Lisa C. Eylar, 48, Atchison, Kansas passed from this life peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.

Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Abbey Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. A parish rosary will be recited on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. at St. Joseph’s Church with visitation with the family to follow until 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to Maur Hill-Mount Academy School and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Lisa was born August 25, 1968 in Falls City, Nebraska the daughter of Edward J. and Glenda L. Lunsford Huber. She moved with her family to Atchison, Kansas where she attended Catholic elementary school and Atchison Public Elementary School. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1986.

She and Timothy W. “Tim” Eylar were united in marriage on October 22, 1988 at St. Joseph’s Church in Atchison.

Lisa began working during her junior year in high school as a sales representative for Runyan Jewelers in Atchison, continuing until 1999. She then became employed with Atchison Catholic Elementary School in 2000, later renamed St. Benedict’s School until 2015 as the school secretary and the “go to” person at the school. She then transferred to Maur Hill-Mount Academy School as office manager continuing until her untimely death due to complications of Lupus.

She was a member of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison. Lisa enjoyed baking and being in her kitchen at home where she was fondly known by her family, to be able to whip up a batch of cookies at a moments notice. Her passion was when her family were together, spending time on a vacation or birthday parties and extending that time as long as she could. She was the epitome of fun, love, and strength to her nieces and nephews and the numerous children at the school.

Survivors include her husband, Tim Eylar, of the couple’s home in Atchison, a son, Dawson Eylar, Atchison, KS, her father, Ed Huber, Atchison, KS; three brothers, Mark (Rochelle) Huber, Elk Grove, CA; Tom (Monique) Huber, Atchison, KS; Larry Huber, St. Joseph, MO; and a sister, Sue Huber, Atchison, KS.

Lisa was preceded in death by her mother, Glenda Lee Huber.

David Paul Hefner, 58, of Atchison, KS died Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 at the Mosiac Life Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, Oct 3rd, 2016 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison KS. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Sunday, Oct 2nd, 2016 at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

David was born on March 11, 1958 in Winchester, KS the son of Thomas Eugene and Cheril (Adams) Hefner. He graduated from Pleasant Ridge High School in 1976. David had worked at Blish-Mize Warehouse as an order picker, as a custodian for U.S.D. 409, and recently retired from the Lockwood’s Company as a warehousemen due to a disability. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and enjoyed woodworking, building things, tinkering with muscle cars, watching NASCAR and the Chiefs Football, hunting and fishing.

David was married to Connie Sue Romm on July 29, 1989 at Trinity Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on Nov 25, 2010. Survivors include three sons; Jordan Hefner, Bluffton, IN, Seth Hefner, Circleville, KS., and Zach Hefner, of the home, his mother, Cheril Hefner, Atchison, fiancé Wendy Harris, Atchison, KS, two brothers, Thomas (Leny) Hefner, Jr, Atchison, KS and Larry (Bobbi) Hefner, Potter, KS, and several nieces and nephews. His father and wife preceded him in death.

Sister Benedicta Boland, OSB, 91, a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kan., died Thursday, September 29, 2016, at the monastery. The vigil service will be Sunday, October 2, at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel, and the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated there on Monday, October 3, at 10:30 a.m.

Born on a family dairy farm in Port Hudson, Mo., Sister Benedicta was one of ten children of John and Cecilia Boland. When she came to Guthrie, Okla., in 1940, to attend the first vows of Sister Cabrini, her sister, the prioress suggested that Benedicta finish high school with the Benedictines in Guthrie. She did, entering the monastery in 1942, several months before graduation. She was soon asked to accompany community prayers on the organ. She taught in parish and community schools and also served as liturgical minister. After receiving her graduate degree in liturgical studies at The Catholic University of America, she was director of the Tulsa Office of Liturgy from 1978-83. As part of Red Plains Monastery in Oklahoma, she served on its monastic council, and in its formation and oblate programs. In 1983, her focus became spiritual direction, retreats and training others in ministry. When the Red Plains Monastery closed in 2010, the sisters there joined the Benedictines in Atchison. She continued to direct the Retreat in Daily Life in Atchison for several years. She enjoyed music, reading and working outdoors and continued to contribute to the liturgy and music of the monastery until her death.

Sister Benedicta was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, Father Aloysius Boland, and sisters, Anna Boland, Cecilia Boland, Frances Buchheit, Rose Marie Nealon, and Sister Cabrini Boland, OSB. She is survived by her brothers John, Sylvester and Richard, nieces, nephews, and her monastic family. Arensberg Pruett Funeral Home (www.arensbergpruett.com) is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Mount St. Scholastica or made online at the Mount’s web site (www.mountosb.org).

Arlene Gier, age 87, Valley Falls, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at Midland Hospice Care, in Topeka. She was born Feb. 13, 1929, near Denison, the oldest daughter of Harold and Grace Ferrell Scarlett.

She graduated from Valley Falls High School, skipping a grade to graduate with her future, and most handsome, husband. She married Robert “Bob” Gier, Oct. 9, 1947, at Nortonville. She and Bob had six children. Gail Arlene died in infancy. The other children are Richard, Randel, Ryan, Jean and Marlin.

The best mom ever was also pretty handy at the sewing machine. Arlene was a seamstress sewing many letterman’s jackets, pep club uniforms, wedding and bridesmaids’ gowns, but her favorite was to make western-style shirts. She also was an avid quilter making many quilts and organizing quilt shows with her sisters. In addition to raising kids, Arlene raised a big garden when she lived on the farm and canned much of what was grown. She was a big KU basketball fan, even delaying the birth of one of the boys to listen to the end of the KU game. Before she and Bob married, Arlene taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Jefferson County. Years later she enjoyed substitute teaching at Valley Falls High School and said many times if she had started teaching at the high school level she would still be teaching.

After Bob passed away, Arlene moved to town. If you wanted to visit her, you’d better make an appointment. After suffering kidney failure several years ago, she had dialysis two times a week. She played cards with her sisters and friends on Wednesdays and volunteered at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church Clothes Closet on Thursdays. She also called herself the bag lady, making many hand-crafted purses and totes.

Family was very important to Arlene and even if you weren’t related by blood, and there are many in the area who are, chances are she considered you part of her family anyway.

She was a member of the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, North Cedar Club and Blue Mound Club.   

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob, in 2007; daughter-in-law, Marian Gier, this past April; grandson, Tom Gier, in 2003; granddaughter, Liyah Gier, in infancy; two brothers, DeVere and Everett Scarlett; two, sisters, Marilyn Kesinger and Jane Etzel.

Survivors include Richard (Sue) Gier, Dodge City; Randel Gier, Holton; Ryan (Jolene) Gier, and Marlin (Chris) Gier, all of Valley Falls, and Jean (and in Arlene’s words, her favorite son-in-law Doug) Carder, Louisburg; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Marlin, Sabetha; Harlin  (Louise), Topeka; Gary (Kay), Topeka, and John (Sandy), Wellsville; four sisters, Neola Risinger, Perry, Anita Graham, Meriden, Dodie Bolz, Valley Falls, and Helen (Hoot) Gibson, South Dakota; and many, many nieces and nephews and her adopted family at DaVita Dialysis Center in Topeka.

The Memorial Graveside Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct., 8, 2016 at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be at 12:30 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Valley Falls United Methodist Church or the Jefferson County EMS District 11. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

David Michael Bird, 59, of Falls City, NE passed away September 28, 2016 at Lincoln, NE.  He was born August 12, 1957 at Omaha, NE to Betty (Bolejack) Bird and the late Kenneth Bird.

David was raised at Falls City and graduated Falls City Sacred Heart in 1975. After graduating he then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in math with a teaching endorsement from Peru State College. While attending Peru he played football and then became the team’s photographer. After graduating he worked at Woodings in Falls City until he attended Northwest Missouri State receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering. He started working at Cooper Nuclear Station in 1991 and served in several capacities over the last 25 years and was an Instrument and Control Planner at the time of his death.

He married Carla Howard on July 5th, 1997 at Falls City. They were later divorced.

He is survived by his son, Nathan Bird, Falls City, step-children, Terry Howard and his wife, Sara, Falls City, Ashlely Salsman and her husband, Kody, Lincoln, Jenna Schultz and her husband, Ryan, Tecumseh, NE his mother, Betty Bird, Falls City, brothers, Stephen Bird, Falls City and Daniel Bird, and his wife Kathie, Omaha, sister Susan Carpenter and her husband, Bob, Falls City, half-brother, Rusty Bird, Laramie, WY, and six step-grandsons.  He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Dunavan as the presiding priest. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

A Parish Rosary will be recited on Sunday at 7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the rosary.
 

Virginia “Jeannie” Meininger, 84, of Fairbury, NE, formerly of Powhattan, KS, passed away September 26, 2016 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln. She was born July 15, 1932 at Atlanta, NE to Lewis & Francis (Johnson) Ventling. She married Donald Eugene Meininger October 31, 1953.

Survivors are children Janet L. Caballero (Francisco) of Topeka, KS, Bruce Meininger (Renee) of Netawaka, KS, Ann Marie (Duane E.) Wente II of Hoxie, KS, sister Lois Miller of Trona, CA, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was also Grandma to Bruce & Renee’s many foster kids.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, companion Mike Compton, and sisters LaDonna & Beverly.

Virginia enjoyed bowling, Big Jim’s bus tours to various casinos, watching the Royals and Nebraska Huskers, and she loved being involved with the Avenue of Flags. She also participated in Bingo and enjoyed playing cards with friends.

Virginia worked for many years at the Veterans Administration office until she retired. She helped many Veterans by driving them to Lincoln for their appointments. She was the Bookeeper and Treasurer for Legion Auxiliary Post #3113.

Services will be at 3:30 pm Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home Chapel in Fairbury with Pastor Gordon Shipley officiating. Wear your favorite Nebraska or Royals shirt if you like. The family will greet friends Sunday October 2nd from 2:00 pm until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Burial will be on Monday, October 3rd at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege. Memorials have been established to Legion Auxiliary Post #3113. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Timothy Lyle Sparks, 51 of Sabetha passed away September 25, 2016.  

He was born on September 11, 1965 in Hoisington, Kansas the son of James Lee Sparks and Nancy Ellen (Doll) Sparks.   Timothy graduated from high school at Topeka High. He married Debra Brasher, and then they later divorced. He joined the U.S. Navy and was on the ship, USS Enterprise. After he was discharged from the Navy, he moved to Topeka and then later to Sabetha. He was employed with Schenck Processing in Sabetha.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; a sister, Debbie Sparks in 1993; and his father, James L. Sparks.

