Joseph "Joe" W. Fritton

Joseph “Joe” W. Fritton, age 88, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital.

He was born the son of Joseph E. and Bertha V. (Lauterbach) Fritton on January 20, 1938. Joe attended Holy Name Grade School and Hayden High School. Following graduation, he attended St. Benedict’s College, receiving his bachelor’s degree.

Joe married Dolores M. (Bowes) Fritton and to this union they had two sons and one daughter. His daughter, Mary Theresa Fritton, passed away on January 22, 1969, and Dolores passed away on July 13, 1998, after 34 years of marriage. Joe later married Renee Holsapple on April 28, 2001, in Topeka, and together they shared 25 years of marriage.

During Joe’s working career, he became a trusted source of knowledge and advice while working at Heifner Nursery in Topeka. For many years, he served as the manager while having a weekly gardening show on KTSB (now KSNT) and he later hosted, Let’s Get Growing on WIBW. Joe was considered the lawn care expert in Topeka and was known for providing friendly, knowledgeable advice to his customers.

Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed Amateur Radio, a hobby he passed on to both of his sons and enjoyed making trips to Hamfests with his older son Joe. He was also an avid stamp collector and served in the past as Vice-President of the Topeka Stamp Club. He was also a past President of the Southeast Topeka Kiwanis Club.

Joe will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and willingness to help others. His Catholic faith was an important part of his life, and he was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He lived his faith through the kindness and respect he showed to those around him. Joe will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Renee Fritton; two sons, Joseph M. Fritton and his wife, Linda of Topeka, Robert J. Fritton and his wife, Katie of Auburn, KS. Other survivors include his four grandchildren, Scott, Daniel, Thomas and Kimberly. Joe also leaves behind his cherished Shih Tuz’s, Daisy & Biscuit.

Joe will lie in state from 5-7:00 P.M., with a rosary prayed at 5:30 P.M., on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Ave., Topeka, KS 66616. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Joe's memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.

To honor Joe's memory, we invite you to share your stories, photos, and favorite moments on his memorial page at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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