Augustina Trenidad Greemore, 72, of Holton, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, KS with family by her side. She was born September 30, 1947 in Sabetha, KS, the daughter of Joaquin and Jessie Margaret (Robidoux) Mendez.

Tina graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1967. She worked as a CNA for Jackson County Nursing Home and she worked in the Physical Therapy Dept. at Holton Community Hospital for many years. She also worked for Holton Countrymart.

She had attended and was a member of the Catholic church in her earlier years. She was a member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

Tina married Eldon Roy Greemore on April 1, 1968 in Holton; they celebrated over 51 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, Eldon of the home; 2 daughters, Crystal Lada (Corey) of Topeka, KS and Kelly Hopkins (Scott) of Mayetta, KS; 5 sisters, Delores Waite (Dennis) of Hiawatha, KS, Josephine Janis (Tom) of Powhattan, KS, Diann Hall (Ray) of Topeka, KS, Nancy Cappleman (Steve) of Holton, KS and Paula Podell (David) of Buffalo Grove, IL; 5 brothers, Joaquin “Jake” Mendez, Jr. (Daryl) of Florida, Anthony Mendez of Hiawatha, KS, Alvino Mendez (Connie) of Hiawatha, KS, Tim Mendez (Marci) of Holton, KS and Paul Mendez (Debbie) of Hiawatha, KS and 8 grandchildren, Spencer, Rogan, Abram, Christian, Sage, Serenity, Liza and Callie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta. Burial will follow at the Shipshee Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m. Memorial may be given to the Tina Greemore Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

 On January 27, 2020, Justin Michael Grabhorn, of Hiawatha, went to meet the Lord at the age of 29 years.

Justin was born on October 10, 1990 at Marysville, KS to Philip and Barbara Grabhorn. He grew up in Belleville, KS and Edgar, NE. He graduated high school at Sandy Creek in Fairfield, NE in 2009. He went onto college and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Technology at Central Community College in Hastings, NE in 2011. He was currently employed at Wenger Mfg in Sabetha, KS.

Justin had a passion for all cars and trucks, old and new, and loved going to car shows with his parents. He had a great love of music of all types, sharing that passion with his sister and dad. Justin had a very close bond with his mom, knowing that he could turn to her whenever he had an issue. He loved late night TV show watching with his sister. He had a love for sports, both college and professional- rooting for the NE Cornhuskers, KC Chiefs, KC Royals, KState football and KU basketball. He had a love for video games as well. Justin will be deeply missed by his parents, Philip and Barbara Grabhorn and his sister Megan Grabhorn (Eric Luce). He is also survived by his grandparents William and Cheryl Yungeberg and Sylvia Grabhorn, all of Waterville, KS. As well as cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and co workers

. In Justin's memory, please make any donations to the Brown County Humane Society, the place where he volunteered and adopted his beloved cat Pete, and to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression please call 1-800-273-8255.

Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 210 Lodge Rd. in Hiawatha, KS on Monday, February 3rd at 11am. Pastor Blake Wyatt will officiate.

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

 

Jerry Fred Segenhagen 79, of Holton, Ks, he would have been 80 years old, and married 50 years on January 30, 2020, passed away at home on January 28, 2020. Jerry Fred Segenhagen was born January 30, 1940, at Holton, Ks, the only son and one of two children born to Wilmer Fred and Elma Deloris (Johnson) Segenhagen. He grew up on a dairy farm outside of Holton.

He graduated from Holton High School in 1957. After school he worked in various construction jobs, Goodyear for 11 years, and then raised livestock for remainder of his life.

In his early years he was a member of the Jackson County 4-H and FFA. Where he achieved the honor of State Farmer.

On January 30, 1970, Jerry was united in marriage to Karla Kay Schowengerdt at the Church of The Brethren in Morrill, KS. They shared 50 years of marriage.

Survivors included his wife Karla of the home; 4 children; Kathy K. Gencauski (Gary) of Holton, KS, William D. Segenhagen (Coltara) of Holton, KS, James D. Segenhagen (Becky) of Holton, KS and Rachel L. Segenhagen (Brian) of Mayetta, KS; 1 sister, Deloris “Jean” Anschutz (The late Carl) of Topeka, KS; 8 grandchildren, James, Jack, Taylor, Kaylin, Kannon, Hunter, Jake and Tylee. And a niece and nephew Michelle and Brian.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother -in-law.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 6-7:30 P.M. at “Your Place or Mine Catering” in Holton, KS where the family will greet family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Beck Bookman Library 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

Sharon L. Lane, 83, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Atria Hearthstone Assisted Living in Topeka, KS. She was born December 13, 1936 in Havensville, KS, the daughter of Ralph Ivan and Florence (Nicholas) Clements.

Sharon graduated from Holton High School in 1955. After high school she attended Washburn University. Sharon was a homemaker and also worked as a Librarian at the Beck-Bookman Library for over 17 years.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Beck-Bookman Library Club and the Tourist Club.

Sharon married William D. Lane on September 6, 1958 in Holton. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by 4 sisters, Grace Stotts, Glenna Johnstone, Lorraine Oates and Mary Rosalie Brennan; 4 brothers, Harland Clements, Clinton Clements, Ward Clements and Gary Clements.

Survivors include 2 sons, William Jeffrey Lane (Penny) of Topeka, KS and Jon E. Lane of Topeka, KS; a sister, Phyllis Clements of Denver, CO; a brother, Dale Clements (Joy) of Holton and a granddaughter Erika Lane Yoder (Luke) of Ozawkie, KS.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 3, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends Monday from 9:00 a.m. to service time. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church or the Beck-Bookman Library 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

Jon M. Fink was born to John R. and Doris (Townsend) Fink on September 20, 1935 in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  He spent his early years on a rural Elk Creek farm.  His parents relocated to Seattle, WA for a few years while they worked in an aircraft factory during the war and then returned to Nebraska where Jon spent the remainder of his youth living in Pawnee City until starting college. 

Jon graduated from Pawnee City High School, attended K-State for one year and then transferred to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln where he received his degree in Vocational Agriculture.  Jon was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, serving as President of the Fraternity his senior year. 

He was united in marriage to Joan Rinne on February 1, 1959 at the Salem United Christ of Christ, rural Steinauer, Nebraska.

Jon served his country in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant Helicopter Pilot for the Red 1, First Division Army at Fort Riley, KS.   After serving in the military, Jon returned to Tecumseh where he owned and operated the sale barn and Tecumseh Livestock Market for approximately 29 years.  He was actively engaged in livestock production and agriculture throughout his lifetime.  Jon received the Outstanding Grassland Manager from the Nemaha Natural Resources District, Outstanding Grassland Award for Farmers and Ranchers and Soil and Water Conservation Steward of Nebraska Award. 

Jon was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, 60-year member of Pawnee Lodge # 23 A.F. & A.M. and 60-year member of the Tecumseh American Legion Post # 2.  Jon’s interests and loves were as a cattleman, grass and soil conservation, gardening, Husker Football, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, socializing with friends, traveling with his wife Joan, and most of all—spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were very dear to him. 

He passed away at his home in Tecumseh, Nebraska on Monday, January 27, 2020 at the age of 84 years. 

Jon is survived by his wife loving wife Joan, sons, Jon David “J.D.” Fink and wife Tami of Elkhorn and Jeffery “Jeff” Fink and wife Jana of Humboldt, grandchildren, Jen Sinclair and husband Ross, Amy Kealy and husband Tom, Emily, Jon, Ben and Seth Fink, Jake Fink and wife Taylor and Jena and Jackalyn Fink, great-grandchildren, Clay and Mack Kealy and Calvin and Sam Sinclair and Joleen Fink, sister-in-law Doris Naaf and husband Jerry of Boise, ID, other relatives and many friends. 

Jon was preceded in death by parents, John “Jack” and Doris Fink, parents-in-law, Leonard and Belva “Sue” Rinne and sister-in-law, Judith Rinne. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2020 at the United Methodist Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Rob Clark and Rev. Ken Tubbesing officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the United Methodist Church or the Johnson County Historical Society. 

Interment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska with full military honors by the National Guard Funeral Honors Team and Tecumseh VFW Post #8221 and American Legion Post #2.

Online condolences may be left @www.wherrymortuary.com.

Lynn B. (Saxton) Johnson, 95 of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital.  She was born on March 10, 1924.  She was born on March 10, 1924 to Alba and Bertha (Trumble) Saxton in Belvedere, Nebraska.  She graduated from Belvedere High School in 1942. She moved to Pawnee City after graduation and taught rural school for 3 years.  

On November 17, 1945 she married Ervin Johnson in Seneca, Kansas, to this union was born 3 sons, Ronald Lyle, Donald Eugene and Jeffrey Lynn.

Lynn started working in 1967 at the Pawnee County Bank while it was under construction and continued as a custodian for over 30 years until retirement in 1997.  

She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge #4 for 60 years, joining in 1946. She was a continuous member of the Ladies V.F.W. Auxiliary since 1973.

They celebrated their 64 year wedding anniversary on November 17, 2009. She lived all her married life in Pawnee City and enjoyed all her grandchildren and great grandchildren to the fullest.

There was a quote she liked “There’s a special place in Heaven for a Mother of 3 sons”

She was preceded in death by her parents Alba and Bertha Saxton, husband Ervin on May 28, 2010 and sister June Foster.

She leaves to mourn, sons, Ronald Johnson and wife Marie of Warrensburg, MO, Donald Johnson and wife Spanda of Tijeras, NM, Jeffrey Johnson and wife Kathy of Pawnee City, NE, seven grandchildren, Steven Johnson and wife Erin of Greensboro, NC, Deborah Callaway of Warrensburg, MO, Nicholas Johnson and wife Megan of Rio Rancho, NM, Dana Harrison and husband Cameron of Littleton, CO, Tyler Johnson and wife Kimberly of Pawnee City, NE, Austin Johnson and special friend Kelsey of Pawnee City, NE,  Brady Johnson and wife Cortney of Pawnee City, NE, great grandchildren, Emma Claire, Nolan, Rutledge, Reece, Lane, Abby, Jaydon, Joey, Jamie, Rhett, Stetson and Rowan, sister,  Mary Jo Yates, brother, Walter Saxton and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Service 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Officiating Reverend Duane Westing.  Visitation on Wednesday, January, 29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Memorials to family choice.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Emily Jean Lackey, 94, of Seneca, Kansas passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Life Care Center surrounded by her family.

Jean was born the only child to Lawrence and Edna (Roush) Lynn on September 27, 1925, in the west Powhattan Community near Wetmore, Kansas.

She attended West Powhattan Country School for eight years and graduated from Wetmore High School in 1943. After graduation, Jean moved to Topeka, Kansas and worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for five years in the Revenue Accounting Department.

On April 17, 1948 she married Melvin Lackey. They resided in the Sabetha area where they farmed for several years, before moving to Seneca. After a few years they established the Seneca Ready Mix Company.

Jean was a homemaker who loved and cared for their four children. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the St. Ann’s Altar Society. Her hobbies included ceramics, bowling, golfing, playing cards and coffee time with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Randy at the age of 6 years; her parents, Lawrence in 1980 and Edna in 1984; and her former husband, Melvin in 1998.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Deborah (Tom) Haverkamp of Seneca, Pam (Randy) Lang of Seneca and Penny (Wayne) Stallbaumer of Wakarusa, Kansas; seven grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.

A rosary will be prayed at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Friday, January 31, 2020 at  2 P.M.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca at 10 A.M. The Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials for Jean may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, sent in care of the family.

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

Eva Virginia (DeGroff) Bowser, 81, of Emmett, KS, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Tanglewood Health and Rehab in Topeka. She was born March 3, 1938 Onaga, KS the daughter of Willie and Ella Leona DeGroff.

Eva attended Onaga High School and she later attended Highland Junior College where she received a degree in Accounting. After graduation, she worked for the State of Kansas. Working 8 years in the workers compensation division and 17 years in the Department of Human Resources. She retired in 2000.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Bible Baptist Church.

She married Robert Bowser on October 23, 1954 in Onaga, KS. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

Survivors include a son, Mark Bowser (Denise) of Emmett, KS; sister-in-law, Carol Sook of Tecumseh, KS; aunt, Rachel Thompson of Nebraska City, NE; 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob; 2 sons, Robert and Wayne Bowser; and a brother, Don DeGroff.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Soldier Cemetery in Soldier, KS. Family will greet friends 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Memorials may be given to the Topeka Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

On Friday, January 24, 2020 , Nema Brown, loving wife and mother of 4, passed away due to complications from lung cancer. She was 43 years old.

Nema was a resident of Horton, KS and worked as a Registered Nurse at the Hiawatha Community Hospital until her cancer diagnosis in July of 2018.

Nema is preceded in death by her mother, Debbie Frayer, and an adopted sister Breana.

She is survived by her husband Rob; children Jacob, Emma, Chance and Logan; son in law Billy; granddaughter’s Ryleigh and Peyton; sister Lisa; brother in law Eric; brother Nate; step-father John and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, KS at 2:00 pm.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home from 6-7:30 pm.

We will be gathering at the Horton Blue Building after the services for food, drinks and memories of Nema. All who loved Nema are invited to attend.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Luke’s Hospice House 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

Tommy Gene White, 88, of Falls City, NE, passed away January 25, 2020 at Falls City. He was born May 28, 1931 at Bushnell, NE to Thomas and Zepha (Fouraker) White.

He married Verna Mae Cawley on May 29, 1955 at Falls City, NE

Tom enlisted in the United States Navy on May 17, 1950 at Kansas City, MO. He served on the USS Princeton. He earned a Japanese Occupation Medal, United Nations Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on February 26, 1954 at Seattle, WA.

Tom was raised in Salem and graduated Salem High School in 1948. Following school he worked as a bell hop for The Stephenson Hotel. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon his discharge he returned to the area worked for Philips 66 as a gas station attendant. He then attended Ag School on the G. I. Bill at Shubert and started farming with his father. He farmed and had a dairy, eventually working part time for the Nemaha NRD and then became full time with the soil conservation service, retiring after 15 plus years. He was also a part time carpenter.

He enjoyed fishing and caught a 40 pound Rock Bass. He also liked camping, country and blue grass music, taking his grandkids on rabbit patrol, trees and planting trees, winning the 1994 outstanding tree planter award. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, past president and honorary member of Falls City Rotary Club, Nebraska Nut Growers Association and a 2 term NRD board Member.

