Katherine (Kathy) Lynn Langhofer Frieling, age 67, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS after a courageous battle with cancer and fungal pneumonia.

She was born January 5, 1951 in Russell, KS, the daughter of Melvin and Vera (Brick) Langhofer. She attended school in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1969. Upon graduation she attended college at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS.

Kathy was united in marriage to Allen Leroy Frieling of Smith Center, KS on October 3, 1970 at Bible Baptist Church in Russell, KS. The couple resided in Germany for one year, then made their home in Smith Center, KS. At the time of her death, Kathy was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Smith Center.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Vera (Brick) Langhofer, Russell, KS, and by one nephew Douglas Langhofer, Russell, KS.

She is survived by her husband, Allen, of Smith Center; one son, Wayne (Mitzi), of Manhattan, one daughter, Pam, of Overland Park, four grandchildren: Colton and Kylie Frieling of Manhattan, Oliver and Davis Breuckmann of Overland Park, one brother Dwight (Carol) Langhofer of Russell, KS, nephew Matt Langhofer of Russell, KS, and two sisters, Barbara Langhofer and Mary Ann (Jerry Rohr) Langhofer, also of Russell, KS.

She loved to travel as much as she could, having traveled to England with Pam, and Germany and Ireland with good friends. Kathy also enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, playing cards in her various card groups, and she was an amazing cook who took great pride in making all of her family’s favorites. Kathy had many interests but her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren Kylie, Colton, Oliver and Davis.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 17, 5-7 p.m., at Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, 116 W. First Street, Smith Center, Kansas.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, May 18, 10:30-11 a.m. at American Lutheran Church, 415 W. New York, Smith Center.

Memorial contribution may be made to the Smith Center American Lutheran Church or University of Kansas Health Services, Westwood, Kansas.

Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.