Mildred L. Bowser, 86, formerly of Whiting, died Thursday, November 26, 2020 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka following a battle with COVID.

She was born June 4, 1934 at Whiting, the daughter of David and Hulda Stuff Wenger.  Mildred graduated from Whiting High School in 1952. 

She was a member of the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton and a former member of the Whiting United Methodist Church.

Mildred worked at the Horton Clinic, the Student Loan Department at the Bank of Horton, and the Ben Franklin Store in Holton.  Mildred’s pride and joy was running Bowser Daycare, which she did for over eighteen years, and had taken care of more than one hundred children.

She married her high school sweetheart, Keith Bowser, on June 28, 1952 in her parents’ home at Whiting.  He survives.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Linda Borders, a grandson, Jason Hochstetler, two sisters, Ruth Gordon and Arlene Geraldine Lively, and a brother, Marvin Lee Wenger.

Other survivors include two sons, Rusty Bowser, Otis, Oregon and Jerry Bowser (Mary), Netawaka; a daughter, Bonnie Hochstetler (Steven), Horton; a brother, Chester Wenger, Whiting; many grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her love of children and her kind and sweet spirit.

Due to current Coronavirus concerns, there will be no services at this time.  A memorial service will be held later with inurnment in the Spring Hill Cemetery at Whiting.  There will be a register book available to sign at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton.  Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton 66436.  On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Bernard R. Ross, 90, of Silver Lake, KS, peacefully entered our Heavenly Father’s kingdom Nov 28th surrounded by family at the St. Marys Manor.

Bernard was born the 21st of July 1930 in Sabetha, KS to Lawrence & Mary (Bissing) Ross. He was the third of five children raised on the family dairy farm.  

After graduating from Horton High School, Bernard attended Kansas State University then entered the US Air Force in 1949. He was deployed to Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines as a Staff Sargent with the US FEAF Division during the Korean War where he was an aircraft mechanic, specifically working on P-51 Fighter planes. 

Bernard married Reowna “Nonie” Burke, April 23rd, 1955.  They settled in Silver Lake, KS in 1966 to raise their family.  As a couple they loved dancing, play cards with friends and family and take day trips to special spots for lunch. Later in life the two built and ran a food trailer where they enjoyed going to different events and meeting new people. He enjoyed the annual pheasant hunts with his sons as well as fishing, canoeing and golfing. He was a tinkerer at heart and loved running big machinery. He worked at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS as an aircraft mechanic. In the early 1960’s he began working at Goodyear in Topeka, KS. After several years, he started his own business, Ross Plumbing & Septic, Silver Lake, KS.

Bernard was a member of the Mater Dei Catholic parish.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nonie, his parents, two siblings, Laurita and Robert as well as many brother and sister in-laws.

He is survived by his children; Mike (Kathy) Ross, Kelso, WA; Patty (CJ) Hamilton, Chuck (Julie) Ross, Gary (Pattie) Ross all of Silver Lake, KS; Theresa Ross, Topeka, KS; Laura (Mike) Crozier, Tonganoxie, KS; grandson Brady Ross, Overland Park, KS, along with 17 more grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, two brothers, Larry and Norman and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Bernard will lie in state Thursday, Dec 3, 2020 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, 909 Central Ave Horton, KS.

A private service will be held Friday, Dec 4, 2020 for Bernard’s immediate family and extended family at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 1340 1st Ave E, Horton, KS. Rosary at 10:30 and funeral at 11am.

We regret not being able to open the service to our friends and ask for your understanding in knowing we are trying to keep everyone safe. In lieu of flowers, we welcome you to make a donation to the St. Marys Manor in honor of our Dad. You may send donations to the mortuary, to any of his children, or by mail: 25246 Duncan Dr. Tonganoxie, KS 66086. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Alma Spickelmier Knudson, 98, passed away November 27, 2020 at the Mission Village Nursing Home in Horton, Kansas.