Tom is survived by his wife, Verna of Falls City, children, William Thomas and his wife Tracy of Jefferson City, MO, Cheryl White Gibson of Farmville, VA, Robert Edward of Omaha, NE, twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles, grandson, Peter Joseph White, great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Marie White and a brother-in-law, Leonard Crawley.

The body of Mr. White has been cremated and a memorial service will be held on April 25, 2020 at 1:00 PM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Mike Hader officiating. Military honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.

Leonard Baumgartner, 93, of Sabetha died Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bern Apostolic Christian Church. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the
Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. 

The interment will be made in the Bern Apostolic Church Cemetery.  www.popkessmortuaires.com  

Forrest Robert “Bob” Johansen, Sr., 90, of rural Robinson, passed away surrounded by his family on January 24, 2020, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital, Hiawatha, KS.  He was born December 30, 1929, to Forrest Aaron & Ruth Rosella (Metzger) Johansen at Falls City, Nebraska.  He grew up just across the state line from there in rural Reserve, Kansas.

He married his childhood sweetheart Margaret Darlene Greene, on October 16, 1948.  This marriage was blessed with five children:  Bobby, Terry, Marlin, Kelly and Ruth Anne.  These kids spent many a Thursday night joining their dad at his favorite place—the Hiawatha Sale Barn.  Bob worked hard as a farmer and doing custom agricultural work—custom hay baling and spreading agricultural lime.  He lived with such integrity, that one day when he realized there had been ice on the scale when weighing a load of lime, he sent a refund to his customer to not overcharge him.  He was a man of discipline, integrity, humility and service.

He graduated from Reserve High School in 1947 and went on to attend Highland Junior College.  From his youth he loved sports.  In high school he excelled in basketball, track and softball, continuing to play basketball in college.  One year, as the only member of his high school’s track and field team, he competed in so many events at a county track meet that his school took second place in team points!  That love of sports continued throughout his life. 

He followed his kids’ basketball, football, baseball and track faithfully and was proud of their accomplishments.  He continued to cheer on his granddaughters and grandsons, attending as many of their athletic events as possible.  And if you knew Bob, you realized that he had a special place in his heart for kids’ wrestling—especially when he could cheer on his grandsons!  And he continued to support Hiawatha athletics throughout his entire life.  

Bob had recognized as a young boy that he was a sinner in need of a Savior, and trusted Christ at that time.  Faith and spiritual life continued to be important throughout his life. He was active in several churches at different seasons of his life—the Christian Church at Reserve; the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Willis; Bob and Darlene moved their involvement to the Church of God Holiness Church in Hiawatha when his brother Ken became the pastor; later they were active in the Nazarene Church of Falls City; and the Christian Center in Hiawatha.  He served in a variety of ways, including as an elder, providing wisdom and leadership to these churches.  Throughout his life, he set an example to his family, with his well-used Bible and devotional materials next to his favorite chair.

Bob is predeceased by his parents—Forrest & Ruth Johansen; three brothers—Kenneth Johansen, Keith Johansen and Edward Johansen; two sisters—Nellie Liberty and Betty Pape; two sons—Terry Johansen and Kelly Johansen; one grandson—Logan Johansen. 

Survivors include his wife Darlene, (Hiawatha); two sons—Robert “Bobby” (Nance) Johansen Jr., Shawnee, KS; Marlin (Nancy) Johansen, Kansas City, MO; one daughter—Ruth Anne (Steve) Prieb, Topeka, KS; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  May his legacy be carried on by those of us who follow.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 31, 2020, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at The Christian Center, 517 First Street, Hiawatha, Kansas.  The memorial service will be Saturday, February 1, 2020, 10:30 a.m. at The Christian Center, with burial following.  Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Robert Johansen Memorial Fund, in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.

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

Luella Frances Curti, 91, of Seneca, died at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, Seneca, on January 23, 2020.

Luella was born March 23, 1928 the daughter of John F and Theresa Olberding Haverkamp.  Luella grew up in Nemaha County.

Luella worked in the dietary department at Seneca Hospital and the dietary department in Colorado.

Luella married Ed Curti on July 11, 1959 at St. Mary’s church in St. Benedict, Kansas.  They met while Ed was stationed in Colorado and Luella was visiting her sister, who was a nurse with the army.  After the couple was married, they moved to Rhode Island, as Ed was still in the service.  They lived in different parts of the United States during Ed’s service to his country.  To this union a son Edward J Curti Jr. was born in 1960.  He was Luella’s whole world.  

In 1971, the couple moved to Seneca where Luella enjoyed being close to her family and loved being a homemaker.  She was a very devoted wife and mother and supportive of her husband.  They were excited when Ed started his own service station in 1982.  Ed operated this until shortly before his death in 2018.  

Luella is survived by her son Edward of the home, a sister, Henrietta Dressman of Baileyville and a brother, John J Haverkamp of Seneca.

Luella was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and three brothers, John Henry Haverkamp in 1926, Kenneth A. Haverkamp in 2006, and Lillis Haverkamp in 2012, and sisters, Angela Devillier in 2017 and Cecilia Kohake in 2018.  
She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Alter Society.

A Rosary will be prayed at 2 P.M. on Sunday January 26, 2020 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 A.M. on Monday January 27, 2020, at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.

The burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in St. Benedict.

Memorials are for Sts. Peter and Paul School.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Elizabeth Ann Mathewson Grove, (Betty), 99 years of age, a well-known resident who helped others with transportation and food delivery support, died on January 23, 2020, at Maple Heights in Hiawatha, Kansas.

She was born on September 21, 1920, to James and Helen Nesladek Mathewson. Betty graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1941. A lifelong Hiawatha resident, she provided grocery delivery to elderly Hiawatha residents from the Mathewson Meat Market, a family business. She also served as cashier and stock clerk at the downtown Hiawatha Ben Franklin Variety Store and at the Hiawatha Shelter. She delivered commodities to families needing assistance in the Hiawatha area and worked with individuals with disabilities at the Shelter.

Betty was very active in the St. Ann’s Altar Society for over 60 years in the areas of fundraising and other church activities.

Betty married Ed Grove of Padonia, Kansas, in 1948, following his honorable discharge from the US Army. Ed had served in Germany during World War II. She and Ed lived on their farm outside of Hiawatha until his death in 1982. Betty then moved back home with her parents in their Shawnee Street house while working at Ben Franklin Variety Store. Years later, she moved to Maple Heights where she spent her retirement and later years while continuing her community activities. She was an active member of the Hiawatha VFW Auxiliary.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert Mathewson.

Betty is survived by 5 nieces and nephews, 13 great nieces and nephews, and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Hiawatha, Kansas. Father Dan Gardner will officiate. Interment will follow immediately at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Betty’s honor can be made to the St. Ann’s Altar Society, Freedom Hospice or Maple Heights Nursing Home, which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, Kansas 66434.

The Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2020, followed by family visiting with friends until 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

If attending Betty's visitation or service, please wear red, her favorite color.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Mary Lois Sickel, 79, of Falls City, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020, at her home in rural Falls City, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born December 30, 1940 at home in Falls City to Albert and Nellie Kautzman Robb.   Her parents later divorced, and Mary Riden Robb became her stepmother.

Mary attended school in Falls City, graduating from Falls City High School in 1959.  Following graduation she married her high school sweetheart, Benny Sickel, at the First Christian Church.  They made their home in rural Falls City on the family farm where Mary began her lifelong passion as a farm wife and homemaker.  They were blessed with three children, Randy, Angie and LeAnn.

Mary was an excellent cook and was especially well known by family and friends for her delicious cinnamon rolls, sticky buns and cherry pizzas.  She also loved to sew and, of course, shop.  Mary was a hard worker.  For many years she cooked two full meals every day for their farm help, maintained a large garden, and canned just about anything and everything, in addition to being a wonderful, loving wife and mother to Randy, Angie and LeAnn.  

Mary always had a smile on her face and kind words to share. She greeted everyone with a big hug, whether she knew them or not, and always gave another upon parting.  She was a woman of great faith in God and an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church, the ladies circle, and was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. 

She loved being an active grandma and her grandkids were a very special part of her life.  They all spent hours at her house playing, “helping” her bake and cook, having Friday night sleepovers, feeding her many adopted cats, and receiving an overabundance of love and hugs. The fond stories and memories they all have of Grandma Mary are endless.

Mary is survived by her husband, Benny, son, Randy Sickel and wife Beth, daughters, Angie Nolte and husband Sean, LeAnn Bek and husband Tyler, all of Falls City, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and stepparents, brother, Kenny Robb, stepbrother, Bill Store, and a nephew, Todd Thrane.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Bethel United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Hader officiating. Interment will be in Bethel Zion Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Douglas Wayne Goodpasture, 68, Atchison, KS, passed away Friday, January 24, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, January 27, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS.  Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS.  Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Grant Fund or Dream Fund III and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Doug was born July 25, 1951 in Atchison, KS, the son of Donald and Freda (McCorkle) Goodpasture.  He worked at the Atchison Hospital for forty-two and half years as a Dietary Clerk.  Doug was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Atchison Hospital Auxiliary.  He enjoyed crafts, decorating, baking cookies, gardening especially Geraniums and shopping.

Doug is survived by two brothers, Dave and Linda Goodpasture, Atchison, KS, Tom and Sujuan Goodpasture, Liberty, MO and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Sister Laura Haug, OSB, 93, a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kans., died Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at the monastery.

The vigil service will be Friday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the monastery chapel, and the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated there Saturday, January 25, at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Laura Haug was one of ten children born to Mary and Frank Haug of Baileyville, Kansas, where she attended elementary and high school. She entered the Mount community in 1943, and January 1 of this year marked her diamond jubilee of 75 years of monastic profession. She taught grade and high school for 20 years and also served as principal in Wamego and Lenexa, Kansas. Earning  a master’s degree in school administration from Creighton University and a Ph.D. in  school curriculum and administration from the University of Kansas, she became a college professor. From 1971 to 1992, she served as chair of the Education Department at Benedictine College and was recognized in 1989 as Educator of the Year by the college.  During a sabbatical, she was a consultant and teacher at Bethlehem University in the West Bank. After her college career, she served as director of adult education at Donnelly College, director of the Mount Community Center, and director of Happy Hearts GED program in Atchison.

Sister Laura was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lawrence, Robert and Cletus Haug and sisters Veronica Macke, Sister Cleta Haug, OSB, Margaret Buessing, and Marie Roeder. She is survived by her sisters Rosella Kohake and Cleta (Galen) Wietharn, nieces and nephews, and her monastic family.

Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home (www.arensbergpruett.com) is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Mount St. Scholastica or made online at the Mount’s web site (www.mountosb.org).

Mark Edward Matthias, 73, of Atchison, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

Mark was born October 30, 1946 in Highland, KS, the son of Frederick and Myrtle (Thorne) Matthias.  He graduated from Midway High School in 1964 and attended and graduated  Kansas State University 1968 having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.  Mark was an Electrician by day and a farmer on nights and weekends.  He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for forty-three years having served as president of the congregation council for many years.  Mark enjoyed his grandchildren, farming, gardening, woodworking and coaching little league baseball.

Mark married Kim Chastain on July 10, 1976, in McLouth Baptist Church, she survives of the home.  Additional survivors include a daughter Wendy and Roman Corralejo, DeKalb, IL, three sons, Mark Justin and Heather Matthias, Atchison, KS, Chad Matthias, Denton, KS, Adam Matthias, Denton, KS, four sisters, Janice (Harold) Kuhnert, Atchison, KS, Carol Robertson, Leavenworth, KS, Catherine Soyland, Topeka, KS, Wilma Alexander, New Boston, TX, four grandchildren, James, Joseph, Ethan and Sadie and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Fred, Lawrence, Henry, Jay and an infant, a sister, Lois Matthias.

Memorial service will be 2:00 PM Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the St. Marks’s Lutheran Church, with Rev. Craig Lantz officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Church.  Memorials are suggested to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or American Diabetes Association and may be sent to the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Word of comfort to the family may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Alan “Al” L. LeDoux, age 72, Holton, Kansas, died suddenly on his farm doing what he loved, Wednesday, January 22, 2020. He was born August 20, 1947, in San Diego, California, son of Ella (Piercy) and Clifford LeDoux. Al grew up in Topeka and was a graduate of Washburn Rural High School. He graduated from Baker University where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the varsity football team.

He married Sarah Brockelman on December 26, 1971 in Holton. They shared over 48 years of marriage.

Al was proud to be a farmer and rancher. He was a Gelbvieh breeder since the early eighties. Al was also a 4-H Beef Superintendent and Pleasant Valley Rustlers beef leader. He was a teacher and coach in several Kansas communities including Baldwin, Galena, Washburn Rural and Denison. He also was an admissions counselor for Baker University. He was proud to have served in the administrations of such honorable Kansans as Gov. Mike Hayden, Senator Sheila Frahm and Governor Bill Graves, culminating with serving as Director of the Kansas Water Office.

Al was a member of the Evangel United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class, the choir and active in the Nueva Vida Ministry. Al was a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. He volunteered for Thrive and was also a charter member of the Holton Optimist Club, a member of Banner Grange and Kansas Gelbvieh Association. Most of all, Al enjoyed being home on the farm, enjoying his family, especially watching his children and grandchildren’s school activities.

He is survived by his wife Sarah; daughter Jess Baack (Eric), Staplehurst, Nebraska; two sons, Trent LeDoux, Holton; Andy LeDoux (Danielle), Ree Heights, South Dakota; grandchildren, JW and Jady LeDoux and Ella and Piper Baack; and a nephew, John LeDoux of Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Private burial will be in the Holton Cemetery at a later date. Family will greet friends 5:00 – 6:30 P.M. Friday, January 24, 2020 at Mercer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nueva Vida Ministry in care of Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, Ks. 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

Dixie Ann (Godfrey) Black, 85 years old, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on January 16, 2020, in Arkansas.

Celebration of life services will be 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Becker-DyerStanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO. Visitation will be at 1 pm until time of service. In lieu of flowers she requested memorial contributions to St. Jude's Hospital, Memphis Tennessee and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com. Dixie was born on July 20, 1934 in Atchison, KS the daughter of Robert and Laura Mae (Neu) Godfrey. Dixie was a sports fanatic. After moving to Mountain Home, Arkansas where her son lives, she had to get all of the channels that showed Jayhawk and Chief's games, and most of all her beloved Royals. Mrs. Black was also very committed to St. Jude's Hospital and was thrilled when she was able to tour the facility.

