Darlene M. Frerking

Darlene Mae Frerking, aged 83, of Marysville, Kansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 17, 2025, at the Washington County Hospital.

A visitation was held on Thursday, January 23, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville, and the family received friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

A funeral service celebrating her life took place on Friday, January 24, at 10:30 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Bremen, Kansas.  Rev. Aaron T. Fenker, Sr. officiated.  The organist was Jennifer Jung and music included "Children of the Heavenly Father", "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and "For Me to Live is Jesus."

The pallbearers were James Stunkel, Chad Stunkel, Bob Theye, Bryant Frerking, Jay Frerking and Ryan Biery.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Darlene was born on October 13, 1941, in Washington County to Melvin and Sadie (Bell) Stunkel. She graduated from Linn High School and went on to marry Merlin “Mert” Frerking on March 19, 1960. The two shared over sixty married years. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Kevin and Randy.

Darlene was dedicated to her family. She is remembered for her great parties, incredible baking skills, willingness to teach what she knew, and her servant’s heart – she always cared for everyone, including her parents as they aged. Her grandkids remember how she was always ready for an adventure, taking them down to the creek to fish, set up campsites (with a teepee), and cook what they caught/shot (Jay wasn’t a fan of the squirrel). She always inspired them to use their imagination, helping them build forts as well as improvised fishing poles from square yard sticks and baling twine (and yes, they did catch fish on said poles). They remember milking goats with her and how when they were out choring, she’d always make sure they came to the house before they left so she could “force” feed them one of her homemade treats. She taught them the ins and outs of a great card game and she and Mert never missed one of their ball games. Bryant and Chelsea remember how they’d always come over before Bingo, bring the kids candy, and enjoy a chat.

She was very active in her community serving on the executive board of the Marshall County Extension Council, leading the Furniture Refinishing program for the Community Education Program, leading the sewing and baking projects for area 4-H members, and actively organizing the first Kansas Simmental Auxiliary, going on to serve as vice president and president of that organization. Darlene served on the Electrical Cooperative board for several years. She was also actively involved in the Bethlehem Lutheran Ladies Aid, hand-quilting numerous quilts with the ladies through the years. 

Darlene enjoyed socializing and traveling. She and Mert took dancing lessons, played cards with their friends, and enjoyed seeing the world. They traveled to Switzerland, Alaska, Mackinac Island, the southwestern United States and made numerous trips to Branson. For many years she waitressed at the Sale Barn café (while Mert cooked) which enabled her to catch up with friends. She liked to stay in touch with friends and family by writing cards and letters and kept close track of birthdays and anniversaries. The grandkids remember being “drug” to hundreds of antique auctions through the years. Darlene’s friends talked of the huge spreads of food she and Mert would always provide when they hosted cards. They remember her as a dear friend of few words who loved to play cards and had a competitive spirit, going so far as to wish one of them “warts between his toes” after he stole a trick. 

Darlene excelled at whatever she put her mind to and was an avid learner. She loved to research - making detailed notes on history, furniture refinishing, recipes, etc. She particularly loved history, especially the Pony Express, Oregon Trail, and studying the early settlers. She was passionate about refinishing antiques, and she brought many pieces back to life with her skilled and patient hand. She thoroughly enjoyed genealogy research and the grandkids remember her sharing they were related, by marriage, to Frank James of the Jesse James gang.

Darlene was a dedicated homemaker who found joy in sewing, creating beautiful quilts, cross stitch, and baking delicious treats for family and friends. She notably crafted her own wedding dress, numerous grand champion quilts and won grand prize in many baking and recipe contests, showcasing her creativity and skill. She was also an avid gardener (both vegetable and flower) and enjoyed taking photos – everywhere she went.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Merlin in 2022, and brother, Harold Stunkel. Survivors include sons, Kevin (Rebecca) Frerking, and Randy (Jean) Frerking; sister, Shirley (George Santiago) Hamilton; sister-in-law, Geraldine Stunkel; and three grandchildren, Bryant (Chelsea) Frerking, Kaitlin (Ryan) Biery and Jay (Lindsey) Frerking; and eight great-grandchildren, Harley, Addilynn, Bennett, Elliott, Emersyn, Rowyn, Brooks and Baylor. A memorial fund is established in her name to be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville, KS.