PTA while her children were in grade school, made time for church activities and was always available when anyone needed help. In later years she worked at Missouri State University as secretary to Dean Copley. In 1976 she assisted Tom in starting Wickizer and Clutter, Inc., working as the bookkeeper for the company. Freida’s passion was architecture. She enjoyed designing and building houses and was always keeping up with the latest trends in home building. Her grandchildren Melissa and Matt brought her great joy every time they came to visit. Recently her great grandchildren visited and brought smiles to her face.
Survivors include her children Shirley Harman and Mark Wickizer and his wife Teresa;
Grandchild Melissa McClelland and her husband Matt;
Great Grandchildren Kayleigh, Aaliyah and Riley McClelland;
Sister Helen Boyd of Oakley, Kansas.
Also surviving are numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a great number of great nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, four brothers, two sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, son-in-law and a very special grandson Matthew Wickizer in 2016.
Visitation will be held at Greenlawn North in Springfield, MO on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. with the funeral following at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.