In 1952 she married Donald Armontrout. They later divorced. In 1972 she married the love of her life Ernest Black. He preceded her death in 2006. Dixie is survived by son's Steven (Victoria) Armontrout, Dale (Sue) Black, and daughter Vicki Armontrout (Jimmy) Means. Also surviving are her beloved granddaughter Lisa (Matt) Forschler and grandson Jason (Anisha) Armontrout. She always said they were her life. Mrs. Black is also survived by 8 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and sisters.

John Henry Roeder, 92, of Seneca, Kansas, died on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

John was born on July 18, 1927, to Louis and Margaret McElroy Roeder in Seneca. He graduated from Sts. Peter & Paul High School in 1945. After graduation, John went to work for International Harvesters until 1952. He was employed by the State of Kansas in the Highway Department from 1952 to 1976; which he was injured on the job while working for the State of Kansas. In 1981, John and Dorothy bought and operated the Huddle Restaurant in Seneca, until they retired in 1994.

John married Dorothy H. Altenholfen on October 3, 1949 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They were married for 64 years before her death on December 19, 2013.

John’s hobbies were wood working and helping out the Knights of Columbus Bingo for over 30 years; he also worked the SPPS Football and Basketball Gates until 1973. John was also on the Parish Council, where he was a past-president and also on the maintenance committee.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph Society, the Seneca Knights of Columbus council 1769 and the 4th Degree Ponce DeLeon Assembly all in Seneca.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents; his brothers, Raymond and Donald; and his sister, Wilma Koelzer.

He is survived by his daughter, Bridget Roeder of Seneca and many nieces and nephews.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and/or the Epilepsy Foundation, and sent in care of the family.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Jerome “Jerry” F. Eck, 84, of Mayetta, KS passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the Holton Community Hospital. He was born March 14, 1935 in Effingham, KS, the son of Joseph J. and Sophia Agnes (Budke) Eck.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Army, he was stationed in Alaska, during the Korean Conflict.

He worked for Goodyear Tire Company for 14 years and later sold real estate for Wittmer Farm Realty. Jerry was also a farmer and stockman on his family farm.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta, Moose Lodge 555 in Topeka and former member of Holton Eagles Club.

Jerry married Wanda Lee Ash on September 2, 1961 in Holton. They celebrated over 58 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife Wanda of the home; 2 sons, Kevin Eck and Ken Eck (Lori) both of Mayetta; a daughter, Kristi Chance (D.J.) of Mayetta; a sister, Louise Bunck of Silver Lake; 8 grandchildren, Alyssa Brock (Matt), Breanna Morris (Madison), Brooke Eck, Morgan Smith (Kaleb), Bailey Eck (Dylan Busey), Chase Eck (Ashlyn Weilert), Ashley Wick (Caleb) and Blake Chance and 8 great-grandchildren, Emma Brock, Brody & Ryker Morris, Gatlin & Jennings Smith, Kemper Busey and Kooper & Kynslee Wick.

He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Mabel Eck and Rosella Mispagel and 2 brothers, Matthew and Jim Eck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Hoyt with military honors. Jerry will lie in state at the funeral home beginning Thursday afternoon. Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital or to St. Francis Xavier Catholic 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 .

Carol Anne Melnychuck Thomas, 76, Atchison, KS, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2020 at Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph, MO with loved ones by her side. 

Rosary service will be 6:30 PM, Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Atchison, KS.  Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Church and burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Atchison, KS.  Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com

Carol A.Thomas was born Carol Anne Melnychuck on September 22, 1943 in Camden, NJ.  Her parents were Joseph Alexander Melnychuck and Nancy Simone Melnychuck.  She was the oldest of three children, Joseph Alexander Melnychuck II and Mary Lola Melnychuck Meloni.  She attended and graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1961, an all-girl Catholic school in Delran, NJ.

Immediately following high school, Carol considered seriously a life of service to the Lord.  From 1961-1964, she followed her calling to Syracuse, NY.  There she lived, worked, and studied with the Sisters of St. Francis, a Franciscan Mother House Convent.  She took the name of Sister Mary Renee Agnese; she was a Novice.  While there she earned an Associates Degree in Theology.  She departed two months prior to taking her vow of Holy Orders.  She remained a devout Catholic her entire life.

From 1965 to 1971 she moved to New Mexico and then to Atchison, KS, where she gave birth to three boys – Leo, Sean, and Stephen Mahoney.  During the 1970s-1990s, Carol worked diligently to provide for her three sons.  Most notably as an employee for the State of Kansas Social Rehabilitative Services (SRS) from where she retired in 1997.  Along the way, she worked two jobs to support her family and also attended night school, earning another Associates Degree in Sociology. 

In 1978, she met the love of her life, Larry J. Thomas.  They married in 1982 and enjoyed a happy, loving, and prosperous marriage for over 37 years until her last day.  During the course of Carol’s life she enjoyed organized women’s softball, playing the card-game Bridge with her Atchison girlfriends, fishing and camping with her husband Larry, as well as tending to their many dogs over the years.  She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend to many.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Atchison, and volunteered many hours to the church and other countless charities.

Carol is survived by her husband, Larry J. Thomas, Atchison, KS; her mother, Nancy Melnychuck, Haddonfield, NJ; her sister Mary L. Melnychuck Meloni and spouse Ferdinand Meloni, Clarksboro, NJ; her two sons, Leo J. Mahoney IV and spouse Daniela Mahoney, Manassas Park, VA; Stephen Z. Mahoney, Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren, Leo J. Mahoney V, Manassas Park, VA; Sean A. Mahoney II, Liberty, MO; Nicholas R. Mahoney, Liberty, MO; Alexander Mahoney, Sacramento, CA; Jessica Mahoney, Los Angeles, CA; and one great-granddaughter, Carrera D. Mahoney, Liberty, MO; as well as Carol’s many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph A. Melnychuck; a brother, Joseph A. Melnychuck II; and her middle son, Sean A. Mahoney.

John Patrick Gish passed away January 20, 2020 at the age of 82. Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Leawood, KS on Saturday, January 25, with visitation beginning at 9:30AM and mass to follow at 11AM. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.

Pat was born May 6, 1937 to Charles and Agnes Gish in Topeka, KS. He married Jean Ann Lierz on April 4, 1959 and had been married 60 years. He served in the Navy from 1956 to 1961. He then began a career in the grocery business. He built and owned Horton Quik Chek, later to become Pat's Thriftway. He retired in 1999. He was an active member of the Horton community serving on the School Board 17 years, member of Horton Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, and St. Leo's Catholic Church. He was a life-long member of 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He was a generous donor to many community organizations.

He retired to Overland Park, KS in 2001. He worked part-time for Target and The Links of Lionsgate Country Club. He loved to golf!

He is survived by his wife Jean; daughters Stacey (Rob) McCully of Kansas City, MO, Kristi (Ronnie) Sextro of Horton, KS, Marci (Jon) France of Olathe, KS; son Steven (Connie) Gish of Overland Park, KS; eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his vibrant personality, infectious smile and his ability to make everyone feel like a long-lost friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, or Stacey's non-profit Sparsh Global for the feeding of children in India Slum.

The Penwell Gable Olathe Chapel is handling the arrangements
 

Jeanne Marie Standerford, 90, of Humboldt, Nebraska passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She was born to Harlan and Libby (Ninger) Powell on November 3, 1929 in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Jeanne is survived by her husband, Jim Standerford of Humboldt, her daughters, Janet Davis and husband Michael of Gretna, Mary Chapman and husband Sterling of Murdock and Judy Woodruff and husband Steve of Shawnee, KS, sons, John Standerford and wife Linda of Bedford, IA, Tom Standerford and wife Rhonda of Humboldt and Joe and Kim Standerford of Humboldt, 18 grandchildren and 24 grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Rev. Don Fankhauser and Pastor Rick Martin officiating.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Humboldt.  

Memorials may go to the family's choice for later designation

Inurnment will be in the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Nebraska.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary- 207 N. Nemaha Street- Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915

Erma Emma Marie (Schlange) DeBuhr, one of three children of William and Emma (Bergmann) Schlange, was born on October 30, 1924 on the family farm south of Auburn.  Erma was baptized on November 30, 1924 by Rev. Frank.  She was confirmed April 2, 1939 by Rev. Fred Henkel and remained a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Her confirmation verse was John 3:16. Erma attended Cochran rural School through the 8th grade.  She then attended Auburn High School, graduating in 1941.  After high school, she remained on the family farm to learn the art of homemaking, sewing, quilting and helping her parents on the farm.

On May 8, 1947, Erma was united in marriage to Arnold DeBuhr by Rev. Henkel.  They established their home on the farm she grew up on.  Six children were born to this union.  In addition to caring for her family, she was an avid gardener and maintained an orchard.  Erma cared for a large flock of chickens and delivered their eggs in Auburn for many years.  Many people knew her as the “Egg Lady”.  In 1985, they retired to a home in Auburn.  Erma was an active member of Dorcas Circle and was funeral lunch co-chairman for 16 years.  She also made or helped make quilts for World Relief.  For a number of years, she was a volunteer member at the Nemaha County Hospital.  In later years, Erma mended at the Good Samaritan Center.  In addition, she was a member of the Golden Rule Extension Club and the Hospital Auxiliary.

Erma passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Auburn, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of ninety-five years, two months, and nineteen days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Emalie on October 16, 1964, husband Arnold on October 16, 1997, brothers Julius and Ernest Schlange and great-grandson Blaine Arnold DeBuhr.

Erma will be deeply missed by her surviving children: Allen DeBuhr of Oakridge, OR; Jolene Wild and husband Lynn of Kansas City, KS; Mark DeBuhr and wife Judy, Linn DeBuhr and wife Beverly both of Auburn, Aaron DeBuhr of Ballarat, Australia, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, Nebraska with Pastor Ken Miller officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at The Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m.

Thomas “Toby” Rowland, 60, of Salem, NE, passed away January 19, 2020 at Omaha, NE. He was born March 17, 1959 at Falls City, NE to Charles and Doris (Gill) Rowland.

He married Connie Gilbert on July 19, 1986 at Salem.

Toby was raised at Salem and graduated Dawson Verdon High School in 1977. Following graduation he moved to Golden City, MO and worked as a diesel mechanic. In 1991 he began schooling in the area of diesel technology. In 1992 they moved back to Salem and he worked for Firestone and then became an owner/operator over the road truck driver. He became ill in July of 2017 and had to retire.

Toby is survived by his wife, Connie of Salem, daughters, Nikki Rowland of Topeka, Natasha Rowland and her partner Ty Larson of Falls City, brothers, Richard of Salem, Kevin of Craig, MO, sisters, Patty Miller of Ohiowa, NE, Judy Rowland of Fairmont, NE, Brenda Rowland of Falls City, grandchildren, Megan Rowland, Jedda and Jase Smith, Alexis Wittwer and Haylee Carter. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Michael and a sister, Roxanne Burns.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. Interment will be in Maple Cemetery at Salem.

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

Verna May Badberg, daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Crow) Ard was born on February 21, 1936 in Mulberry, Kansas.  She was the oldest of six children.  Having lost her own mother at age 19, she became a surrogate mother to her siblings.

On July 4, 1952, Verna was married to Kenneth M. Geier, Sr. at Miami, Oklahoma.  To this union four children were born:  Kenneth Jr., Marion Kay, Terry Eugene and Howard.  The couple were later divorced.  On December 5, 1962, Verna was married to Clifford "Dean" Badberg in Miami, Oklahoma.  The couple moved to Nebraska to be closer to Dean's family in 1964.  They made their home at the present address until the home burned down, then lived in a house where the State Bank of Table Rock now sits, moving back to their property on 9th and Lincoln where Verna resided until her death.         

Verna was a fantastic cook.  She learned to make wonderful meals for her family, even when money was tight, which was most of the time.  Dean liked to hunt so fresh rabbits, quail and pheasants were plentiful in the Badberg household.  Since her children were not overly fond of fresh game, she would cook what was on hand and then make a wonderful dessert. At her house, if you did not finish your main course, no dessert was going on your plate.  Memories of sitting at the table for "quite a spell" are remembered fondly.  No special meals were provided for her children, you ate what was put in front of you or went hungry.  Verna also loved to crochet.  Many family members and friends have either an afghan or a doily made by her.  A new baby in the family was sure to receive a new afghan by grandma and then great grandma.  

When Dean and Verna moved to Humboldt, she worked at various restaurants around town.  They once owned the Northside Cafe along with Lamert and Emma Lee DeJonge.  Dean and Verna bought out the DeJonge's and ran the cafe for another 4 years.  That work was hard on them so the decision was made to sell the cafe and find other work.  Verna worked in various places around town as a cook.  When Ed and Nadine Stutheit owned The Camp, she worked many nights cooking there.  She also worked at Jack and Jill Grocery when it was owned by Steve and Patti Gittiinger, Jerry and Barb Brannen and Rick and Donna Dettman.  Verna worked at the grocery store for 25 years.  After that, she cooked at the Legion Club for a time.  She was always able to find a job as she was a hard worker.  After her retirement, Verna enjoyed her time at home with her little companions.  There were several dogs over the years to keep her company, the last one being Missy.  Verna also enjoyed a day at the casino once in awhile.  Not very often as it "cost too much" to spend what she had worked hard to earn.  Money was always tight, growing up and afterwards, so she was ever mindful of every penny.

Verna passed away at her home in Humboldt, Nebraska on Thursday, January 16, 2019 at the age of 83 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dean, sons, Kenneth, Terry and Howard Geier, sister, Shirley Neal, brother Mearl Ard and grandson Jason Geier.

Verna is survived by her daughter Kay Leech and husband Van of Humboldt, sisters Mabel Scott of Frontenac, KS and Velma Swento of Blanchard, OK, brother Daniel Ard and wife Martha of Girard, KS, grandchildren, Dickie Blecha, Jeremy Leech and wife Laura, Zach Leech and wife Nichole, Kylei Kenny and husband Gary, Teri Geier, Jackie Geier, Mary Delia and husband Mike and Anna Geier, 13 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Carol Sue Bright, Pat Badberg and Doris Badberg, many nieces and nephews and a few close friends.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating. 

A register book will be available to sign from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt. 

Inurnment will be in the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humboldt Rescue Squad.  

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Mary C. Servaes 1960 – 2020

Mary Servaes, 59, Atchison, Kansas, passed away peacefully January 16, 2020, at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. in the chapel of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as officiant.  Interment will follow in Sumner Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Monday, January 20th from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Atchison YMCA and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom care has been entrusted. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com. 

