Francisco Valdivia

Francisco “Frankie” Valdivia, 65, of Topeka, passed away November 23, 2007 at his home surrounded by his family.

Frankie was a sheet metal journeyman having worked for Cobler’s, Young’s and US Engineering.  He served his apprenticeship for the sheet metal workers union.

He was born November 3, 1942 in Topeka, the son of Ishmael and Simonita Silva Valdivia.  After graduating from Hayden High School in 1960 Frankie served in the United States Navy.

Frankie had a wide variety of interests and hobbies including; golf, going to the casinos, meeting his buddies at the Kwik Shop, gardening, drawing, making birdhouses and working with wood.

He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Nate Morales

Chapter # 11777 of the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Hour Adoration at church, Lake Shawnee Golf Course and was a volunteer at the church and for the Fiesta Mexicana.

Frankie was married to Mary E. Guerrero on June 21, 1969 in Topeka, she survives.  Other survivors include; two daughters, Michelle “Shelly” Valdivia and Christina “Chrissy” (Shane) Hilton both of Topeka; one son, Brian Joseph Valdivia of Topeka; three grandsons, Justice Valdivia and Joseph and Jonah Hilton; one granddaughter, Aubriana Hilton; four sisters, Virginia Ramos of Bellevue, NE, Teresa Adame of Topeka, Mary Munoz of Topeka, and Becca Mendez of Topeka and three brothers, Peter Valdivia of Alma, Abel Valdivia of Topeka and Andrew “Cokey” Valdivia of Topeka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW.  Frankie will lie in state after 4:00 p.m. Monday at the church where a rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or Midland Hospice Care, Inc. and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th St., 66603.