She was born August 7, 1922 at the home of her parents Tom and Ella Compton Spickelmier, northeast of Willis, Ks. Her first memories are of living in a converted garage, while her father built their new home. She attended Sunday school at Claytonville, until it closed, then was baptized into the Methodist Church at Willis, November 23, 1930. She attended Temple Grade School and graduated from Willis High School. An avid tennis player, she and a friend won several county doubles tournaments.

She and Carl Knudson, Jr. were married October 17, 1941, and rented her Mothers farm until 1947, when they bought the farm west of Horton and started a Grade A dairy.

She joined the Mt. Pleasant Club, was a member until it disbanded, and organized the Mt. Pleasant 4-H club, of which she was a leader for 10 years. She was an honored 4-H Alumni and given a lifetime membership in the Horton School P.T.A. for her work with them. She was elected a Republican committee woman and served as the Secretary of the Kansas Registered Holstein Association for 10 years, the first woman to hold that position. She was a member and Secretary of the Horton History and Literature club for 40 years. She was proud of the club's work in assembling the material for the book "History of Horton and Surrounding Neighborhoods". She worked for the Kansas Rural Center at Whiting for 10 years. She was Secretary for the Willis alumni association for many years, Secretary Treasurer of the Parks/Claytonville Cemetery Assoc. for 20 years, member of the Brown County Genealogical Society and member of the Horton VFW Auxiliary #2006. She enjoyed being outside, working in fields, hauling grain, mowing and working with animals. She enjoyed crafts, painting, reading and has had several stories and poems published.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, Milton and Claude Spickelmier, sisters Dr. Dale Fisher (Richard), Rosalyn Pederson (Raymond), Keith and Kenneth(Veda)Knudson, Alfred, Elmira and Jean Jamvold and close cousin Byron Compton.

Survivors include three sons, Tom (Shari), Phil and Dan (Sara) Knudson. Grandchildren Chris and Chad (Alex) Knudson, Brandon and Jeffrey Rader, Taylor Knudson, Niki (Larry) Cooper, Addison and Aaron Johnson, seven great grandchildren, Sister in law Ruby Knudson, several Nieces and Nephews and special family member Max Angle.

A family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Claytonville Cemetery in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Dickie Lee Thompson, 81, of Sabetha, Kansas was called home on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

Dickie was born June 9, 1939 in Sabetha, Kansas, the son of Charles and Camelia (Patterson) Thompson. Dickie spent his entire life in Sabetha. After graduating from Sabetha High School, he joined the U.S. Navy. On August 5, 1967 he was united in marriage to Ann Ross of Hiawatha, Kansas with whom he had recently celebrated 53 wonderful years.

To know him is to love him with his sense of humor and great smile and ornery laugh. Dickie enjoyed many years of playing softball and coaching baseball. He also umpired baseball and softball for many years. Early on he worked at JBN as an electronic technician, then as a mailman, and then later you could find him driving around in his police vehicle. He finally retired as a truck driver, where he and his wife enjoyed many miles of traveling together over the years on the road. Many years of camping and fishing were also enjoyed by the family. Watching his kids and grandchildren at their sporting events was one of his ultimate joys in life, especially if they had a fresh batch of popcorn. Many will miss seeing his radiating smile when he ventured out for his morning coffee and donuts.

Dickie was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Cecil Thompson; and his sisters, Maxine Ballew and Kay Starks.

Dickie is survived by his wife, Ann of the home; his three children, Yvonne (Louis) Goins of Kansas City, KS, Dennis Thompson of Sabetha, KS, and Kay (Howie) Duncan of Sabetha, KS; nine grandchildren, Makayla Goins of Houston, TX, Derrick Duncan of Kansas City, MO, Krystal Samqua of Salem, NE, Kylie Thompson of Hiawatha, KS, Shea Duncan of Sabetha, KS, Jehoiada (Jay) Goins of Kansas City, KS, Ross Duncan of Sabetha, KS, Vonna Goins of Kansas City, KS and Lily Thompson of Sabetha, KS, along with several nieces and nephews plus extended family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date, he was such a big part of the Sabetha community. Memorial contributions may be made to Popkess Mortuary to help with funeral expenses, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Elba Marie Snyder went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 29, 2020. She was born February 27, 1935 to Byron and Elizabeth (Saylor) Robinson. They preceded her death along with her husband, Carrol Snyder, and her brothers, Cedric, Eugene, and Robert Robinson.

