Kenneth G. “Kenny” Koehler, 85, Atchison, Kansas died Wednesday, December 28, 2016.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. in the chapel of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited Monday Jan. 2., at 6:00 PM at the funeral home with visitation to follow until 7:30. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Foundation and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Kenny was born on February 3, 1931 in Atchison, Kansas the son of the late Anton R. and Grace (Jack) Koehler. He attended Central Grade School and Atchison High School.

He and the former Beatrice M. Gonzales were united in marriage on October 10, 1959 at St. Joseph’s Church in Atchison. Mrs. Koehler preceded in death on November 20, 2005.

Kenny was a steelworker at Rockwell International for forty-two years until his retirement. He was a member of St. Benedict Parish and the Army National Guard. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and playing chess.

Survivors include two sons, Jacob (Teresa) Koehler, Danny (Martha) Koehler, both of Atchison, KS, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death two brothers, Elmo Francis Koehler, Jacob Raymond Koehler, and two sisters, Louise Smith and Jeanne Hamblin.

Ruth Ellen Marie Lutz–Lanter, 84, Atchison, KS, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016, at Atchison Hospital, Atchison, KS, surrounded by her family. 

Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 2, 2017, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Russ Cooper officiating.  Burial will follow at the Horton Cemetery, Horton, KS.  Family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Everest Christian Church, Mayo’s Clinic or American Lung Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Ruth Ellen was born June 14, 1932 in rural Atchison County, the daughter of Carl and Marie (Deichen) Lutz, Sr.  She attended the Atchison Schools.  She worked as a Medical Assistant for family physicians in Everest and Atchison, KS.  Ruth Ellen was a member of the Everest Christian Church, Everest, KS, where she was active in many ministries including Christian Women’s Fellowship.  She also attended First Christian Church of Atchison, KS.  Ruth Ellen enjoyed, sewing, cooking and gardening, but she especially loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ruth Ellen married Lloyd Lanter on August 19, 1951 at Everest Christian Church.  They were active in the farming community.  He preceded her in death on August 10, 2010.  She is survived by a son, Edward and Alice Lanter, Atchison, KS, two daughters, Sharon and Dwight Locke, Atchison, KS, Sandra and Steven Handke, Horton, KS, a brother, Albert Lutz, Atchison, KS, two sisters, Virginia Lacy, Atchison, KS, Rosie Shrout, Atchison, KS, nine grandchildren, five step grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, nine step great grandchildren and five step great great grandchildren.

She was also preceded by her parents, a brother, Carl Lutz, Jr., and a sister Juanita Barclay.

Judith Mary “Judy” Snyder, 76, of Mayetta, surrounded by her family, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016, at Stormont-Vail Hospital where she had been a patient since Monday.

Judy was born at Falls City, Nebraska, April 12, 1940, the daughter of Charles and Lovell Sconce Stowell. She grew up at Falls City where she attended school until she was a freshman in high school, when the family moved to Wetmore where she graduated high school with the class of 1958.

She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Mayetta; the American Quarter Horse Assn.; and National Barrel Racing Assn. Judy qualified 11 years straight to participate in the World Barrel Racing Assn. Her love of horses ran deep—they were cared for and fed before her husband!

She married Farrell Snyder, August 9, 1958, at Wetmore. They lived at Topeka, Desoto, and St. Louis where they spent their working life. At Desoto, she drove a school bus for 10 years. They retired back to northeast Kansas, making Hiawatha their home before moving to Mayetta in 2010. He survives.

Also surviving are a son Kent Snyder of Holton; two daughters: Kerry (Parrish) Meredith of Overland Park, KS, Kellie (Mike) Brockhoff of Fairview; two sisters: Patricia Stein of Mesa, AZ, Phyllis Stowell SCL of Leavenworth; and five grandchildren.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at Mayetta, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2017, with Father Bill McEvoy as the celebrant. Private family inurnment will be at the Morrill Cemetery at a later date.

The Parish Rosary will be recited at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha at 6 p.m. Thursday, January 5, led by Sister Josephine. Family to visit with friends immediately following the rosary.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Jackson County Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

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

Bettie Gayle Linscott, 89, of Atchison KS died Thursday, December 29th, 2016 at the Atchison Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Charlie Neill officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am on Tuesday until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison Hospital Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship or Trinity Lutheran School Current Technology Fund and both may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Condolences and memories may be left on line at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bettie G. Leason and her sister Bonnie were the first identical twins born at the Atchison Hospital on March 5, 1927 the daughter of Gale and Betty (Bomar) Leason.  Her father died three months before the twins were born. They were adopted and raised by grandparents Lula and John Leason.  Bettie graduated from Atchison High School in 1945. She worked as a sales clerk in the ladies department for the former Diebolt’s Clothing Store, Atchison, KS and as a receptionist for Dr. Radke Orthodontist office. She was a member and former Deacon of the First Christian Church, a member of the Friendship Class, former member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and Lady Elks. Bettie & Gene enjoyed woodworking, fishing and playing bingo. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was married to Eugene Linscott on Nov. 11, 1945. Mr. Linscott preceded her in death on April 25, 1992. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy (Ron) Estes, Atchison KS, and Sherry (Charlie) Lee, Manhattan, KS, a twin sister, Bonnie Hargrove, Atchison, five grandchildren, Lori (Mark) Leonardi, Kristin (Matt) Robinson, Scott Estes, Tucker (Jamie) Lee and Chance (Tracey) Lee and nine great grandchildren.  Her parents, husband Eugene, and later companion Glen Stecher preceded her in death.

George Richard Scholz, 97 of Effingham, KS passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the Atchison Hospital, Atchison, KS.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 31, 2016, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS, with Pastor Jeff Cochran officiating.  Burial will follow at the Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, KS.  Family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Town & Country Senior Center Effingham, KS or Lancaster United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

George was born on April 22, 1919 in Huron, KS, the son of Robert and Rose (Manthe) Scholz.  He graduated from Huron High School.  George was a farmer but had worked at different places throughout his life, such as, Berry Hatchery, Blish-Mize, Paige Airways Caves and Lancaster CO-OP Lumber yard.  He was a member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church, where he served on several boards, along with being a 4-H leader. George enjoyed, golf, visiting with people and playing cards and the Atchison County fair, where he was involved with the sheep contest.  He especially loved his children and grandchildren.

George married Frances R. Elam on January 23, 1942; she preceded him in death on October 12, 2013.  Survivors include two sons; Glenn and Marilyn Scholz, Falls City, NE, Robert and Sarah Scholz, St. Peter’s, MO, a daughter; Rita and Jerry Eckert, Effingham, KS, ten grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, a daughter; Rebecca Scholz, two brothers; Ivan and Chester Scholz and a sister Ruby Smith.

Edna Waniska, 88, of Humboldt, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Born:  December 6, 1928 in rural Stella, Nebraska
Died:  December 27, 2016 in Humboldt, Nebraska

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 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 Stella Cemetery.

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

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

Rossville—Mazie O. Gooderl, 91, passed away Monday, December 26, 2016 at a Topeka hospital.

She was born July 27, 1925 at Rossville, the daughter of Ray and Eva Trimble McClain.

Mazie was raised in the Rossville community and graduated from Rossville High School.

Mazie was a farm wife, and was well known for her baking, especially her pies and cinnamon rolls.  She and her husband Delman managed the Downtown Farmers Market in Topeka for several years.  They were inducted into the Master Farmers/Home Makers Association Class of 1981.   Mazie was a member of the Holton Baptist Church; she was a Sunday School teacher and had sung in the choir.  She was a member of the Killkare HDU at Hoyt and was a past 4-H Leader.

 On July 27, 1946 she was united in marriage to Delman Gooderl.  He preceded her in death on February 9, 2014.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Stephen, four brothers, Thornton, Ora, Vencille and Luther McClain, three sisters, Letha Reser, Barbara Grubaugh and Nancy Preble.

Survivors include her son, Leslie (Lee Ann) Gooderl, Holton; her daughter Nancy (Randal) Little, Rossville, seven grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Rossville United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow in the Hoyt Cemetery.  Mrs. Gooderl will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson County 4-H Fairgrounds Building Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave an online condolence please go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Leander F. Wessel, 83, Effingham, KS, passed away, Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Medicalodge of Atchison.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, December 30, 2016 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Effingham, KS with Fr. Benjamin Tremmel, celebrant.  Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery.  A Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm, Thursday, at St. Ann’s Church with visitation to follow until 8:00 pm.  Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Church or the Atchison County EMS – Effingham, KS.  Becker Chapel in Effingham is in charge of the arrangements.  Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Leander was born on December 24, 1933 in Kelly, KS, the son of Joseph A. and Freda (Niehues) Wessel.   The family moved to Effingham in 1940 and Leander graduated from Atchison County Community High School, Effingham, in 1951.   Leander entered military service in January 1956 and served in the US Army in Korea and Japan through December 1957.  He then served four more years in the Army Reserves.  Leander worked for Jackson Farmers Co-op where he later became a branch manager in Effingham.   Leander was a member St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Effingham and Lakeview Golf Club at Horton, KS.  Leander enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing.  His greatest enjoyment was being able to spend time with his grandchildren. 

Leander and Stella Peltier were married on December 28, 1968 in Jamestown, KS. 

Survivors include Leander’s wife of 48 years, Stella; a son, Daniel (Kristie) Wessel, Leavenworth, KS; a daughter, Michele Wessel, Overland Park, KS; two grandchildren, Eric and Kara Wessel; brothers, Joseph Wessel, Jr., Effingham and Thomas Wessel, Ft. Worth, TX.

Leander was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Vincent and Jerry Wessel; sister, Florence Edwards. 

Peggy Liberty, 79, of Nebraska City, NE, passed away December 25, 2016 at Auburn, NE. She was born December 2, 1937 at Rulo, NE to the late Olin and Ruth (Pifer) McWain.

On March 23, 1957 she married Raymond Liberty at Hiawatha, KS, he passed way February 9, 1990.

Peggy was raised at Rulo and attended school there. When married the couple lived in Kansas City, Brownville, Peru and Nemaha. Following the death of her husband she moved to Tecumseh, NE where she worked for Campbell Soup. She retired in 1997 after 25 years of employment. She moved to Edwardsville, KS in 1998 and then to Nebraska City to be with her daughter in 2014 and then moved to the Good Samaritan Home in Auburn, NE in 2016.

Peggy is survived by her daughters, Peggy Yott and her special friend Rick Pugh of Tecumseh, Norma Horner and her husband Duane of Nebraska City, brother, Kenneth McWain of Kansas City, six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Betty Tracy, brothers, Neil and Vernon McWain and a son, Rodney in infancy.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Butch Liberty officiating. Interment will be in Rulo Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Mildred Marie (Oldfield) Brown, 87, of Council Bluffs, Iowa formerly of Nebraska City, Nebraska was born on July 1, 1929, in Rulo, Nebraska to Franklin Paul and Audrey Meryl (Weaver) Oldfield.  One of six children, the family moved to Brownville, Nebraska where Mildred was baptized in May of 1943 by Rev. Ward Merritt at the Brownville Christian Church.  She attended school in Brownville and graduated as Valedictorian from Brownville High School with the class of 1947. 

On May 18, 1947, Mildred was united in marriage to Fay Edward Brown in Humboldt, Nebraska.  To this union three children, Sharon, Janet, and William were born.  The couple lived in Brownville, Auburn, Superior, and Fullerton, Nebraska before returning to Auburn.  They then moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1956 where they lived until moving to Nebraska City, Nebraska in 1971.  While living in Nebraska City, Mildred became a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ serving in numerous church offices including the Shepherding Program.  She was Past President of the VFW Auxiliary, member of the American Legion Auxiliary #0008, and worked several years as a care giver through the hospital.  Mildred passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2016, at the Bethany Lutheran Nursing Home in Council Bluffs, Iowa having reached the earthly age of eighty-seven years, five months, and twenty-three days.