Mary was born June 3, 1960, in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, the daughter of Herman and Barbara (Wickham) Fladung. She attended school in Easton graduating from Pleasant Ridge High School.She and Randy Servaes were united in marriage on May 24, 1982, in Atchison, Kansas. Mr. Servaes preceded her in death on June 18, 2019.Mary served as a corrections officer for the Youth Center in Atchison. She had a passion for reading, and traveling. Mary loved spending time swimming at the YMCA, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandkids. Survivors include a daughter, Celeste Pantle, Atchison, KS, a son, Hunter (Cassie) Servaes, Atchison, KS, her mother, Barbara Wolfe, a brother, Paul (Joan Payne) Fladung, Leavenworth, KS, three sisters, Kathy (Paul) Nietzke, Basehor, KS, Christine (Dan) McCoy, Atchison, KS, Carolyn (Jim) Brown, Easton, KS, two grandchildren, Audrey Pantle and Finn Servaes. She was preceded in death by her husband Randy, her father, Herman Fladung, a brother Matthew Fladung and son-in-law, Jason Pantle.

Mary Frances Wells, 84, of Centralia lost her battle against cancer on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at her home, with her family by her side.

Mary was born on October 9, 1935 near Lillis, Kansas to Joseph E. and Helen Stallbaumer Boeckman. Mary grew up in that community, attended Hay Roof Country School thru the 8th grade and graduated from Lillis High School in 1953. When she finished high school, Mary went to work at Scott Motors in Topeka, where she met her future husband.

On September 10, 1955 Mary married James C. Wells at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lillis. In the fall of 1957, they bought a farm southeast of Meriden, where the couple farmed and raised stock. The land that they owned became part of Lake Perry development. In March of 1965, they moved to their present farm south of Centralia. Mary and her husband Jim operated the supper club at the American Legion in Centralia for seven years. Later they operated, for six years, the Family Room Bar and Restaurant in Centralia before selling it in 1995. While working at the restaurant Mary was also employed in Topeka at the Department of Revenue for approximately 12 years. After Jim died, Mary went to work for Rays Apple Market for a few years part time.

Mary loved to watch the KU basketball team, she enjoyed cooking and baking with her grandchildren, working the Dan Wells Poker Run and trips to the casino with her friends.  Mary was proud of the fact that she had traveled to all 50 states and Germany, Netherlands and Ireland.  

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the St. Ann’s Altar Society all in Corning; and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Centralia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James on June 4, 1999; son, Daniel Wells on October 4, 1996; her parents, Joseph in 1962 and Helen in 1985; and her siblings, Albert, Elmer, Ernest, Leonard, Marcella Roeder and Rita Bogart.

She is survived by her children,  Joe Wells of Centralia, Raymond (Sherri) Wells of Centralia, Matt (Nikki) Wells of Centralia and Helen (Charlie) Good of Wamego,; a daughter-in-law, Becki Wells of Manhattan; a brother, Edward Boeckman of Ocean, New Jersey; a sister, Eileen Meyer of Dallas, Texas; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.                                                           

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Monday, January 20, 2020, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery in Lillis.
Memorials are for COINS for a Cause, Panther Booster Club and or Step Foundation for Centralia Causes, sent in care of the family.

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

William “Bill” Frank Taylor, 65, of Humboldt, Nebraska was born on July 7, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska to Harvey H. and Phyllis Jean (Albin) Taylor.  He was raised in Omaha where he received all of his schooling.  After graduating high school, Bill enlisted the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California.  He served his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on December 8, 1975.  He then moved back to Omaha where he lived with his family in Omaha and attended classes at an art school.  Bill re-enlisted in the Navy on June 11, 1979 and was stationed on the U.S.S Belleau Wood in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He worked as a seamanship specialist and on an infantry gun crew until being honorably discharged on March 18, 1980.  

Bill moved to Humboldt, Nebraska with his mother where they both lived in the Parkview apartments.  When his mother Phyllis became a resident of the nursing home, he would walk faithfully from the park to the nursing home to see his mother. Bill was a quiet and soft-spoken man who enjoyed his family.  He liked watching television, especially Jeopardy and old westerns and followed the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  Bill passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at his residence in Humboldt, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of sixty-five years, six months and eight days.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harvey Michael Taylor and a sister Harriet Merkuris.

Bill is survived by his brothers: Joe and Charlotte “Josie” Taylor of Dawson, Melvin Taylor of Omaha, sister-in-law Betty Taylor of San Antonio, TX; brother-in-law Paul Merkuris of Omaha, 2 nieces, 5 nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Omaha with full military honors conducted by the Nebraska Naval Honor Guard and the Benson VFW Post #2503.

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

                                                                                                                                        Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha ST.-Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915

Frances Maxine (Deaver) Sauer, 93, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the Sabetha Manor.

Frances was born November 30, 1926 the seventh of seven children born in Sabetha, Kansas to Fred and Sarah (Bestwick) Deaver. Frances grew up in Sabetha, and later moved to Topeka with her husband and children. After her husband’s death, she returned to Sabetha to raise her children. Frances began working for the Sabetha school system in 1972, and continued until her retirement.

Frances loved being outdoors and upon retirement could be seen working in her garden, swinging in her porch swing or taking her daily walk along Main Street. She was a gifted seamstress and quilter, using her talent to gift beautiful quilts to family and friends. For many years she volunteered her services to the community repairing clothing for those in need. Frances most of all loved spoiling her great grandchildren in Sabetha and remained a large part of their lives until her passing.

Frances loved cooking for her family with food she had grown and canned. If you were visiting her home you knew you would never leave hungry.

Frances was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Sabetha and would attend church services whenever possible. She was also a regular at the Sabetha Senior Center.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Augustine Sauer; her brothers, Melvin Deaver, Ray Deaver, and William Deaver; and her sisters, Opal Schmidt, Lila Wiltz, and Mildred McCoy.

Frances is survived by her four children, Ronald (Jeanne) Sauer of Cary, NC, Linda (Bill) Rohde of Olathe, KS, Roger (Jane) Sauer of Sabetha, KS, and Darnelle (Marty) Wiltz of Sabetha, KS; her grandchildren, Kristi Sinning, Jyll Campbell, Amber Sauer and Briana Sauer; her great grandchildren, Jordan Sprigg, Lauren Huber, Tyler Huber, Bryn Sinning, Brigan Campbell, Catalina Palazzolo, and Maverick Palazzolo; and her great-great grandchildren, Grayson Sprigg and Griffin Sprigg.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020 at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha, KS. Interment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Frances to a cause she held dear to her heart, providing meals for children. The Frances Sauer Angel Fund provides school lunches to those who cannot afford them. Donations may be made to the Frances Sauer Angel Fund, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Beverly “Bev” Moyer, age 87 of Auburn, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Survivors include her sons Ray Moyer of Auburn, Harold Moyer of Auburn, Ronald Moyer of Auburn; grandchildren Michelle (Matthew) Kauffman of Lincoln, Casey (Alicia) Moyer of Auburn, Velvet Moyer of Oklahoma, Destini Kuker of Shubert; 7 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held Monday, January 20, 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn. Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Monday in Trinity Cemetery near Auburn. Visitation will be at Hemmingsen Funeral Home Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 3:00 to 5:00.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

Emma “Rosy” Rose Hinkle, 78, of Hiawatha, died surrounded by her family, Wednesday evening, January 15, 2020 in Saint Joseph, MO.

She was born the daughter of Oliver and Harriett (Ryder) Keller on March 19, 1941 in Townsend, Montana. Rosy grew up in the Highland, Kansas area. She attended Iowa Point Country School, Highland Elementary School, and graduated with the Highland High School Class of1959.While in high school, Rosy, was chosen as the FFA Sweetheart and was crowned Homecoming Queen. She was always proud to be a Blue Streak. In the 1960s, she attended Beauty College in St. Joseph, Missouri and worked in Hiawatha, KS as a hairdresser at her own shop, Rosy’s Salon of Beauty, for several years. After closing her shop, she stayed home and sold Avon until she went on to work for Wal-Mart as a Beauty Department Manager. While working at Wal-Mart, Rosy, was awarded Top Selling Health and Beauty Aids Department Manager by Sam Walton himself. As a reward, Mr. Walton invited her to visit him at his very own house.

Rosy married Orville “Delaine” Hinkle on August 4, 1961 in Highland, KS. They lived in the Hiawatha area almost their entire marriage, except for one year in Tennessee. They were members of the Brethren Church in Morrill, KS. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2006.

Rosy is survived by her brother, Nick (Sherry) Keller of Hiawatha and her two sons; Jason (Robin) Hinkle of Hiawatha and Jared (DeeAnn) Hinkle of Hiawatha, grandchildren; Klorissa (Garrett) Box of Excelsior Springs, MO and their daughter Emmalyn, Katheryn (Brian) Hinkle of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Joshua (Malia) Hinkle of Hiawatha, her step-grandchildren; Valerie Govea of Loveland, CO and Audrey (Jarod) Blanton of Gardner, KS and 6 great step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Harriett, and husband, Delaine.

Rosy loved God, her family and friends, Wal-Mart, and Elvis, but not necessarily in that order.

Funeral Services are planned for 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Hiawatha, KS. Interment will follow at the Powhattan Cemetery in Powhattan, KS.

Friends may call the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. that evening.

Memorials are suggested in her name to be designated at a later date and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Maxine Schumaker, 95, of Holton, KS, passed away at home on January 14, 2020. Mary Maxine Eames was born July 17, 1924, at Whiting, KS, the fourth daughter and the fourth of seven children born to Charles Augustus and Ethel Frances (Woodward) Eames. She grew up on a farm two miles south of Whiting and attended Parallel country school. She graduated from Whiting Rural High School in 1942.

After high school, she and her sister, Amy, boarded the train at Whiting and travelled to Washington, D.C., where they joined their sister, Milly. Maxine worked at the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland, MD. After a year of working there and sightseeing the area, she was ready to return to Kansas, eventually moving to Topeka, KS, where she worked at the Supply Depot at Pauline, KS. She also did housekeeping for several families.

She became a member of the Whiting United Methodist Church at a young age. Her great grandfathers, C. A. Eames and D. O. Woodward, were among the earliest settlers at Whiting, each making their homestead south of town in the late 1860s.

She was united in marriage to Willie G. Schumaker on September 4, 1948, at Hiawatha, KS. She then became a farmwife and homemaker, living on the same farm three miles south of Whiting for 60 years until moving to Holton in 2008 to live with her daughter. Willie died July 8, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother, Charles 1958 & Ethel 1982; two brothers, Willard Eames 1967 & Frank Eames 1998; and two sisters, Mildred Bussler 2001 & Pauline Finger 2014.

Maxine is survived by her son, Dennis Schumaker (Gay) of Whiting; daughter, Debbie Schumaker of Holton; one sister, Alma McKinney of Port St. Lucie, FL; one brother, Donald Eames (Maralea) of Jenks, OK; three grandchildren, Samuel Schumaker (Christi) of Whiting, Emmett Schumaker (Morgan) of Whiting, and Kallie Kirk (Derek) of Holton; eight great grandchildren, Madison, Addyson, Comyn, Aiden, Kara, Declan, Annistyn, and Ledger; sister-in-law, Marjorie Eames of Falls City, NE; and 16 nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Spring Hill Cemetery at Whiting. She will lie in state beginning Friday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will greet friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. Saturday. We will then follow in procession to the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Whiting Community Center, and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. Please visit mercerfuneralhomes.com to leave a special message for the family.

Betty Corinne (Buerstetta) Fink passed away on January 11th, 2020 at the age of 91.Betty was born at home to Lowell M. and Anna L. (Haney) Buersetta in Tecumseh, Nebraska on May 19th, 1928. Betty married Wilbur Glen Fink on March 2nd, 1948. They celebrated their 50 years of marriage just before Wilbur passed away on April 17 1998. To their union were born three children, Robert Glen, Ruth Anne, and David Lee.

Berry worked at the Tecumseh Building and Loan now the Tecumseh Federal Bank for a short time after High School. Once married Betty took care of the children and house. Betty and Wilbur moved to Pawnee City in 1960 to run Pawnee Implement Company. Betty had many various jobs to make ends meet. She took care of the children, assisted with the bookkeeping at the business, did a bit of baby sitting and for a short time worked as a waitress for the Pawnee Café. Eventually however Betty found her place working for the Pawnee County Hospital. Betty performed many duties while at the Hospital from secretary to Acting Administrator. Betty eventually became a skilled Medicare coder. Betty remained working at the Hospital until the age of 79.

In Betty’s younger years she was a member of Rebekah Lodge No. 15 in Tecumseh Nebraska. Betty was a active member of the United Methodist Church in Pawnee City serving as Treasurer for many years. Betty was member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years and held the office of Worthy Matron at Guild Chapter No. 16 more than 20 times.

Betty was active on here computer making cards for family birthdays and other special occasions along with programs for the organizations in which she was involved. Betty loved to visit with her neighbors and friends.

In 2016 Betty was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. This form of cancer has no cure. Betty however put up a good fight living at home with the assistance from many good friends until May of 2018. Betty then moved to live with David and Susan in Louisville Kentucky. Betty mentioned one time that Wilbur would tease her he was going to move her to Kentucky and she could sit on the porch with a corn cob pipe. There was no pipe but there was a porch and plenty of wildlife to watch. Betty especially liked the Cardinals and the Humming birds.

In November of 2019 Betty took control of her fate and ended active treatment of the Myeloma. She then entered the Eastern Star Home in Louisville. She enjoyed her time there and although Myeloma can be an unforgiving disease but Betty passed peacefully in her chair watching TV.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell & Anna; her husband, Wilbur; her Son Robert; and his wife, Jeanne (Morton) Fink, and her brother-in-law Kenneth Grove.

Betty is survived by her daughter Ruth and husband David Allsbrook of La Mesa, California; her son David and wife Susan (Yoble) Fink of Louisville, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Matthew Allsbrook of El Cahon, California; Michael and Jillian (Hempel) Fink of Omaha, Nebraska; and Thomas and Samantha (Cleary) Fink of Forest Grove, Oregon, and two great grandchildren, Nicholas and Nathan Fink of Omaha Nebraska.

Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the United Methodist Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Officiating Pastor Kim and Pastor Dennis  Hanneman.  Visitation on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Memorials to family choice. Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com. 

Norman “Norm” D. Erisman, 77, of Omaha, Nebraska was born on December 20, 1942, in Auburn, Nebraska to Claude and Effie (DeBuhr) Erisman.  He was raised in Auburn where he attended school and graduated from Auburn High School.  Norm (as he liked to be called) had a love for flying.  In his younger years, he crop dusted for his father family business and later purchased Erisman Spraying.  Later in life Norm would sit for hours watching different flight trackers on his computer.  He also loved truck driving.  Norm drove a truck for many years for Consolidated Freight, Wynn and ABF Freight where he accumulated several million miles driven.  Norm enjoyed watching thunderstorms, listening to the rain and thunder, spending time with family and friends, and following the Kansas City Chiefs and Nebraska Cornhuskers.  He was a gentle giant that had a special love for his dog Rose.  Norm was a beloved husband, father, grandfather that will be sorely missed. 

