Obituaries - September 25, 2024

Nadeau, Lois Nina

Nadeau, Lois Nina – Our beloved mother, Lois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the age of ninety-eight. Born in Houlton, Maine on May 4, 1926, to Percival and Gladys Hall, she married Frank William Nadeau Jr., COL USA (Ret) and together they built a family. Known for her love of singing, she had a collection of showtunes and other fun songs for all occasions. She would sing to her kids and later to the residents of Eaglecrest where she lived for the last 18 years of her life. A devout Catholic, Lois prayed her rosary faithfully and found comfort in her faith.

Lois is preceded in death by her loving husband Frank of 56 years, her parents and her siblings, Shirley Bossie and Percival (Bub) Hall Jr.. She leaves behind her eight children and their families: Stephanie Bellerive (Mike) of Salina, KS, Terry Nadeau of Palm Bay, FL, Tom Nadeau of Baldwin, FL, Joe Nadeau (Lynne) of Weymouth MA , Bill Nadeau (Gilou) of Phoenix, AZ, Mary White (Terry) of Prosper, TX, Tim Nadeau (Evelyn) of Bellevue, NE, Steve Nadeau (Debby) of Denver, CO, along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be a private family service at All Saints Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (samaritanspurse.org)

Connie Mae (Kohlasch) Freilinger

Connie Mae (Kohlasch) Freilinger, 90, of Salina, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024.  She was born August 17, 1934 in Salina, where she spent her life surrounded by family and community.  She was the beloved daughter of Frank L. Kohlasch and Ibbie Fern (Fazel) Kohlasch.

Connie dedicated her career to Lee Hardware Company, where she worked as an inventory specialist, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues.  She married Charles Edward Freilinger, a retired Tech Sergeant in the United States Air Force (21 years of active duty) on June 23, 1953 and they shared a wonderful marriage for 57 years until his passing.

She was a devoted member of Ray Avenue Baptist Church, formerly known as Independence Baptist Church, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the AARP.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Freilinger; sister, Nellie Brown; brother, Gary Kohlasch, and her son, Timothy Lee Freilinger.

Connie is survived by her son, Gregory Allen Freilinger of Salina; grandchildren, Brandi Rae Freilinger, and Gregory Charles Freilinger both of Colorado Springs; loving sister, Karen Krohmer and husband Fritz Krohmer of Wichita; and nephew, Kyle Krohmer of Wichita.

Her warmth, kindness, and deep faith will be remembered by all who knew her.  A private memorial service to honor her life will be held at a later date.

She will be inurned with her husband, Charles at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.

Memorials may be made to The Honor Flight Network in memory of Connie. 

Richard Clay Tilton

Richard Clay Tilton, 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on April 18, 1925, in Lincoln, Kansas, Richard was a devout Christian, deeply committed to his faith throughout his life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, known for his kind heart, generosity, and unwavering dedication to God.

In 1942, Richard proudly joined the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper during World War II, where he earned the Victory Medal for his service. On May 28, 1950, Richard married Hazel Mae (Soeken), and they shared 74 years of marriage. He is survived by Hazel, who resides in Salina, Kansas. Together, they raised two children: Mike Tilton (wife Linda) of Monument, New Mexico, and Pamela (Tilton) Hertel (husband Marvin) of Ensign, Kansas. They were blessed with three grandchildren—Christa Hansen (Brad), Brigette Henry (Troy), and Ryan VanderGiesen (Ryan Craig)—as well as five great-grandchildren: Paige, Trevor, Danielle, Zane, and Brandon.

After being honorably discharged from the war, Richard and Hazel owned and operated Tilton’s Tasty Treats in Downs, Kansas, for over a decade. In addition to running the business, Richard had a successful career as a diesel mechanic with John Deere. The couple eventually moved to Dodge City, Kansas, where Richard became a welding and mechanics instructor at Dodge City Community College. Beyond his professional achievements, Richard was well-known for his woodworking skills. In retirement, he was an avid golfer and he enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in the yard, and in the garden.

Richard will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in a private service. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and all who knew him.