She is survived by her loving children: Sharon McNeely and her husband Tom of Council Bluffs, IA; Janet Parker and her husband Tom of Council Bluffs, IA; William Brown of Roy, UT; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ed, sisters Helen Den and Gladys Kelley, and brothers: Leonard, Gary, and George Oldfield.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2016, at the Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn, Nebraska with Reverend Michael Schmidt officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at the Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn.

Interment will be at the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Brownville, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.

Online messages of condolence can be left at www.hallfuneral.net

Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel- 707 15th ST. Auburn, Nebraska (402) 274-3131

Bob O. Boone, 87, of Falls City, NE passed away December 24, 2016. He was born March 3, 1929 at Moline, KS to the late Frank and Lillian (Huffman) Boone.

Bob was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952.

Bob married Betty A. Stubbs on December 31, 1954 at Platte City, MO. She later passed away on July 2, 2015.

Bob was raised in the Garnett, KS area and graduated from the Rantoul High School in 1948. Following high school he enlisted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska and Austria. Following his discharge he met his wife in Camden Point, MO and when married eventually established their home in rural Paola, KS working in the oil fields. In 1974 the family moved to Kansas City where Bob worked for Kansas City Southern Railroad until retiring in 1985. Once retired they then moved to Arizona for five years until moving to Falls City in 1990, where the couple has lived ever since. Bob enjoyed fishing and being outside helping neighbors with their yard work.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Bobbi Pickard and her husband Michael of Falls City, NE; brother, Duane Boone of Tuscan, AZ; sisters, Dora Mae Traul of Richmond, KS; Linda Cadwallader and her husband Skip of Richmond, KS; Grandson Michael Selleck and his wife Melanie of Mound City, MO; and granddaughters, Kaite and Morgann Selleck. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Dean, and sister Betty Jo Yackle.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 30, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Farley officiation.  Inurnment will be held at the Steele Cemetery

There will be no visitation.
 

Sally Leahnora Dishman, 68, Atchison, KS formerly of Houston, TX died Friday, December 23, 2016 at Atchison Medicalodge.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, Dec. 27th, 2016 at Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Kollhoff officiating. The body has been cremated. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison Medicalodge and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

 Sally was born on Dec. 2, 1948 in Atchison Kansas the daughter of William H. and Margaret (Mallory) Shelton. She graduated from DeKalb High School, DeKalb, MO in 1966. She attended Missouri Western College for a short time. Sally moved to Houston TX in 1974, and worked as receptionist for several Oil Companies. She was also a model for the Mayo Hill Agency, Houston, TX before working as a reservationist for Continental Airlines handling special needs flyers. She enjoyed traveling, quilting and sewing, but her ability to treat everyone with love and friendship helped in making her active in family and friends lives. She especially loved her family and grandchildren.

She was married to Archie Dishman in 1968. They later divorced in 1990. Survivors include a son, Aaron and daughter-in-law Julie Dishman, Houston, TX, a brother, Billy Shelton, Cerra Vista, AZ, a sister, Deva Bruce, Atchison KS, a granddaughter, Avery Dishman, Houston, TX. Her parents, infant brother, Hugh William Shelton, and a grandson, Aidan Dishman preceded her in death.

Richard William “Dick” Reynolds, 62, Atchison, Kansas died Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Atchison Hospital.

The body has been cremated. A visitation with the family will be Friday, December 30, 2016 from 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to assist the family with funeral expenses and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Dick was born September 30, 1954 in Atchison, Kansas the son of James Richard and Virginia Agee Reynolds. He attended Atchison Public Elementary Schools and Atchison High School.He and Cindy K. Kopf were united in marriage on April 19, 2002 in Atchison, Kansas. Dick was employed as a heavy equipment operator for over forty years with the Bromley Quarry Company in Atchison until his retirement.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy K. Reynolds of the couple’s home in Atchison, KS; a son, Jimmy Reynolds, Farmington, KS; four step-sons, Carl Chandler, Lincoln, NE; Tommy Hall, Lincoln, NE; Jason Williams, Lincoln, NE; Gary Williams, II, Atchison, KS; a step-daughter, Katrina Reynolds, Leavenworth, KS; a sister, Judy Gillmore, Atchison, KS; fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.He was preceded in death by a grandson, James Richard Reynolds, III.

Dr. Donald F. Scholz, 84, Atchison, Kansas died Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at his residence.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant.  Inurnment of the cremated remains will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  A parish rosary will be recited on Wednesday, December 28th at 6:00 P.M. at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Visitation with the family to follow until 7:30 P.M.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Benedictine College and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Donald was born July 31, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota the son of Aloysius John Scholz and Margaret Burke.  He received a PH D from Laval University.

He and Anita Vuano were united in marriage in 1958 in Italy.

Dr. Scholz taught at Lewis College in Joliet, Illinois in 1962.  He came to St. Benedict’s College, now Benedictine College, in 1965 and served as a professor until 2003.  During much of that time he was chairman of the Philosophy Department.  He was known as a catalyst for learning and had a deep impact on generations of Ravens.  He continued to teach a course through 2011.He was a member of St. Benedict Parish and served as an usher for many years up to the end.

Doc Scholz, as he was often called by his students, was an extraordinary man who was larger than life and had an indomitable spirit. He inspired his students, colleagues, and friends to think in new and interesting ways and touched the lives of everyone he met. He was often found at the local coffee shop engaged in lively discussion about one esoteric topic or another. He lived his life on his own terms and died in the best possible way, in his easy chair reading one of the thousands of books in his possession. His world was centered around philosophy and his strong faith as a Catholic. He never compromised his principles, and his word was his bond. But mostly, he liked to laugh and make others laugh.He will be sorely missed for years to come, but he will continue to live in our hearts for much longer.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Scholz of Atchison, KS, a daughter, Alba Scholz, Beaverton, OR; a brother, Michael Scholz and a sister, Gretchen Scholz, St. Paul Minnesota.

Troy, Kansas Rebecca Ann “Becky” (Pinger) Bond 69, of Troy, Kansas passed away December 21, 2016 at her home. 

Becky was born on June 12, 1947 in Troy, Kansas to Raymond Pete & Ida (Gurwell) Pinger. 

She was a member of the Community of Christ Church of Fanning, Kansas. Becky retired from the Pony Express Bank of Troy after many years of service with the 1st Bank of Troy. She graduated Troy High School in 1965 and the attended Baker University and K-State University. Becky was also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority while at Baker. 
Becky was a giving and loving person, putting others first, her church and friends. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother. 

Becky married Tom Bond on June 14, 1969 in Fanning, Kansas. He survives of the home. 

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Additional survivors: sons, Christopher Bond (Michelle) of Kearney, Nebraska 
Peter Bond (Deanna) of Sunman, Indiana 
Daughter, Jane McCarthy (Justin) of St. Joseph, Missouri 
Grandchildren, Emma, Eli, Grace, Porter, Hank and Molly 

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 
At the Community of Christ Church, Fanning, Kansas 
Visitation: 6-8 Monday evening at the Community of Christ Church of Fanning, Kansas. Becky was a hospitable person and the family invites anyone to feel free to come by and visit at their house. Friends may call after 12 noon Monday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. 
Burial: Fanning Cemetery, Fanning, Kansas 
Memorials: Community of Christ Church or the Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund.

Wathena, Kansas Floriene (Engeman) Lester, 95, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Wathena Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Floriene was born on July 24, 1921 to Ernest & Edna (Dinning) Engeman in Burr Oak Bottoms, Kansas.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wathena, Kansas. Floriene was a Housewife & worked for Simpson Grocery of Elwood, Kansas & the Wathena Times.

Floriene married Roy Lester on October 21, 1944 in Elwood, Kansas. He preceded her death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Nora Davis, Ora Dinning, Doris Weber & Florence Jacks, brothers, Alfred, Robert & Walter Lee Engeman.

Survivors: sons, Dennis Lester (Joann) of Wathena, Kansas Bruce Lester (Kathy) of McCook, Nebraska 4 grandchildren & 4 great-grandchildren

Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas. Visitation: 1 hour prior to service at the funeral home. Friends may call after 12 noon Monday. Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri Memorials: Wathena Nursing Home Activities Fund www.harmanrohde.com

Linda Kay Hundley, 73, of Atchison KS passed away on Wednesday, December 21st, 2016 at the Atchison Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, Dec. 27th, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison KS. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until time of services on Tuesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers, to the Trinity Lutheran School Endowment Fund and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Linda Kay Berry was born on September 25, 1943 in Atchison KS the daughter of Howard and Charlotte (Chew) Berry. She attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and was a member of the 1961 graduating class of Atchison High School. She was married to Larry Hundley on April 12, 1969 at the Atchison United Methodist Church. Linda and Larry are the parents of Wayne Patrick and Lori Ann.

Through the years Linda was employed at Kressges, Leonard Brothers Transportation, in the office and the Pharmacy at Pamida, and in the jewelry department at the Atchison Wal-Mart, retiring in 2009. For the past several years she volunteered with the Atchison Hospital Auxiliary greeting visitors to the Atchison Hospital. Linda was a true people person, loved serving the public and never met a stranger.

She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a lifelong active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Priscilla Guild; Pastor’s Adult Bible Class, had taught Sunday school and was a former Kennedy Caller. Her hobbies included bowling, bingo, reading, and all puzzles.

Linda is survived by her husband, Larry Hundley of the home, her son, Wayne Hundley, and her daughter, Lori (Michael) Sinclair, all of Atchison, five grandchildren, Cierra (Brandon) Cummings, Eli Sinclair, Adrianna (Nathan) Bryant, Kyla Hundley and Dalton Sinclair, all of Atchison and three great grandchildren, Maelynn and Deyn Smith and Ezekiel Bryant, three brothers, Kenneth (Connie) Berry, Chandler, AZ, Charles (Joan) Berry, San Diego, CA, and James (Sharon) Berry, Enid, OK, sister-in-law, Ethel Smith, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and dear lifelong friends Sandra Green, Judy Fridell and Connie Mullen, all of Atchison. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jeannine “Sue” Simpson, 65, of Fairview, died shortly after arrival at Sabetha Community Hospital, Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

Sue was born at Hiawatha, June 2, 1951, one of three children born to Edward and Jeanne Brown Meyer and was lifelong resident of the Brown County area. She attended the eighth grade at Hamlin prior to graduating high school at Hiawatha. She later graduated from Highland Community College which is where she met her husband James Robert Simpson. They were married April 2, 1971. They raised three children: Tami, Travis and Jami together for 19 years before divorcing.

Sue worked at Wilde Tool, Nek-Cap, sold Avon, Tupperware and Amway products, before working for Walmart in Hiawatha, where she worked 27 years, retiring October of 2016, as invoicing & UPC clerk.

She was baptized and confirmed member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Fairview. She enjoyed her outside flowers, garden ponds, and crafts. Her passions were her grandchildren and great-grandson. Sue’s favorite time of the year was Christmas.

She was preceded in death by her father Edward; husband James Robert in 2009; and a sister Janice.

Survivors include her mother Jeanne Meyer of Fairview; two daughters: Tami Simpson (fiancé Chris Lehmkuhl) and Jami (Jeremy) Hodge, all of Hiawatha; a son Travis (Holly) Simpson of Lawrence; a brother Matt Meyer of Fairview; 5 grandchildren: Jacob, Justin, and Jordan Hodge, Madison Hargett, Dalton Lehmkuhl; and great-grandson Grayson Hargett.