Norm passed away on Monday, January 13, 2020, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska having reached the age of seventy-seven years and twenty-four days. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Mary Erisman.

Norm is survived by his loving wife Yvonne of Omaha, daughters: Peggy Embley of Arizona, Sheila Petersen and husband Mitch of Kansas City, MO; Sherry Sams and husband Roy of Excelsior Springs, MO; Michele Malone of Omaha, 15 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, brothers: Claude Erisman Jr. and Linda Hoover of rural Humboldt, Jerry Erisman and wife Janet of Syracuse, Bill Erisman and wife Sherry of West Des Moines, IA; a sister Christine Schultz and husband Wayne of Beatrice, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at The Hall Funeral Chapel, 707 15th Street in Auburn, Nebraska with Pastor Gary Ganger officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at The Hall Funeral Chapel, 707 15th Street in Auburn, Nebraska. 

Interment will be at the Sheridan Cemetery in Auburn.

Memorials contributions are suggested to the family with a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel-707 15th ST.- Auburn, NE 68305 (402) 274-3131

Donald Milton Cowley, 94, of Nortonville, KS died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Atchison Medicalodge.Funeral services will be 2:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 18th, 2020 at the Nortonville Pleasant Grove Christian Church with Rev. Jim Cormode officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Effingham, KS.  The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 pm on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison County 4 H Scholarship Fund or the Nortonville Pleasant Grove Christian Church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton & O’Trimble Funeral Homes who is handling the arrangements.  Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Don was born on December 1, 1925 in Nortonville, KS the son of John Robert and Lois Laura (Leighton) Cowley. He was proud of his family heritage and especially his lineage with the Isle of Man. He attended the Clingon Grade School and Atchison County Community High School.  He worked his entire life as a farmer and was born, raised and still lived on the place he was born. He was a member and former Deacon of the Nortonville Pleasant Grove Christian Church and enjoyed collecting antiques, working on old hit & miss gas engines, old cars, tractors, he enjoyed  boston terriers, raising cattle and hogs and in his younger years sheep in 4-H. He was a member of 4-H until he was 21 years old and was one of the first recipients of the set of silverware given by Blair Milling for the Outstanding 4-H member. Don had driven the “Friend of 4-H” in the Atchison County Fair for 17 years. He served on the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Association for over 65 years.

Don was married to Pearl N. Locklin on Aug. 1, 1948 at the Nortonville Pleasant Grove Christian Church, they have been married for 71 years.  She survives of the home. Additional survivors include a special nephew, Jack Jarratt, Kansas City, KS, numerous other nieces and nephews. His parents, a brother, Robert Cowley, and a sister, Eileen Jarratt, preceded him in death.

Sidney Charles Hargis, 95, of Highland, KS, passed away Monday, January 13, 2020, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

He was born July 5, 1924, in Endicott, NE, the son of James Jackson Hargis and Cora Margaret Crouse Hargis. Sidney graduated from Highland High School in 1942, attended Highland College and Kansas State University. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a co-pilot on a B-17 Flying Fortress, flying missions over Europe. Sidney and Wilma Jeanne Peabody were married June 23, 1946, at the Baptist Church in Highland, KS. They celebrated 73 years of marriage. Sidney and Jeanne lived and farmed northwest of Highland from 1946 to 1986, at which time they retired to their home in Highland.

In 2013 they received the Kansas Bankers Association Soil Conservation Award for conservation work done on the family farm. He also was a substitute rural mail carrier and delivered meals to shutins from the Highland Senior Citizens Center. Sidney was a member of the Highland Presbyterian Church, Highland Baptist Church, and the Highland Christian Church. At the Christian Church he was a deacon, an elder, and treasurer, and for many years maintained the church’s beautiful lawn. Sidney was a member of the Cedar Creek School Board, the Doniphan County REA Board of Directors, and Doniphan County Extension Council. He was a member of Smithton Lodge #1 AF&AM and served as Past Master and secretary for many years.

Sidney is survived by his wife, Wilma Jeanne, daughter Mary Lynn (Daryl) Roberts of Kansas City, MO, daughter Nancy (Dave) Cavanah of Warrensburg, MO, and son Bill (Shirley) Hargis of Highland, KS, eight grandsons, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Jackson Hargis, Jr., and sister Ruth Jeanette Whitehead.

His memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., January 16, 2020, at Highland Christian Church, Pastor Tom Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Christian Church.

Judith Anne Brown, 80, of Muscotah, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at her home in Muscotah, Kansas.

She was born on November 24, 1939 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of John and Mary Finch LaJoie. Judy graduated from Atchison High School and worked for Walmart in Atchison, Kansas before retiring. On July 13, 1957 she married John Brown in Atchison, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 21, 1996.

Survivors include four sons, John Brown of Muscotah, Kansas, James Brown of Seneca, Kansas, Jeff Brown of Muscotah, Kansas and Daniel Brown of Oswego, Kansas; two brothers, John "Butch" LaJoie of Divine, Texas and Raymond "Ike" LaJoie of Overland Park, Kansas; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Tamara Boatright, grandson, Kelly Brown, two brothers, Steven "Mike" LaJoie and Martin LaJoie.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas and then go in procession for a graveside service at the Muscotah Cemetery. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Cynthia “Cindy” Lea (Navinskey) Dooley, 63, Atchison, Kansas died Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS after a courageous five year cancer battle surrounded by her children.  The qualities in her that will be most missed will be her compassion, generosity, thoughtfulness, and selflessness, plus her beautiful smile. 

A rosary will be recited on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. A visitation with the family will follow until 8pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St Benedict’s Catholic Church.  Burial will be at Corpus Christi Cemetery, Winchester, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to St. Benedict’s Abbey, American Cancer Society, St Benedict’s Catholic School, or Maur Hill-Mount Academy.  Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Cindy was born November 16, 1956, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Ed and Joan (Schrick) Navinskey. She attended Corpus Christi (Mooney Creek) Catholic School, JU-4 Elementary School, and graduated from Atchison County Community High School.  She attended her first year of college at Emporia State University, then transferred to Kansas State University.

She and Michael Edward Dooley were united in marriage on July 24, 1976, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  They had three amazing children—Ashley, Ryan, and Cody.

Cindy enjoyed many adventures in her years after leaving the Navinskey family farm.  She loved living in the mountains of Montana, in Eden, NY, on Birch Lane in Kansas City, then eventually back to Atchison. 

She was a devoted and loving stay at-home-mom for many years.  After the children were in school, Cindy worked in various jobs in Atchison before finding her passion.  Prior to her recent retirement, she spent 14 years working full-time for Atchison County as a 911 dispatcher and as a CNA at St Benedict’s Abbey caring for the beloved monks. 

Cindy’s most favorite role was that of grandma.  Her beloved grandchildren—Kinley, Rylan and Kieran—called her Mamo.  She loved supporting them in their activities, watching them play soccer, and attending various concerts and school functions. 

Cindy was an active member of St Benedict’s Catholic Church.  She loved crafting and sewing.  She was a talented quilt maker who constantly had several new quilts she was working on.  She enjoyed gardening and donating the fruits of her labor to family, friends, neighbors and Catholic Charities.  She loved cooking and baking for others.  She was known to deliver hot fresh meals to the farmers in the fields and baked children’s birthday cakes for a local shelter.

Cindy is survived by a daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Dooley (Shawnee, KS) and two sons, Ryan Michael Dooley and favorite daughter-in-law Kelly Sue, Lee’s Summit, MO and Cody Thomas Dooley, Stockholm, Sweden; three grandchildren, Kinley Wohlgemuth, Rylan Wohlgemuth and Kieran Dooley.  She is also survived by her father Ed Navinskey, formerly of Cummings, KS; four sisters, Terry (Ross) Montgomery, Effingham, KS, Shelly Ludwig, Denham Springs, LA, Connie Watkins, Arlington, TX, Brenda (Randy) Dvorak, Weston, MO; three brothers Mike Navinskey, Atchison, KS, Mark Navinskey, Effingham, KS, Scott (Lori) Navinskey, Atchison, KS and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joan Navinskey, paternal grandparents William and Dorothy Navinskey, and maternal grandparents Otto and Agatha Schrick.

Byford Paul Metzger, longtime resident and businessman of Pawnee City, Nebraska, passed away at the age of 94 on January 12, 2020.  Byford was born September 11, 1925 to Leo and Erma (Vrtiska) Metzger.  He was raised on the family farm outside of Pawnee City and graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1943.  He served in the U. S. Army during World War II, then returned to Pawnee City to work.

On December 30, 1949, Byford was united in marriage to Virginia Crom at the United Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City.  They enjoyed almost sixty years of marriage, and raised three children:  Donald Jay, Janet Lee, and Linda Sue.

Byford loved his family and worked very hard to provide for them.  He developed the Standard Oil service station into a solid Pawnee City business, then later sold bulk fuel, seed, chemicals, fertilizer, propane, and anhydrous ammonia to area farmers.

Byford loved his community.  He served as a charter member of the Rotary Club, and as a member of the City Council, the volunteer firemen, the Pawnee County Hospital Board, the Cemetery Board, and the Chamber of Commerce and was a longtime blood donor.

Byford loved his country.  In addition to his military service, he was active in the American Legion and the VFW, and  served in the honor guard for Memorial Day services at the Pawnee City Cemetery.  He participated in an Honor flight to Washington, DC to see the World War II Memorial and other patriotic sights.

Byford loved his God.  He was a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City. He sang in the choir, served as an Elder and as a Trustee, was active in Mariners, and served a stint as Sunday School superintendent.

Byford was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, his parents, brother-in-law Howard Ettleman and one great-grandson, Colten Ellerbee.   He is survived by his sister Gertrude Ettleman of Nebraska City, son Don (Karen) Metzger of Omaha, daughter Janet (Jim) Krause of Plainview, daughter Linda (Richard) Johnson of Hastings, ten grandchildren and sixteen greatgrandchildren.

Visitation and funeral services will both be held at the United Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City.  Visitation will be on Friday, January 17, from noon to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00-8:00.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The United Presbyterian Church, The Pawnee City Assisted Living, or the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

For a full obituary, visit www.wherrymortuary.com

Doris Simpson, 86, of Falls City, NE, passed away January 13, 2020. She was born on September 4, 1933 to Albert and Emma Suedmeier on her grandmother’s farm. Doris was baptized at St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church. She accepted Christ into her heart at 6 years of age. She was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Falls City.

When starting school, she attended district 24 where she walked 1¾ miles to school for 3 years. After that the family moved several times and she moved with them into Falls City when she was in the 5th grade. She graduated from Falls City High School in 1951.

Doris worked at the Stephenson Hotel while attending high school and for a year after graduating, before moving to Chicago to help care for an ailing Aunt. Upon returning, she moved to Omaha and attended college for 2 years and worked for Brandies as a buyer. She then moved to Beatrice NE and that is where she met her 1st husband. They married on May 23, 1958. He passed away on July 5, 1958. To this union they had one daughter Debra, who was born in April 1959. After the death of her 1st husband Doris returned to Falls City in 1959 to raise her daughter. Debra became ill with Leukemia and passed away in 1964.

Doris went back to work at the Stephenson Hotel in the Coffee Shop and managed Sportsman Bar.

Doris later married William Bryan and to this union two children were born, Rene’ and Terry. They were later divorced.

Doris married Arthur Simpson. In 1972 the family moved to Texas. While there Doris was active in the PTA, Campfire Girls and the Hospital Auxiliary. They returned to Falls City in 1982. Art passed away in 1983.

Doris also worked for JC Penny’s and Dillard’s as a buyer. Later she went on the road working for the House of Lloyd and Artes Paints. She retired from this in 1993. She came out of retirement and worked doing in home health and retired again in 2013 because of health issues.

Doris is survived by one brother, Harold Suedmeier, one son, one daughter, 5 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 10:30 AM at First Christian Church with Reverend Fay Ann Blaylock officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.

Open visitation and viewing will begin on Wednesday afternoon at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers Doris requested that memorials be sent to St. Jude Hospital for Children in honor of Debra Hoggatt. 

To send flowers to Doris' family, please visit our floral section.

Erma Menze, 91, passed away December 30, 2019 at St Joseph Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. She was born November 23, 1928 to Winifred and Claude Messinger.  

Erma and her late husband, Henry, enjoyed hunting and spent many week ends in Falls City.  They had purchased a small residence and always referred to it as the "Quack Shack".  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Menze, father and mother, sisters, Ila West, Cleo Masat, Iona Mez, all of Falls City, brothers, Robert Messinger of El Dorado, KS, William Messinger of Salem, NE.  She is survived by a son, Stephen Peterson and wife Yvette, granddaughter, Bethany Dyche and husband Brian, sister, Julia Slavin and husband Roy all from Kansas City, MO.

Her Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM, at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Steele Cemetery.

Patricia Marie Fangman, 50, of Atchison, Kansas died Sunday, January 12 at the Atchison Hospital.  

Visitation will be 6-7:00 P.M., January 14 at St. Benedict’s Church with a rosary at 7pm.  The Mass of the Resurrection will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 15th at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Atchison with burial following at Mount Calvary Cemetery. A lunch will follow at St. Joseph’s Church (705 Spring Garden St.).   Memorial contributions in remembrance of Trish should be made to Mount Saint Scholastica Monastery. Care entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.  

As she often let people know, Patricia Marie “Trish” Fangman was born on October 17, 1969 in Columbia, Missouri.  She was the 8th of 9 children born to Anne and Elmer Fangman.  Starting out life with Down Syndrome would be considered by many to be a disadvantage but it proved to be a gift enjoyed by those who came to know her.   

Trish first entered the USD 409 school system in the 1970’s in Atchison.  At the time, society viewed children with significant handicaps differently than today.  Trish and the other significantly handicapped students were segregated to a relatively empty small building at the edge of town with little supervision and no educational services were offered to them.  Trish and her parents led the fight for those handicapped individuals and families to obtain educational and support services from USD 409. It was an arduous several years that resulted in Trish and the others gaining individual respect and educational support from the school system.  Within a few years the school system not only acquiesced but embraced the handicapped and Trish enjoyed learning both educationally and socially as she matriculated through grades in the Atchison elementary and middle schools in a program called “mainstreaming.” She learned to read, which became a great joy to her throughout her life.  Trish also had many social friendships with other children in her classes, benefitting her by their acceptance and benefitting them by teaching them about the dignity of the handicapped person.

