Tip Hutsey

Tip Hutsey

(Mary Winifred Friskel)

“The best Hutsey, wasn’t a Hutsey, she was born a Friskel.”

The Church Bells rang, school was dismissed, and it was declared a holiday, because after all boys, a girl, Tip, was born to John and Marie Friskel on June 27, 1928, in Frontenac Kansas.  Tip attended Sacred Heart School and later graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Leavenworth, Kansas.  June 8, 1948, was a significant day in Frontenac, because that was the day the girl next door married the boy next door, Paul Hutsey. (The opposite of Tip’s family, Paul was the only boy of 6.) For the next 73 years, Tip was a devoted wife and mother, always making others Center Stage as she quietly stayed in the background. Her number one pleasure was rocking babies. Her claims to fame included magically bringing calm to any screaming baby, earning her the moniker, “Mandrake” and being known as the Queen of Hospitality.   Tip enjoyed other things, too:  Curating a beautiful home, especially at Christmas, cooking for a crowd, going junkin’ and scouring garage sales.  Tip was also an avid collector; she especially loved collecting Santas, Nativity Scenes, Motto Ware, Madonnas, lamps, shoes and angels. Tip knew there was no limit to her spending or buying for others, as she would often say to Paul, “I can’t be overdrawn, I still have checks left”.  Born from their unique union, Paul and Tip had 5 children :  Dr. PJ Hutsey, Marie Erickson (Steve), Amy Tonyan (Joe), Jane Hutsey and Meg Palko.  In addition, were 19 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded by four brothers, Art, Joe, Phil, and Paul and 3 grandchildren, Grayson Harwell, Joey and Jed Tonyan. Tip is survived by 2 brothers, Bob and David Friskel.

Not for the FIRST time, but for the LAST time, on Tuesday, March 30th, Tip told Parkinson’s to Go to Hell on her way to the Heavenly Gates. On Sunday, April 4, Fr. Robert McElwee will lead the Memorial Rosary at Sacred Heart Church at 7pm.  Requiem Mass will be recited on Easter Monday at 10:30am at the Church.  The family asks everyone to wear a mask for both the Rosary and Mass.

Special ways to describe our Caregivers, Cassie Wheeler, Brooklyn Wilson, Susie Taylor, Lesa Jones include:  Ever present, indulgent, unselfish, patient, hands-on and engaging.  Erica Carter and Michelle Bollinger from Avalon Hospice—instant responders, any day, at any time.

And last but not least, our Head Caregiver, Linda Stotler, who after only one full week of retirement, answered and accepted our request to begin helping Mom. Little did we know, that four and a half years later, what good friends she and Mom would become. A short list of her qualities include: endless patience, self-sacrificing, indulgent, master solitaire player, referee at times, partner in crime with Mom, tireless days and night--- all given with deep love for Mother.  We will be forever grateful to all of them.

But above ALL caregivers, the Ultimate, Number One Caregiver, is, was, and will always be, our Dad, Mom’s “Good Boy”.

The family suggests memorials be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. These may be left at the church or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS  66762.

Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tip Hutsey, please visit our floral store.