Funeral Services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 29, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Michael Dunaway officiating. Cremation will follow service.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Wednesday where the family will meet from 5 until 7 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sue Simpson Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

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

Janet Marie Kelly, 66, Atchison, Kansas, died Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care surrounded by her loving family. Janet was a resident for the last year at the Atchison Medicalodge where she met and made many friends.

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Benedict Church with Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited on Tuesday, December 27th at 6:30 P.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Catholic School-Technology Department or Maur Hill-Mt. Academy and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences and messages to the family may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com

Janet was born on March 17, 1950 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Edward M. and Jeanne (Smith) Kelly. She attended St. Benedict Elementary School, Mount St. Scholastica Academy and graduated from Atchison High School. She attended Benedictine College.

She and Roger L. Gibson were united in marriage on May 31, 1969 at St. Benedict’s Church in Atchison, Kansas. Mr. Gibson preceded her in death on May 2, 2009.

Janet briefly worked at Rockwell International and was a homemaker. She later took a position as the Executive Director of the Atchison Red Cross where she served for 24 years before her retirement in 2005.

She was a member of St. Benedict Parish. She enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles, watching movies, crocheting, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include three daughters, Amy M. (Timothy) Herman, Scott City, KS, Megan E. (Todd) Erpelding, Atchison, KS, Jill A. (Ryan) Thorne, Effingham, KS, two sons, Lawrence Wayne (Shannon) Gibson, Desoto, KS, Edward M. (Amanda) Gibson, Atchison, KS, three sisters, Carol Niemann, Rushville, MO, Sheila Gartenmayer, Atchison, KS, Laura Kelly, Effingham, KS, one brother, Dennis Kelly, Topeka, KS, and ten grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

 Harold Edward Tosh, 83, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016. He was born February 10, 1933 near Valley Falls, KS the son of Cecil and Luella (White) Tosh.

Mr. Tosh lived most of his early life in the Coal Creek community, north of Valley Falls. He graduated from Effingham High School in 1950. In 1953 he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served during the Korean Conflict.

          He married Geneva Burget on February 12, 1956 at Coal Creek Church. She survives.

          Mr. Tosh worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. for 34 years, before having a heart transplant on October 8, 1989, in which he chose to retire.

          He was a member of the First Christian Church in Holton.

          Other survivors include a daughter, Shirley VanDonge (Danny) of Havensville, KS; a son, Harold Thomas Tosh of Holton, KS; 7 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Loren Tosh of Glendale, AZ and Joe Tosh of Westcliffe, CO; 2 sisters, Barbara Goodrich and Sue Manthe both of Topeka, KS.

          He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Donald and Millard Tosh and a sister, Melva Bowie.

          Celebration of Mr. Tosh’s Life will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Holton. Private family inurnment will be in the Holton Cemetery. 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 visitwww.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Lorene Ann Freeborn, 70, Atchison, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.

She was born Aug. 3, 1946, at Columbus, NE, the daughter of Hubert and Gladyce (Faiman) Sellhorst. She grew up in the Dodge and Clarkson, Nebraska communities.

In the summer of her junior year in high school, Lorene was chosen by the National Science Foundation to study nuclear physics at Coe College at Cedar Rapids, IA. She graduated from Clarkson High School in 1964 as Valedictorian and as a National Merit Finalist. Lorene attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for four years and worked at Dennison Drug.

She married Jon Freeborn, June 8, 1968, at New Zion Presbyterian Church at Clarkson, NE. They later moved to Topeka, and then Lawrence, where she resumed her studies of the University of Kansas. She belonged to Rho Chi, an honorary pharmacy society, and Kappa Epsilon, a fraternity for women in pharmacy. Lorene graduated with honors from KU in 1969, and was registered as a pharmacist in 1970.

She and Jon moved back to Topeka where she worked at the Santa Fe Hospital, Hudson Pharmacy and Platt Villa West Drug. Upon moving to Valley Falls, she worked at Frank’s Pharmacy. She did relief work at pharmacies at Onaga, Holton, Oskaloosa, Nortonville and Topeka.

In 1984 she began working at Ball Brothers Drug at Atchison, retiring after 26 years of service due to health reasons.

Lorene was a member of the Atchison United Methodist Church, and had belonged to several church circle groups and service clubs.. Her hobbies were drawing, reading, and solving crossword and Sudoku puzzles.

Survivors include her former husband, Jon Freeborn, Atchison; her daughter, Kimberly (Rich) Fialkowski, Valley Falls; her brother, Dr. Russ (Joanie) Sellhorst, Spokane, WA; four grandchildren, Bailey Freeborn, Tabitha Fialkowski, Richie Fialkowski, and Sara (Lassiter) Fialkowski; four great-granddaughters, Maddie, Adley, Allannah and Addison; and several cousins and good friends.

A Celebration of Lorene’s Life will be held privately in early January. Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.   

Darlene Beatty, 65, of Onaga, KS passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Medicalodge Jackson County. She was born October 4, 1951 in Hurricane, WV, the daughter of Arnold Kellison Clagg and Geraldine Angelina (Campbell) Clagg.

Darlene graduated from Hurricane High School in 1969. Shortly after graduating, Darlene married Bruce J. Beatty on July 19, 1969 in Hurricane, WV.

Darlene was a homemaker and “stay at home mom” for her husband and daughters. Darlene then earned her associates diploma in early education from Southwest Community College.

Darlene had lived in the Onaga community since 2007 and had previously lived in Omaha, NE, Creston, IA and West Virginia.

Darlene was the founding member of Shalom Baptist Church in Fraziers Bottom, WV and was active in P.T.A. until her daughters were in junior high school.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dwight Clagg. She is survived by her loving husband Bruce Beatty. Other survivors include two daughters, Melissa Woods (John) of Omaha, NE, Stacy Perry (Mark) of Missouri City, TX; two sisters, Linda Snyder (Bob) of Lebanon, PA and Tina Payne (David) of Nitro, WV; a brother, Gary Clagg (Barbara) of Hurricane, WV; four grandchildren, Sydney, Emily, Sophie Woods and Aidan Bruce Perry.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Springhill Cemetery in Whiting. Memorials may be given to Medicalodges Jackson County c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visitwww.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Marvin Anthony Hammersmith, 77, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born on May 29, 1939 on a farm south of Gorham, Kansas, the son of Isador and Agatha (Sander) Hammersmith. He graduated from Gorham High School. Marvin was a shop foreman for years at Hammersmith Manufacturing Company. He was a member of the St. Leo's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and served on the church council.

On August 29, 1959 he married Shirley Rohr in Victoria, Kansas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include three daughters, Brenda (Allen) Baker of Horton, Kansas, Karla (Paul) Rush of Highland, Kansas and Kimberly (Harlan) of Olsburg, Kansas; two sisters, Katie Bellendir of Victoria, Kansas and Mary Lou Wherry of Lacrosse, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Cody Baker, Casey Baker, Cortney Stevenson, Morgan Rush, Mason Rush, Brooklyn Rush, Annie Ross and Quinten Ross; 4 great grandchildren. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents.

A rosary will be recited at 8:00 P.M. on Thursday evening at the St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, December 23, 2016 at the St. Leo's Catholic Church. Burial will be at the St. Leo's Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Marvin Hammersmith memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Velma Rowland of Pawnee City, died Monday at the age of 86

Services for Velma Rowland of Pawnee City Tuesday morning at 10 2016 at the Presbyterian/Christian Church in Pawnee City

Wherry Mortuary of Pawnee City in charge of the arrangements

Visitation on Monday, December 26, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at the Mortuary

Iola Colson, 77 of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016 at Good Samaritan in Auburn, Nebraska.  She was born on February 2, 1939 to Elmer and Lauretta (Skidmore) Colson in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Iola grew up in Pawnee City, Nebraska. 

Iola enjoyed playing bingo, sitting outside, going to church and visiting with family.

She is survived by her children, Carol & Gage Stermensky  of Lincoln, NE, Cathy Beutler of Johnson, NE, and Robert Colson of Hebron NE, Joyce Colson of Lincoln, siblings,   Richard Colson of Oregon, Dale Colson of Beatrice, NE, Sandra Menninga of Summerfield, KS, Roberta Staley and Betty Colson of Tecumseh, NE, Diane Hall of Pawnee City, NE, 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Lauretta (Skidmore) Colson, brothers, Raymond, Bill, Roger, Elmer, sister Patsy Putman, nephew, Rodney Colson, brothers-in-law Keith Staley,& James Hall,Sr..

Memorial services 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 23, 2016 at the Presbyterian/Christian Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Officiating Reverend Duane Westing.Visitation one hour before services at the Presbyterian/hristian Church. Inurnment will be at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Memorials to family choice. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrrymortuary.com 

Delores Elaine Wassenberg entered her eternal life on December 18, 2016, in Odessa, TX, at the age of 89.

She was born on May 22, 1927, to Otto and Laura (DeWolf) Rutti in rural Marysville. Delores was raised on the family farm with older brothers, Harold and Milan Rutti, where she learned the love of her Lord and the meaning of hard work.

On November 25, 1947, at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Marysville, she married Darrell Wassenberg. They had 4 children.

Delores worked for Southwestern Bell in Marysville before having children. After spending time as a stay-at-home mother, she then went back to work at J.C. Penney in Marysville, where she retired.

In 2004, she moved to Chicago after her husband passed away, where she spent the next six years caring for grandchildren, after which, she moved to Midland, TX. There she spent her days at the Senior Center enjoying her new friends and playing chicken foot.

Delores will best be remembered for her love of Jesus, family, reading and making quilts for all her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Darrell, her parents, and 2 brothers.

Survivors include her four children, Dr. David Wassenberg (Sharon) of Midland, TX, Dr. Phillip (Ann) Wassenberg of Wetmore, KS, Jay Wassenberg of Gurnee, IL, and her daughter Kathie (Col. Ed) Davis of San Antonio, TX. Delores also has 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Delores’ final resting place will be next to Darrell at the Marysville Catholic Cemetery. A service will be held at the Kinsley Mortuary on Friday December 23, 2016 at 10 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m.

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

Vera Eileen Bredemeier, 90, of Pawnee City, Nebraska died on Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Premier Estates of Pawnee in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Eileen was born on a farm north of Home City, Kansas, to William and Edna Guise Stock. She attended Elliott Country School until the 8th grade. When she was a young woman she worked as a waitress in Belleville, Kansas and also at the Pacific Hotel in Marysville. Eileen married LaVern O. Boehmer on February 11, 1951 at the Winifred Baptist Church in Winifred, Kansas. They lived and farmed north of Seneca until his death on November 26, 1967. She was very active on the farm, helping with the raking and baling of the hay. After LaVern’s death Vera moved into Seneca and worked at Friendly Diner.

On March 2, 1969, Eileen married B.W. Bredemeier in Seneca. The couple lived and farmed north of Seneca for over 30 years. In the mid 1950’s Eileen sold Avon and was a representative for over 20 years and she also sold Tupperware. Eileen enjoyed cooking, crocheting and loved to raise a big garden and canning. Eileen also liked to make wedding cakes for her family.

She was a member of the Frieden’s United Church of Christ and the Seneca BPW.

Eileen is survived by her daughter, Melissa Bredemeier of Pawnee City, Nebraska and a granddaughter, Michaela Bredemeier of Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Jacqueline Lamensky at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Friedens United Church of Christ, west of Bern. Burial is in Church Cemetery.

The Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca is in charge of the arrangements.

