Donald Menze

Donald Menze

June 28, 1937 - Aug. 26, 2022

HUTCHISON,Kan. — Donald Menze entered his Heavenly home on Aug. 26, 2022, surrounded by his family at the Legends of Hutchinson, Kan. Don was born in rural Gosper County, Neb., at his parent’s home, to Carl H. and Lena A. (Hilker) Menze on June 28, 1937. He attended Snowball school District No. 1 in Gosper County through eighth grade. He graduated from Arapahoe High School with the Class of 1955 and furthered his education at McCook Community College.

Don joined the U.S. Armed Services in March 1957, spending one year in South Korea. Don was honorably discharged in December 1958. When he returned, he met the love of life, Freda Ann Sis and they were united in marriage on Sept. 17, 1960, at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church in rural Rawlins County near Atwood, Kan.

Don began a lifetime career with the tire and rubber industry. Beginning in McCook, Neb., at the Firestone Tire store, he later transferred to Hastings, Neb. In August 1961, Don was recalled to the Army to serve at Fort Sill, Okla., during the Berlin Crisis. After being discharged in August of 1962, Don and his young family moved to North Platte, Neb., where he returned to working for Firestone Co. He continued his career in the tire and rubber industry, moving with Firestone to Omaha Neb., back to Hastings, and then Lincoln Neb. He later joined the B.F. Goodrich Co., managing stores in Waterloo, Iowa, and St. Charles, Mo., before moving to Hays, Kan., as a Regional Sales Manager for Goodrich. During his distinguished career, Don was recognized often for exceeding his sales goals and was awarded numerous trips around the world for Freda and him.

In 1983, Don and Freda became the owners of Gullickson Tire Co. in Hutchinson. They retired in 2004 with the sale of their tire business.

Don was a faithful member of the Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, where he served as a past president of the parish council. He also was a member of the Knight’s of Columbus No. 612, Bishop Cushing’s Council of 4th Degree Knights, a founding member of the Serra Club of Reno County and attended Perpetual adoration. Don was also very active in the community. He was a member of the American Legion, served as president of the Mid-American Tire Dealers Assoc, served on the agriculture committee of the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce, and participated as a member of the Hutchinson C.C. Quarterback Club.

Along with his Catholic faith, his family was most important to him. He loved being with them, enjoying time watching and attending his children and grandchildren’s various activities. He enjoyed many card games, sequence board games and playing pool with his family and friends. He was a loyal fan to his KU Jayhawks, Nebraska Cornhuskers, KC Royals, and KC Chiefs. To those who knew him best, Don will be remembered for his generous heart.

Don was preceded in death most recently by his son, Bradley Menze, as well as an infant daughter. In addition, his parents; sisters, Carol Haussler, Judy (Wayne) Huxoll, Audre (Victor) Haussler and brothers, Bryce Menze and Larry Menze, all preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife of nearly 62 years; his children, Julie (Brian) White of Wichita, Kan., Sarah (Scott) Berry of Bentonville, Ark., Ann (Jason) Graham of Hutchinson and Anne Menze of Lenexa, Kan.; grandchildren, Michael Berry, Connor Wolfe and fiancée, Evelyn Medina, Nicole Berry, Noelle Graham, Megan White, and Nathan Menze. He also leaves many relatives, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and friends.

A public viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliot’s Mortuary, followed by a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Funeral services are planned for Thursday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Memorial Park, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flower memorials are suggested to the Holy Cross Catholic Church or Trinity Catholic School in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main Street, Hutchinson, KS.