He is survived by his mother, Nancy and step-father, Bill Eicholtz of Topeka; his wife, Robin Garza of Sabetha; a daughter, Stephanie (Scott) Lewis of Topeka; a son, Greg Sparks of California; a brother, James (Wanda) Sparks of Valley Center, KS; five sisters, Vickie Sparks of Sabetha, Sandy (Richard) Mann of Wichita, KS, Jamie (Steve) Marrow of Park City, KS; Gretchen (Kirk) Muskina of Tennessee, and Kristina (Kevin) Pearce of Lawrence, KS; three step-sons, Noe Garza of Valley Falls, Joe Garza of Sabetha, and Chris Royer of Clinton, Utah;  a step-daughter, Katrina Majors of Rock Creek, KS; three beautiful grandchildren, Meredith Kinemond, Alexandria Lewis, and Riley Lewis all of Topeka, KS; six step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the northwest corner of the camping grounds at the Sabetha Lake. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Popkess Mortuary, sent in care of the funeral home, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, KS 66534.  www.popkessmortuaries.com

Velma Matilda Rinne, 89, of Burchard, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Good Samaritan in Beatrice, Nebraska.  She was born on September 7, 1927 on her parents farm in rural Pawnee County southeast of Pawnee City, Nebraska to Emil and Anna (Horalek) Hubka.

Velma attended Kennedy School, District 13, through the 8th grade, graduating with high honors.   She graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1945.  After high school she taught in rural schools for six years during that time she received her certification from Peru State Teachers College.  Then she worked in the old Pawnee hospital as a nurse aid and joined the staff in their move to the newly built hospital building.

She was baptized at Salem Evangelical and Reformed Church, now Salem United Church of Christ, rural Steinauer, Nebraska by Reverend V.F. Deditious and became a member in 1953 to present time.  Velma and Arnold Rinne were married at Salem E & R Church on November 10, 1952.  To this union five children were born.  Their first home was on a farm northeast of Lewiston.  Then they moved to a farm southeast of Lewiston.  In 1961 they bought and moved to their farm five miles north of Burchard where they raised hogs, cattle, grain and hay. Velma was very active infall aspects of the farming operation.  They were active in 4-H “Flying Tigers” and their church.

Velma was secretary-treasurer of Church school for several years and served on various committee’s in Women’s Fellowship.  In 2005 she and Arnold retired and moved to their home in Beatrice, Nebraska.  Velma was her husbands helpmate and was proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.  She enjoyed embroidery work, gardening, canning and saving news clippings about family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arnold, parents, Emil and Anna Hubka, son Lamar in 2005.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Karen A. and husband Robert Epp of Omaha, Ne, son, Calvin A. and wife Teresa of Richland, WA, daughter, Karla J. and husband James Bohling of Scandia, KS, and son, Norton F. and wife Kimberly of Burchard, NE, 14 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Services 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Salem U.C.C. Church at Steinauer, Nebraska.  Officiating Reverend Eric Biehl. Visitation on Monday, October 3, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at Salem U.C.C. Cemetery, Steinauer, Nebraska.  Memorials to the given to Salem U.C.C. Cemetery Fund.  On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Marlin Benjamin Dailey, Sr., 86 of rural McLouth, died Monday, September 26, 2016 at the Pioneer Ridge Skilled Nursing Center in Lawrence.

Marlin was born May 29, 1930 in rural Oskaloosa, the son of John and Myrtle Mae Herries Dailey. He attended schools in Oskaloosa until he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served from 1947 to 1967 before being medically disabled.  Upon his medical  retirement from the Army, Marlin then served as a transportation instructor at Fort Eustis, VA, until he moved back to Kansas in 1971, where he worked with his son, Mike Dailey, of Dailey Farms, in rural McLouth, where he served partner, advisor and consultant. He was a life  member of National Disabled American Veterans.  

Marlin was married to Evelyn Jean Baysdon on November 11, 1950 in South Carolina, she preceded him in death on March 15, 1976.

He is survived by two daughters, Debra Mae (Mike) Hauck, Rogersville, AL, Marlene (Rachel Duran) Dailey, Lawrence, three sons, Marlin “Ben” (Barbara) Dailey, Jr,  Bruce Joe (Sharon) Dailey, Jacksonville, FL, and Michael Shawn “Mike” (Nancy) Dailey, McLouth, 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that he loved.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Nathan Dailey and John Eldon Dailey.

Services at 10:00 AM, Tuesday at Oskaloosa United Methodist Church. Burial with Military Honors at Pleasant View Cemetery, Oskaloosa. Visitation 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Memorials to D.A.V./ Blind Veteran’s National Chapter # 1in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066.  
    

James J. Koehler, 89, of Seneca, Kansas, died Monday morning, September 26, 2016, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Jim was born on August 14, 1927, in Seneca, to John and Helen Koehler. He attended St. Peter and Paul's Catholic School, graduating in 1946.

On October 1, 1947, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Alice "Sally" Sack. After high school, Jim and Sally farmed the family farm located northeast of Seneca until they moved in 1969 to Basin City, Washington where he owned and operated K-Ler Alfalfa Cube Mill and continued his first love of farming. In the Fall of 1976, he returned to Seneca with his family to help care for his parents. He purchased the Case dealership and some farm land and operated both with the help of his sons until 1984. At that time, he semi retired, but continued to farm until he and Sally moved to Crestview Nursing and Residential Living Center.

Most important to Jim were his family and his faith He was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1769. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards and bowling.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Victoria, his parents, John and Helen Koehler, brothers, Leonard and Raymond Koehler, sisters, Rita Broderick and Mary Helen Lear and son-in-law, Richard Dalinghaus.

Survivors include seven sons, Steve (Peggy) of Spokane, Washington, Jery of Federal Way Washington, Joe (Lilly) of Dewey Arizona, Ray (Brenda) of Pasco, Washington, Eric (Stella) of Prescott, Arizona, Mark of Austin, Texas and Matt (Amy) of Prescott, Arizona. Six daughters; Pat (Joe) Schouviller of Pasco, Washington, Jeani Tackman of Ontario, Oregon, Mary (Robert) Haverkamp of Bern Kansas, Janet (Richard-dec) Dalinghaus of Seneca, Anne (Dennis) Vondemkamp of Seneca and Rita (Tim) Davis of Casa Grande Arizona; two sisters, Esther Proffitt of Seneca Kansas and Barb Buckley of Prairie Village, Kansas two brothers, Abbot Ralph Koehler of Atchison, Kansas and Ron Koehler of Independence, Missouri, 40
grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 pm Thursday, September 29th at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am on Friday, September 30th at Sts Peter andPauls Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Sts. Peter and Paul's Church.

Frank L. Lindemuth, 86, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Midland Hospice House.

Frank was born Jan 12, 1930 to William and Margaret Gillette Lindemuth. He attended Potwin Grade School, Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Topeka High School in 1948. Frank went on to graduate from Kansas University in 1953 with a BS in Industrial Management. After graduation he spent the next 2 years in the US Navy during the Korean conflict.

He was introduced to his future wife Sharon in 1957; they married on Jun 22, 1958. They spent the next six years moving and changing jobs finally settling in Downey, CA from 1965 to 1972. They then moved to Anaheim, CA where they remained till well after his retirement from Rockwell in 1990; they moved back to Seneca, KS in 1992. After Sharon’s death in November of 2006, he moved back to Topeka in 2008.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Van Gilder) Lindemuth of 48 years; both his parents Margaret and William; his older sister, Virginia Bolinger; and his older brother Richard Lindemuth.

He is survived his four children, Rickey (Sharon) Lindemuth of Southwest Michigan, Bret Lindemuth of Garden Grove, California, Brad (Tammy) Lindemuth of Manistique, Michigan and Rhonda (Henry) George of Keller, Texas; his younger sister, Sally Harper; his nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and multitude of nieces and nephews.

Frank will be laid to rest next to his loving wife at a graveside service Friday, September 30th, at 2:00 PM at the Vermillion Cemetery, in Vermillion, KS. The family will be receiving guest after the service at 1701 North Street Seneca Ks (behind the Altenhofen Inn on Hwy 36). 

For those wishing to send flowers or memorial contributions, please send to Topeka Rescue Mission 600 N Kansas Ave Topeka Ks 66610 Attn: Distribution Services from Frank Lindemuth; or you can send them to Lauer Funeral Home and mark for either the Rescue Mission or Midland Hospice House.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Pat Olmsted, 94, of Beattie, KS, died Monday, September 26, 2016 at his home.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday evening at St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Beattie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 29 at St. Malachy's. 

Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery north of Beattie.

Pat was born July 2, 1922 near Home, KS, son of Tom Tighe and Fern Crystal (Willey) Olmsted.  He attended Pretty Prairie and High Tower country grade schools.  From 1935 until graduating in 1939, Pat rode his horse 1,800 miles back and forth to Beattie High School.

He enjoyed music and sports.  In high school he played baseball, basketball, played the saxophone in the band and sang in the quartet.  He continued playing with the Snipe Creek, Beattie, Lone Elm, and Barneston ball teams.

On December 27, 1943, he married Margaret Helen Hughes at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville.

Pat was a farmer.  He farmed with horses until 1948 when he was able to purchase a Ford tractor for $500.  He came home and told Helen he had to mortgage her in order to borrow the money!

He loved living on the farm and going fishing and trapping.  He also enjoyed coaching baseball and softball teams.  Pat and Helen together enjoyed dancing as often as they could.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; and two grandsons, Jeffrey Dodd and Travis Olmsted.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; children, Tim (Rosalie) Olmsted, Beattie, Jerry (Lu) Olmsted, Emporia, KS, Bishop Tom Olmsted, Phoenix, AZ, Mary (Gary) Dodd, Branson, MO, Jane (Jeff) Sandstrom, Marysville, and Monica (Scott) Anderson, Olathe, KS; sister, Norma (John) Robinson, Marysville; 19 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary.

Pat Olmsted, 94, of Beattie, KS, died Monday, September 26, 2016 at his home.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday evening at St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Beattie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 29 at St. Malachy's. 

Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery north of Beattie.

Pat was born July 2, 1922 near Home, KS, son of Tom Tighe and Fern Crystal (Willey) Olmsted.  He attended Pretty Prairie and High Tower country grade schools.  From 1935 until graduating in 1939, Pat rode his horse 1,800 miles back and forth to Beattie High School.

He enjoyed music and sports.  In high school he played baseball, basketball, played the saxophone in the band and sang in the quartet.  He continued playing with the Snipe Creek, Beattie, Lone Elm, and Barneston ball teams.

On December 27, 1943, he married Margaret Helen Hughes at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville.

Pat was a farmer.  He farmed with horses until 1948 when he was able to purchase a Ford tractor for $500.  He came home and told Helen he had to mortgage her in order to borrow the money!

He loved living on the farm and going fishing and trapping.  He also enjoyed coaching baseball and softball teams.  Pat and Helen together enjoyed dancing as often as they could.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; and two grandsons, Jeffrey Dodd and Travis Olmsted.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; children, Tim (Rosalie) Olmsted, Beattie, Jerry (Lu) Olmsted, Emporia, KS, Bishop Tom Olmsted, Phoenix, AZ, Mary (Gary) Dodd, Branson, MO, Jane (Jeff) Sandstrom, Marysville, and Monica (Scott) Anderson, Olathe, KS; sister, Norma (John) Robinson, Marysville; 19 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary.

