Frederick Eiesland

Memorial Mass for Frederick “Fred” Alfred Carl Eiesland, 80, Lawrence will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka.  He went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, April 28, 2011.  Fred passed away riding his beloved bicycle on the bike trails in Lawrence, KS.  Fred was born March 15, 1931 in Larchwood, IA.

He was the son of Adolph and Hazel (Helgeson) Eiesland.  He graduated in 1949 from Canton High School, Canton, SD.  Fred served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict from 1951 – 1954.

He married Helen Gilmore on August 7, 1954 in Canton, SD. She preceded him in death August 3, 1999.  Fred enjoyed a long career helping others, beginning his career as a police officer for the Topeka Police Department in 1957.  He received his Associate of Mental Health Certificate from Washburn University in 1974.  He joined the staff of The Menninger Foundation in 1961 and retired as an activity therapist in 1993.  Fred was only retired for a short time, and joined the staff of the Battered Women’s Taskforce at the YWCA in Topeka, leading the Alternatives to Battering program from 1993 – 1996.  He worked as a mental health technician at Stormont Vail West from 1997 – 2006.  Fred then worked for Valeo Behavioral Care in Topeka.  In 2008, Fred moved to Lawrence, KS to live with his daughter, Rose and her children.  Fred was working for Trinity In-Home Care at the time of his death.

Fred is survived by three brothers, Aaron, Brainerd, MN, David, Detroit Lakes, MN, John Rolfe, Minneapolis, MN; three daughters, Kathryn Engstrom, Topeka, KS, Rose Foster, Lawrence, KS, Sarah Williamson and son-in-law, Jim Williamson, Topeka, KS.  He was the very proud grandfather of, Benjamin Engstrom, Topeka, KS, Josiah Engstrom, Topeka, KS, Andrea Engstrom, Topeka, KS, Samuel Foster, Milwaukee, WI, Alexander Williamson, Topeka, KS, Jack Williamson, Topeka, KS, Georgia Foster, Lawrence, KS, and two great granddaughters, Bailey Koker, Topeka, KS,  and Joy Koker, Topeka, KS.  He was also preceded in death by a son, Samuel Eiesland; a daughter, Ann Herrin and son-in-law, Gordon Foster.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Fred Eiesland Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of the Mortuary.

A Rosary will be said at 6:45 p.m. with a visitation to follow until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. in Lawrence.