Waldo Chester Froese, 93, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Hospice House, Hutchinson, the end of an era for the original Froese brothers. He was born at his family home, east of Inman on October 13, 1932, the son of Jacob and Susan Franz Froese. That home remained his address for 93 years, until he moved to his own apartment at Pleasant View Home in 2026.

He was the youngest of five brothers, who were all in the custom harvesting business at some point in their lives.

Although he never finished high school, the education he received while welding at Hesston Corp and working and building things in his own shop served him well throughout his lifetime. He invented many things that improved the way his work was done. Waldo started his custom harvesting business in 1956 and retired in 1997.

He made many friends on the road and mentored countless young men that came to Kansas to experience harvest.

Waldo loved to be on the go, making connections everywhere he went. He enjoyed his time swimming at the YMCA, meeting for coffee at the Inman Senior Center and the Harvest Café, playing dominos at Pleasant View Home, and attending church services and Grace Groups at Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson.

He shared the gospel often and the most important thing to “Pop” was that his family would know Christ as their Savior. He would want that for you as well.

He married Doris Jane Thiesen on April 24, 1955, in Goessel, KS. She passed away on February 15, 2013.

Survivors include his sons; Jay Froese, Burrton, Ray and wife Dawn Froese, Inman, Larry and wife Beverly Froese, Inman, Gary and wife Kristine Froese, McPherson, Dale and wife Dawn Froese, McPherson, and Bill and wife Kami Froese, Canton; grandchildren, Jason and wife Samantha, Matthew, Beau and wife Rebecca, Erin, Austin, Lee and wife Hayley, Ami and husband Adam, Brenton and wife Laura, Jesse and wife Haley, Jonathan, Daniel and wife KariAnne, Caleb and wife Emma, Hannah, Kellen and wife Shaeli, Layci and husband Jack; great grandchildren Dylan, Taylor, Micah, Timothy, Gunnar, Troy, Evie, Jackson, Grayson, Jameson, Beckham, Declan, Emory, Ashley, Amber, Katelyn, Jacob, Amelia, Samuel, Eldon, Ezra, Clara, Charles, Melody, Levi, Isla, Kapri, and three more will join the family soon.

Waldo was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his parents; and four brothers, Marvin, Pete, Harvey, and Eddie.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, October 9, 2026, at Inman Funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, at N. Inman Cemetery. Celebration of life services will follow at 2:00 PM at Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice House or Grace Bible Church and sent in care of Inman Funeral Home; PO Box 490, Inman, KS 67546. To leave a condolence for the family, visit: www.inmanfh.com.