Malcolm G. Berry, 72, of Verdon, NE passed away September 25, 2016 at Lincoln, NE. He was born on December 27, 1943 at Exeter, New Hampshire to the late John and Ellen (Murphy) Berry. 

He served in the United States Navy for 24 years.  He was awarded the SEA Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star, Overseas Service Ribbon with Bronze Star, 5th Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Recruiting Gold Wreath Award with 3 Silver Stars. 

He married Dora Lee Geesa on March 17th 1980 at San Diego, California.

Malcolm was raised in Kittery Maine and graduated from Traip Academy.  He then enlisted in the United States Navy, serving for 24 years until retiring in 1989. Following his retirement he worked for Brinks Armored Cars.  He then moved to Verdon and was employed at Peru State College as a Campus Security Guard until his retirement.  He was a member of VFW Tecumseh and attended Prairie Union Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Dora of Verdon, son, Patrick Jackson and daughter Shannon Gorring  both of Pennsylvania, step-daughters, Concordia June Metteal of South Carolina, Brenda Jones of Michigan, brother, John Sandy Berry and his wife, Beverly of Alabama, sister, Darlene Marshall of Tampa, Florida, four Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren.  He is preceded by his parents, brother, Francis Murphy Berry and Great Grandson Brayden Luker.

Private Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date. There will be no viewing or visitation.

Marie Kathryn Tannyhill was the second of three daughters born to William Bryan Tannyhill and Abbie Hope (Giles) Tannyhill on September 11, 1924.  Her mother, Abbie, passed away when Marie was four years old, leaving her father Bill, with three little girls to raise (older sister Nadine was seven years old and younger sister Alice was one year old. She grew up on a farm west of Pawnee City and attended Rosenweed School District #2.  Later, she attended Pawnee City High School, graduating with the class of 1941.  She had just celebrated her 75th Alumni Anniversary this past May 2016.  She worked for the FSA from 1942–45.  When WW II ended Marie was engaged to and married Thomas Daryl Carsh at the home of Tom’s parents (Mason E. and Fay Lynch-Carsh) and grandparents, Thomas and Gertie McCormick-Carsh.  They were married by the Rev. Ward Merritt on December 31, 1945.  Tom and Marie moved into their home on Grand Avenue in April of 1946 and at this home they raised two daughters Pamela Kay (Carsh) Wagenknecht born on April 28, 1947 and Trudy Dee (Carsh) Fankhauser born on May 29, 1950.

When Marie was out of high school her father, Bill, remarried and the girls gained a stepmother, Leila (Taylor) Tannyhill.  Leila had two grown sons, Alvin and Marvin, and a daughter, Roberta, who was still in high school.  These additional brothers and sister became part of the family and Marie remained close to them throughout her life.

Marie was a homemaker, farm wife, and mother who was an excellent cook, seamstress, and could reupholster and wallpaper with the best of them.  She always had a huge garden from which she would can, and later freeze, vegetables to supplement meals throughout the fall and winter months.  Marie was, also, very artistic and she drew many pictures, plus completed beautifully done crafts.   She was always very stylish and for many years she sewed her own clothes, plus the clothes for Pam and Trudy.  She enjoyed new jewelry, especially rings, and new shoes for casual wear and dancing.

In 1962 she went to work at the Home State Bank in Humboldt and completed 19 years there, retiring in 1981.

Tom passed away in Humboldt on June 24, 1973 (at the age of 50 years) from lung cancer.  Marie remarried on  May 2, 1981 to Arnol E. Busboom in Lincoln, NE. Arnol passed away on March 8, 1998.  Marie continued to make her home in Lincoln until June of 2015, when Home Care Assistance was no longer enough to keep her safe in her home.  She moved back to Humboldt and joined the Colonial Acres Assisted Living family in June of 2015.  Parkinson’s disease made it necessary for her to transition to the Long-Term Care area of Colonial Acres on September 14, 2016.  She was just settling into her new living quarters when she passed away on September 23, 2016.

Marie was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church west of Lincoln, NE; a 50+ year member of Humboldt O.E.S. Chapter #234; and a member of the Humboldt American Legion Auxiliary Harvey Mann Unit #269.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Bill & Abbie; stepmother, Leila; husbands, Tom and Arnol; dear friend and companion Kenny Volzke; sister, Nadine Arthur; son-in-law, Doug Wagenknecht, and a great-granddaughter, Shaynelle Hemphill.

She is survived by one sister, Alice Siske-Hendricks of Hot Springs, AR; her daughters, Pamela Kay Wagenknecht of El Paso, TX; Trudy Dee (Allen) Fankhauser of Humboldt; Grandchildren, Lishelle (Kelley) Burmeister of Albuquerque, NM; Kristin (Charlie) O’Donnell of San Antonio, TX; Shannon (Charlie) Baker of Anchorage, AK; Matthew Fankhauser of Edmonds, WA; Bryce (Tiffany) Fankhauser of Las Cruces, NM; Carson Simoes of Edmonds, WA (longtime family friend); and stepsister, Roberta Newcomb of Grand Island, NE.  She has eleven great-grandchildren: Hayleigh (Aaron) Saavedra of Albuquerque, NM; Madison and Aubrey Burmeister of Albuquerque, NM; Zoe and Fiona O’Donnell of San Antonio, TX; Jack, Aiylan & Sawyer Baker of Anchorage, AK; Riley, Cora, and Kaci Fankhauser of Las Cruces, NM; and one great-great grandson, Mason Saavedra; as well as, two nieces, Judy (Rod) McElroy of Percival, IA and Rhonnie (Bob Holt) Arthur; nephews, Ron (Jeanne) Siske of Ralston, NE and Clayton Siske of Arizona.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Dean Joy officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2016 at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment will be at the Humboldt Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Humboldt Auditorium Renovation or Order of Eastern Star Chapter # 234.

Online messages of condolence can be left at our website www.wherrymortuary.com

Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-Humboldt, Nebraska (402) 862-2915

Joseph B. Clark, 60, Atchison, Kansas died Friday, September 23, 2016 at his residence.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, officiating. There will be no scheduled visitation with the family prior to the services. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Joseph was born February 21, 1956 in Atchison, Kansas the son of Norval J. and Harriett Durkin Clark. He attended Catholic Elementary Schools and then attended and graduated from Atchison High School. Following high school he attended Northeast Kansas Vocation Technical School.

Joseph and Gail Yvonne Roberts were united in marriage on July 17, 1992 in Atchison, Kansas.

He was employed with Golden Star in Atchison as a mechanic for over twenty one years until very recently due to ill health.

Joseph and Gail enjoyed spending their spare time together, while he enjoyed fishing, working on wood working projects, boating, building model airplanes, and practice shooting with his gun. He was also an avid fan of antique automobiles.

Survivors include his wife Gail Clark of the couple’s home in Atchison; step-son, Jacob Hopple, Phoenix, AZ; two step-daughters, Deborah (Darren) Gilliland, Atchison, KS, Sandy (Doug) Grippin, Cummings, KS and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Mark Clark.

Dorothy E. Neumann, 82, Wathena, Kansas, died Friday, September 23, 2016, at
Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 26, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at Arensberg-
Pruett Funeral Home. Interment will follow in St. Charles Cemetery in Troy,
Kansas. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, September 25th from 5:00 P.M.
until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Troy Ambulance Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Dorothy was born November 3, 1933, in St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of
Glenn and Margaret Hagele Dunford. She attended school in St. Joseph, graduating
from Benton High School in 1952.

She and Francis Neumann were united in marriage on May 11, 1957 at St. James
Church, St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Neumann preceded her in death on June 18,
2007.

Dorothy was an LPN for six years before electing to stay home and raise her
family. She enjoyed reading, collecting stamps and was an avid autograph
collector.

Survivors include three sons, Patrick Neumann, Troy, KS, Paul Neumann,
Wathena, KS, Anthony Neumann, Wathena, KS, two granddaughters, DaLonna
Duncan, Angela Kay Neumann and three great grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Jerry Mehlin, 84, of Stella, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Born:  August 21, 1932 in Auburn, Nebraska

Died:  September 22, 2016 in Humboldt, Nebraska

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at The Stella Community Church in Stella, Nebraska with Pastor Michael Schmidt officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2016, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.     

Interment will be at the Pleasant View Cemetery north of Humboldt.

The family requests memorial contributions to charities of personal choice, with a preference to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s research.

Online condolences may be sent to www.wherrymortuary.com.

Wherry Mortuary-Humboldt, Nebraska (402) 862-2915

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Mehlin of Stella, NE; children: Keith (Cathy) Mehlin of Beebeetown, IA; Kerry (Michele) Mehlin of Grand Island, NE; Jerry “Mike” Mehlin of Beatrice, NE; Lisa (Steve) Chase of Seward, NE; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

The Good Lord took Galen home on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, surrounded by his family at St. Francis Hospital, Topeka.  Galen was born in Axtell, KS on his mother's birthday, December 29, 1949.  He was the oldest of 8 children born to Lester and Sally Deters.
 
He graduated from Corning High School in 1968, which was the last graduating class from Corning High.  Galen was raised on a farm east of Corning, and later purchased his own farm to raise cattle, which he enjoyed.  His other interests included collecting toy tractors, attending tractor pulls, and playing cards.
 
Galen was employed by both the Onaga and Holton Sale Barns and the City of Corning.  He later was employed by the Centralia Schools as Janitor and drove the school bus for 26 years and received many awards of appreciation and dedication.  Driving the bus and picking up the children was his greatest joy.  He was Uncle Galen to all the children and always had a piece of gum for them.  His smile and sense of humor will remain in our minds and hearts forever; always giving more than he took.
 
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in Corning.  
 
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sally on August 8, 1992 and 3 infant sisters three sisters Lisa Marie on June 24, 1962, Mary Louise on March 26, 1966 and Sheri Mary on July 2, 1967.
 Survivors are his father, Lester Deters, Centralia; and brothers, Danny (Pat), Ron, and Eric of Corning and Bruce (Brenda) of Seneca; and sisters, Marlene Griffith (Robert), Seneca; Debbie Manuel (Ross), Delia and Marcia Kramer (Steve), Seneca; 7 nephews and 9 nieces as well as 25 great-nieces and nephews.
 
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 26, 2016 at 10AM at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning.  Burial will be in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Corning.  Rosaries will be prayed on Sunday at 2 & 7 PM at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
 
Memorials will be designated later and sent in care of the family.
 
To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Vincent B. Frederick, Jr., 82, of Falls City, NE passed away September 21, 2016. He was born on January 3, 1934 at Falls City to the late Vincent Sr. and Gertrude (Rodgers) Frederick.

He married Betty Bentley on February 28, 1954 at Falls City. She later passed away on June 13, 2012.

Vincent was raised in Falls City and graduated from Falls City Sacred Heart in 1952. Once married the couple established their home in Falls City. He then started his lifetime career as a truck driver until retiring at age 70.  He spent his remaining years enjoying his retirement. He was a member of the Falls City Elks Lodge #963.

