J.L. Fruechting
J. L. "Les" Fruechting, 96, retired farmer and well known community activist, died April 14, 2002, at Marion, following a tragic automobile accident near Florence.
Son of the late Theodore and Justine (Klein) Fruechting, he was born Jan. 21, 1906, on a farm northwest of Aulne.
His father became caretaker of the newly constructed Marion County Courthouse.
His mother died while Les was a child. He and two younger brothers, Hubert and Merrill, were raised by his grandparents, John and Justine Klein.
He attend school at Aulne, in both the old building and the then new brick building. After graduating, he attended Tabor Academy at Hillsboro.
He then worked on his grandparents' farm.
On June 8, 1930, he was married to Ada Krueger. The couple had four sons who grew up on the family farm home southwest of Aulne. In 1937 they purchased the former Remer Nursery at the north edge of Aulne. They re-started the nursery and also farmed in the community.
After the boys grew up, son Don went into partnership with his father. The operation gradually expanded until Les retired at age 65.
Les and Ada Fruechting then made their home in Marion. She died in November 1994.
He was active on several boards of various organizations. From 1973 to 1985 he was a member of the South Central Kansas Economic Development District. He served two three-year terms on the Prairie View board. He served an unexpired term on the Marion County Commission. And he was on the Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging board when it was established in 1973. It was during that time that Marion Senior Center was constructed.
He said the senior center gave him the most satisfaction of any community work he had done.
He was baptized and became a member of Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church in 1928, transferring his membership to Aulne Methodist Church in 1930. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest members of that church's congregation.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; wife, Ada; two brothers, Hubert and Merrill; and one granddaughter, Carrie Lynn Meredith.
Survivors include a half brother, Ted Fruechting of Sedona, Ariz.; sons, Donald and his wife Betty, James and his wife Donna, all of Marion, Duane and his wife Gloria of Plains, and Dwight and his wife Donna of Salina; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; cousins; and his friend and companion of four years Pearl Kinsinger.
Graveside services Thursday morning in Marion Cemetery preceded the memorial service held at Aulne United Methodist Church.
The Rev. Bill Dyar officiated. Pam Fruechting was vocal soloist and the Aulne Quartet, grandsons Terry, Mike, Kevin, and Vail Fruechting sang. Gloria Fruechting was accompanist and Wanda Williams organist.
Casket bearers were David Weeks, Jack Metzger, Ross Meredith, Leon Landrum, James Chamberland, and Bruce Fruechting.
Honorary bearers were Sue Enns, Claire Meredith, Julee Schmidt, Pam Weeks, Lynn Fruechting, Nancy Fruechting, Pat Chamberland, Ann Metzger, Pam Fruechting, Dennis Sandifar, Lori Fruechting, and Gayle King.
Memorial funds have been established at Aulne United Methodist Church and Marion Senior Center.