Trish was proud to graduate from Atchison High School in 1990 in a small ceremony.  It was the beginning of a cherished relationship for her with USD 409 as shortly thereafter she took a job in the elementary school cafeteria.  She would be a diligent worker there for the next 26 years, meeting hundreds of Atchison’s children and being in the midst of caring co-workers.

A conscientious worker, Trish had as many as three jobs at a time.  These included over a decade at Atchison Products, work at the Achievement Center and at the Dooley Center.  She also volunteered regularly to read to, talk with and pray with senior residents of the Atchison Medicalodge. 

Trish spent her final years in at Mount Saint Scholastica’s Dooley Center and was the beneficiary of their loving care.  

Patricia was preceded in death by her mother, Anne Elizabeth (Supple) Fangman.  

She is survived by her father Elmer, her siblings Dan (Dolly), Joan (John) Schuster, Michael (Nancy), Susan (Craig) Husting, Paul (Doug), John, Colleen (Lester) Hubble, Matt (Kathy) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie Flesner, 96, of Falls City, NE, passed away January 13, 2020 at Falls City, NE. She was born June 19, 1923 at Eldorado, MO to Ora and Ruth (Callahan) Bell.

She married Harold Weddle and they were later divorced. She then married Jack Flesner and he passed away February 24, 2003.

Bonnie was a statement clerk at Gateway Bank in Lincoln, NE for 12 years, moving back to Falls City in 2015.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Connie Novak and her husband Frank of Falls City, six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Don Weddle, brothers, Bill Vickers, Gene and Eldo Bell, granddaughters, Maria and Annie, great-grandchild, Charlie.

The body of Mrs. Flesner has been cremated and services will be held at a later date with inurnment in Clay Center Cemetery at Clay Center, NE.

Robert “Bob” Jackson Bowser, 87, of Emmett, KS, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Tanglewood Health and Rehab in Topeka. He was born June 2, 1932 in rural Mayetta, KS, the son of Lloyd Jackson and Sarah (Bostwick) Bowser.

Bob graduated from Soldier High School in 1950. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952 – 1956 during the Korean Conflict as an aircraft mechanic.

 He worked for Jackson County as a heavy equipment operator for over 25 years. He was also a lifelong farmer and stockman.

 Bob was a member of St. Mary’s Bible Baptist Church.

 He married Eva Virginia DeGroff on October 23, 1959 in Onaga, KS. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

 Survivors include his wife, Eva Bowser; a son, Mark Bowser (Denise) of Emmett, KS; 2 sisters, Edna Starr of Topeka, KS and Barbara Amos of Olathe, KS; a brother, Larry Bowser (Alice) of Meriden, KS; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

 He was preceded in death by 2 sons, Robert and Wayne Bowser; a sister, Ila “Mae” Martin and a brother, Clifford Bowser.

 Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Memorials may be given to the Holton V.F.W. Post 1367 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.

Tom Bentley MCPO, U. S. Navy, Ret., 86, of Falls City, NE, passed away January 11, 2020 at Falls City. He was born August 26, 1933 at Rulo, NE to Ernest and Lena (Palmer) Bentley. 

He married Donna Schulenberg on November 27, 1957 at Falls City.

He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in May of 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He reenlisted in August of 1967 and retired in 1993. He served in the Philippines, Adak, AK, Japan, San Diego, CA, Gulf Port, MS and Little Creek, VA in addition to serving two tours in Vietnam. He earned 2 bronze stars, 3 Navy Achievement medals, and a Navy Commendation Medal.

Tom was raised at Rulo and moved to Barada at the age of 8 and attended country school. Following his schooling he farmed until enlisting in the U. S. Navy Seabees. Following his discharge in 1957 he returned to Falls City and worked at Frontier Trailer Factory, Conoco and also managed the VFW and American Legion Clubs. He then reenlisted and after serving 30 years he retired to Gulf Port, MS until 1996 when they returned to Falls City. He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th and Towle St.).

Tom is survived by his wife, Donna of Falls City, son, Mike and his wife Beverly of Gulf Port, MS, daughters, Lisa Bentley and her partner Jeremy Goldsberry of Falls City, Debbie Bassett and her husband Jim of Falls City, sister, Dora Nussbaum and her husband Rolland of Falls City, nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ernest, Wayne and Charlie, sister, Margaret Ingles, daughter, Sharon Mitchell and a great-granddaughter, Charleigh Bassett.

His memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th and Towle St.) with Reverend Andrew Chavanak officiating. Inurnment will be in Steele Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.

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

Betty Corinne (Buerstetta) Fink passed away on January 11, 2020 at the age of 91.  Betty was born at home to Lowell M. and Anna L. (Haney) Buersetta in Tecumseh, Nebraska on May 19, 1928. Betty married Wilbur Glen Fink on March 2, 1948. They celebrated their 50 years of marriage just before Wilbur passed away on April 17, 1998. To their union were born three children, Robert Glen, Ruth Anne, and David Lee.

Betty worked at the Tecumseh Building and Loan now the Tecumseh Federal Bank for a short time after graduating from Tecumseh High School.  Once married, Betty took care of the children and house. Betty and Wilbur moved to Pawnee City in 1960 to run Pawnee Implement Company. Betty had many various jobs to make ends meet. She took care of the children, assisted with the bookkeeping at the business, did a bit of baby sitting and for a short time worked as a waitress for the Pawnee Café.  Eventually, Betty found her place working for the Pawnee County Hospital where she performed many duties from secretary to Acting Administrator and became a skilled Medicare coder. Betty remained working at the hospital until the age of 79.

In Betty’s younger years she was a member of Rebekah Lodge #15 in Tecumseh Nebraska. Betty was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Pawnee City serving as Treasurer for many years. Betty was member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years and held the office of Worthy Matron at Guild Chapter #16 more than 20 times.

Betty was active on her computer making cards for family birthdays and other special occasions along with programs for the organizations in which she was involved. Betty loved to visit with her neighbors and friends.

In 2016, Betty was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. This form of cancer has no cure. Betty however put up a good fight living at home with the assistance from many good friends until May of 2018. Betty then moved to live with David and Susan in Louisville, Kentucky. Betty mentioned one time that Wilbur would tease her he was going to move her to Kentucky and she could sit on the porch with a corn cob pipe. There was no pipe but there was a porch and plenty of wildlife to watch. Betty especially liked the cardinals and the hummingbirds.

In November of 2019, Betty took control of her fate and ended active treatment of the myeloma. She then entered the Eastern Star Home in Louisville. She enjoyed her time there and although myeloma can be an unforgiving disease, Betty passed peacefully in her chair watching t.v.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Anna; her husband, Wilbur; her son Robert; and his wife, Jeanne (Morton) Fink, and her brother-in-law Kenneth Grove.

Betty is survived by her daughter Ruth and husband David Allsbrook of La Mesa, California; her son David and wife Susan (Yoble) Fink of Louisville, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Matthew Allsbrook of El Cahon, California; Michael and Jillian (Hemple) Fink of Omaha, Nebraska; and Thomas and Samantha (Cleary) Fink of Forest Grove, Oregon, two great grandchildren, Nicholas and Nathan Fink of Omaha, Nebraska, sister, Mary Alice Grove of Tecumseh and nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the United Methodist Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Officiating Pastor Kim and Pastor Dennis Hammond.  Visitation on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Memorials to family choice. Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com. 

Malinda “Grams” Jean Mattwaoshshe, 93, of the Kickapoo Reservation, passed away at her home, on Friday, January 10, 2020.

She was born January 6, 1927 at the family home on the Kickapoo Reservation. She was one of five children born to Albert and Vestana Masquat Cadue.  Malinda was very proud of her education that started at the Red Top School and included a degree in Business from Haskell Indian Nations University. With an aptitude for numbers and organization, she worked in the Insurance Commissioner’s Office in Topeka, KS.

A young and vibrant Malinda married the love of her life, Emory Mattwaoshshe on August 15, 1948 in Horton, Kansas. He preceded her in death in 1977. The couple shared many adventures and rides on Emory’s motorcycle. Emory and Malinda were blessed with two sons, Steve and Michael. Malinda was proud of her family and could always be seen dressed for work in high heels. She served the tribe in a variety of capacities including bookkeeping, Tribal Council, and Kickapoo Nation School where she retired in 2003.

She is survived  by a son, Michael Mattwaoshshe of the Kickapoo Reservation.

Affectionately known as “Grams” by her eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, she always had open arms and a warm quilted blanket she handmade for everyone she loved. Malinda spent her many years laughing, careful not to take things too seriously, watching her family grow and prosper, tackling a tough jigsaw puzzle, yelling at the Royals or Jayhawks on TV, and sewing the day away. Grams will live in the hearts of many and will surely always be looking out for each and every one of us for years to come.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Steve in 1990, three brothers, Kenneth Cadue Sr., Gerald Cadue, Albert Duane Cadue, sister, Alberta Cadue and a granddaughter, Michelle in 1999.

A Wake service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. at the Kickapoo Community Building on the Kickapoo Reservation. Burial will be at sunrise on Tuesday morning at the Mattwaoshshe-Cadue Cemetery on the Kickapoo Reservation. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Neva Jean Cardwell, 91, of Seneca, died unexpectedly on Friday morning, January 10, 2020 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Neva was born on May 23, 1928 in Cuba, Kansas to Frank and Blazena Koulea Trecek. Neva grew up in the Cuba community, attended Cuba school and graduated from Cuba High School in 1946.  After graduating, she attended Kansas State University in Manhattan. As a college graduate she taught at Seto country school for three years.

On January 20, 1949 she married John A. Cardwell at Amama Lutheran Church in Scandia, Kansas. They were in Topeka for 12 years and in Wichita for 2 years. They moved to Seneca on August 15, 1969; because John took over the Farm Bureau Insurance office in Seneca.
Neva and John spent their winters in Ft. Meyers Beach Florida for over 30 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Seneca Women’s Club and the Red Hats. She enjoyed Golf, Bridge and traveling with John to see her grandkids whenever she could. They celebrated their 70th years of being married, prior to her death.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Ardith Conroy on December 17, 2007; and her parents, Frank on July 21, 1999 and Blazena on December 13, 1983.

She is survived by her husband, John; her two sons, Rick (Diane) Cardwell, of Ames, Iowa and Terry (Sherry) Cardwell of Seneca; and seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 2 PM the Lauer Funeral Home, in Seneca; the family will hold a visitation prior to the Funeral from 1-2PM.  Burial will be in the Seneca City at a later date.  

Memorials are for the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital sent in Care of the family.
Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Reverend Claude L. Webb Sr. departed this life and was called home on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at his home in Atchison, KS.

Homegoing services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2020, at Shiloh Baptist Church.  Visitation with the family will be on Sunday, Jan. 12th from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Interment will be Tuesday, Jan. 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Care has been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Claude was born to Luke Webb and Dorothy Washington on December 8, 1925 in Byhalia, MS.  He confessed his belief in Christ at an early age in Byhalia, MS. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 and spent 2 years serving our country, including his call of duty in World War II. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Byhalia where he married the love of his life, Precious Australia Malone on September 15th, 1946.

Claude leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Precious Australia Webb, his children, Christine McClough, Kansas City, KS, Dorothy Tidwell Atchison, KS Alton Webb (Andrea) , Kansas City, Mo Albert Webb, Atchison, KS, Claude L. Webb, Jr. (Jane), Kansas City, MO, Joan Webb McAfee, Leawood, KS, Nelson Webb (Mary), Kansas City, KS, Truly A. Webb, Atchison, KS, Sabrina M. Dudley, Atchison, KS and India N. Boulton (Jonathan), Leawood, KS . He leaves 21 Grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He also leaves 2 sister-in-law’s and one brother-in-law to mourn him:  Charity Street, Memphis, TN, Artentry Futrell, St. Louis, MO, and Burnell Malone (Dorothy Malone) Memphis, TN. He also has a host of nieces, nephews and cousins that dearly loved him. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Precious Wilson; two son in-law’s: Frank McClough (Christine), Pastor Willie G. McAfee (Joan); six sisters:  Octavia King, Addie B. Buford, Elizabeth Stephens, Gertrude McNeal, Rose Childress and Katherine Jackson.  4 brothers also preceded him in death: Victor Webb, Nelson Webb, David Webb, Allen Webb. 

Claude lived and labored in Atchison and the surrounding community for over 60 years.  He served as the Pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Hiawatha, KS from 1983 to 2006 when he retired from pastoring but continued his ministry.  From 1957 to 1983 he was the Pastor of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church (later merged to form Shiloh) in Atchison, KS. When Reverend Webb felt the calling in his heart to become a man of the Lord, he said he knew he would answer it. He felt that God had a reason for putting him on this earth, and that was to spread his word. Even after being a pastor for over 50 years, the fire still burned the same in his heart.

He retired from the VA in Leavenworth where he worked as a culinary chef and later volunteered. He formerly served as the President of the Congress of Christian Education and the Vice Moderator of the Northeastern District Association. He was actively involved in the Atchison community where he served as the President for the Citizens for Community Action from 1973 to 2000 and also served as the President and Vice-President of the Minister’s Alliance and the Multi-County Board.  He has officiated at numerous weddings, funerals and baptisms.  He was truly a community pastor—he visited the sick and counseled those in need. He led by example and exemplified what being a missionary pastor truly meant by personally touching thousands of lives.

To know him was to love him. He loved his family and his friends. His grandchildren will tell you that he made the best pancakes in the world. He was an avid fisherman with his buddy Mr. William Dudley and hunter with his friend Mr. Eddie Briggs. And shared long conversations with his dear friend Mr. Marion “Bud” Kelly.  

Virginia Lou Betts, 86, Atchison, Kansas died Thursday, January 9, 2020 at the Atchison Hospital.

A rosary will be recited on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home immediately followed by prayer services.  A visitation with the family will follow at the Elks Lodge, 609 Kansas Ave. Inurnment of the cremated remains will be at a later date in Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, Missouri.  Memorials are suggested to Atchison Hospital Auxiliary, the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Virginia was born July 30, 1933 in Nortonville, Kansas the daughter of Herbert and Irene “Sadie” Sloman Mair.  She attended Central and Washington Elementary Schools and St. Joseph’s and St. Benedict Elementary Schools and graduated from Atchison High School.

She and Kenneth Betts were united in marriage on February 28, 1951 in Atchison, Kansas.  Mr. Betts preceded her in death on January 11, 1997.