Vincent is survived by sons, Rodney Frederick of Great Bend, KS; Harley Frederick and his wife Annie of Falls City; James Frederick and special friend Nancy of Falls City; daughters, Arleta Kentopp and her husband Dave of Lincoln, NE; Donita Frederick of Falls City; Julie DeCourley and her husband Gary of Fisk, MO; brother, Stuart Frederick and his wife Fran of North Port, NY; numerous grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, son Mark in infancy, Brother Rodger in infancy, Daughter Melanie, Daughter-in-law Diane.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

There is no viewing or visitation.

Maude Mae (Poteet) Sejkora, 96 of Burchard, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Gold Crest in Adam, Nebraska.  She was born on October 18, 1919, the youngest daughter of Roy and Maggie (Henderson) Poteet.  She had two older sisters, Audrey Wehrbein and Camilla Bookwalter.  Maude and her sisters attended Burchard schools. During the last couple of years of high school, Maude worked at the telephone office in Burchard.  She worked an eight hour day in three shifts-five days a week and her pay was nine cents an hour.

Maude married Shorty Sejkora on January 8, 1941, at Guide Rock, Nebraska and officiated by Reverend Cochran. To this union  five children were born: Maggie, Patricia, Myrna, Bradford, and Bruce.

Maude and Shorty were life time farmers, living in four locations around the Burchard area.  Shorty and Maude worked as a team and were together for 37 years until Shorty’s death in December 1976. Maude continued living on the farm until 2014 when she moved to Platte City, Missouri with her daughter and husband.  The last few years were spent in Adams at the Gold Crest Retirement Center. 

Maude was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Worthwhile Extension Club, and the Burchard Methodist Church.  She taught many years of Sunday School, held several offices in Club and Eastern Star.  Maude worked many years as an area contributor for the Pawnee Republican.  She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for herself and her three daughters-from every day dresses and school clothes to costumes for plays, cheer leading skirts, prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses.  Maude also made quilts.  She made each of her kids a doubled sized quilt and made 40 plus baby quilts, many sets of dish towels and pillow cases.  Maude sold Avon for the area for a few years during the kids’ early years.  After Shorty’s death, Maude filled some of her long days working for Patty Stake at her store in Pawnee.

Maude was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Maggie Poteet, husband Shorty, two sisters, two granddaughters, Lori Schmit and Kara Sejkora.

Maude is survived by her five children and spouses; Maggie Schmit and David of Lincoln, NE, Patricia Seip and husband Terry of Pasadena, CA, Myrna Usher and husband Michael of Platte City, MO, Bradford Sejkora and Linda of Burchard, NE, Bruce Sejkora and Mary of Beatrice, NE, 18 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Maude will be missed especially by her family at the annual October Roast in honor of her birthday and early Christmas  that took place at the farm where many wonderful memories were shared and new ones created.

Services 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 26, 2016 at Burchard United Methodist Church, Burchard, Nebraska.  Officiating Reverend Sherry Sklenar.  Visitation on Sunday, September 25, 2016 from Noon-8 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry  Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at the Burchard Cemetery, Burchard, Nebraska.  Memorials to the Burchard Cemetery.  On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Dorothy “Dode” Alberta (Wissler) Farwell 93 of Humboldt, Nebraska formerly of Du Bois, Nebraska passed away on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Colonial acres, Humboldt, Nebraska.

Dorothy was born northeast of DuBois on December 3, 1922 to William G. and Lydia (Rist) Wissler.  She was baptized at the United Brethen Church in Du Bois, March 6, 1932 at the age of nine.  Dorothy became a member March 27, 1932 and transferred membership to the United Methodist church in 1968.

She is survived by her children; Pam (Joe Allison) of Auburn, NE, Diane (Richard Allison) of Seneca, KS, Patricia Farwell of Omaha, NE, Doug Farwell of Du Bois, NE, grandchildren; Patrick (Kristen) Allison, Jennifer Allison-Swartz and husband Merrill Swartz, Craig Allison, Brian Allison, great grandchildren; Bryce & Brooklyn Allison, Emma & Evelyn Allison & Madison & Reed Swartz. Numerous other family and friends.

Funeral services 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Du Bois United Methodist Church, Du Bois, Nebraska.  Officiating Reverend Sherry  Sklenar.     Visitation on Friday, September 23, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at the Du Bois Cemetery.  
Memorials the Du Bois United Methodist Church and/or Pawnee Memorial Hospital.  On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Floyd Lee Herring, 71, Valley Falls, died Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka.

He was born May 23, 1945, at Topeka, the son of Floyd Earl and Annie E. Metzger Herring. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1963. He served in the US Army and was stationed in West Germany.

Lee was a farmer, welder, mechanic and truck driver. He farmed for 20 years, first at Transylvania, LA and later at Jones, LA. The family moved back to Valley Falls in 1987. He retired from Shuck Implement at Lawrence.

He married Mary F. Heinen, Dec. 30, 1967, at Valley Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Ralph and Roger Herring.

Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; four sons, Pat Herring (Roxie), Tim (Becky) Herring, Rodney Herring, all of Valley Falls, and Kent Herring (Alisa), Topeka; a daughter, Dorothy Herring, Valley Falls; three brothers, Glen Herring, Meriden, Ron Herring, Winchester, and Merle Herring, Lafayette, LA; a sister, Linda Shaver, Meriden; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Herring, Bastrop, LA; and four grandchildren, Savannah, Kacie, Lucas and Dylan Herring.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery at Valley Falls at a later date. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday. Military honors will be conducted by Grahem-Herbers Post 3084, V.F.W. at the funeral home, Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association or to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Carole Ann (Wynn) Oom, 78, of Sabetha, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 19, 2016.

She was born December 6, 1937 in Marysville, Kansas to Francis C. and Emma (Genzler) Wynn. Carole was united in marriage to the love of her life, Thomas Leon Oom on August 10, 1957 in Marysville, Kansas.  The early years of their marriage was spent traveling with the Air Force from Florida to Guam and many homes in between. After Tom's retirement from the Air Force in 1974, the family made their permanent home in Sabetha Kansas. Carole ran 3 different paper routes from her little red VW for several years. She and her sister started a shop called Angels Row. Later in life, Carole was a cook at local restaurants until she retired.

Carole was preceded in death, but will be reunited in Heaven with her husband, Tom; her best friend and sister, Sharon Roggenkamp; her brother, Norman; her mother and father; and her baby sister, Jolita.

Carole is survived by her four sons, Michael (Ruth) Oom of Sabetha, Robby (Marcia) Oom of Sabetha, Steve (Lisa) Oom of Denison, and James (Tami) Oom of Sabetha; sister-in-law’s, Shirley Wynn and Carmen Castenada; and brother-in-law, Jesus Castenada, and 16 Grandchildren and 20 Great-Grandchildren.
 
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha. Visitation will be Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. The inurnment will be made in the Albany Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to a charity yet to be designated by the family, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas  66534.

Helen Ukena Ruch, 96, of Leona, died Monday night, September 19, 2016, at Hiawatha Community Hospital. 

She led a full and rich life.  Helen was born June 10, 1920, at the family home across the road from the church.  She was the youngest of three daughters of John and Elizabeth Ukena, and lived near or in Leona her entire life.  She attended Bellevue Country School, Leona High School, and Highland Community College.  She worked for many years at the Farmers Bank of Leona and later at the post office in Leona.

Helen was a lifelong member of Bellevue United Methodist Church.  The church and music were vital parts of her life.  She was the church secretary for many years, sang in the choir, and was the pianist for the Bellevue Men’s Quartet.  She was very involved in the community as well.

Helen was married to Bill Ruch on January 3, 1942, shortly before he entered the service during World War II.  They had a long and happy marriage lasting almost 65 years.

Helen is survived by her two daughters: Cheryl Ruch and Jane Ruch Blocher, both of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; two granddaughters, Lindsay Blocher Laufenburger (Pat), and Abby Blocher Strakal (Steve), both of Castle Pines, Colorado; two great granddaughters, Leona and Emerson, and one great grandson, to be born in the next couple of weeks; nephews Bob and John Veach; niece, Anne Saur; and many wonderful extended family members. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Edith and Bernice; her husband, Bill; and her son-in-law, JB Blocher.
A Celebration of Helen’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, September 24, at the Bellevue United Methodist Church near Leona, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating.  Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, nearby.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday.    

Memorial contributions are suggested to Bellevue Methodist Church or Pleasant Hill Cemetery, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 33, Highland, Kansas, 66035.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Ronald E. “Gene” Scheid, 84, of Hiawatha, died Monday evening, September 19, 2016, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha where he had been a resident December 2015.

Gene was born October 7, 1931, in Netawaka, Kansas, the youngest of two sons of the late Alfred and Lillie Dean Chiles Scheid.

Gene attended the Lawn Ridge and Whiting grade schools prior to graduating from Whiting High School in 1949.  He was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War.  Gene served aboard the U.S.S. Binkley Bass in the Pacific Fleet, from June 1952 through November 1955.  After leaving the Navy, he attended several annual Navy reunions and enjoyed the camaraderie of his former shipmates.

Upon release from the military, Gene began working for Nabisco Brands, Inc., in the operations management department, in Topeka, Kansas; the company later relocated him to St. Louis.  Gene was with Nabisco for nearly 28 years.

Gene Scheid came to Hiawatha, Kansas in September of 1983, and worked at the Casselman Meek Funeral Home for several years.  He later served as a deputy treasurer for Brown County before retiring in February of 1987.  Gene was a member of the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha; and a member of VFW Post No. 5210, also of Hiawatha.

He married Beulah Grace Salsberry on April 27, 1957, in Whiting, Kansas.  She preceded him in death June 26, 1980.  Gene was also preceded in death by his daughter Marlene K. Burroughs, who died July 26, 1997; and a stepson Randel J. Colvin, who passed on October 19, 1988.
Gene married the late Ramona Leffert Brammer on November 20, 1982, in Hiawatha, Kansas.  They were married for 21 years.

Gene is survived by a brother, Delbert J. Scheid, and his wife Agnes, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; two grandchildren:  Larry Fitzgerald, wife Jessica and great-grandchildren Aiden and Riley of Boynton Beach, Florida; his granddaughter Lisa M. Cole, husband Jason, and great-granddaughters Aubrey and Lila, reside in Seattle, WA.  Gene is survived by one stepson Rod Colvin of Omaha, Nebraska.  Gene also has nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Gene’s life is planned for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 24, at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha, with Pastor Shane Spangler officiating.  Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting, KS.  Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, after 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, and after 9 a.m. Saturday at the Church. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at the Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Spring Hill Cemetery Association, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Alma E. Dwerlkotte, 91, of Marysville, KS, died September 19, 2016 at Cambridge Place in Marysville.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 21 at St. Gregory's Catholic Church.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Emil; and ten siblings.

