Flavio "Frank" G. Herrera

Flavio “Frank” G. Herrera, age 93, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Celebration Villa of Hearthstone East.

Flavio was born in the rural community of Capitan, New Mexico on July 4, 1932, the son of Jose and Aurora (Gonzalez) Herrera. In 1952, Flavio enlisted in the United States Army and served with pride during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge and being in Topeka, Flavio started washing dishes for free at La Siesta restaurant, and it was there he met and fell in love Conception “Cunie” Carreno. They married on February 15, 1957, and together they shared 61 years of marriage until Cunie’s passing on August 12, 2018.

Flavio’s working career started at the railroad. After a short time, he became a meter reader for various gas companies and retired after a lengthy career. He and Cunie took over La Siesta in 1977 and owned and operated the restaurant until its closure in 2014, after 37 years of operation. Flavio will be remembered for ability to fix just about anything, growing a huge garden, and taking care of his lawn as well as the neighborhood lawns while on his riding lawn mower. He was an excellent cook, never staying true to a recipe and he was most comfortable working in the backroom at the restaurant. Flavio enjoyed rooting for K-State and following Notre Dame football; as well as traveling to see family with Cunie by his side, taking trips to New Mexico, Alaska, and Branson. His two greatest loves were his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all sports associated with Hayden High School. Flavio was the biggest fan when it came to Hayden athletics and never missed a moment to cheer on all the sports whether they were playing at home in Topeka or an away game. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and family.

Survivors include his two sons, Andy Herrera (Diana); Thomas Herrera (Cindy); three grandchildren, Ryan Herrera (Holli), Isabella Herrera, and Johna Baker (Joshua); as well as seven great-grandchildren, Abigail, Shaylea, Madalyn, Kyson, Oaklyn, Melodi, and Harmoni.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Cunie Herrera; three brothers, Joe Herrera, Miguel Romero, and Felipe Herrera; as well as five sisters, Mary Nava, Ramona Kookesh, Josephine Padilla, Luisa Garcia, and Porfidia Chavez.

Visitation with viewing will be held from 9-10:00 A.M., followed by a rosary at 10:00 A.M., on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 A.M., at the funeral home with the United States Army providing military honors at the conclusion of the services. Cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions can be made in Flavio’s memory to The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd, Ste: 600, Arlington, VA 22209 and/or Hayden Foundation, 401 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66606. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Frank's memorial webpage at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.