Freida Jeanette (Luckan) Martin, 88, died Saturday, August 21, 2021, at her home in rural Douglas County.
Freida was born August 31, 1932, in Lawrence to parents Otto Emil Luckan and Bertha May (Shaffer) Luckan. She attended the Pleasant Valley one-room school house. She was an active member of 4-H and loved growing up on a farm. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1950.
Freida worked at Barteldes Seed Co. as a bookkeeper for seven years and after marrying, eventually left work to join her husband stationed in the U.S. Army. Freida married Kenneth Martin of Welda, Kansas on Sept. 5, 1956. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this year.
After military life, they resumed residence in Lawrence in 1960 and she became a homemaker raising three children. In 1971, they moved to rural Douglas County and returned to farm life, country grade school, and 4-H programs for the family. Later, as the children got older, she started back to work as a cook at the Vinland country grade school. She loved cooking. In retirement she and her husband did some traveling in other states and a trip to Canada.
She was very involved with making homemade chicken noodle dinners for the Vinland Fair, bake sales at the church and homemade noodles for the church. She was an active member for 59 years in the Family Community Education (formerly EHU), serving at the local and county levels, and valued their goals of continuing to educate ourselves and those in the community around us.
She is survived by her husband Kenneth Martin of the home, a son Otto Martin (Lisa Bilson) of Lawrence, two daughters, Anita (Martin) Rapp (Craig) of Minnesota, and Kendra Martin of the home, grandchildren Megan Judd (Chris) of Ohio, David Martin of Lawrence, Brandon Martin (Cassie) of Minnesota, and Nicholas Martin of Minnesota, one sister, Charlene (Luckan) Winter of Lecompton, and many nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Harvester’s, or the American Cancer Society, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com
A celebration of Freida’s life will be held Wednesday, September 1, at 2 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Private family inurnment will follow the service. Friends are invited to join the family following the service for refreshments at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 New Hampshire St., Lawrence.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Martin was such a kind soul, always with a smile. Prayers for your peace.
First met Freida in the cafeteria line at Baker University. Quite lady, but always smiled. Missed that smile after she retired from Baker, but saw her in the Vinland community a lot! Thoughts, prayers for all of you. May you find comfort in knowing she is with the Lord.
I’ve known Frieda for many years. I knew her brother George, sister Katherine Shirar and sister-in-law Mildred Luckan. I attended EHU with all three women and l thoroughly enjoyed knowing them. My heart goes out to everyone.
I was saddened to learn of Freida’s death. Freida was a kind and generous neighbor while growing up on Missouri St in the 60’s. Please know Ken, Otto, Anita & Kendra that your names will be lifted up in prayer during the coming days as we grieve for your loss. May the good time memories of Freida help sustain you during this time of sorrow. May God’s peace be with you.
My condolences.
I always addressed her with great respect as Mrs. Martin; Rest assured she is with God & without pain. I wish I could remove the pain you are experiencing now. It is testimony of your love for her. May God sooth your hearts.
Kendra, Anita and Otto,
I’m so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. If there is anything you need please let me know. Your family always made me feel welcome in your home and some of my best memories of my youth were made in your kitchen. Your Dad and Otto working outside and us girls working on 4-H projects in the kitchen. My love to all of you!
Ken, when you and Freida lived on Missouri street in the 9 hundred block, my Mom and Dad lived at 902 Missouri. Freida was always so kind to them and Freida would keep my Mom up to date about your children. I thank you for all of those times. I am so sorry for your loss. God be with you.
I am sorry for your loss. Freida was a sister I enjoyed and loved. We will all miss her.
I am sorry for your loss. Freida was a sister I was proud of. I am here for you at any time.
Kendra and Anita,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a beautiful woman and gave such light and joy to the world. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Freida was always so warm and generous, it was a joy to cross paths with her when I was in Lawrence. She was also a faithful correspondent, and my mother enjoyed exchanging letters with her over the years. My heart goes out to you all.
Freida was one of the sweetest ladies knowing what delicious meals she was part of at the Baker Cafeteria and then all those times she was in the kitchen at Trinity! Hugs, God’s love and His comfort to you…her dear family!
RUTH SARNA
Prayers for all of you. What a great family she has left behind. She was one of the nicest ladies I have ever known. I know how much you will all miss her. Thinking of you all.
Such a wonderful woman, mother and wife of Ken. From a friend who has pitched horseshoes with Ken for many years.
Kendra,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a great lady. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Many memories. God bless.
Ken & family, I was so sorry to hear of Freida’s passing. Please accept condolences from our entire AARP Tax-Aide family for your loss. Take care!