Josephine F. (Johanek) Frost

Josephine Frances (Johanek) Frost, of Esbon, Kansas, was born to George and Anna (Benisek) Johanek, on March 16, 1917, on the family farm south of Esbon, Kansas, and died Monday, January 31, 2011, at her home in Esbon, Kansas, at the age of 93 years, 10 months, and 15 days.

She had six siblings, Alma, Paul, Mary, Martha, Lillian, and Fred. In her elementary years, she attended Union Number 2 School, south of Esbon and graduated from Esbon High School in 1936. Josephine attended one year at Mary Mount College in Salina, Kansas, on a typing scholarship. She married Leland Frost on December 20, 1938, and to this union three children were born: Patricia, Daryl, and Pamela.

They lived north of Esbon, next to White Mound for many years, and later moved a mile south to the “home place”. Josephine took pride in Leland’s farming accomplishments, and worked side by side with him. She also cooked for the hired men for many years. If you left the table hungry, it was your own fault. Josephine would worry that you might not have had enough to eat. She didn’t use a recipe, but could make a flakey, delicious crust for her special pies, just by the feel of the dough. She was a gifted cook. She always raised a huge garden. She “put up” all the fruits and vegetables that were produced. She took pride in being able to fix and serve a meal that was completely homegrown, by her and Leland. She also grew flowers and assorted plants, and loved to show them off.

Josephine lived the word of God. She attended Mass every weekend and on Holy Days. Josephine kept a rosary under her pillow, and said the rosary nightly. She tried to live her life like the Lord would have wanted. She was a kind and loving person, who prayed for her family and friends, that the Lord would keep them safe and happy.

She was a lifelong member of the Esbon Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and the Altar Society. She belonged to the Esbon Seniorettes. Leland and Josephine were honored to be the past Grand Marshalls, of the Esbon Octoberfest.

Jo loved her family and was happiest when her family was around. She created a fond memory for her grandchildren, with her “creepy crawlers” that would relax the grandkids. With her infectious laugh, and love for playing cards, Jo kept busy. She played with Leland, and friends and neighbors, and in later years, she played pitch at the senior center in Esbon on Monday and Wednesday. She also played canasta, upwards, and pinochle. Jo won at canasta, the week before her death, by her beating her two daughters and granddaughter, Tammy. An old friend, who heard of her passing, said “There will be a whole lot of card playing in heaven now!”

Jo could play the piano and organ “by ear” with much beautiful music flowing from the house. She loved doing crafts, embroidery, cross stitch, and beautiful crocheted work which she shared with family and friends. In later years she had a little dog named “Patches” who was her constant companion. Patches was entitled to tidbits of food from Josephine’s plate.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna Johanek; her husband, Leland; and her 6 siblings: Alma Johanek, Paul Johanek, Mary Gass, Martha Johanek, Lillian Jackson, and Fred Johanek.

She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia and husband, Bob Windmuller, and Pamela Hajny and friend, Dave Hastings, all of Esbon, Kansas; son, Daryl and wife, Lin Frost of Cotopaxi, Colorado; seven grandchildren: Tamara Finnell, Mark Shook, JoAnne Filinger, Richard Frost, Annie Frost, Amanda Hajny, and Justin Hajny; 11 great-grandchildren- Taylor Finnell, Mary Jo Shook, Destiny Shook, Guy Filinger, Max Filinger, Macey Frost, Merrin Frost, Kyan Frost, Kreyton Frost, Jack Jones, and Hadley Hajny; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Mass of celebrating the life of Josephine F. (Johanek) Frost will be (was) Monday, February 7, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Esbon, Kansas, with Father George Chalbhagam, and Father Allen Scheer. Burial will be (was) in the St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas. The family suggests memorials be given in Josephine’s F. Frost name, and a charity will be named later. Rosary service will be (was) Sunday, February 6, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Esbon, Kansas. Visitation will be (was) Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, Kansas.