Virginia served as a certified nurse’s assistant and activity assistant director for the Atchison Hospital.  She also assisted her husband, Kenneth in the ownership and operation of Betts Electric Company for many years.

Virginia was a member of Sacred Heart Church, now St. Benedict Parish, the Altar Society of the Church and the Daughter’s of Isabella.  She was a Preceptor of Beta Sigma Phi, a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Atchison Hospital Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary.  She was also a very active participant in her children’s youth by serving as a Den Mother for Boy Scouts. Virginia was very active in her granddaughters Prudence Betts- Gwartney and Penny Betts-Schultz lives.

Virginia is survived by two sons, Steve Betts, Atchison, KS; Timothy E. Betts, Quincy, IL; three grandchildren, Prudence Betts- Gwartney, Penny Betts-Schultz and Cheyenne Betts; five great grandchildren and several step great and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Mair and Irene Sadie Sloman Mair Anderson; a daughter, Diana M. Bryant; a granddaughter, Stephanie Renee Betts; and a brother, Clarence Mair.

Cecil Duane Rothers, 85, of Topeka, KS passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 peacefully at his home at Thornton Place retirement community.

Cecil was born on the family farm northwest of Havensville, Kansas, in the same house that his father was born in, on Oct 6, 1934. He was the son of Phil and Ferne (Kelly) Rothers. He was the 2nd child of 5. He is preceded in death by brothers Dean, Kenneth and Darrell. He is survived by his sister Karen (Nix) and his daughter Connie. Also preceded in death by nephews David and Joe, survived by Diane, Duane, Darin, Steve, Sherri, Greg, Terri, J.C. and Lucinda, and many great-nieces and nephews.

His education began in a one-room school house, Coal Creek School #53, near Havensville, KS from 1939-1947, when the family moved in March to a farm closer to Corning (with electricity!). He continued to attend Coal Creek country school, riding his horse, Chub, every day to finish out the school year. Cecil then attended Corning High School and graduated with 14 classmates in 1953.

Cecil began working on a bridge construction crew for his uncle, Alvis Rothers, then worked construction for the railroad. He was drafted into the Army, and entered active duty on Oct 14, 1958, and was honorably discharged on Sep 28, 1960, stationed mostly in Germany. Cecil continued his education in computer science, and then worked for the State of Kansas for 33 years as a Payroll Operations Manager, starting July 1, 1963 and retiring April 8, 1996.

Cecil was married three times. With his first wife, he had a daughter, Connie, in 1955. He was married to Audrey (Deters) for over 30 years. Their marriage was annulled. He married Kathryn (Kuder) on Oct 25, 2004 at St. Joseph Catholic church in Topeka. She passed away on August 26, 2017.

Cecil was an avid Kansas historian and dedicated K-State Wildcat fan. He enjoyed hunting with his buddies of 50+ years, Randol Walker and Orlyn Peterson. Randol and Bonnie Walker became Cecil's family in recent years. His dog, Buddy, was his constant companion for the last 10 years.

He was baptized in the Catholic church and was a parishioner at Holy Name and St. Joseph's Parishes in Topeka. Later, he attended Countryside Methodist Church alongside his wife, Kathryn.

Honoring his request, cremation is planned. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2020 with a memorial service and military honors to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS.

An additional memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. (mountain time), Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Tribune United Methodist Church, Tribune, KS. Inurnment will follow at Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas. Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions in Topeka is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312.
 

Joan Lash, age 93 of Auburn, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Survivors include her husband Herb of Brownville; daughters and sons-in-law Charlotte and Dan Grone of Lincoln; Sheila Haith of Maryville, MO; Brenda and Chuck Chase of Malcolm; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Monday, January 13, 1:30 p.m. at the Auburn Christian Church. Burial will follow in London Cemetery near Auburn. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 3:00 to 5:00.

Memorials are suggested to family choice for later designation.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

LaReine Vice, 87, of Shubert, NE, passed away January 7, 2020 at Falls City, NE. She was born August 14, 1932 at Omaha, NE to Bud and Virginia (Wilson) Gilmore, they later divorced and Lyle Page was her step-father.

LaReine worked at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha and met Leland and were married January 16, 1959 at Omaha. They had three children and moved to Verdon, NE in 1969.

LaReine loved to play board games and cards with her children and later with her grandchildren. Not sure if she let them win or they just whooped up on her.

She also loved to go camping, only LaReine was never around to help with the cooking because she loved to fish as much as the guys did. Everyone knew this and never complained about it. Leland did more than anyone.

LaReine liked winter, only for one reason, as that was the only time she really worked on puzzles, until she got older when she couldn’t sit there for hours at a time. Sewing was another hobby during the winter. Embroidering dish towels was her favorite.

The coupled opened their craft shop in 1983 by Indian Cave Park. She enjoyed visiting with all the thousands of people that passed through and the hundreds of consignors that they had. Her grandsons, Gary and Josh, even learned to count money at the shop. She would let them help wait on people and count their change back to them.

Her favorite flower was lilacs. Leland would cut some every day that they were in bloom and make the house smell so sweet. She was a member of Good News Assembly of God Church.

LaReine is survived by her husband, Leland of Shubert, daughters, LeAnne Richey and her husband Gary of Falls City, Anna Barnett and her husband Harvey of Wingo, KY, grandson, Gary Richey, Jr. and his wife Velera and Josh Richey and his wife Molley of Falls City and LaCoda Tuthill of Wingo, KY, great-grandchildren, Lathan, Delana, Kimber and Beau. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, and a son, John Vice.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Good News Assembly of God Church with Pastor Tim Boatright officiating. Interment will be in Harris Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3-4:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Kenneth Richard Jenkins, 77, of Atchison, KS, died January 7, 2020, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, MO.

Mr. Jenkins has been cremated and no funeral services are planned. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Friends can leave condolences for the family at beckerdyer@sbcglobal.net.

Kenneth was born on January 17, 1942 in Atchison, KS to Kenneth and Anna (Pike) Jenkins. He married Beverly Suharto on February 15, 1961, and she survives at the home. Kenneth enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and camping. Kenny also enjoyed going to his friend Burt’s house from 5 to 7pm every day.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, sons, Todd (Shannon) Jenkins, Atchison, KS, Thad (Robin) Jenkins, St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Teresa (Samuel) Abbott, Kansas City, MO and a sister, Ginger Grider, Halstead, KS. He is preceded into death by his parents and granddaughter Jessica Ann Jenkins.

Shirley Dolman, 76, of Verdon, NE, passed away January 5, 2020 at Auburn, NE. She was born June 6, 1943 to Bill and Louise Meyers.

She married Dave Dolman on April 12, 1974 at Las Vegas, NV.

Shirley graduated Cleveland High School at Reseda, CA in 1962. Following graduation she worked at an electronics manufacturing company then worked for Master Card. She moved to Lincoln, CA and worked in the banking industry as a manager. In September of 1994 the couple moved to Verdon and she worked for the telemarketing firm until they closed. She attended Prairie Union Baptist Church at Shubert.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Dave of Verdon, daughter, Kimberly Bolivar and her husband Don of Savannah, GA, sons, Mark Meyers of South Carolina, Mathew Dolman and his wife Nicole of Paso Robles, CA, Andrew Dolman and his wife Tonia of Van Nuys, CA, sister, Penny Murphy of Ventura, CA, seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Tammy Meyers, brother, Don Meyers, sister, Beverly.

No services are planned at this time.

Kaitlyn Irene Schmalstieg, age 23, of Effingham, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Atchison Hospital.

A Celebration of Kaitlyn’s Life has been changed due to the forecasted weather will be at 6:00 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020, at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation care has been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Kaitlyn was born November 13, 1996, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Randolph S. “Randy” Schmalstieg and Jennifer M. “Jenny” Forge.

Kaitlyn had an amazing laugh that went perfect with her beautiful crooked smile.  Her personality and character were great. She loved being home, but when she had to go somewhere she loved the bumpy car rides! She cherished every head rub she received and she had a priceless sparkle always in her eyes.

Left to cherish her memory include her parents, Jenny (Kevin) Wendt, Randy (Joelen) Schmalstieg; sister, Jessica (Ray) Runge; brother, William Schmalstieg; grandparents, Robert Forge, Sandra Schmalstieg, Buddy Schmalstieg; niece, Raven Runge; nephew, Jason Runge; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Karan Foster.

Roger William Selman, 67, of Hiawatha, passed away December 27, 2019, at the Sabetha Manor in Sabetha, KS.

He was born March 3, 1952 to the late Wesley and Mary Ann Selman at Falls City, Nebraska.

He married Judy Trecek in Hiawatha on August 25, 1973, later they divorced.

He is survived by two sons: Jeffrey Scott Selman of Florence, AL, Jason Allen Selman, grandchildren: Jaxston and Scarlet Selman of Omaha, NE. Also surviving are a sister Diana (Jake) Stephens of Waynesboro, TN, brother Richard (Mary Ellen) Selman of Fort Collins, CO. aunts: Linda (Glenn) Hennigan of Sabetha, KS, Beverly (the late Bobby) Selman of Hiawatha, numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Roger attended Hiawatha Schools, He was an automotive technician in Omaha, NE, and later in Tennessee.

He was cremated with private burial later at Mount Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.

Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, is assisting the family.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Dean Blanton, 81, of St. Joseph, Missouri formerly of Troy, Kansas passed away Saturday, January 4, 2020 at his home.

Dean was born on February 24, 1938 in Fanning, Kansas to Floyd David and Mary Ellen (Simpson) Blanton.

He was a heavy equipment operator for Sprague Excavating and a truck driver for Crouch Brothers.

Dean married Ellen Ulmer on December 22, 2000. She survives of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-son, Kyle Fowler, and great-grandson, Caden Blanton.

Additional survivors include his children, Jimmy Blanton (Karen),

                                                                   Hombre Blanton (Elicia),

                                                                   Travis Blanton (Candace),

                                                                   Sherry Smith,

                                                     Step-children, Linda Riedel (Mag),

                                                                            Denice Fowler (Brandon),

                                                    24 Grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren

                                                    Brothers, Garland Blanton,

                                                                     Gus Blanton (Donna),

                                                                    Dwayne Blanton (Peggy),

                                                   Numerous nieces and nephews and beloved cat, Molly.

Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 10, 2020

  At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.

Visitation: 12 noon Friday, 2 hours prior to service.

Friends may call after 12 noon Thursday.

Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Dean Blanton Memorial Fund in c/o the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home P.O. Box 426 Wathena, KS. 66090 or the Nodaway Valley Bank at Belt and Faron.

www.harmanrohde.com

Larry J. Sudbeck, 75, of Bern, Kansas, died on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born on August 4, 1944 to Ignatius “Nate” F.  and Odelia E. Broxterman Sudbeck in Axtell. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Benedict High School with the class of 1962.

Larry married RoseMary Ronnebaum on November 17, 1979 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning. The couple lived north of Seneca and raised four children.

Larry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Larry loved farming, his crops and livestock were very important to him and gave him joy throughout his life.  When not farming, he enjoyed a good card game, polka and 50’s music, working with horses and restoring his Father’s tractor. No matter how busy the farm kept him; he always took time for his grandchildren, they were his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nate on October 17, 1992 and Odelia on May 4, 2013; and a grandchild, Jordan Sudbeck on February 14, 2013.

Larry is survived by his wife of 40 years, RoseMary; children, Matt (Kim) Sudbeck of Bern, Christina (Josey) McFarland of Osage City, Mark (Kristina) Sudbeck of Bern, and Kevin Sudbeck of Bern; siblings, Anita (Linus) Haverkamp of Wetmore, Marlene (Ferdinand) Deters of Seneca, Judy (Larry) Macke of Seneca, Carol Steinlage of Centralia, Linda (John) Heinen of Springhill, Eldon (Theresa) Sudbeck of Seneca and Joyce (Ron) Burdiek of Wetmore; and nine grandchildren, Mckenna, Madison, Morgan, Moxie, Elijah, Jordon, Zackery, Miles, Leo and Jameson.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 P.M. Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Church Cemetery.
Memorials are for Larry are to be designated at a later date.

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

Betty Jean (Smith) Lortscher, 82, of Bern, Kansas, was called home to her Lord, surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the Sabetha Manor.

Betty was born July 23, 1937, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Herbert and Etta (Flynn) Smith.  In this home she learned to embrace family and love her Canadian Rocky Mountains.  She graduated from University of Alberta, Calgary with a BS in Education.  In 1971, she completed her master’s at Kansas State University.  Her nine years of teaching experiences led her to geographic locations including the eastern and western Canadian arctic and Nigeria, West Africa.  She and Gary met in Kabba, Nigeria and later married in Kabba on June 22, 1968.  After they completed their educational teaching assignments, they enjoyed an incredible nine-month trip around the world.

Establishing her new home in Bern, Betty continued to use her love of people and home economics training as she served her community in multiple ways.  She taught sewing classes in her home, was instrumental in starting the Bern Community Library, and local recycling program.  Also, she assisted in coordinating the Maytag washing machine study and served on the Nemaha County Community Health Board and was an active member of the Home Improvement Club.   She shared her love for music by giving piano lessons to several of her granddaughters, singing in the choir and playing piano at the Bern United Methodist Church.  For many years, she coordinated vacation Bible school and hosted community Christmas caroling parties.

Providing a consistent listening ear, Betty embraced her role as loving wife to Gary and steady, compassionate mother to Brent and Yvonne.  Her grandchildren and community also benefitted tremendously from her kindness and grace.

In the final years of her life, Betty and Gary embraced the challenge of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) by being involved in research with the goal of finding a cure.  Betty participated in a variety of studies, then experienced significant improvement during 2017 after receiving four sets of her own concentrated stem cells which demonstrates the potential reversal of AD.  The FDA banned using one’s own concentrated stem cells the end of 2017.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dave Smith; and her sister-in-law, Verna Smith.  Betty is fondly remembered by her husband, Gary; her son, Brent (Linda) Lortscher; her daughter, Yvonne (Tim) Krehbiel; her grandchildren: Kirsten, Dylan and Madison Lortscher and Helen, Rachel and Amanda Krehbiel and Faith Lachapelle.  Extended family includes niece, nephew, and cousins in Alberta; sister-in-law, husband, niece, and nephew in Texas, all with their respective families.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the Bern United Methodist Church in Bern, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at the church.  Following inurnment at the Bern Cemetery, a meal for family and friends will be held at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bern United Methodist Church or KU Medical Stem Cell Research, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas  66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Kathryn Marie Hardenberger, 73, of Falls City, Nebraska was born May 28, 1946, in Falls City, Nebraska to William and Almeda (Strauss) Gruber.  She was raised in Falls City and received all of her schooling there.  Kathryn graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1965.  She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, gardening and spending time with her family.

