Richard "Rick" Manuel Mendoza

Richard Manual “Rick” Mendoza, 74, Topeka, died Monday, July 25, 2022, at Stormont Vail Health. 

Rick was born August 24, 1947, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Manual and Mary Angela (Jaimez) Mendoza.  He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1965, and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

He worked as a forklift operator for General Merchandise Distributors at Forbes Field.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball.  He also enjoyed music, KU basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rick has been with his common law wife, Elvira “Vera” Zarazua for 27 years.  She survives of the home.

He is also survived by daughters, Felicia Mendoza and husband Roro Martinez of Topeka, Alina Mendoza of Topeka, JoAnn Schiefelbein of Topeka; sisters, Isabel Vargas, Corina Bermuez, Ernestina Guerrero, Jenny Mendoza, Hope Mendoza, Gloria Mendoza, Mary Ming, Rita Melendez, and Anita Coyote; grandchildren, Marquez Mireles, Angelo Lugo, Anisa Mendoza, Ira Gordon Jr., Te’Ana Gordon, Taylor Schiefelbein, Jackson Schiefelbein, and Nelly Schiefelbein; great grandchildren, Miel Stano-Mireles, Jay Patillo, Montez Gordon-Brown, Ana’i Gordon-Brown, Luciana Morataya, and Yuliana Morataya.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Cynthia (Tinoco) Mendoza; brothers, Robert Mendoza, Ruben Mendoza Sr., Luis Mendoza Sr., and Antonio Mendoza; a sister, Rose Carmona; and son in law, John Schiefelbein.

Rick will lie in state at the funeral home on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

The family will receive friends at 9:00am on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  A rosary will be prayed at 9:30am, followed by the funeral service at 10:00am.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Rick’s name to the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

KU attire is suggested for the funeral service.