Reowna “Nonie” M. Ross, 81, of Silver Lake, Kansas, passed through Heavens gates December 17th, 2016 at the St. Marys Manor surrounded by her children and husband. Nonie had been a resident of the Manor since September 24th, 2010.

Nonie was born in Horton, KS July 4th, 1935 to Robert and Zora (Pepple) Burke. She was twelfth of fourteen children born to her parents. Nonie loved her big family and looked forward to the yearly family reunions, her sibling Christmas gatherings and any other reason they found to be together. She married Bernard R. Ross April 23rd, 1955 in Omaha NE at the St. Marys Church. Bernard and Nonie lived in several towns but eventually made their home of 50 years in Silver Lake, KS. She was active in the PTA and enjoyed the many events of her children. Together, they enjoyed dancing at the local VFWs with many wonderful friends. Nonie worked hard making a beautiful home for her family and once her kids had grown she found work at Hallmark Cards starting in 1977 where she retired in 1997. She enjoyed painting, making floral arrangements and sharing them with family and friends. Nonie was an avid KU Basketball fan and loved Christmas, her second favorite holiday.

Nonie is survived by her husband Bernard - St. Marys, KS; her children – Mike (Kathy) Ross - Kelso, WA; Patty (CJ) Hamilton, Chuck (Julie) Ross, and Gary (Pattie) Ross - Silver Lake, KS; Theresa Ross – Lawrence, KS; Laura (Mike) Crozier – Tonganoxie, KS and Grandson Brady Ross – Overland Park, KS. She is also survived by 17 other grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one on the way; sisters – Wyowna “Sug” Pollard of Sabetha, Kansas and Aloma Heim of Omaha, Nebraska, brother – Eldon Burke of Holton, Kansas. Nonie was preceded in death by her parents, a step-mother Margaret (Lowe) Burke; brothers – Lyle, Roland, Ronald, Robert, Kenneth and Elwood; sisters – Aloha, Twilla, Juanita and Wanda.

A rosary will be held Wednesday, Dec 21st at 6pm with a visitation immediately following at the Assumption-Mater Dei Catholic Church Topeka KS (204 SW 8th Ave). The funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec 22nd at 11:30am at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Horton KS (1340 First Ave East). Burial will be at the St. Leo's Cemetery. If you need further information please call the Dishon Maple Chaney Mortuary at 785-486-3811. The family of Nonie Ross would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the St. Marys Manor that provided wonderful care, companionship and love while she was with you. A memorial fund has been set up in Nonie’s name to ensure the residents of the Manor enjoy a Christmas gift from Nonie each year. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Marion Kay Agnew, 60, of Atchison Kansas died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 18th, 2016 at North Kansas City Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Strickland officiating. Burial will follow in the Cummings Cemetery, Cummings, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 21st, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Benedictine College and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences and messages to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Marion K. Forsberg was born on November 27th, 1956 in Junction City, KS the daughter of William “Bill” A. and Barbara (Kinney) Forsberg. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1975. She received her Bachelor Degree in Music Education from University of Nebraska- Lincoln, NE, and her Masters in School Administration from Benedictine College, Atchison, KS. Marion taught from 1986-1995 in all the Atchison Public Elementary Schools. After receiving her Master’s Degree she worked as Director of Educational Diagnostics for Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph from 1998 to 2010, when she retired due to a disability. Mrs. Agnew was an active member of the First Baptist Church, serving as Choir and Music Director. She enjoyed decorating, flowers, cooking and catering for parties, shopping and especially her grandchildren and going on cruises with her husband Fred.

She was married to Fred Agnew on June 16, 1979 in Atchison, KS. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include her daughter, Lauren (Travis) Eichelberger, Atchison, KS, a son, Adam (Alison) Agnew, Lee’s Summit, MO, three sisters, Laurie Forsberg, Atchison KS, Ruth Forsberg, Topeka, KS., and Jody O’Malley, Manhattan, KS, four grandchildren, Isabella and Taylor Eichelberger, and Raeley and Reese Agnew. Her parents, and brother Dan Forsberg, preceded her in death.

Juanita M.(Hess) Simpson, 74, of Elwood, Kansas passed away Sunday, December 18, 2016 at her home. 

Juanita was born on June 15, 1942 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Thomas Jefferson & Mabel Stella (Cremain) Hess. 

She was a member of the Kin Folk Gospel Church of Amazonia & was a homemaker. 

Juanita married James William Simpson on January 17, 1976 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 27, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents & two brothers, Gerald & Wilbert Hess. 

Survivors; daughter, Betty Jo Montgomery, Manhattan, Kansas; 
Sons - Bobby Gene Hall, Gerald Wayne Hall, John Wayne Hall all of Elwood, Kansas. 
Step-daughters - Roberta Bauman, St. Joseph, Missouri; 
Phyllis Diane Moulin, Tulsa, Oklahoma; 
Step-sons; Clyde Simpson, St. Joseph, Missouri; 
Floyd Simpson, Tulsa, Oklahoma; 
Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews;
Sister - Virginia Stull, Elwood, Kansas 
Brothers - Franklin Hess, Amazonia, Missouri; 
David Hess, King City, Missouri. 

Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December, 22, 2016, 
at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas. 
Visitation: 6-8 Wednesday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 9 AM Wednesday. 
Burial: Fanning Cemetery, Fanning, Kansas 
Memorials: Elwood Fire Department or the Elwood United Community Church.

Joraine "Much-A-Tha-Quah" May Tuckwin, 88 of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Vintage Park in Hiawatha, Kansas.

She was born on May 5, 1928 in Horton, Kansas the daughter of Joseph and Pearl Herrick Wahwassuck. Joraine was a teacher's aide for the Kickapoo Nation School. She was a member of the Sac-N-Fox Nation Tribe of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska where she served on the tribal council as a secretary.

She married Lewis Tuckwin in Holton, Kansas he preceded her in death.

Survivors include a daughter, Susan Johnson of Gladstone, Michigan; two sons, Larry Hale of Carson City, Nevada and Morgan Hale of Fallon, Nevada; sister, Linda Hale of Mayetta, Kansas; grandson, Grey Hale and other grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Sara Jo Hale and Karen McQueen, three sisters, Julia Deener, Anita Hale and Cecelia Hale; two brothers, Louis Hale Jr. and Alan Hale.

Drum services will be at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Kickapoo Community Building on the Kickapoo Reservation. Burial will be on Thursday morning at the Kahbeah Cemetery.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Gene Dahlke, 77, of Humboldt, Nebraska passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Born:  September 2, 1939 in Auburn, Nebraska

Died:  December 16, 2016 in Humboldt, Nebraska

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Brother John Bennett and Pastor Dean Joy officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials 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

Beverly June Flanders, 85, of Topeka, KS passed away Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Midland Hospice in Topeka. She was born at home on November 7, 1931 in Topeka, the daughter of Walter and Cora Alice (Love) Sharrai.

As a child, Beverly lived in Topeka and the surrounding communities, including Willard. She graduated from Holton High School in 1950. She married the love of her life, Raymond Flanders, on March 24, 1951 in Holton, KS. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Beverly worked for JC Penny’s and later for Volume Shoe in Topeka where she retired as Payroll Specialist.

She was a very kind and loving person and was proud of her family. She was also a breast cancer survivor.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Ray Flanders; her son, Steve Flanders (Diane) of Topeka, KS; her grandchildren, Katrina, Austin and Randy; her sisters, Phyllis Hirst (Darold) of Overland Park, KS and Shirley Flanders (Richard) of Topeka, KS and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Pat Dohrman.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Interment will follow in Olive Hill Cemetery west of Holton. She will lie in state at the funeral home where the family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or Midland Hospice Care c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
 

Travis Michael Ketron, 34, of Holton, KS passed away December 14, 2016. He was born March 19, 1982 in Holton, the son of James Daniel Ketron and Vonda Sue Utterback.

Travis had lived in Holton and Sparta, WI. He had worked for McDonald and Owen Lumber Yard in Sparta, WI. Travis also worked for Paul Strube Monument and Tara’s Produce, both in Holton.

Survivors include his mother, Vonda Utterback of Sparta, WI; his father and step-mother, Jim and Lynda Ketron of Holton, KS; 4 sisters, Tara Elliott of Holton, KS, Tenille Utterback of Sparta, WI, Sara Ketron of Tacoma, WA and Virginia Ketron of Tacoma, WA; his brother, Robert Utterback of Lacrosse, WI; maternal grandmother, Peggie Zirger of Topeka, KS; a special friend, Liberty Bell of Sparta, WI and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Travis Ketron Memorial Fund to be designated for a suicide prevention program 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.
 

Leonard W. Tanking, 84, of Vermillion, died December 15, 2016, at Stormont Vail Hospital  in Topeka.

Leonard was born on January 23, 1932, to Carl and Millie Winkler Tanking.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Connie Remby and Jackie Berkley;  brother, Billy and  sister, Joan Boyd.

Survived by his wife, Ruth of the home; a daughter Terry Plumberg of Seneca; a sister, Patricia Dalinghaus of Seneca; 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, December 19th, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville at 10:30 am. A rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 2pm at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials are for Coins for A Cause sent in care of the family.
To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Kenneth Eugene Nott, 77, of Holton, KS passed away Friday, December 16, 2016 at his home after his battle with cancer.

He was born May 5, 1939 in Dover, KS the son of Clarence A. Nott, Sr. and Isla Winona (Bottom) Nott.

Kenny graduated from Oneida High School in 1958. He had lived all of his life in the Holton and Wetmore communities. He worked owned and operated car/auto body shops in Wetmore and Holton and later Skelly Gas Station in Holton. Kenny worked 17 years for Meier’s Ready Mix in Topeka. He was a truck driver for Holton Livestock Exchange and Collins Trucking and later owned and operated K & J Trucking with his son, Jim. Kenny most recently was a cattleman.

He married JoAnn Pool on September 2, 1961 in Topeka, KS. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 2 daughters, Vicki Kirby (Robert) of Lenexa, KS and Joyce Diehl (Matt) of Wetmore, KS; a son, Jim Nott of Mayetta, KS; 5 sisters, Lois Nissen of Wetmore, KS, Rose Honeyman of Topeka, KS, Sandy Nott of Holton, KS, Sue Coffman (Bill) of Milford, KS and Thelma Brown of Holton, KS; 7 grandchildren, Taylor and Patrick Kirby, Ryan, Katie and Kim Diehl and Ed and Brandon Nott and 2 great-grandchildren, Jaxson Diehl and Braxton Brown and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Betty Christian and Florence Nott and 3 brothers, Claude, Tommie and Jay Nott.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Holton Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital Hospice 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.

Earl “Dee” Olson, 87, of Hoyt, KS passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016 at his home. He was born May 1, 1929 in Manhattan, KS the son of Conrad E. and Clarice (Gregg) Olson.

Dee graduated from Hoyt High School in 1948. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and also served in the Army National Guard. Dee was a machinist for over 30 years at Allis Chalmers in Topeka. He later worked for the Hoyt City Council, City of Hoyt as Street Commissioner and ground maintenance for the Parks and Rec Department, retiring in 2013.

Dee was a Volunteer Fire Fighter for over 40 years, retiring as Battalion Chief in 2012. He was also a member of American Legion Post 400, IAM (International Assoc. Machinist) and Jackson County Storm Spotters.

He married Wilma Jean Rouse on August 24, 1951 in Circleville. She preceded him in death on May 20, 1997. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Viola Stevens.

Survivors include a son, Conrad L. Olson of Osage City, KS; 2 grandsons, Jason Woltje and Jamie Woltje and a granddaughter, Jill Ellis.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the West Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Topeka. Family will greet friends Monday evening from 5:00 to 6:30 at the Hoyt Community Building. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the Dee Olson Fire Fighter Scholarship 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.