Survivors include his son, Gary (Deb) Dwerlkotte, Bremen, KS; daughter, Kathy (Harold) Bennetch, Lincoln, NE; brother, Albert Wessel, Frankfort, KS; two sisters, Eileen Duryea, Seneca, KS, and Hilda Bergman, St. Benedict; four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary.

Betty Jean Hartter, 91, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Apostolic Christian Home.

She was born January 14, 1925 to James and Verna (Reiger) Eisenbise at their family home north of Fairview, KS.  She attended country school at the Spring Grove School and Fairview High School.

Betty married Eldon William Hartter of Sabetha on October 9, 1941.  They made their first home in Denver, CO.  Following Eldon’s later military service, the couple moved to the family farm near Berwick, KS where they operated a dairy farm until they moved to Sabetha in 1967.

Betty was a long time member of the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha where she taught Sunday school for many years and took joy in the many hours she spent caring for the church facilities. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother dedicating herself to homemaking and instilling a love of the Lord in her children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, and a sister, Rosetta Bartram.

Betty is survived by a brother, Charles (Shirley) Eisenbise of Kansas City; three children, Gary (Maggie) of Lindsborg, Alan (Sally) of Sabetha and Joyce (Tony) Butts of Shawnee; nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha.  The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the NorthRidge Church Building Fund and the Sabetha Community Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, KS 66534. www.popkessmortuaries.com

Duane Hundley, 86, of Holton, KS passed away September 17, 2016 at The Pines in Holton. He was born September 26, 1929 in Omaha, NE, the son of Ernest and Gladys Irene (Spicher) Hundley.

Duane graduated from Holton High School and later enlisted in the United States Army proudly serving in the Korean Conflict. He then worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a Lab Tech and Trainer for over 40 years.
Duane was a member of the FO.E., Boy Scouts of America (Oregon Trail District) for over 35 years, American Legion Post #44, J.C.D.C.C., U.R.W. Union, and the Korean Veterans Organization. He was also a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Holton.

Duane married Marjorie Rose Dowd on April 2, 1955 in St. Joseph, MO. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughters, Rosanna Wilson (Keith) of Circleville and Laura Ladusch of Holton; his sons, Randy Hundley (Kristie) and Larry Hundley (Marsha) both of Holton; his sisters Virginia Merwin of Texas and Norma Jean Farmer (Ken) of Holton; and a brother William Hundley of Lawrence, KS, 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

Duane was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry Hundley and Stanley Hundley, a grandson, Joey Hundley and a great-great-grandson, Rowdy Nimo.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2016 at Mercer Funeral Home. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time beginning at 10 a.m. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Holton Boy Scout Troop #64 c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.
 
 

Norma Bryant, 75, formerly of Valley Falls, surrounded by family, died Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the home of her daughter, Rae and husband Todd, at Lawrence.

She was born July 10, 1941, at Valley Falls, the daughter of Gilbert and Pearl Beasley Boyd. She spent time in Oregon as a child with her mother and father before moving back to Valley Falls, where she was raised by her father and grandmother. She graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1959.    

Norma worked for the State of Kansas as one of the first key punch operators for the first IBM computer in her department. She was a part-time librarian at the Delaware Township Library, cleaned homes, and baby-sat many children whom she considered as her own. She was a member of the Valley Falls Christian Church. Norma was a very spiritual person, loved reading her Bible and had a strong relationship with the Lord.

She married Buddy LeRoy Bryant Dec. 18, 1960, at Topeka. He died March 31, 2016. She was also preceded in death by a son, Bobby Bryant, in infancy, her parents, and grandmother, Annie Ferguson Boyd.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry Bryant, Lawrence, and Scott Bryant, Topeka; three daughters, Rae (Todd) Evans, Kelly Hall, and Tracy Bryant, all of Lawrence; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren (and awaiting another arrival); many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews; in-laws, Jim (Stacy) Musa, and Star Hummer, all of Topeka; and many friends.

The funeral ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 22 , 2016, at the Valley Falls Christian Church. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Norma Bryant Memorial Fund to be designated later and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Dennis W. "Mac" McDaniel, 54, of Netawaka, died Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Medicalodges Jackson County in Holton.

He was born August 30, 1962 at Holton, the son of Robert and Susan Woodall McDaniel.  He graduated from Wetmore High School in 1980.  

Mac worked as a concrete finisher and later at the Wetmore school as a custodian.

He was a member of Kansas ABATE 11 and a past president of the Wetmore Men's Club.

Survivors include his parents, Robert and Betty McDaniel, Stark City, MO; and Susan and Jerry Mencl, Holton; one brother, Jeff McDaniel and wife, Kathy, Tecumseh; one sister, Pam Hossfeld and husband, Perry, Powell, OH; two step-brothers, Rodney and Scott Nightingale; a step-sister, Janet Hinrichsen; his aunt, Linda Ireland, Topeka; other family members, many brothers and sisters of the road, and his chihuahua companion, Fred.

His smile and chuckle will remain in our minds and hearts forever.  Giving more than he took.

Cremation is planned.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton.  A Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 29th at the funeral home.  Inurnment will follow in the Wetmore Cemetery.  Another Celebration of Mac's life will beSaturday, October 1st at the old schoolhouse north of Whiting, starting at 4:00 p.m.  For those attending the services, Harley Davidson attire is encouraged.  Memorials are suggested to the Wetmore Men's Club, Jackson County Friends of Hospice, or Kansas ABATE 11, and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P. O. Box 1034, Holton, KS  66436.  On-line condolences may be made atchapeloaksfuneralhome.com 

Lowell K. Morrill, 82, Nortonville, formerly Ozawkie, died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at a Topeka hospital.

He was born March 13, 1934, at Summerfield, the son of Claire Francis and Daisy B. Cameron Morrill. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea.

Lowell was a construction superintendent for Tom Martin Construction in Shawnee. He had worked at the company for 40 years.
Lowell enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting. He was a member of Red Dale Camping Club at Perry.

He married Rosie Noll, Jan. 5, 1957. They divorced. He married Betty Lee VanFleet, Dec. 4, 1980, at Miami, OK. He was preceded in death by a son, James Van Fleet.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; two daughters, Karen (Tim) Dengel, Olathe, and Patricia Evans, Camdenton, MO; a son, Gregory VanFleet, Lenexa; a sister, Norma Mason, Valley Falls; a grandson, whom he and Betty raised, Zachary VanFleet, Meriden; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Care Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Jeff W. Sinclair, age 52, of Basehor, Kansas passed away, on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at his home, while surrounded by his family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer.  His family will receive friends at a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17th at the First Baptist Church of Basehor.  Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19th also at the church.  A Celebration of his Life will be at the Younger's home at 17832 157th Street, Basehor, KS 66007.  Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

The Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak St.in Bonner Springs, KS, is in charge of the arrangements. 

Jeff was born on February 9th, 1964 in Atchison, Kansas and graduated from Atchison High School in 1982.  He worked at Northwest Pipe in Atchison before attending Manhattan Area Technical College where he obtained training as an Electrical Lineman.  Jeff received his Associates Degree from JCCC and started working as a Lineman Electrician at Fort Leavenworth.  Later he began working at USPLV as an Electrical Foreman, where he worked until his retirement due to health reasons.  Jeff was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying Fishing, Hunting and being on the water.  He was preceded in death by his father Edwin Sinclair.  Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Tina Sinclair and their son Austin Sinclair, both of the home; his mother Ruthann Sinclair of Atchison, KS., his brother Scott Sinclair (Karen) of Warrensburg, MO., his sister Julie Hanf (Bob) of Atchison, KS., as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Patricia L. Fangman Haverkamp, 78, of Seneca, Ks, died Wednesday afternoon, September 14, 2016, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

She was born on April 10, 1938 in Axtell, Kansas to Albert and Irene Koch Fangman. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade school; graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1956 at St. Benedict, Ks.

On June 18, 1957, she married William L. “Bill” Haverkamp at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They farmed east of Seneca until they opened a Cooper Feed dealership in 1962, selling feed and livestock equipment. In 1985, they added crop insurance and trailer sales to the business.  In 2006, the business was sold upon Bill’s passing.

Pat continued to work part time for Dan Olenhouse Insurance and for the Nemaha Valley School, as a para and cook. She also served many years on the Nemaha County Election Board and volunteered with the Pony Express organization.  She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church and the St. Ann’s Altar Society.

Most important to Pat was her family.  Pat also enjoyed bowling, cards, cooking, baking, walking, and gardening.  Plus, many mornings, by having a cup of coffee with friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband William on August 21, 2006; her parents, Albert on May 18, 1996 and Irene on August 6, 1994; and an infant brother, Albert William Fangman on October 2, 1942.

Survivors are eight sons, Bill (Julie) of Topeka, Justin (Deb) of Overland Park, twins, Dale (Michelle) of Maize, and Dean (Nhu) of Annandale, Virginia, Patrick (Amy) of Seneca, Bruce (Liese) of Topeka, Doug (Laura) and Scott (Deb), both of St. George; two daughters, Juanita Koelzer of Kansas City, MO and Marilyn (Don) Engelken of Frankfort;  four sisters, Jean Walters of Topeka, Lita Farley of Millington, Tennessee, Linda Fangman of Topeka and Sylvia Nordhus of Olathe; 23 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday, September 18th at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM on Monday, September 19th at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be given for Sts. Peter & Paul School, and sent in care of the family.
To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Jeanette Ann Bergman Holthaus, 65, of Centralia, died Tuesday evening, September 13, 2016 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Jeanette was born on July 2, 1951, on a farm north of St. Benedict to Emmett E. and Hilda M. Wessel Bergman. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from B&B High School in 1969.

After school she went to work for Dr. Al E. Vitt at his dental office in Seneca she continued working there until she started to raise her children. Jeanette was a stay home mom until 1989 when she went to work at the American Legion and for the Centralia School’s as a cook in their lunch program. She retired in 2015 due to health reasons.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville and the Altar Society and was active in 4-H where she was a leader in the Centralia Aces.

Jeanette had many interests which included fishing, cards, gardening, quilting, scrap booking, puzzles, cooking, baking, wood working and crafts.

She married Eugene P. Holthaus on April 11, 1970 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, Kansas.

Survivors are her husband of 46 years, Eugene, of the home; one son, Kevin Holthaus of Centralia, three daughters, Shelli Slater of Centralia, Janell (Derek) Mueller of Topeka and Sarah (Shane) Kramer  of Centralia; Her mother Hilda Bergman of St. Benedict, Three brothers, Reginald of St. Benedict, and Mark of Seneca, and Lyle of Murray, Kentucky; four sisters, Judy Larkin of Seneca, Connie Huerter of Seneca, Marleen Holthaus of Axtell, and Lois Enneking of Bern;  9 grandsons and a granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her father, Emmett E. Bergman on August 23, 2006.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed Friday at 2 & 7 PM at Lauer Funeral Home.
Memorials will be designated later and sent in care of the family.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Ruby Watkins, 89, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the Apostolic Christian Home.

