Nick M. Mendoza

Nick Mendoza was born to Ernest Mendoza and Mary (Ortiz) Mendoza Harris on November 10, 1948, in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in Wichita with his younger siblings Mike, Jaime, Aurora, John, and Jessica. He was a wonderful big brother. He is a 1967 graduate of Wichita South High School, where he was senior class president, a member of the swim team, and had a supporting role in a high school musical production.

After returning from service in the U.S. Navy, he married his high school sweetheart Karen Goddard Mendoza. They celebrated 48 years of marriage until her passing in 2020. Nick and Karen raised three children, Travis, Rebecca, and James. Some adventures included: family camping, ski trips, bowling, and travel in general. Their most memorable trips included, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Hawaii, an Alaskan cruise of a lifetime, and long visits at Table Rock Lake. He and his “Group of 15” enjoyed numerous events, celebrations, and just hanging out with each other. Weekly family gatherings with hearty smoked food and watching sports were also a priority for Nick.

Nick was a Wichita Firefighter for 35 years. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2009. He was a true civil servant who led with his heart and was ready to step into action for those in need. Nick was loved by many for his kindness and optimism. He was one of the good guys who served others. A few of his passions included: volunteering at the Kansas Firefighter Museum and serving as its president, supporting the efforts and awareness for improved mental health by suiting up as Mr. Monopoly for COMCARE fundraisers, mentoring school-aged youth at risk, and supporting the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team to support fellow firefighters after they experienced trauma.

Nick passed away on February 13, 2023, from a rare liver cancer.

He dearly loved and is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Mendoza; his son, James Mendoza; his companion Mary White; his grandchildren: Trey Mendoza, Emma Wrench, and adopted granddaughters: Jordan Koerner and Ashley Carnes; and siblings: Mike, Aurora, John, and Jessica. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Karen, son Travis and brother Jaime.

Services will be Saturday, February 25th, at Central Community Church, 6100 W Maple St, Wichita, KS 67209 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas Firefighters Museum at 1300 S Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211.

Livestream Link: centralcommunity.church/funerals