Esse Wayand Fricke

Esse Lee Fricke, age 94 of Brenham, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Kruse Village.

Esse was born July 18, 1931 to Jessie T. and Ottilie (Andreas) Wayand in Fayette County, Texas. She graduated from Round Top Carmine School at the age of 16, moved to Houston and attended Draughans Business School. After completion of business school, she was employed by the Rice Hotel for 6 years as executive secretary to Mr. Adams, manager of the hotel.

On April 3, 1955, Esse married Edgar Fricke, Jr. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top. She was not just a homemaker, but a homemaker who moved with her husband and children to 12 different towns, before finally settling in Brenham in 1970. After Edgar’s retirement, Essie and Edgar enjoyed driving across the United States.

Esse was kind to all. Her passion for baking was enjoyed immensely, especially her homemade cinnamon rolls, bread, and a variety of delicious desserts and cookies. She enjoyed the beauty of birds, fresh flowers and sending cards to family and friend for ALL occasions. Her favorite treasures were her family.

Esse was preceded in death by: parents Jessie and Ottilie (Andreas) Wayand; husband Edgar Fricke; brother-in-law Jack Jatzlau; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Jody and Chuck Reed, Vera and Leroy Fricke, and brother-in-law Jeep Menking.

Surviving family includes: sons Trace and Donna Fricke, Matthew Fricke, Jeffrey and the late Jimmie Lynn Fricke; grandchildren Lindsey Fricke, Jonathan and Dionne Fricke, Jordan Fricke; great grandchildren Carlyn McCoy, Cade McCoy, Casen McCoy, Essie Leigh Fricke, Olivia Henderson, Davis Fricke; sister Vallie Jean Jatzlau; sister-in-law Ruth Menking; nephews Robert (Cathy) Menking, Tim (Shara) Jatzlau, Tommy (Roxanne) Fricke; nieces Polly (Troy) Cantu, Kathleen (Greg) Schilling; numerous great nieces and nephews; special friend Judy Smith and family.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 18th, 5-7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 19th, at 10 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Round Top with Pastors John David Nedbalek and Skip Stutts officiating. Burial will follow at Florida Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Tommy Fricke, Kyle Fricke, Jonathan Fricke, Jordan Fricke, PVT First Class Cade McCoy, Casen McCoy.

Special thanks to Kruse Village and Hospice Brazos Valley for their care.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice Brazos Valley and Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Round Top.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-3611 Share condolences at bmc@brenhammemorialchapel.com.