Frieda B. Menkens, age 94, died Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Graveside services will be Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Frieda Bertha Berreth was born November 18, 1917 in Delmont, South Dakota the oldest child of Gustav and Emma (Schneider) Berreth.  She graduated from Scotland High School in Scotland, South Dakota. In the heart of the great depression she moved from her family to Sioux City, Iowa and began her career. She began as a secretary in the insurance business and continued that practice in beauty supply. It was there that she met her future husband George C. Menkens.  They were married January 30, 1952 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Early in their marriage they ran “The Station” on Highway 20 west of Allen, Nebraska.  In 1966 they become the original owner/operator of The Village Inn restaurant in Allen, Nebraska. They were well known for the best cheeseburgers and chili. Frieda dedicated her career to their business venture and raising their daughter, Debra.  In 1983 they retired and moved to Lincoln.

A self-taught pianist, she passed the love of music onto her daughter. Her greatest enjoyment was hours spent listening to her daughter’s musical abilities. George was debater of the household and Frieda supported him when he ran for United States Representative, Nebraska’s New First District.

A void was left in her life after losing George in 2007 and Debra in 2010.

Survivors include a sister, LaVerne (Hughes) Madock of Hawarden, Iowa, a brother and sister-in-law Rudy and Jackie Berreth of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a host of nephews and nieces and a special friend Carol Kingsley of Lincoln, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George, daughter and son-in-law Debra and Zort Craig Brown.  Brother and sister- in- law Louis and Doris Berreth, sister Dorothy (Dotty) Schneider and sister and brother –in- law Alma and Harry Spencer and a niece Penny (Hughes/Barnum) Myers, a nephew Tim Berreth and a great nephew Mark Holznagel.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. at Wyuka Cemetery.