Warner Ronald (Ron) Pape III of Richmond, Texas, passed away on the morning of Monday, December 12, 2016.  He went peacefully at home surrounded by family.

He was born November 12, 1943, in Alton, Illinois, to Warner and Charlene Pape.  The family moved to rural Brown County, Kansas, where the family was actively involved in farming.

After graduating from Robinson High School, Ron attended Kansas State University, graduating with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration.  He married Julia Stonebarger Pape in 1964 and the couple lived in several states as Ron transferred positions in corporate management.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Julia.  Also surviving are his parents, Warner and Charlene Pape of Hiawatha, Kansas.  His children, Julie Christine Lorenz and husband David, Warner Travis Pape and wife Rachel; grandchildren, Chase and Cale Lorenz and Lily and Julianne Pape.  Also surviving are brothers, Jerry Pape and Alan Pape; brother-in-law, Dean Stonebarger and wife Reita; and nieces and nephews.

Ron loved life.  His favorite pastimes and interests included sports whether watching, playing or coaching.  He especially enjoyed coaching his children’s sport teams throughout the years.  He always looked forward to the card games when the family gathered.  He also enjoyed reading and traveling.

In accordance with Ron's wishes, he has been cremated. On Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. the family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life service at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Due to the inclement weather, graveside service will follow at the Chapel Oaks chapel.  Family inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha, Kansas.

After the darkness, the daylight shines through.  After the showers, the rainbow’s in view.  After life’s heartaches, there comes from above, the peace and comfort of God’s healing love.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests with gratitude that donations be directed, in his name, to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 6977 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030, or shrinershospitalforchilren.org.     www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
 

Randy Allen Blecha, 56, of Seneca, Kansas formerly of Humboldt, Nebraska was born in Humboldt, Nebraska on January 8, 1960 to Ivan and Amy (Rue) Blecha.  He was raised in Humboldt where he attended grade school and later graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1979.

On November 29, 1987, Randy was united in marriage to Vicki Gentry at The Christian Church in Humboldt, Nebraska.  To this union a son, Dustin, was born.  The couple would later divorce.  After moving to Seneca, Kansas later in life, Randy worked for many years at McDonald’s and most recently at Koch and Company.  Randy enjoyed the outdoors and being around nature.  He loved to hunt, but more than anything, loved to fish.  Randy was a true Nebraska Cornhusker fan that loved to watch football.  He especially enjoyed watching Nebraska play the purple team to the south, Kansas State.  Randy found true pleasure in teasing those family K-State fans when Nebraska had the upper hand.  He loved his family dearly and cherished the times with his grandchildren.   

Randy passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the Bryan LGH Medical Center East in Lincoln, Nebraska having reached the age of fifty-six years, eleven months, and five days.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Roger, Donnie, and Dick Blecha and brother-in-law Jack Rose. 

He is survived by his son Dustin Blecha and his wife Ashleigh of Goose Creek, SC; special friend Tina Roe of Seneca, KS; a brother Gene Blecha and his wife Marge of Humboldt, NE; sisters: Jo Ann Rose of Kansas City, MO; Lou Ann Iliff and her husband Greg of Humboldt, NE;  grandchildren: Morgan Rummell of Lincoln, NE; Brooklynn Roe of Lincoln, NE; Declan Johnson of Lincoln, NE; step-daughter Tonya Roe and her special friend Michael Johnson of Lincoln, NE; 5 more special grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at The Christian Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 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 Bohemian National Cemetery south of Humboldt.

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

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

Heath Allen Hopkins, 46, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born on October 25, 1970 in Pekin, Illinois the son of Marion and Patsy (Belle) Hopkins. Heath worked as a revenue auditor for the Pair Dice Casino in Peoria, Illinois and the Golden Eagle Casino. He also worked for Hemisphere GPS in the shipping and receiving department prior to going to work for the Kickapoo housing accounting department. He was a member of the USBC Bowling Association and attended the St. Leo's Catholic Church.

On March 17, 2001 he married Gidgit Lackland in Cerve Corve, Illinois. She survives of the home. Other survivors include three sons, Colby Manley of Taylor, Texas, Levi Manley of Horton, Kansas and Patrick Parson of East Peoria, Illinois; two brothers, Gale Hopkins of Manatio, Illinois and Curtis Hopkins of Pekin, Illinois; four sisters, Debbie (Mike) Simpkins of Pekin, Illinois, Susie (Andy) Davies of Pekin, Illinois, Diane (James) Strube of Peoria, Illinois and Christine Anderson of Downs, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rick Hopkins and two sisters, Cindy Hopkins and Donna Kay Hopkins.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends on Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M.

Burial will be at the Horton City Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Heath Hopkins memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Alma "Jeanne" Jamvold, 92 of Everest, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Maple Heights Nursing Center in Hiawatha, Kansas.

She was born on February 14, 1924 in Severance, Kansas the daughter of John and Alma (Cluck) Dittemore.

Jeanne graduated from Severance High School and the Vo-Tech in Topeka, Kansas. She worked as a L.P.N. nurse for the Horton Hospital and Stormont Vail Hospital until she retired. Jeanne was a member of the Everest Christian Church, CWF, O.E.S. Huron Chapter #461 Denton, Kansas and the Everest American Legion Auxiliary.

On June 19, 1941 she married Richard Geiger in Lawrence, Kansas. He preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1967. She later married Alfred Jamvold on July 9, 1977 in Everest, Kansas. He also preceded her in death on October 1, 2002.

Survivors include a son, Richard (Becky) Geiger Sr. of Everest, Kansas; daughter, Carol S. Monson of Plano, Texas; Step-son, Daryl (Sue) Jamvold of Hiawatha, Kansas; four grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; five step grandchildren and ten step great grandchildren.

She was also preceded by her parents, brother, John Dittemore, sister, Julia McIntyre, step-daughter, Nancy Nelson and son-in-law, Richard Monson.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. The family will greet friends on Monday evening from 6 to 7:30 P.M. at the mortuary. Burial will be at the Miller Cemetery, Everest, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the Everest Christian Church or the Maple Heights Nursing Center both may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Daisy June Pettyjohn, 89, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on December 12, 2016 at the Horton Community Hospital.

She was born on June 16, 1927 in Adams, Nebraska the daughter of Ira and Nellie (Robb) Burke.

Daisy was a homemaker, member of the Muscotah United Church and enjoyed cooking, playing Bingo, sewing and needle point. On February 3, 1947 she married Charles A. Pettyjohn Jr. in Olathe, Kansas. He preceded her in death on January 24, 1998.

Survivors include two daughters, Shirley (Swede) Hollis of Horton, Kansas and Peggy (Howard) Lett of Platte City, Missouri; three grandsons; four great grandsons; one great-great granddaughter; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, stepson, Charles "Buddy" Pettyjohn III, three brothers, Clarence, Harris and Elza Burke; four sisters, May Beatte, Marie Stumbo, Ruth Burke and Mary Jones.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Mission Village Living Center in Horton, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the Horton Community Hospital or the Mission Village Living Center both may be sent in care of the mortuary. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Muscotah Cemetery. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com
    

Nellie Neoma Larabee, 92, of Sabetha died Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the Mission Village Living Center in Horton, Kansas.  

She was born on September 7, 1924 in Rock River, Wyoming the daughter of Jerry Huston Sanders and Ila Neoma (Hunt) Sanders.  They moved back to Denison, Kansas at an early age.  She attended country schools in this area until in 1936 when they moved to Circleville, Kansas. She attended and graduated from Circleville High School in 1943.

She was united in marriage to Alvin Walter Larabee on September 12, 1942.  They lived on a farm south of Soldier, Kansas until 1949 when they moved to a farm south west of Sabetha.  They moved into Sabetha in the winter of 1979.  To this union was born four children, Bonnie Irene (Larabee) Ralph, Donald Eugene Larabee, Stephen Ray Larabee and Melvin Lee Larabee.

She worked at Midway Café, the Sabetha Hospital and the Apostolic Christian Home where she served the elderly people with love for over 20 years.  She retired in December of 1999.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alvin on September 24, 1984; a son, Melvin on August 1, 1984; three brothers, two sisters, and one grandson, Travis Larabee.

She is survived by a daughter, Bonnie Ralph of Topeka, Kansas; two sons, Don Larabee of Houston, Texas, and Stephen Larabee of Horton, Kansas; a brother, John Sanders; and five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Wesleyan Church of Sabetha. Visitation will be Monday, December 19, 2016 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Interment will be made at the Sabetha Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Wesleyan Church, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas  66534.  www.popkessmortuaries.com  

Clifford L. Reeves, 92, Atchison, Kansas died Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Atchison Medicalodge.

Graveside services will be Saturday, December 17, 2016, at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Vernon Cemetery with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB officiating. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, December 17th from 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Croix Hospice or 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.

Clifford was born January 8, 1924 in Danbury, Nebraska, the son of Thomas and Lucy Greenway Reeves. He attended Franklin Elementary School in Atchison, Kansas and graduated from Atchison High School.

He and Elizabeth M. “Betty” Giles were united in marriage on November 5, 1943 at Sacred Heart Church in Atchison, Kansas. Mrs. Reeves preceded him in death in May 24, 2002.

Clifford served as a letter carrier for the Atchison Post Office for fifteen years until his retirement.

He served with the United States Army from June 21, 1943 until his honorable discharge on December 23, 1945. Clifford then served with the Kansas National Guard from 1948 until 1968.

Clifford was a member of St. Benedict Parish, participating at Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and reading in his spare time.

Survivors include three sons, Thomas A. Reeves, Atchison, KS; Ronald E. (Sherry) Reeves, Valley Falls, KS; Richard Reeves, Atchison, KS; a daughter, Katherine L. (Robert) Grunert, Atchison, KS; four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and one great great grandson.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Kevin Reeves and a sister, Elizabeth Hoyel.

Dale Harness, 79, of Troy, Kansas died Friday, December 9, 2016.

Dale was born on November 1, 1937 in Highland, Kansas to Harold and Margaret (Hayes) Harness. He was a lifelong resident of Troy where he farmed and was a custom harvester.

Dale was a past member of the Troy Lions Club.

He married Betty Young on November 26, 1976 in Troy. She survives of the home. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Beverly Cluck, niece, Janet Sue Libel and a grandson, Andrew Clary.

Additional survivors include his children;
Dennis Harness, Kim Whitsell and P.J. Wykert all of Troy;
Brother, Larry Harness of Highland, Kansas.
5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren;
numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There will be a family visitation Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. Dale's wishes were to be cremated.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial to either the Troy Ambulance Fund or Donor’s choice.

Eldon Homer Fleury,75, passed away on December 9, 2016 in Seneca, Kansas.

He was born on June 27, 1941 in Concordia KS to Homer Eldon and Dorothy (Fazel) Fleury. He was raised in Jamestown where he graduated from high school in 1959. After high school he attended Fort Hayes State University where he served as president of the student government association and obtained a B.A. in political science and teaching certification in 1964. Eldon moved to Seneca in 1965, taking a teaching position at the Kelly Grade School where he also coached football and basketball, as well as serving for a time as principal.

He met Paula Jean Boeding in Seneca and the two were married on July 13, 1968. The couple had two children, Amy and Mark. He spent 13 years teaching in Kelly before earning his masters degree in special education from Kansas State University and transferring to Nemaha Valley High School, where he taught special education and American History until 2001. He also served as student council sponsor, a coach, and score/timekeeper at Nemaha Valley athletic events.

