Myrtle Ellen Freschett

Myrtle Ellen Freschett arrived unto the arms of the Lord on December 30, 2020. Myrtle was diagnosed with brain cancer on August 17, 2020. She spent the remaining days of her life sharing her love and light with family and friends. Always strong and forever courageous, “Nana” taught us to love equally, to fear nothing, and to cherish time with family. Myrtle was born in Langdon, North Dakota, on June 6, 1942, to Abner and Myrtle Darling. She was the youngest of five children. As a high school student, she met Henry Freschett, two years her senior, from Cavalier, North Dakota. They married on September 7, 1960. The newlyweds moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Hank attended the University of North Dakota. Hank and Myrtle often described the long, cold, windy, snowy winters of northern North Dakota as “too damn cold.” Upon Hank’s graduation from UND, they looked for warmer weather. Myrtle’s sister, Nora Mae, had moved to Kansas City and started her family, so Hank and Myrtle followed suit. The Mission, Kansas area, St.Pius X and Bishop Miege communities became home to Hank and Myrtle for over 58 years.

Myrtle was committed to her family, her friends and her faith. She spent many years working in the home helping to raise their three beautiful daughters. She was an amazing friend, a persistent walker, and one heck of a golfer. Nana found true joy helping others; she was an avid volunteer with her church and across the Kansas City community. Nana’s favorite time was family time. Whether it was holidays, birthdays, K-State game days, or vacation days, Nana was always ready for family time, unless, of course, she was golfing. Myrtle and Hank enjoyed their retirement years by golfing and traveling with friends and family.

We are left with our hearts and our minds full of joy and laughter. Memories fill our grief.

Myrtle is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Henry Freschett, her daughters Pattie Freschett (Susie Griffin) Atlanta, GA, Mary Gilman (Frank), Leawood, KS and Susan Ludwikoski (John), Leawood, KS. And her grandchildren Sam Gilman, Claire Gilman, Henry Ludwikoski, Jack Gilman and Luke Ludwikoski. Myrtle is also survived by her sister Evelyn Gendreau (Stanley) of Langdon, ND, and Hank’s sister and brother, Bobbie Jensen of Grand Forks ND, Jan Freschett of Minneapolis, MN, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents Abner and Myrtle Darling, sisters Nora Mae, Margaret and brother Kenneth.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, kind words of support of Myrtle during her illness. We will grieve, but we will also celebrate her life’s journey.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5500 Woodson Rd, Mission, KS 66202. Seating is limited due to COVID-19. The service will be available via live stream at https://www.facebook.com/116568315070671.

A private family burial will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, Myrtle would like contributions to the Supporting Kids Foundation @ supportingkids.org.