SANTA CLAUS, IND.—– The Holiday World family is mourning the loss of long-time employee and friend, Frieda Foertsch*, who passed away yesterday at an Evansville assisted living facility.
Foertsch, who retired from Holiday World in 2009 at the age of 98, began her long career at the park in 1954. Over the decades, Frieda worked in many departments, including admissions and foods; she even sewed Santa suits. In more recent years, she was known as the “flower lady” who saw to it that the park’s blooms were watered and weeded.
“Frieda was such a smart, strong woman,” says park matriarch Pat Koch. “Her devotion to the park and kind humor provided an inspiration to us all.”
Foertsch was born in Evansville in September of 1910 and moved to Spencer County in 1942. In the year 2000, she was named Indiana’s Outstanding Older Worker and was included in a “60 Minutes” segment about older workers.
“Frieda provided an incredible example for generations of young employees here,” says Koch. “Her work ethic and great pride in the look and feel of the park will never be forgotten. She planted far more than flowers here.”
Visitation and funeral arrangements for 100-year old Frieda Foertsch are pending.