Eldon joined the Army reserves after college and remained a member of the American Legion for 50 plus years. Eldon enjoyed fishing, reading, going for walks, and he rediscovered a love for golfing in his retirement. He was an amateur radio operator (N0VXS) and a long-time member of the Seneca Lions Club and Seneca Masonic Lodge. Eldon also served on the Seneca Free Library Board and the Seneca Tourism Board. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2002, Eldon underwent many treatments and surgeries, surviving well beyond medical prognoses. In 2012 he became a resident at Crestview Nursing and Residential Living.

Eldon is survived by his wife Paula, his two children, Mark and Amy, and her husband Derek Blakeley, and a sister, Barbara. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Graham Layton Blakeley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 12. A rosary will be held on Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 and a visitation will be from 6:00-7:30 at Lauer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Seneca Public Library, St. Bede’s Building Fund, or Baileyville Benefit.

Duane Michael Simmonds, 71 Years Old, of Murray, Nebraska, passed away 12/01/2016, in Murray, NE.

Duane was born in Falls City, NE. October, 3rd, 1945, to the late Clarence “Big Babe” Simmonds, and Mary Rosalie (Zvolanek) Simmonds of Rulo, NE.

Duane was preceded in death by; his parents, and a brother Dennis. He is survived by his brothers Edward Simmonds, Rulo, Terry (Debbie) Simmonds of Mound City, Mo. A sister Lisa Law, Falls City, NE. and many Nieces, and Nephews. 

The Family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Service, Saturday, December, 17th, 2016 at the George Ogden Building in White Cloud Ks. 3345 Thrasher Rd, White Cloud, KS 66094. 

Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00, then there will be a time for sharing favorite memories and stories from 11:00 – 12:00 followed by a lunch.        

A private Family inurnment will be at a later date.

Margaret L. Radley, 90, of Falls City passed away December 9, 2016. She was born July 3, 1926 at Barada, NE to the late Grover and Fern (Dixon) Vice.

Margaret married Floyd Radley on January 13, 1944 at Hiawatha, KS. He later passed away on December 18, 2009.

Margaret was raised on a farm north of Barada, NE until moving to Rulo, NE where she graduated high school in 1944. She lived in Richardson County her entire life and all of her married life she lived in Falls City. She is a member of the Church of the Nazarene.

Margaret is survived by grandchildren, Melinda Radley, Anne Radley, Jennifer Alleshouse, Kristen Goree and her husband Tim, Jayme Melton and her husband Woody, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Dan and David, three brothers, and one sister.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Stephen Floyd officiating. Interment will be at Steele Cemetery.

Family will receive friends on Monday from 7:00-8:00 P.M. at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
 

Thomas Albert Smith, 73, of Atchison KS died on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Mosaic Life Center, St. Joseph, MO. 

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm on Thursday, Dec. 15th, 2016 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Sonya Griffith officiating. The body has been cremated and private interment will be at a later date. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Thursday, Dec. 15th, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to help with final expenses.Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Thomas was born on April 15, 1943 in St. Joseph, MO the son of L.G. and Evelyn Marie (Winder) Smith. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving two tours in Vietnam. After serving 16 years in the Army he retired at the rank of Captain. Mr. Smith owned and operated a bar in South Carolina, then worked as a bus driver in Niagara Falls, NY. He then worked as an Over the Road Truck Driver for Mid West Grain, Atchison for several years, and retired in 2005 from driving a bus again in Denver, CO. He enjoyed playing bingo, attending auctions, turkey shooting, and going to Casino’s and gambling.

Thomas was married to Barbara Faiers on Jan. 20th, 1959 in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Smith survives of the home in Atchison. Additional survivors include two sons, Jeff Smith, Akron, Ohio and Tom (Tina) Smith, San Simon, AZ, a daughter, Angel Porter, Atchison, KS, one brother, L.G. Smith, Jr, Kenton, OK, and one sister, Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” and Larry Novotny, Edgerton, MO, seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. His parents, one brother, Roy F. Smith, and one sister, Mary Jean Ross, preceded him in death.

Eldamae Widman, 86, of Hiawatha, died Thursday evening, December 8, 2016, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Eldamae was born January 12, 1930, in Robinson, one of ten children born to Charles and Bonnie Reed Soden.  She grew up in Robinson where she attended school, later graduating high school. Eldamae worked at Flair Fold Manufacturing in Hiawatha before going to work for Brown County.  She worked for Grace Jones in the treasurer’s office for a number of years.  Upon Grace retiring, Eldamae was elected treasurer of which she served for several terms before retiring. Upon retirement, she moved to Branson, MO for a number of years, returning to Hiawatha in 2005 to be near family.

Mrs. Widman was a Doe of the BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge.  While in Branson, she was very active with the Senior Citizens Center.  She enjoyed line dancing, bowling, reading, watching the History Channel along reality shows on television.
She was married to Melvin Widman, July 27, 1950, at the First Christian Church in Hiawatha.   After her marriage, they moved to Ohio where they lived a few years before returning to NE Kansas.  They later moved to California where he attended barber school, returning to Hiawatha.  He died December 26, 1988.  

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sons:  Michael in 1985, Ronnie in 2002; a grandson Todd in 2000; two brothers: Marion, Frank; three sisters:  Ruby, Opal, and June.

Survivors include a sister Charlotte Hageman of rural Hiawatha; three brothers: Robert “Bob” Soden and Dale “Sam Soden, both of Hiawatha, Gerald Soden of Baldwin City, KS; grandchildren:  Roni Brockhoff and her children Ethan and Tork, Michael Widman, Clint Widman, Jill Blake and her children Mila Quinn and Anistyn.

A Celebration of Eldamae’s life is planned on 2:30 Monday, December 12, at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha, with Pastor Shane Spangler officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 until 7 Sunday evening.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Widman Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

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

Richard H. Moses, 79, of Falls City passed away December 8, 2016. He was born November 9, 1937 at Lincoln, NE to the late Eldridge and Elaine Moses.

Richard married Nancy Duke on June 17, 1991 at Champaign, IL.

Richard was raised in Lincoln, NE and graduated from Lincoln High School. After high school he attend the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts after graduation he attended Wichita State University where he received his Master’s in Fine Arts.  Following graduation he began his teaching career at the University of Illinois where he taught for 37 years before retiring in 1999. Following retirement the couple resettled in Falls City and have lived here ever since. Richard was a big supporter of the Richardson County Humane Society and the EDGE program. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Richard is survived by his wife, Nancy Moses of Falls City; sons, Paul Moses of Lincoln, NE; Richard Moses, Jr. and his wife Seegal of Red Bank, NJ; daughter, Christian Moses-Igan and her husband Ian of Austin, TX; step-son, Bryan Drew of Lincoln; brother, James Moses and his wife Blair of Meza, AZ; and 12 grandchildren.

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

No viewing or visitation.

Joan Elaine Noll, 90, of Nortonville, KS passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Monday December 12, 2016 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Father Lazar Carasala as celebrant. Burial will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Corpus Christi Church, Mooney Creek with visitation to follow until 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Corpus Christi Altar Society or Corpus Christ Cemetery. The O’Trimble Funeral Home, Nortonville is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Joan was born on April 13, 1926 in Winchester, KS, the daughter of the late John and Agnes (Meyers) Chmidling. Joan worked in Atchison for four years before she got married. Joan worked at “The Locomotive Finishing Material Co.” and “Inland Manufactory Co”, and Montgomery Ward’s Store. Joan also took care of her grandmother Carolina Meier for a while. Joan loved her family, grandkids and great grandchildren. She loved to read and work on word puzzles, and just enjoyed life to the fullest.

Joan Elaine Chmidling married Carl Joseph Noll the third of June 1947 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville, by the Reverend Leo Herkens, they were married for sixty-one years. He preceded her in death on June 15, 2008. Survivors include a daughter; Mrs. Marie and her husband Greg McDaniel, Atchison, KS, three sons; Larry and his wife Jill Noll, Nortonville, KS, Fred and his wife Jean Noll, Atchison, KS, and Leon and his wife CeCe Noll, of Atchison, KS, two brothers; Jerry Chmidling, Leavenworth, KS and Johnnie Chmidling, IN, a sister; Carol Daniels, Leavenworth, KS, a daughter in law Gloria Noll, Oskaloosa, KS, a son in law, Larry Schrick, Easton, KS, fifteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son Dale Noll and a daughter; Bonnie Schrick, four brothers; Richard, Charles, Marvin and Bill Chmidling, and a sister; Mary Loren Chmidling.

Barbara Jean Rockey, 90, of Hiawatha, died Wednesday morning, December 7, 2016, at Maple Heights Nursing Home.

Barbara Jean Beryln was born June 28, 1926 in Columbus, NE, and grew up in the NE Kansas area where she attended schools in Hiawatha and Fairview.

She met and married the love of her life Wilbert Rockey.  They were blessed with six children.  Wilbert and Barbara moved from the farm to town in 1956 where she lived until she moved to Maple Heights where she spent the last 12 years.

Mrs. Rockey was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha.

Survivors include three daughters:  Irena Lyon, Ruth (Tom) Black, both of Hiawatha, Christian (Dale) Buckingham of Warrensburg, MO; two sons:  Paul (Nancy) Rockey, Phil (Jacqueline) Rockey, both of Hiawatha; brother James Bashamp, sister Lorena Martin; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.  

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wilbert in 2015; son Kenneth (Butch) Rockey; a sister Mary Ayers; and granddaughter Amy Buckingham.

Funeral services are planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Rev. Jacob Cloud officiating.  Private family interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Sunday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Maple Heights Nursing Home which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

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

Anna Larfern Richey, 67 of Atchison, KS, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Medicalodge of Atchison, KS. 

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating.  Burial will follow at Sumner Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Friday, December 9, 2016 at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Anna was born on February 12, 1949, in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Wilburn and Doris (Callaway) Hundley Sr.  She was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.  Anna loved to go shopping and enjoyed gardening, fishing and reading.

Anna married Mike Richey on August 30, 1977, he survives of the home.  Additional survivors include two daughters; Schella (Kenneth) Servaes, Atchison, KS, Brenda Ross, Cummings, KS, a son, Gary (Michelle) Sandy, Wichita, KS, a brother, Kenneth Hundley, Topeka, KS, three sisters, Wilma Petersen, Atchison, KS, Dorothy Williams, Leavenworth, KS, Helen Monroe, St. Joseph, MO, nine grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mary Hundley, three brothers; Bobby Hundley, Ernest Hundley and Wilburn Hundley, Jr.

Merlin J. Fink, 86, of Eloy, Ariz., formerly of Atchison, Kan., passed away, Nov. 29, 2016, in Arizona. He was born March 9, 1930, to Leo Louis and Edna Louise (Terry) Fink.

On Sept. 14, 1955, Merlin married Mary Louise Jauernig. She survives at the home. They were blessed with three sons, Tony (Carol), Mark (Cheryl) and Michael (Janice); he had five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two sisters, Eileen Wilk and Angela (Dale) Forge.

Merlin was preceded in death by two sisters, Evalyn Linaweaver and Regina Aaron; and three brothers, Gerald Fink, Albert Fink and Anthony Fink.

Merlin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. Merlin worked at Hawk’s Hatchery and LFM-Rockwell now Bradken in Atchison. A few years after retiring in 1992 from Rockwell, he and Mary Louise made their home in Eloy, Ariz.

Merlin loved life to its fullest and enjoyed every minute of it. He always had a laugh and a smile that would warm your heart. If you visited the park where they lived in Arizona as a stranger, you would leave a friend.

Visitation beginning with the rosary will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 at the R. L. Leintz Funeral Home (4701 10th Ave., Leavenworth, Kansas). Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, at St. Joseph of the Valley Church (31151 207th Street, Leavenworth, Kansas) Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the VFM in Atchison or St. Joseph of the Valley Catholic Church.

