Rev. Waldemar John Friedrichs

Rev. Waldemar “Wally” Friedrichs, 94, Topeka, passed away January 7, 2017. Wally was born May 9, 1922, the son of Friedrich and Agnes Stohs Friedrichs, in Herkimer KS. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bremen KS. Wally married Olinda Holle on February 4, 1945, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Wally enrolled in St. Johns College, Winfield KS, to start ministerial studies in 1936. The dust bowl cut his studies short after two years. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1940. Wally was called into the United States Navy in 1943, during WWII. He was honorably discharged as a Radarman Third Class. Wally enrolled in Sticklers Business College in Topeka, graduating as a certified accountant. He was hired by Martin Tractor Co., Topeka, as a Cost Accountant. Wally was hired as Secretary and Financial Officer of Bremen Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, in 1949. In 1966, Wally joined Town and County Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Topeka, as CEO and Finance Officer. Later, he joined Taylor and Company of Topeka as the Insurance Production Manager. He then served the Kansas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as Church Extension Fund Administrator and Business Manager, retiring in 1987. After retiring from the Kansas District, Wally continued his studies towards pastoral ordination. He served Prince of Peace Lutheran Church as Minister of Outreach, retiring in 2003. While he was retired, Wally continued to serve various congregations as a vacancy pastor. Wally was known to be an avid Royals fan, excellent woodcrafter, loved playing golf, and never met a stranger. Wally is survived by his wife, Olinda; children, Warren Friedrichs (Cindy) of Spokane WA, George Friedrichs of Topeka, Virgean Bosworth of Carthage MO, Kristin Barber (Rob) of Carthage, Debra Crites (Thomas) of Topeka, and Lora Samuelson (Mike) of Carthage; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; siblings, Fred Friedrichs of Herkimer KS, Norma Fairchild of Westmoreland KS, Wayne Friedrichs of Greenleaf KS, and Nelda Friedrichs of Lake Arrowhead CA. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Wilbur, Roland, Ervin, and Valeria. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 12, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka KS, 66604. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 13, at the church. Burial to follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, House of Hope Haiti, or Topeka Rescue Mission, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Rev. Waldemar John Friedrichs

May 9, 1922 - January 7, 2017