Ruby was born February 24, 1927 in Axtell, Kansas. She grew up in the Dearborn, Missouri area. She married Everett Watkins on February 12, 1944 in Seneca, Kansas. She ran a catering service and also a Daycare in Sabetha for many years. Ruby enjoyed crocheting stocking caps, dish towels, mittens and scarves. She made stocking caps for Topeka Missions and for the children at the Sabetha Headstart.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Everett on September 11, 1976; and children, Darryl, Jeanette and David, and several brothers and sisters.  

She is survived by her four children; Mary Chandler of Falls City, NE, Wanda Moore of Buena Vista, CO, Dennis Watkins of Horton, KS, and Doug Watkins of Hiawatha, KS; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Monday, September 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be made at the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, sent in care of the funeral home, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, KS 66534. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Mary Virginia Rodriguez Radford, 98, of Seneca, Kansas and formerly of Horton, KS, passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones on  September 13, 2016.

She was born on November 17, 1917 in Wilcox, Arizona.  Her parents were Jose Domingo Acosta Rodriguez and Maria Ceveriana Catalina Concepcion Lopez-Alvarez Acosta.  She was married to Cpl. John Houston Radford at Fort Sam Houston, TX on June 5, 1942.  They had four children: Mary Jane, Ann Christine, John Francis and Patricia Mae.

Virginia was an educator at Horton High School for 31 years as a Spanish, French and English teacher as well as a media specialist.  She also taught 3rd and 4th grade at St. Leo’s Parochial School, Horton, when they needed the first lay teacher to replace a Benedictine Sister.

Besides her parents, preceding her in death were her husband of 55 years J.H. Radford, their infant son John Francis, Vern V. Peterson, longtime companion, special friend Paul C. Luscombe,

Survivors are daughters Mary Jane Fleming, Ann Radford-Aristimuño, Patricia (Luis) Gomez, Grandsons John Francis (Farrah) Gomez and daughter Ariana, Paul (Alison) Gomez and children Alexa, Daniel and Lucas. Special niece Nina (Otto) Zillmann, Nancy Bell, Mark and William Radford.

Other important people in her life: Greg Painter, Donna Gibson, Cheryl (Richard) Hamlin, Father Earl Dekat, Father Ed Owen, Carol and Carla Bishop, Emmett C. Labes, former students and friends in Horton, her wonderful friends in Seneca and her little Papillons Teddy and Marco.

Virginia’s contributions to her community were the education of the youth and volunteerism.  She was recognized for her teaching by her induction into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame. She dedicated many hours of community service and in turn received county and state level recognition for her volunteerism, including being Brown County representative at the Silver Haired Legislature in Topeka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, St Benedict at 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 16, 2016. Inurnment will be at St. Leo’s Catholic Cemetery, Horton, at 9 A.M. Saturday.

Rosary and visitation at Lauer’s Funeral Home in Seneca at 7 P.M. Thursday, September 15, 2016.

Memorials are for a Education Scholarship sent in care of the family.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Jason Crook, 36, of Auburn, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at his home in Auburn, Nebraska.

Born:  June 26, 1980 in Humboldt, Nebraska

Died:  September 11, 2016 in Auburn, Nebraska

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at The Christian Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.     

Interment will be at the Humboldt Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.

Online condolences may be sent to www.wherrymortuary.com.

Wherry Mortuary-Humboldt, Nebraska (402) 862-2915

Jason is survived by his parents David and Nancy Crook of Humboldt, NE;  sister Holly Herr and her husband Caleb of Humboldt, NE;  brother Eric Crook of Humboldt, NE; an Uncle Charlie Crook of Humboldt, NE; an Aunt Joyce Gerdes and her husband James of rural Auburn, NE; and many other relatives and friends.
 

Ronald Dean Folk, 74, of Holton, KS passed away Monday, September 12, 2016 at Medicalodges Jackson County. He was born June 24, 1942 in Lorraine, KS the son of Guy and Sylvia (Klima) Folk.

Ron graduated from Holyrood High School in 1960. He attended Emporia State for 1 year and was a member of the football team. Ron then transferred to Kansas State University graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and later graduated from Wichita State University in 1973 with a Master’s Degree in Education Counseling.

Ron was an Industrial Arts Teacher and basketball coach from 1965 – 1968 at Pawnee Rock High School in Pawnee Rock, KS; from 1968 – 1974 he was a Industrial Arts Teacher for 3 years and a counselor for 3 years; he was also the basketball coach for all 6 years for Clearwater High School in Clearwater, KS. From 1974 - 1975 he was Holton Middle School Counselor and basketball coach; from 1975 – 1987 Ron was Holton Middle School Principal. In 1987 Ron was Holton High School Principal and basketball coach until his retirement in 2000.

He was board member of Kansas State High School Activities Association and a long time member of the Holton Country Club. Ron was an avid golfer and active supporter of Holton High School and K-State Athletics.

Ron married Janice Lee Brown on September 1, 1962 in Holyrood, KS. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 2 sons, Doug Folk (Shannon) of Shawnee, KS and Scott Folk (Dee) of Holton, KS; a sister, Sharon Poor of Hutchison, KS; 7 grandchildren, Dylan, Clayton, Blayne and Rafe Folk, Aaron (Suzette) Brooks, Taylor Brooks and Chandler Folk and 4 great-grandchildren, Brylee, Ellie, Carter and Mason.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Holton Country Club. Family will greet friends until 2:00 p.m. after the service. Inurnment will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2016 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Cemetery in Holyrood, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holton High School (to be designated at a later date) c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Larry Crossland, 70, of Atchison, KS, passed away at his home Saturday, September 10, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September, 14, 2016, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison with Rev. Danny Graves and Rev. Robert Ziegler, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery, Atchison.  Family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Atchison Hospice, Trinity Lutheran Church, or American Cancer Society.

Larry was born on June 12, 1946 in Laquey, MO, the son of Granville and Pearl (Graves) Crossland. He graduated from Atchison High School in 1964 and worked as a supervisor for Bradken Foundry (formerly Rockwell International) for 33 years. 

Larry married Linda Elias on May 10, 1975 in Atchison.  Linda survives of the home. 

Larry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda (Elias) Crossland; son, David Crossland and his wife, Laura, Atchison; five grandchildren, Palmer, Averie, Ty, Kannon and Makayla Crossland; brothers, Roy (Evelyn) Crossland, Springfield, MO, Jack (Mary) Crossland, Paola, KS, Les (Joyce) Crossland, Atchison.

Laura Bernice Leiker, 95, Meriden, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at a Topeka care facility.

She was born Feb. 2, 1921, at Horton, the daughter of George Thomas and Stella Blanche Darst Hamilton. She graduated from Horton High School.

Bernice was a supervisor at the Hallmark Cards Inc. Plant at Topeka, where she had worked for 36 years. She retired in 1986. She was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church at Meriden.

Bernice volunteered for many organizations in Topeka, recording over 5000 hours of donated time. She served the Topeka Blood Bank, Kansas Eye Institute at St. Francis Medical Center, Memorial Hospital (Sante Fe), and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was a member of the Meriden Threshing Association.

She married Albert Vernon Griffin in 1936. They divorced. She married John Leiker in 1956, at Lawrence. He died June 10, 1973. She was also preceded in death by a brother, William Hamilton, and a sister, Viola Arneson.

Survivors include her son, George Griffin, Meriden; granddaughter, Janeice Griffin; and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Meriden. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Monday, at the church, followed by a visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Aloysius Catholic Church or to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Jackie (Jack) R. Callaway, 76, of Atchison, KS passed away Saturday, September10, 2016 at his home.

Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating.  Family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00AM at the church.  The Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Technology Fund, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or Multiple Sclerosis Society and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left atwww.beckerdyer.com.

Jack was born on November 8, 1939 in St. Joseph, MO the son of Fred and Beatrice (Dearick) Callaway.  He served in the United States Army.  Jack worked at General Motors in which he held several positions within the company.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he enjoyed trap shooting, bowling, working on cars and playing with his grandkids. 

Jack married Linda Jo (Jodi) Callaway, they later divorced.  He then married Lea Ann Pierce on August 31, 1984 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS.  She survives of the home.  Additional survivors include a son Jack and Erin Callaway II, Bolckow, MO, a daughter, Ashley Callaway, Atchison, KS nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gene Callaway and two sisters, Peggy Moore and Pat Justice.   

Charles Edwin “Charlie” Scheidegger, 100, of Holton, KS passed away Friday, September 9, 2016 at Vintage Park in Holton. He was born February 7, 1916 in Dawson, NE the 7th born of 13 children of George Nicholas and Carrrie (Boop) Scheidegger.

Charlie attended Holton schools. He had worked for Ford Garage and Shorty Nott’s Service Station, before joining the military. He proudly served in the United States Army during WWII and European Theatre era. After he was honorably discharged from the military, Charlie owned and operated Shy’s Repair in Holton, retiring after 50 years. After retirement, he worked for Leeper Hardware in Holton for about 5 years.

He was a member of the First Christian Church where he served at treasurer for many years and was Emeritus Trustee. Charlie was also a member of V.F.W. Post #1367.

Charlie married Ruby Asilee Wilson on April 11, 1942 in St. Charles, MO. She preceded him in death on June 14, 1993. He married Jan Bell and they were later divorced. He was also preceded in death by 7 sisters and 5 brothers.

Survivors include 2 sons, Mike Scheidegger (Teresa) of Holton and Dennis Scheidegger of Topeka; a daughter, Connie Allen (Dale) of Holton; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Irene M. Mohringer, 99, of Holton, KS passed awayThursday, September 8, 2016 at Medicaloges Jackson County. She was born March 2, 1917 in Corning, KS the daughter of George and Pauline (Wilhelm) Russ.

Irene spent most of her life in Jackson County. She graduated from Corning High School in 1934 and received her teaching certificate from Washburn University in 1968. Irene was an elementary teacher for country schools from 1941–1951 and also taught from 1968–1985 for Goff and Wetmore schools.

Irene was a member of the Soldier United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, So & So Club and Eastern Star.

She married T.W. “Bill” Mohringer on August 26, 1940 in Wetmore, KS. He preceded her in death on April 17, 1997. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Alice Russ Hauldren and a brother, Oliver Russ.

Survivors include her son, William M. “Bill” Mohringer of Ozawkie, KS and his companion, Janice Maddox of Valley Falls, KS and Janice’s children, Mindy Stevens, Stacy Gomez, Ronna Overman, Lori Maddox and their families.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2016at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Friends of Hospice or Irene Mohringer Memorial Fund (to be designated at a later date) c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Joy Y. Haushahn, 69, of Falls City, NE passed away September 8, 2016. She was born November 22, 1946 at Horton, KS to the late Robert and Doris (Ramer) Haushahn.

Joy was raised in Verdon, NE and she contracted Spinal Meningitis at the age of eight.  She spent six weeks in intensive care at Omaha Children’s Hospital and came home a complete invalid. After months of learning to walk and talk again, she faced a very limited future, but met her many obstacles with courage and a positive attitude. When her mother passed away in 2012, she started a new adventure of living on her own.  She met this challenge and made many friends at her new home in Falls City.