Kathryn was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 20th & Towle Street in Falls City.  She passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Bryan LGH Medical Center West in Lincoln, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of seventy-three years, seven months and five days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clayton, grandson Collin Hardenberger, a brother John Gruber and daughters-in-law Shauna and Nancy Hardenberger.

Kathryn is survived by her loving children, Bill (Cheryl) Hardenberger of rural Falls City, Rick Hardenberger of Lockwood, MO; Cheryl (Jim) Hall of Falls City, Doug (Heather) Hardenberger of Maumelle, AR; David Hardenberger of Cairo, NE; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives, friends and people that knew her as “grandma”

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2020, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 20th & Towle Street in Falls City with Pastor Andrew Chavanak officiating.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m.- 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2020, at The Hall Funeral Home, 2403 Harlan Street, in Falls City.  Family will greet friends from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be following services at The Steele Cemetery in Falls City.

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

Roy Ralph Bell, 88, of Seneca, KS passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at his home. He was born January 21, 1931 in Goff, KS the son of Everton A. and Iva Hulda (Bariess) Bell.

Roy graduated from Goff High School in 1949. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He had served in the 45th Infantry Division as a machine gunner. He was a life member of the Goff American Legion Post #316, Seneca V.F.W. Post #7458 and the Combat Infantrymen’s Association in Topeka. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter for 20 years.

Roy was a member of the Goff and Seneca United Methodist Churches. He had also been a Hunter’s Safety Instructor, served as the first fire chief for the Goff Fire Department and had been on the Fairview Cemetery board in Goff since 1959.

He was a rural mail carrier for the United Postal Service for over 31 years. He was also the Post Master for 16 years and retired in 1986.

Roy was united in marriage to Patsy Irene Richard on May 16, 1954 in Goff, KS. They shared over 65 years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Cynthia Sue Bell; 3 brothers, Lawrence, Noble and Alvin Bell; his sister, Opal Adams and his great-grandson, Jared Peery.

Roy is survived by his wife, Patsy of the home; a son, Ricky Bell (Karen) of Cameron, MO; a daughter, Janet Stallbaumer (Jerry) of Seneca, KS; 2 brothers, Earl Bell (Elsie) of Seneca, KS and Gary Bell (Carolyn) of Holton, KS; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Seneca United Methodist Church in Seneca. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Goff. Family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Jackson Heights Honor Flight 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
 

Father Thomas H. Dolezal, 75, priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas passed away January 1, 2020.

Wake services will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday January 3. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa, KS followed by a visitation until 7:00 PM.  The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday January 4, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  A Memorial Mass and the interment will be in Axtell, KS at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial  contributions either to the Catholic Education Foundation and/or the Wounded Warriors. 

Father Tom was born November 19, 1944, in Fort Lewis, WA to Joseph and Anna Marie (Henrich) Dolezal.  He was a graduate of Bishop Miege High School in 1962, Conception Seminary College in 1966, Mt. St. Bernard Seminary in 1969 and Aquinas Institute in 1970 and was ordained a priest on May 22, 1970. Father Tom served in the parishes of  Christ the King, KCK; Cure of Ars, Leawood; St. Malachy, Beattie; St. John the Baptist, Greeley; St. Michael, Axtell; Holy Trinity, Lenexa; Sacred Heart, Emporia and Holy Spirit in Overland Park.

After retiring Father Tom helped in parishes around the Archdiocese and was currently serving as Pastor Emeritus at Holy Trinity in Lenexa. Father Tom also served as the Regional Pastoral Leader for the Nemaha-Marshall  Region, Associate Family Life Director for Johnson County and twice was the State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his three brothers, John (Jeannie), Evanston, IN; Robert (Beth), Manhattan, IL and William (Sue) Dolezal, Ankeny, IA, 4 nephews, 4 nieces, 3 grandnephews and 3 grandnieces. 

The Porter Funeral Home, in Lenexa, is handling the arrangements.

Patricia Lee Baumann, 70, of Omaha, NE formerly of Atchison KS died on Sunday, Dec. 29th, 2019 at the Immanuel Hospital, Omaha, NE.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, Jan. 6, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will be in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Association and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, who is handling the arrangements. Words for comfort and remembrances may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Patricia Lee Pierce was born on April 22, 1949 in Atchison KS the daughter of Ervin Lee and Rose Marie (Deyhle) Pierce. Patty graduated from Atchison High School in 1967. She worked at the lunch counter for Ball Brothers Drug Store and in the dietary department of the Atchison Hospital for many years. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and enjoyed bowling, collecting teddy bears, lighthouses, and cook books. Patty was an excellent candy maker and especially enjoyed her grandchildren.

Survivors include a son Michael (Amy) Baumann, Bennington, NE, two grandchildren, Pierce and Eli Baumann, a niece Misty(Rex) Jones, Atchison KS, two great nieces, Paige and Samantha Jones and great nephew, Sean Jones, all of Atchison, KS. Her parents, a brother, Ervin Pierce, Jr, and a sister, Sandra Foster preceded her in death.

Ann Hopp, of Hiawatha, formerly of Highland, died Friday, December 13, 2019, at Hiawatha Community Hospital, She was 85.

Ann was born January 10, 1934 in her Great Grandparents home North of Glen Elder, Ks. to Goldie L and Cecil B Anderson their marriage dissolved and Goldie married Harold R Merrill, he adopted Ann.  They moved to Brighton, Colo.

She started school in CO and then the family moved to a farm North of Glen Elder and she went to Limestone and Washington Country Schools.  They moved back to CO as her Dad was to go into the service, after the war was over they returned to Kansas and settled in Cawker City where Ann finished her education.  

Melvin J Hake and Ann were married in Cawker City and to this union two sons were  born,  Terry L and Timothy J.  They moved to Beloit when the Glen Elder dam was built as their home was in the flood plain.  Ann worked for Boettcher Supply and the Beloit Creamery.  They were divorced and Ann married Thomas G. Hopp they lived near White Cloud and later near Highland on the farm.  This marriage dissolved after 38 years.

Ann enjoyed her home, her grandchildren, working in the garden and her flowers.  She was a very good cook and when her boys were home the house was always full of hungry kids later friends enjoyed the meals there also. Their yard was her pride and joy with all the trees and grass.  She loved animals and they always had several dogs and cats that showed up on their door steps.   Bucket calves were a real source of enjoyment when one of the cows refused her baby.  Ducks and Geese were often around till someone shot them or predators took their toll.   She and her green tractor and tiller were seen around the Highland area for years tilling gardens and yards.  She worked in the Kelley Store in White Cloud till after moving to Highland.    Later she worked 7 1/2 years  at the Casey stores in Hiawatha and Highland.   She worked at the Golden Eagle Casino in Horton, Ks for 10 1/2 years.

Ann was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Beloit, Ks till it disband then, White Cloud Auxiliary Post 154, she also was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6424 in Beloit, Ks

Preceding her in death were her parent, and an older brother. 

Left to mourn are her sons:  Terry, Minneapolis, Min and Timothy (Marilyn) Trimble, Mo, and grand children, Amanda (Faron) McNeal, KC Mo.  Meagan (Troy) Parks, Kansas City, Mo., Kelsey (Steven) Bail, Tioga, N.D., Austin (Josie) Hake, Elmira, Mo. and 6 great Grand children   A brother Dan (Pat) Merrill, Covina, Calif  nieces, Lyn Marie, Lisa, Julie, nephews Steven, David, Jeff and great nieces and nephews.   An Aunt, Georgia Becker, Weir, Ks  and a host of cousins and friends.

She moved to Hiawatha and lived in the Maple Winds apt. where she had pots of flowers and a small garden. Her cats Booger and Kip were a great source of enjoyment.  She and her friends Deb Roland and Sharon Nimz often went on trips together.     

Ann was cremated.  A Celebration of her life is planned for 1 p.m. January 10, at the Eternal Hope Worship Center, Hiawatha.  Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate.    Private burial in the Glenwood Cemetery near Glen Elder, Kansas at a later date.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

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

A message or remembrance may be left for the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Viola Elizabeth Hahn, 96, formerly of Johnson, Nebraska was born on October 11, 1923, in rural Johnson, Nebraska to Louie Adolph and Eda Dorothy (Hahn) Goering.  She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Johnson and later confirmed By Rev. Riensche on April 10, 1938.  Viola attended East Bulah country school in Johnson county through the 8th grade.  She met Arnold Hahn when she was 17 years old.  They lived only one and a half miles from each other and he was the only boy she ever dated.  On October 11, 1946, Viola was united in marriage to Arnold at Zion Lutheran Church.  To this union three sons, Don, Neal and Randall were born.  The couple raised their family in Johnson where Viola was a homemaker and worked various jobs in Johnson.  She worked at Lampe’s variety store, Hopp’s Café and later when it became Bergmann’s Café.  Viola also cleaned for a few people in Johnson and sat desk for the Casey-Witzenburg-Hall Funeral Home.  She was a past member of the Johnson Extension Club and the American Legion Axillary in Johnson.   

Viola passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn, Nebraska having reached the age of ninety-six years, two months and eighteen days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arnold, son Don and a brother LaVern (Ida) Goering.

Those left to mourn Viola’s passing are her loving sons: Neal Hahn and wife Teresa of Johnson, Randall Hahn and wife Pauline of Aurora, daughter-in-law Cheryl Hahn of Lincoln, grandchildren: Tim (Jamie) Hahn of Lincoln, Cathie (Barry) Halsey of Grand Island, Jeff (Amy) Hahn of Mesa, AZ; Jerod (Samantha) Hahn of Chappell, Patrick (Lisa) Hahn of Johnson, Tyler (Alexis) Hahn of rural Adams, Ryan Hahn of Auburn, Barrett (Jennifer) Hahn of Grand Island, Kayla (Michael) Varley of Wayne, Dustin Hahn of Beatrice, Cassandra Hahn of Grand Island, great-grandchildren: Derek & Kyler Hahn, Nathan, Noah, Nicole & Nolan Halsey, Lincoln Hahn, Jaxon Wickham & Reese Hahn, Braxton & Jayde Hahn, Aiyah Hahn, Benjamin & Madisyn Hahn, Kinzley, Bryson and Paxton Varley, Wyatt Simpson, Maranda, Rylan and Cylan Hahn, nephew Calvin (Connie) Goering of Inglis, FL; and other relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020, at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Johnson, Nebraska with Pastor John Kisling officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2020, at The Hall Mortuary, 205 Main Street in Johnson, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the Zion Luther Church in rural Johnson.

Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in rural Johnson.

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

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Services are entrusted to Hall Mortuary-205 Main Street- Johnson, Nebraska 68378 (402) 274-3131

Carol Rippe, 72, of Sabetha, KS, died unexpectedly at home December 30, 2019.

She was born in Tuscola, IL, to Charles and Martha (Bernhart) Barr. Her childhood was spent in numerous small towns across the Midwest. After graduating from high school in Paris, MO, she attended Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO, majoring in music theory and piano performance. She later received a master’s degree in music education from the University of Oklahoma and taught for several years at schools in Missouri and northeast Kansas. In 1974, Carol married Ben Rippe in Everest, KS. They lived in Horton and Seneca before settling in Fairview, where they raised their four children and fostered several others. In 2011, they moved to Sabetha. After many years of giving music lessons and homeschooling, Carol became the music teacher at Saints Peter & Paul School in Seneca. She continued to teach private piano students, and was most recently serving as accompanist for the Nemaha Central High School choir.

Always serving others, Carol used her many talents to bless her family and community. Cooking and baking for families, sewing quilts for her grandkids, creating thoughtful gifts for her family and music students, teaching Sunday school, playing piano for church, offering hospitality, and accounting for Ben’s trucking business are just a few examples. A talented musician, Carol played piano, French horn, and several other instruments, and she took great pleasure in helping her music students succeed. She enjoyed reading, game nights, puzzles, word games, trivia and watching KU basketball. Attending symphony concerts with Ben, hearing her son, Austin play the violin, following the latest adventures of her grandchildren, and spending time with her family all brought her special joy. 

She lived for the Lord and dearly loved her husband, her kids, her church family at NorthRidge, and especially her grandchildren. Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Vivian Pinegar. She is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Ben Rippe; her children, Shana Dominguez (husband Alex), Amanda Hersh (husband Tim), Brandy Blaske (husband Isaac), and Austin Rippe (wife Daniela); siblings Allan Barr, Wayne Barr (wife Karen), and Pat Howard (husband Louis); brother-in-law, Gene Pinegar; and 9 grandchildren, Emery (wife Pamela), James, Rebecca, Eleazar, Kristianna, and Benjamin Hersh, Sofia and Valentina Dominguez, and Juliet Rippe; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 6, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at NorthRidge Church in Sabetha, KS. Visitation will be Sunday, January 5 from 2-4 pm at NorthRidge Church. The interment will be made in the Albany Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to NorthRidge Missionaries, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. 

Dorothy Maxine Higgins, 88, of Humboldt, Nebraska was born on July 28, 1931, in Humboldt, Nebraska to Lloyd and Katherine Moyer.  She was raised near Humboldt and attended country school through the 8th grade.  Dorothy was united in marriage to Jerry Higgins and to this union three daughters, Penny, Connie and Cheryl were born.  The couple raised their family in Tecumseh, Nebraska before moving to Humboldt later in life.  Dorothy was an avid Husker fan that would cheer on the football or volleyball team with passion.  She became a resident of the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt where she still kept her passion for the Husker teams.

Dorothy passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019, at the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital in Pawnee City, Nebraska having reached the age of eighty-eight years, five months and two days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, daughter Penny Woodside, brothers: Elmer (Mabel) Moyer, Walt (Willa) Moyer, Lloyd (Merle) Moyer Jr., Joy Moyer, Buck Moyer and Harry Moyer, sisters Josephine Tupper and Elizabeth (Clarence) Estle.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters: Connie Laflin of Humboldt, Cheryl (Mike) Koso of Falls City, grandchildren: Jennifer Kovarik of Lincoln, Matt (Dee) Kuhlmann of Table Rock, Sarah Tyler of Lincoln, Mike Kuhlmann of Table Rock, Melissa (Evan) Feighner of Falls City, Joe (Kristina) Koso of Falls City, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law Beverly Moyer of Auburn, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the Humboldt Cemetery with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family with a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 N. Nemaha ST.- Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915