Karren Sue Friess, 70, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013.
Karren Sue Friess was born October 29, 1942, in Topeka, KS, daughter of Frank and Maxine (Myers) Parkinson. She graduated from Washburn Rural High School and served in the US Navy. Karren worked at Fidelity State Bank prior to moving to California. Karren returned to Topeka, where she owned and operated Bonnie's Café and The Downtowner until her retirement in 2008.
Karren was active in Downtown Topeka Inc. and helped with fundraising for the first electrical Christmas lights on Kansas Ave.
She was united in marriage to Harold Friess on August 9, 1989.
Karren is survived by her husband, Harold Friess, daughter, Allyson Booth, two sisters, Sharron Miller and Manya Schmidt, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. No graveside services are planned at this time. Karren will lie in state at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.
Memorial contributions may be directed in Karren's memory to Shawnee County Parks and Rec Foundation for Downtown Improvements, 3137 SE 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66605 or Midland Care Connections, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.