Joy is survived by sisters, Reba Benson and her husband Bill of Hickman, NE; Dee Dettmann and her husband Jerry of Salem, NE; Vernell Schutte and her husband Jack of Verdon, NE; brothers, Herbert Haushahn and his wife Marcy of Oregon, IL; Joe Jarred and his wife Debbie of Verdon, NE. She is preceded in death by her parents.

There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.

There will be no viewing or visitation.

Nathan Don Cortez, 28, of Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital due to an automobile accident.

He was born on August 27, 1988 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Chris and Mona Ramirez Cortez. Nathan worked as a grinder for Wenger Manufacturing in Sabetha, Kansas. Nathan & Felicia Bottom were together for nine years prior to getting married on August 2, 2014 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Hiawatha, Kansas.

 Survivors include his wife, Felicia Cortez of the home, Hiawatha, Kansas; two sons, Izayah Cortez and Carson Cortez both of the home, Hiawatha, Kansas; parents, Chris and Mona Cortez of Horton, Kansas; sister, Alicia (Josh) Payne of Meriden, Kansas; brother, Chris (Shawna) Cortez Jr. of Gardner, Kansas; grandparents, Greg and Evelyn Ramirez of Lawrence, Kansas; nephew, Ethan Luzier, nieces, Aubrey and Mya Cortez, Rylee and Morgan Payne; sister-in-law, Juana Aguirre of Hiawatha, Kansas; brother-in-laws, Noah Aguirre of Highland, Kansas and Eli Bottom of Falls City, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roberta Bauman and Antonio Cortez.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. on Friday evening with visitation to follow at the St. Leo's Catholic Church. Burial will be at the St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Nathan Cortez memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Ralph Eickhoff passed away at Meridian Gardens in Columbus, NE on August 27th at the age of 97. 

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Patrick Sparling and Rev. Peter Jurchen officiating. Military honors will be given by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Interment will be in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Falls City, Nebraska, on Friday, September 9. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 7 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Thursday, September 8 from 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.

Mr. Eickhoff was born in Falls City, NE, the son of Charles and Johanna (Muller) Eickhoff on August 24, 1919. He attended local schools and graduated from Falls City High School in 1937. He farmed until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was designated a Naval Aviator and was commissioned Ensign in 1944. He married Hilda Karst July 4, 1944, in Falls City. His military service involved action in the west Pacific during World War II with the liberation of the Philippines, strikes on Japan and the invasion of Okinawa. After the war, he continued to be active in the Naval Reserve. He enrolled in the University of Nebraska in 1947 and graduated with a BSc in Agriculture in 1953. He taught On-The-Farm Veterans in Clarkson, NE for three years and then became a Vocational Agriculture Instructor at Columbus High School in 1953. He received an MSc in Agricultural Education in 1970 from the University of Nebraska. After teaching at Lakeview High School and with 33 years total teaching time, he retired in 1983. 

Mr. Eickhoff was active in a number of organizations. He served as President of the Nebraska Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, President and Treasurer of the Columbus Noon Lions Club and also as District Governor of Nebraska Lions District 38-E in 1974-1975 and in 1988-1989. He served on the Nebraska Lions Eye Bank and the Nebraska Lions Foundation. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow and received Lion of the Year Award in 1976. Mr. Eickhoff also started the Children’s Barnyard at the Platte County Fair.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church serving on several church boards including Chairman of the Board of Elders. He served as Chairman of the AAL Branch 1773, Immanuel Lutheran Layman’s League, and Immanuel Couples Club. He also served as Chairman of the Columbus Area Retired Teachers Association and was a member of AARP. In addition, Mr. Eickhoff was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Military Officers of America.

He is survived by four children: Bruce (Tina) Eickhoff of Springfield, VA; Ralph Jr. (Jane) Eickhoff of Delapane, VA; JoAnn (Patrick) Shemek of Parrish, FL; Larry (Jeannie) Eickhoff of Yorktown, VA, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife (Hilda), parents, and four brothers, Walter, Herbert, Carl, and Herman and one sister, Valeria.

Mr. Eickhoff enjoyed bowling, playing pool and cards. He enjoyed gardening and sold vegetables at the Columbus Farmer’s Market. Memorial may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or family choice.

Winifred K. Proctor, 98, of Topeka, KS formerly of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born September 2, 1918 in Port Mercer, NJ the daughter of Dr. I.H. and Carrie A. (Burris) Shaw.

Winifred graduated from high school in Trenton, NJ and later receiving her Nursing Degree from McKinley Hospital. Winifred proudly served in the United States Army Nurse Corps during WWII.

She was a Registered Nurse at Veteran’s Hospital in Washington DC from 1940 – 1941 and also in Pennington, N.J. from 1946 – 1952.

Winifred married Kenneth P. Proctor on August 6, 1960 in Waynesville, MO. He preceded her in death on December 6, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her twin brother, Walter Shaw; 2 brothers Henry Shaw and Seth Shaw and 2 sisters, Marie Harney and Margaret Shaw.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Susan Proctor of Topeka, KS and Nancy Piddington of Springfield, MO and 1 grandson, Kris Proctor.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2016 at the Holton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Midland Care c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Ora Patricia “Pat” Hennis, 92, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. She was born July 24, 1924 in Troy, KS the daughter of Kenneth and Fern (Ward) Brownlee.

Pat attended school in Troy. She was a homemaker and also worked in the fabric department at Walmart and for Oldham’s for a short time.

She was a former member of the United Methodist Church in Arringtion and a present member of Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Pat and her husband Bernard were instrumental in the formation of Rock Point 4-H in Arrington. They were 4-H leaders for over 15 years.

Pat married Bernard L. Hennis on January 18, 1942 in Hiawatha. He preceded her in death on November 24, 1997. She was also preceded in death by 3 sons, Kenneth, Frank and Roger Hennis; a daughter, Patricia Clemetson and 2 brothers, Kenneth and Alan Brownlee.

Survivors include 2 sons, Ronald Hennis (Suzanne) of Mayetta, KS and William “Bill” Hennis (Deana) of Byron, IL; a daughter, Janice Moulden (Vaughn) of Topeka, KS; a brother, Bob Brownlee of Kansas City, KS; 30 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Pat Hennis Memorial Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon Kemmery Lowry died Monday, September 5, 2016, at Midland Care at Linwood Park Assisted Living in Valley Falls, Kansas.

Gordon was born July 25, 1918, in Meade, Kansas, the son of James C. and Ruby E. Kemmery Lowry.  He lived in Meade until moving to Topeka in 1934 and graduated from Topeka High in 1936.  

Gordon graduated from Washburn College where he played basketball.  His law studies were interrupted by service in the United States Navy in World War II.  After graduation from the Midshipman program, he completed amphibious training and led boat groups during invasions in the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Palau, and Leyte Gulf in the Philippines.  He rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and received the Bronze Star for actions in the Saipan invasion and the Purple Heart for wounds suffered at Palau.

Gordon graduated from Washburn Law School following the war and served as law clerk to The Hon. Walter A. Huxman of the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.  In 1947 he opened a law office in Valley Falls and practiced until 2005.  He was a member of the Jefferson County, Kansas, and American Bar Associations and served as President of the City Attorneys Association of Kansas.  He was also active in organizing watershed districts in northeast Kansas and providing counsel to electric cooperatives.  He was a member of the Valley Falls Rotary Club from 1947 until his death, was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow and held the office of Rotary District Governor in 1956-1957.  He sat on Boards for the Jayhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts, the Washburn University Alumni Association, the Valley Falls Chamber of Commerce, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army.  He was a member of the Valley Falls United Methodist Church and held offices including Sunday School Superintendent for many years.

He married Margaret Huffman June 21, 1941.  They enjoyed 73 years of marriage until her death August 31, 2014.  He is survived by two daughters, Susan Lowry (Richard Armin) of Toronto, Canada and Lynne Lowry (Donna Sanker) of Long Beach, California, three sons, Gordon Kemmery Lowry, Jr. (Junko) of Honolulu, Hawaii, James Corwin Lowry (Cathy) of Lenexa, Kansas, and Stuart Scott Lowry (Lauren) of Hays, Kansas.  He is also survived by granddaughters Jaime McGinnis Lowry and Meghan Dorsey Lowry, grandsons, Cameron K. Lowry, James Bryce Lowry, Gordon Connor Lowry, John Griffin Lowry, Jack Thompson-Sanker and Ryan Thompson-Sanker, and great-grandsons Skyler James Lowry and Duncan Sloan.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, September 9, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church.  Visitation in the church basement will be from 10:30 a.m. until service time.  Inurnment will be at the Valley Falls Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.  Military honors will be conducted by Grahem-Herbers Post 3084 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  

Memorials may be made to the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, Jefferson County Friends of Hospice, or the Washburn Law School Foundation and sent  c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, Kansas  66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Arnold Thomas Larson, 96, of Everest, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2016.

Arnold was born on February 9, 1920 , and was the 2nd son of Lynn and Gertie Knudson Larson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lester Larson.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Betty (Ernst) Larson of Everest, Kansas, a son, Anthony Larson and daughter-in-law Anne (Goarzin) Larson of Pace, France and a daughter Lisa (Larson) Bandre and son-in-law Michael Bandre of Overland Park, Kansas along with five grandchildren, Trent Bandre, Kate Bandre and Luke Bandre, of Overland Park, Kansas and Astrid Larson and Adele Larson, of Pace, France.

Arnold grew up on an 80 acre family farm north of Everest, Kansas and attended the Marak School. After graduating from 8th grade, and with the country in the midst of the Great Depression, Arnold began full time work on the farm.

He was a member of St,Leo's Catholic Church, VFW Post 1175 in Atchison and the 90th Division Association. Arnold was inducted into the United States Army at Fort Leavenworth, KS on April 1, 1942 and was sent to Camp Barkeley, Texas where he was assigned to H Company, 359th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. Arnold participated in training maneuvers in Texas, Louisiana, and Desert Center, California before shipping out to Fort Dix, New Jersey where he then sailed to Liverpool, England. On June 8, 1944, Arnold landed on Utah beach, in Normandy, France as a jeep driver for 2nd Bn. Headquarters Company. As part of the 3rd Army under the command of George S Patton Arnold participated in Operation Cobra closing the Falaise Gap in the summer of 1944. Through August and September of 1944, his division took part in the Battle of Northern France, crossing the France-Germany border in November 1944. In December Arnold took part in the Battle of the Ardennes, pushing back German forces that had broken through Allied lines in the Battle of the Bulge. On May 7, 1945, shortly after entering Czechoslovakia, Arnold's unit received orders to cease combat operations, after being in combat for 308 days; the longest of any Infantry Division in the European Theatre. Arnold was awarded the Bronze Invasion Arrowhead and 5 Campaign Stars before returning home to Kansas in October, 1945. In June of 2014, Arnold was named Knight in the French Legion of Honor for his service during the World War II and for his part in the liberation of France.