Esther L. Middendorf, 93, of Hiawatha, went to be with her Lord Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

She was born on a farm south of Troy, December 6, 1923, the eighth of nine children born to Charles and Martha Kiehnhoff Ruhnke and was a northeast Kansas resident her entire life. 

Esther attended rural schools K-8 near Troy.  She worked as a nanny, hospital switch board operator and caregiver for an elderly lady before she married at age 24.  Esther worked for 33 years as a secretary for Hiawatha Elementary School before retiring.  

Esther was a longtime dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church of Hiawatha and had held many offices in the LWML (Lutheran Women Missionary League).  She was active in the Hiawatha Community as well:  was a board member of Latchkey; Home Health Agency; and was a Grey Lady Volunteer for many, many years, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.  In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, cooking, Scrabble, volunteering, and family activities.

She was married to Clarence Middendorf, June 6, 1948 at Zion Lutheran Church.  They have made Hiawatha their home all of their married life.  He survives. Also surviving are two daughters:  Karen McNamee (Jim Keyser) of Portland, OR, Judy Middendorf of Ft. Collins, CO; a son David Middendorf (Lela) of Hiawatha; a sister Helen Schmidt of Stanton, NE; grand-daughters:  Jessica Young (Jeff), Katie Knoll (Chris); step-grandchildren:  Brandon Smith(Laura), Jenna Smith; great-grandchildren: Haley Young, Mitchell Smith; Ava Knoll, Meredith Smith, and Liam Knoll.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law Nancy Middendorf; brothers:  Harold, Herbert, Raymond, Charles Ruhnke; sisters:  Edna Benitz, Dorothy Bode, and Marguerite Damm.

A Celebration of Esther’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha, with Pastor Mike Dunaway officiating.  Cremation will follow service with private inurnment at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home from 9-10 Monday morning,  where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church or Missy Newell Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

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

James W. Rieger, 90, of Falls City passed away December 6, 2016. He was born on October 9, 1926 to the late John and Mary (Dodds) Rieger.

James married Ann Stednitz on October 14, 1951 at Falls City. She later passed away on November 17, 2006.

James was raised on the family farm and attended Falls City High School. When married, the couple established their home on the family farm where he worked most of his life up until moving into Falls City in 2007. Other than farming he also drove the bus for Falls City Public Schools and worked for Woodings for many years. He was a member of First Brethren Church, where he served as a Deacon and a trustee, a member of the Rural Fire Department, and was on the Rural Water District Board.

James is survived by daughter, Mary Hanson and her husband Jeffrey of Ithica, NE and two grandchildren. He is preceded in death by parents, wife, brother, John, and sister, Anna Mae.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 12, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at the Dorr and Clark Funeral home with Pastor Victor Haworth officiating. Interment will be at the Steele Cemetery.

Family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00-5:00 P.M. at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Mary Ellen Frazee passed away, going to her heavenly home, on December 6, 2016 at Pawnee County Hospital after a long battle with Addison’s and Multiple Myeloma.   

Mary Ellen Loch Frazee was born to Sterling and Jesse North Loch on February 26, 1935 in Pawnee City, NE.   She was raised on a farm northeast of Summerfield, KS with her parents and her older brother, Bob.   She attended country school and graduated from Summerfield High School in 1952.   

She married Robert Frazee on January 18th, 1953 at the Presbyterian Church in Summerfield and they set up housekeeping on a dairy farm North of town.  

Mary Ellen was a busy farm wife and mother of 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls.   Her days were filled with raising and selling chickens and eggs, milking cows and caring for baby calves, tending a large garden, and playing softball for many years.  
The activities of 5 kids kept her very involved in 4-H, school activities and sporting events. Along with enjoying her 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, she loved hosting family dinners and playing cards.   Her hobbies included quilting and crafting, making taffy and decorating wedding and birthday cakes, socializing with numerous women’s clubs, and traveling.  

She is proceeded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert (Bob) Loch; parents-in-law Willard and Hattie Frazee; brothers-in-law, Don and Dick Frazee, Bill Lantz, Jack Koch, Sam McKee; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Koch; grandchildren, Chad Frazee, Nicole Schlueter and Spencer Barr.  

She is survived by her husband, Robert Frazee; sons, Bruce (Cherie), Summerfield; Dennis (Linda), Sabetha, KS; Doug (Gay), Summerfield; daughters, Karen (Randy) Schlueter, Beatrice, NE; Lori (Skip) Barr, Liberty, NE; grandchildren, Jasper (Gina) Frazee, Miranda (Brian) Lehman, Haley (Ben) Scheer, Regan (Jessica) Barr, Megan Frazee, Lee (Heather) Barr, Cody (Angie) Frazee, Blake Frazee, Abby (Brent) Cole, Ethan (Gabriel) Schlueter, and Lucas Barr; great grandchildren, Andrew, Tyse and Jack Frazee; Eli and Kiley Lehmann; Ava Scheer; Carson, Olivia, Brooklyn and Logan Barr; Kylee and Braden Frazee; Kennedy Cole; and Joziah Schlueter.

Celebration of life services will be held Friday, December 9, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, Summerfield, Kansas with burial to follow in the Summerfield Cemetery.    Officiating Pastor Herb Schrader.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska, 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.,  with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.  
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be designated at a later date to family’s choice. On line condolence can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com
 

Louise L. Kneisel, 86, formerly of Wetmore, with her family by her side, went to be with her Lord, Monday, December 5, 2016, at Oakley Place in Topeka.

Louise was born and raised in Kismet and later served as Postmaster there 18 years prior to serving as Postmaster at Wetmore before retiring.

She married Harold Kneisel in 1979. They made Wetmore home and enjoyed their life together for 32 years, before his death in 2012.

Survivors include three daughters: Theresa Schroeder of Midwest City, OK, Carolyn (Mike) Chase of Plains, KS, and Joan (Rick) Mongold of Topeka, KS, 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren plus one on the way!

A Celebration of Louise’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, December 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church at Holton. Interment will be Saturday at Plains, KS.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Louise Kneisel Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.

Please refer to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com for her life story.

Leone Maye Elkins, 76, of Horton, Kansas passed away on December 5, 2016 at the Mission Village Living Center in Horton, Kansas.

She was born on October 5, 1940 in Hiawatha, Kansas the daughter of Samuel L. and Evelyn L. (Crowner) Potter.

Leone worked as a Day Care Provider raising many children, prior to going to work for the City of Horton as a Clerk and the Knudson's Jewelry Store. She was a member of the St. Leo's Catholic Church, the Altar Society, ESA Sorority and received the Saint Barbara's Spouse Award.

On December 14, 1958 she married Marvin "Minnie" Elkins in Hiawatha, Kansas. He preceded her in death on July 25, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Janice Morris and Betty Sechler, two brothers, Billy Raye Potter during infancy and Allen Potter.

Survivors include a daughter, Angie Heaton of Horton, Kansas; sister, Nila (Glenn) Cook of Horton, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.

 A Prayer Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. A Rosary will be recited on Friday evening at 6:00 P.M. at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary with visitation to follow. Burial will be at the Horton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Leone Elkins memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Mildred “Nadine” Stephenson, 89, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Stormont Vail Hospital. She was born September 24, 1927 in Archie, MO the daughter of Earnest L. and Sarah E. (Duncan) Hawkins.

Nadine graduated in 1945 from high school in Harrisonville, MO. She had lived in Holton since 1958 and previously in Harrisonville, MO, Carthage, MO and Topeka, KS. Nadine had worked 8 years in banking at Carthage, MO and Topeka, KS. She also, along with her husband, owned and operated Stephenson Gift Shop and Stephenson Paint Store for 29 years in Holton.

 She was a member of the First Christian Church, All Star Club and Holton Hospital Auxiliary. She was past member of Order of Eastern Star and past president and member of Holton Business Women.

Nadine married Homer Dean “Steve” Stephenson on August 4, 1946 in Harrisonville, MO. He preceded her in death on February 7, 1988. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy E. Ellett and 2 brothers, Paul and James Hawkins.

 Survivors include a son, Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Stephenson of Santa Fe, NM and many nieces and nephews.

 Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Christian Church or Holton Hospital Auxiliary 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.
 

Albert Stanley Hay, 80, of Wamego, formerly of Onaga, died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the Westy Community Care Home in Westmoreland.
 
He was born May 18, 1936 at Soldier, the son of Albert S. Hay, Jr. and Flora Downey Hay.  He graduated from Onaga High School in 1954 and had served in the Army National Guard.
 
Stan was a farmer and a stockman.  He was a life member of American Legion Post No. 163 and a long time member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, both in Marysville, a member of the Kansas Chapter of Singles in Agriculture and International Harvester Collectors, Kansas Chapter No. 3.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Angela Hay, who was stillborn, and a son, Stanley Eugene Hay.  
 
Survivors include two daughters, Jody Marie Lindsey, Manhattan and Jolea Matzke, Wamego; a brother, James Arthur Hay and wife Rita, Herrington; a sister, Helen Sharon Worthington and husband Rudy, Fair Oaks, CA; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
 
Cremation is planned.  Memorial services with military honors will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9th  at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. Burial will be later in the Holton Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga 66521. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.
 

George B. Blodig, 86, Atchison, Kansas died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, December 9, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A Parish rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 8, at 6:00 P.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation with the family to follow until 7:30 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Parish or St. Benedict’s Abbey and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences and messages to the family may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

George was born on January 26, 1930 in Atchison, Kansas the son of Leopold and Freida (Stolp) Blodig. He attended Shannon Hill Grade School and graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1947. He graduated from Emporia State University in 1957 and completed his Master’s Degree in the summer of 1959. He also attended the National Railroad School of Telegraphy and Teletype.

He and Dorlene (George) Blodig were united in marriage on August 26, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Garden City, Kansas.

George taught mathematics at Garden City Junior College from January 1957 until May of 1958. He then moved to Atchison, Kansas and began teaching at St. Benedict’s College, now Benedictine College, in the mathematics department from August 1958 until his retirement in May of 1997. He also taught at Highland Community College, night classes at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and night classes at the Federal Prison.

George served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army with the basic heavy weapons in the 101st Airborne Division overseas from May 11, 1951 until his honorable discharge on February 11, 1954.

He was a member of the St. Benedict Parish in Atchison, participating at St. Benedict’s Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Sacred Heart Council #723. He was also a member of the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #647, V.F.W. Post #1147, Fleming-Jackson-Seever American Legion Post #6, College Organizations, Mathematical Association of America, Kappa Mu Epsilon and Phi Delta Kappa.

Joyce J. Nitz, 64, Atchison, Kansas died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at her home following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, Kansas. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, December 10th from 12:30 until service time at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Joyce was born July 12, 1952 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Kenneth and Wanda Blair Green. She attended Martin East and Martin West Elementary Schools and Atchison High School.

She and Francis E. Nitz were united in marriage on August 22, 1970 at St. Benedict’s Church in Atchison, Kansas. Mr. Nitz preceded her in death on June 19, 1996.

