Melvin J. Frendle

Melvin "Joe" Frendle of Topeka, passed peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at the age of 100 years and 101 days old.

He was born the youngest of five children on November 26, 1921, in Oskaloosa, Kansas, the son of Everett and Alice (Edwards) Frendle. He attended Oskaloosa High School.

Joe proudly served as an Army Medic during WWII. He fought in the Battle of Bulge.

During his time serving his country, he returned home on leave. While home, he married the love of his life, Betty M. Lange on September 2, 1942 in Lawrence, Kansas. Joe and Betty had four children, Beth, Nancy, Randy and Susan.

After being discharged from the Army, Joe went to work for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka. He was a Tire Builder and Inspector. He retired in 1983.

Joe was a past Commander for the Goodyear VFW, was a Mason, and part of the Local Goodyear Union.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his shed. One of his favorite hobbies was working in the garden with Les and canning his own vegetables. He was an avid KU Basketball fan, enjoyed watching Nascar Races, and supported the Kansas City Chiefs. Joe had a great sense of humor! He loved Carmel frappe's from McDonalds, eating BBQ at Oklahoma Joes in KC and breakfast at Brad's. Joe was proud of the fact that he could sing the alphabet backwards and would often show off his talent.

Joe enjoyed spending time with his family. Over the years, he went on the Honor Flight with his son, Randy, to Washington, DC. He would go to garage sales with his daughter, Susan, and a couple of her friends on the weekends. Joe named their garage sale group as the "Daddio and the Houchie Mama's". He enjoyed going to watch and support his great grandson while he raced Quarter Midget cars and even traveled to Las Vegas to watch a National Race Competition.

On November 26, 2021, Joe reached a huge milestone in his life and turned 100 years old. His family and close relatives celebrated this milestone with a big party and WIBW did an interview with him. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

Survivors include his children, Nancy Capurro, Randy (Debbie) Frendle and Susan (Leslie) Root; ten grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Beth (Aaron) Flowers; son in law, Michael Capurro; his parents; two sisters and two brothers.

Joe's family will greet friends from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas. A funeral service will be at 1:00 pm., Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Penwell Gabel Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Rochester Cemetery, in Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

To honor Joe, the family request that you please dress in your favorite team gear or dress comfy and casual.

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