From 1945 to 1985, Arnold farmed on the family farm north of Everest along with his brother, Lester. Arnold met his wife Betty in 1967 and they were married on September 14, 1968 at Saint Benedict's Church in Atchison, Kansas. Arnold and Betty had two children, Anthony (Tony) on July 22, 1969 and Lisa on January 2, 1971. After retiring from farming in 1985, Arnold continued to live on the farm with Betty where he enjoyed gardening and maintaining the farm.

Arnold was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 9, 2016 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday evening at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas with visitation to follow. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery North of Everest, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the to the Everest American Legion and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com
 
 

Lanna Lee Popkess, 74, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2016.

Lanna was born on September 23, 1941 in Topeka, Kansas. She was adopted and raised by Rudolph and Jeannette (Carlson) Volen. Lanna grew up on the family farm west of Clay Center, Kansas and graduated from Clay Center High School in 1959. While in high school, she was an active member of the Clay Center 4-H Club. After graduating from high school, she attended the Jane C. Stormont School of Nursing in Topeka and graduated in 1962 as a Registered Nurse. As a nurse, she worked at Stormont Vail and the Kansas State Hospital in Topeka. In 1962, she met Roger K. Popkess. They were united in marriage on January 26, 1963 in Clay Center and that same year moved to Sabetha. Lanna worked at the Sabetha Community Hospital and the Apostolic Christian Home as a nurse. Also, she worked alongside her husband at the Popkess Mortuary as a funeral director.

Lanna was a member and past President of the Sabetha P.E.O. In addition, she was a member of the Sabetha NorthRidge Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger, in 2014; and a daughter-in-law, Sara, in 2001.

She is survived by two sons; Matt (Janelle) Popkess of Sabetha, KS, and Ed Popkess of Topeka, KS; a brother, Ted (Eltanus) Volen of Hoyt, KS; a biological mother, Beatrice Brunke of Sabetha, KS; four grandchildren, Hogan of Ulster Park, NY, Hunter “Pete” of Sterling, KS, Blake of Topeka, KS, and Emma Popkess of Sabetha, KS; a sister-in-law, Sue Popkess-Vawter of Florence, CO; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Monday, September 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. Visitation will be Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel. Interment will be made at the Albany Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Sabetha Community Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Quentin B. Spiker, 82, of Horton, KS, formerly of Holton, passed away Monday, September 5, 2016 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS. He was born March 23, 1934 in Granada, KS the son of Ivan W. and Elva G. (Kerr) Spiker.

Quentin worked for Topeka Metal Specialty as a shop foreman and as a supervisor at BMB in Holton. He later owned and operated Central Engine Rebuilders with his brother, Ivan, in Holton.

He married Rebecca Rose Davis on May 20, 1956 in Granada, KS. She preceded him in death on June 28, 2003. He was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Leona Frances Spiker and Leah Fern Petersen and a brother, Ivan Spiker.

Survivors include a son, Bryan Spiker of Hiawatha; a daughter, Coleen Spiker-Wilson (Steven) of Mount Joy, PA; 2 sisters, L’Wanda Brungardt (Marvin) of Topeka, KS and Loyola Holt-Ritenour (Gerald) of Holton, KS; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Granada Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Quentin Spiker Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Tamra Elaine Gibson, 57, of Atchison KS died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 at her home.

Memorial services will be 7:30pm on Tuesday, Sept. 6th, 2016 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Cline officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30pm until time of service at the funeral home.  The body has been cremated and private family burial of cremated remains will be at a later date at the Round Mound Cemetery.  The family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Faith Valley Church of God and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Condolences to the family maybe left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Tamra was born on Nov. 6, 1958 in Atchison KS the daughter of Lloyd “Gene” and Sharon J. (Thompson) Gibson. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1976. She was a housekeeper and worked for a House Cleaning service in Topeka, KS before being disabled and unable to work. She was a member of the Faith Valley Church of God, Atchison, KS where she was active in helping with child care and many other church activities. She was a Y.M.C.A. member and enjoyed watching television.

Survivors include her parents, Lloyd “Gene” and Sharon J. Gibson, of the home, a son, David Gibson, Ellsworth, KS, two brothers, Randy (Lisa) Gibson, Easton, KS, and Brad (Dorothy) Gibson, Atchison, KS, a granddaughter, DaHara Gibson, Topeka, KS. 

Eugene “Mouse” Strauss, 72, of Falls City, NE passed away August 31, 2016 at Lincoln, NE. He was born on April 17, 1944 to the late Harold and Evelyn (Zentner) Strauss.

 He served in the National Guard Falls City Company B.
He married Regina Nichols in 1967 at Falls City and later divorced in 1984 and then on August 29, 2003 he met the love of his life, Anita Nolte, and they have been together ever since.

Mouse was raised in Falls City and graduated Falls City High School in 1962 and then attended the Colorado School of Mines where he studied Architecture.  When married the couple established their home in Falls City and he was a mechanic, farmer, and truck driver his whole life.  He worked for various dealerships in Falls City as a service arranger. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church.

Eugene was survived by wife, Anita Nolte of Falls City; sons, Scott Strauss and his wife Nichole of Falls City; Troy Strauss and his wife Candy of Gardner, KS; Nicholas Strauss of Falls City; step-daughters, Jessica Nolte of Omaha, NE; Sara Ruiz of Falls City; Amanda Ruiz of Topeka, KS; brother, Wayne Strauss of Pagosa Springs, CO; several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is preceded by his parents and step-son Nicholas Nolte.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 6, at 10:30 A.M. at Christ Lutheran Church at Falls City, NE with Reverend Daniel Gifford officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Cemetery at Salem, NE.

Family will receive friends Monday from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested family choice memorials.
 

Carl Henry Sternsdorff, 83, of Effingham, KS died Tuesday, August 30th, 2016, at the Atchison Senior Village.
                                                                
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Sept 6th, 2016, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lancaster, KS with Sister Mary Arie officiating.  Burial will follow in the Lancaster Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on Monday, Sept. 5th, 2016 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Condolences to the family may be left online at http://www.beckerdyer.com/.
 
Carl was born on March 30, 1933, in white Cloud, KS the son of Gerhard W. and Hulda M (Nixdorf) Sternsdorff.  At the age of 3 his family moved to the farm NE of Effingham where he resided the rest of his years.  He graduated from ACCHS in 1951.  He started farming at an early age and continued all his life.  Carl was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church where he had served on the church council for many, many years.  He served on several COOP boards, was a member of Farm Bureau and the ACCHS Booster Club.  His passion was always farming but he did enjoy music, playing cards and visiting about farming with whoever happened his way.  While he enjoyed following his children in their activities, he especially loved following his grandchildren’s sporting and school activities.  In later years, he enjoyed bingo and visiting at the Town and Country Senior Center and singing in the church choir.
 
Carl was married to LaVerne Larson on July 22, 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church, Everest, KS.  Mrs. Sternsdorff preceded him in death on March 24, 2014.  Survivors include a son, David (Fay) Sternsdorff, Effingham, KS, four daughters, Susan (Jay) Duncan, Effingham, KS, Peggy (Rick) Kooser, Basehor, KS, Linda Bottorff, Lancaster, KS, and Donna (Robert) Korff, Bitburg, Germany, eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. His parents, Gerhard & Hulda, step-mother, Matilda (Gigstad) Sternsdorff,  wife- LaVerne, son-in-law, Mark Bottorff, brother, Horst Sternsdorff, and sisters, Gladies Theurer, and Goldie McVey preceded him in death.
 
 
     

Lucille Schaefer, age 103 of Auburn, passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A funeral service will be Wednesday, September 7, 10:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery at Peru. Visitation will be at the funeral home Tuesday noon to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 7:30.

Memorials are suggested to Peru State College Foundation Scholarship Fund.
 

Reba Mae Shaffer
(January 7, 1936 - August 30, 2016)

Reba Mae (Braden) Shaffer was born on January 7, 1936 to Henry “Pete” Braden and Helen Reinertsen in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was a sister to Charles Braden (deceased), Betty Gardner, Sabetha, KS; , Martha Roberts (deceased), Georgia Braden (deceased), and Richard Braden (deceased).

Growing up Reba enjoyed spending time with her best friend Dorothy Higley. They enjoyed going to Saturday night dances where she met the love of her life Robert “Bob” Lee Shaffer. Robert thought she was “good looking” and made it a point to come back to Muscotah in hopes to see her again. They ended up going dancing together and to eat in Atchison. The rest was history, and they dated three months before getting married on September 1, 1951 at the courthouse in Hiawatha, KS.

She obtained a 9th grade education in Muscotah before quickly beginning a family of her own of 3 daughters and 4 sons: Denise Potterf (Delbert), Kansas City, MO; Ron Shaffer (Gerri), Atchison, KS; Jody Butner (Mike) Kearney, NE; Steve Shaffer (Debbie) Osage Beach, MO; Kimberly Lieneman (Mike Baugh) Carthage, MO; Bradley Shaffer (Cindy), Wamego, KS; and Jamie Shaffer, Horton, KS. Times were tough for the large family, but though the money would run out, their love never did.

Reba was a homemaker for her big family and also a postal employee of Mercier, KS; while Bob worked two jobs. They did what they could to provide for their children. They always wanted to make sure they had something nice to open on Christmas. Though starting her large family at the young age of 15, was rough at times, she loved her children dearly. She later became a grandmother to 22 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren whom she adored! They equally adored her as well! She was a wonderful grandmother who would make and buy gifts at Christmas, go Black Friday shopping, play games, read and tell stories, do crafts, go on walks and trips, go fishing, have sleepovers, and always checked for spiders before going to bed! (per our request). She was the hostess for most every holiday and we enjoyed the bunny cake every Easter, dying Easter eggs and Easter egg hunts, lighting fireworks on the 4th of July, family feasts at Thanksgiving, and gift exchanges every Christmas.

She is remembered mostly for her love of her family and her beautiful flowers. She had the most beautiful flowers all around the outside of her home. She enjoyed her flowers and would often take pictures of them. She also enjoyed being crafty, decorating her home (especially for holidays), being outside, and fishing. She had an infectious laughter which could be heard while having conversations at the kitchen table or on front porch. She was also independent, feisty, stubborn, and ornery which are traits she passed on to many of her children and grandchildren! She also loved God and her church, and was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Horton, KS. As young children Reba and her sister Martha even took it upon themselves to get baptized in the Methodist church.

On August 30, 2016, she passed away of cancer surrounded by loved ones on at the Hiawatha Hospital at the age of 80 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters Martha and Georgia, and beloved husband. Though she will be missed dearly, we rejoice that she is no longer in pain, and reunited with her husband just in time for their 65th wedding anniversary!

Survivors include her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Visitation will occur on Friday, September 2, 2016 from 6:30-8:00p.m. at Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, KS.

Funeral services will also be held at the United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 10:30a.m. in Horton, KS. Burial services will follow the funeral, and be held at the Muscotah Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com