Survivors include a son, Nolan Nitz, Fayetteville, Ark; two daughters, Suzanne Nitz, Atchison, KS; Hope Begnoche, Jamestown, KS; three brothers, Rick Green, Atchison, KS; John Green, Modesto, CA; Tom Boos, Grapevine, TX; four sisters, Dena Begesse, Muscotah, KS; Pam Green, Muscotah, KS; Dianne McMillan, Omaha, NE; Janis Boos, Omaha, NE; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Wayne “The Beard” Robert Albers, 77 of Bendena, KS passed away Monday, December 05, 2016, at Highland Healthcare & Rehab Center, Highland, KS.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, December 8, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bendena, KS with Rev. Jennifer Obermueller officiating.  Burial will follow at Moray Cemetery, Bendena, KS.  Family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30PM on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home.  Memorials are suggested to Denton & Bendena First Responders or St. John’s Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Wayne was born on June 6, 1939 in Highland, KS, the son of Arthur and Goldie (Laverentz) Albers.  He was a farmer his entire life.  Wayne was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bendena, KS, past district president of the Kansas Livestock Association, past member of 4-H and FFA.  He was member of the Masonic Lodge and Abdallah Shriners K-90 Motorcycle Riders.  Wayne enjoyed sports, showing cattle and worrying about everyone. 

Wayne married Anna Katherine Gibson on November 14, 1965 at Empire Presbyterian Church in King City, MO, she survives of the home.  Additional survivors include their children, Carmen Crandall, Highland, KS, Thomas and Kim Albers, Bendena, KS, Aaron and Heather Albers, Montezuma, KS, two sisters; Marilyn (Max) Oltjen, Hiawatha, KS, Janice (Gilmore) Dahl, Tulsa, OK, grandchildren, Katherine (David) Manhart, Samantha Albers, Ian Crandall, Jaime Albers, Gwyn and Sloane Jantz.

He was preceded in death his parents, two brothers; Warren and Byron Albers, three sisters; Dorothy Scholz, Donna Kleebe and Lorene Roberts.

Diana L. Wendtlandt, 67, of Falls City passed away December 4, 2016. She was born January 23, 1949 to the late Leonard and Lucille (Aue) Shefferd.

Diana married Ronald Dishong September 7, 1966 at Falls City. He later passed away on August 29, 1996. She then married Henry Wendtlandt, Sr. on September 6, 2001.

Diana grew up in the Stella, NE area and attended school there up to the sixth grade then moved to Falls City and attended school there; later receiving her GED. She worked at Aztec Woodcraft, Southside Bar, Hotel Stephenson, Oasis Restaurant, bartended at various bars, and was also a Nurses Aid at Falls City Health Care Community. She was a member of the Bible Fellowship Church.

Diana is survived by her husband Henry Wendtlandt, Sr., daughter Sherry Baumgartner and her husband Paul, son, Michael Dishong and his wife Ramona, step-son Henry Wendtlandt, Jr., and his wife Angie, all of Falls City; brothers, Gary Shefferd and his wife Karen of Hiawatha, KS; Ronald Shefferd of Falls City; Dennis Shefferd and his wife Pam of House Springs, MO; Richard Shefferd and his wife Barb of Hiawatha, KS; David Shefferd and his wife Debbie of Fairview, KS; sisters, Patricia Karst and her husband Ronald of Salem, NE; Judy Bradley of Falls City; Sue Buckminster and her husband, Marvin of Falls City; grandchildren, Derik Wisdom and his wife Maggie, Jared Dishong and his wife Michelle, Kyle Dishong, Alicia Holstein, Joshua Fritz, and six great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and her first husband.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 8, 2016, at 2:00 P.M. at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Pastor Ben Moore officiating. Interment will be at Steele Cemetery.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 7:00–8:00 P.M. at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Clarence W. Rottinghaus, 93, of Wetmore, KS passed away Sunday morning, December 4, 2016, at Crestview Nursing and Residential Living in Seneca, KS.

He was born on July 7, 1923 on a farm north of Corning, KS, the son of Henry & Magdalen Steinlage Rottinghaus. Clarence was one of ten children. Clarence went to school at Corning for a few years then went to St. Bede’s Grade School and graduated from the 8th grade, valedictorian of his class.  As a young man, he helped his father on the family farm, until he was 40, when be began his farming on his own, south of Corning. Clarence later purchased a farm northwest of Wetmore and where he continued to farm and live past retirement.  Clarence as was employed by Rockwell international in Atchison where he worked for 28 years as a forklift operator until he retired.

Clarence had several interests in his life, one of his greatest interests was restoring Studebaker vehicles and raising cattle and putting up hay on his farm.  He also enjoyed going to cars shows and to show his 1951 Studebaker; he also loved to attend auctions.

Clarence was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore, a life time member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1769 of Seneca and a life time member of the Studebaker s of America.

He was survived by his brothers, Marcellus of Overland Park, KS and Ray of Seneca; his sisters, Rose Heiman of Axtell, KS, Helen Lierz of Savanna, MO, Mary Sieben of Prairie Village, KS, and Dorothy Hammes of Seneca; and many nieces and nephews..

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bernard and Ed; and a sister, Rita.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 10:30A.M. at the St. James’s Church in Wetmore. The burial will be in the Wetmore City cemetery.  A Rosary will be prayed at 2 P.M. Monday, December 5th at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be left in Clarence’s memory for the St. James Church and/or St. Bede’s Building Fund, sent in care of the family.

Dorthea Irene Peterson, 87, of Horton, Kansas passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Horton Community Hospital in Horton, Kansas.

She was born on February 4, 1929 in Whiting, Kansas the daughter of Irving and Grace Dykeman Peterson.

Dorthea graduated from Whiting High School in 1947. She then went to work for the United Telephone Company as a telephone operator and assistant in Horton and Hiawatha until her retirement in 1985. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Horton, Kansas and was an avid KU Jayhawk Basketball Fan.

Survivors include a nephew, Ron (Joyce) Peterson of Hoyt, Kansas; three great nephews, Jeremy (Helen) Kennedy, Ryan (Tricia) Peterson and Drew (Chelsye) Peterson; three great-great nephew & nieces, Rhett Kennedy, MaKenzie Kennedy and Penny Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Glenn Peterson, sister, Bernice Peterson and a niece, Kathy Sue Kennedy.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas were the family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Springhill Cemetery in Whiting, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the Dorthea Peterson memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com
    

Henry Nicholas “Hank” Hulsing, 79, Topeka, passed away suddenly Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Stormont-Vail Health Center, comforted with love as he was surrounded by his family.

Hank was born to Henry Joseph and Ida Josephine Gelhaus Hulsing in Axtell KS on March 6, 1937. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Benedict KS in 1955. He was married to Rita F. Fenton on November 8, 1958, and to this union three children were born. They divorced in 1986.

Hank owned and operated AAA Glass Service for 32 years and in his “retirement” owned and operated The 20’s in Brookwood. Hank was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Topeka Lodge #51 AF & AM, Arab Shrine and the Arab Boaters Unit.

Hank was active in the Topeka community, serving as president of the Topeka Jaycees, was the charter president of the Washburn Rural Optimist Club and participated in the founding of the Ken Berry Baseball Complex. He was a long time member of the Topeka Home Builders Association, Sales and Marketing Executives of Topeka, the Topeka Material Men’s Organization and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 534, third degree. Hank and his family were also charter members of Christ the King Catholic Church. As a charter member, Hank served on the architectural committee.

Grateful to have shared his life are his children, Nadyne and Brian Hagmeier, Cheryl and Brad Koehn and Kevin and Melissa Hulsing; grandchildren, Katy Hagmeier and Ben Peetz, Stephanie Hagmeier, Tyler Koehn, Brett Koehn, Courtney Koehn, Zach Hulsing, Ben Hulsing and Madeline Hulsing; brothers, Victor “Bud”, Ben and Joseph Hulsing; sisters, Mildred Kohake, Ida Rose Sextro-Wichman and Marcie Meyer; as well as many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Celestine “Sally” and Emil Hulsing; sisters, Henrietta Holthaus, Mary Stallbaumer, Florence Kohake and Elizabeth McGuire.

Family will greet friends Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, with a parish rosary following at 6 p.m.

Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th Street, Topeka KS 66604.

Inurnment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict KS or to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, sent in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Helen M. Bergman, 99, of Topeka formally of St. Benedict, Kansas, died December 1, 2016  at the Presbyterian Manor in Topeka.  Resident since November 7, 1996.

She was born November 8, 1917, on a farm northwest of St. Benedict, Kansas, the daughter of George and Louise Oenbring Schmitz. She attended St. Mary’s School and Bellview Country School.  She attended one year at Mt. St. Scholastica before returning to the family farm.

On June 1, 1939 she married Arthur L. Bergman at St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict.  They lived on the Bergman farm northwest of St. Benedict.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society at St. Benedict.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting, crocheting, planting flowers, and raising a large garden.  She also enjoyed making the altar cloths for the church.

Survivors are four sons, Eugene (Sonya)Bergman of Mayetta, Robert (Mary Jo) Bergman of Widefield, Co, and Erwin of Topeka and Galen (Betty) Bergman of Seneca, a daughter, Maxine (Mike) Becker of Topeka, Ks, a brother Norbert Schmitz of Axtell, a sister Norita Rempe of Hutchinson, and 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers Adrian Schmitz, Clarence, Francis A. Schmitz and Lambert Schmitz and a sister Martha Engelken.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 5, 2016 at 10:30A.M. at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. The burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be 2 and 7 P.M. Sunday at the Lauer Funeral Home.

Memorials:  St. Mary’s Church and/or Presbyterian Manor,  sent in care of the family.

Mabel J. Harris, 87, of Soldier, KS passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia. She was born March 2, 1929 in rural Soldier, the daughter of Guy and Angelica (Van Valkenburgh) Nott.

Mabel graduated from Soldier High School in 1948 and had lived all of her life in Soldier as a farmwife and homemaker. She had also worked for Stauffer Communications in Topeka.

She attended Bucks Grove United Methodist Church and was a Pleasant Valley 4-H Leader.
 
Mabel married Clinton H. Harris on June 23, 1948 in Kansas City, KS. He preceded her in death on August 15, 1985. She was also preceded in death by 3 infant grandchildren, James and Angela Lorenzen and Cruzan Trickle.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Yvonne Trickle (Ed) of Soldier, KS, Shirley Lorenzen (Tim) of Charlestown, WV and Laveita Harris of Olympia, WA; 2 sons, Clinton “Butch” Harris (Dori) of Soldier, KS and Lester Harris (Jo) of Havensville, KS; a step-son, Gordon Harris of California; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with burial to follow in the Olive Hill Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Eastridge Nursing Facility of Centralia 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
 

Lavonne M. Riley, 85, of Holton, KS passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Medicalodge Jackson County. She was born June 16, 1931 in Iola, KS the daughter of Arthur Edmund and Elizabeth (Whipps) Starr.

Lavonne graduated from Welda High School in 1949 and graduated from Kansas State University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She taught home economics and chemistry in Fredonia, Arma and Sylvan Grove schools. Lavonne then became a mother and was very involved with her children’s activities. After her children were in high school, Lavonne worked for Eubanks Custom Woodworks as a kitchen cabinet designer and was later Director of Child Care Food Program for NEKAP in Hiawatha, retiring in 1990. After retirement, she was a national inspector for the Head Start programs.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Ruth Circle, President of United Methodist Women and a delegate to the Kansas East Conference. She was also a former member of Holton Business Women, Holton Country Club, Extension Homemaker Unit, Holton Garden Club, served on the Kansas Library Board and was a Girl Scout Leader. Lavonne and C.L. were founding members of the Heartland R.S. Prussia Collectors Club and traveled to Europe with that club.

Lavonne married Claron “C.L.” Riley on August 8, 1954 in Welda, KS. They celebrated 62 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, C.L., she is survived by her daughter, Erin C. Duncan (Stewart) of Westmoreland, KS; her son, Shawn D. Riley (Jennalee) of Holton, KS; her brother, Lowell Starr (Peggy) of Fredericksburg, VA; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

 Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Holton Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Beck-Bookman Library or the First United Methodist 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.