Elba graduated from Sabetha High School and then spent some time working in Topeka before moving back to Sabetha and marrying Carrol Snyder in 1953. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage and living on the farm. She especially enjoyed taking care of her animals, garden, and flowers.

Elba was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be missed by those she left behind. She is survived by her children, Greg (Kara) Snyder of Stilwell, KS; Brad (Holly) Snyder and Kurt (Jayne) Snyder of Morrill; and Jeana (Scott) Heidtbrink of Smithville, MO; grandchildren, Quinton (Heather) Snyder and Kenton (Heidi) Snyder of Quincy, IL, Trent (Cristina) Snyder of Madison, WI, Shayna (Kevin) Heideman of Corning, KS, Travis (Laura) Snyder and Trae Snyder of Manhattan, KS, Jarod (Ashley) Snyder of Seneca, KS, Logan (Sarah) Snyder of Hiawatha, KS, Jesse (Megan) Snyder of Osage, IA, Shannon (Kraig) LaRosh of Smithville, MO, Daniel (Katie) Heidtbrink of Westin, MO, Taylor Heidtbrink of Warrensburg, MO, and 22 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, EmmaRetta Pyle of Hiawatha.

She was a member of the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha, Kansas. The family will safely greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Inurnment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery for the immediate family only. Memorial contributions may be made to NorthRidge Church or the Sabetha Community Hospital, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Harold Dean Bauer was born July 5, 1936 and passed away on November 26, 2020 at the age of 84. Harold was born in Falls City, NE, to Roy and Stella (Krenzel) Bauer. Like his siblings, he attended grade school in the surrounding area. As told by his siblings, he attended high school for two days; one day to see if he would like it and the second day to tell them he would not be back as he needed to work. His schooling was cut short by family necessity, but his education was “on the job and hands on” with Reece Construction Co of Scandia, KS.

Harold started with Reece Construction Company at the young age of 15 in 1950. When starting his employment, Harold weighed a mere 130 lbs., earning him the nickname “PeeWee”. During his employment with Reece, he taught skills and gave support to many young men, some being family members and others from the surrounding community. While employed with Reece Construction, many roads were traveled, job sites assessed, bridges built, and stories told. Harold retired after 55 years of dedication to Reece Construction.

Harold married Carol Ann Geiger of Sabetha on June 19, 1964 at the home of Carol’s grandparents, Paul and Ethel Geiger in rural Fairview. They celebrated 56 years of marriage together. Harold and Carol’s two daughters, Christine Rosenberger and Debra Bailey (Lafe) live near their parents. He and Carol made their home in Fairview in 1978 moving their mobile home and girls to the area. They later purchased a house in Fairview where Carol resides. Harold was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fairview, KS.

Harold’s siblings included, Donald (Lamonia), John (Leona), Darrell (Sara), Darlene Covert, Esther (Virgil) Koerperich, Harlan, Arlan (Debbie).

He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Colby (Mikayla) Rosenberger, Olivia (Cole) Winkler, Landon (Andrea) Bailey, Grace (Micah) Allen, Ivy Bailey and Eve Bailey. Nothing could bring a smile to his face and twinkle in his eye faster than when talking about his grandchildren. “PaPa Peewee” was a great-grandfather to Cruz Rosenberger, Nolan and Elyse Winkler, Charlotte and Lennox Bailey and was waiting on the arrival of Baby Rosenberger due at Christmas.

Uncle Peewee to his nieces and nephew, he always seemed to gravitate to babies and young children of the family, always taking time to visit, joke, and encourage them. His love of family was great and his guidance priceless. All knew him as a “Big man with a Big heart”. Peewee had a love of livestock and farming, spending many hours driving the roads of Brown and Nemaha County in his red truck checking out the crops and Freddie (Kopp’s) cows and the Wolf Track Ranch (Bailey’s) longhorns.

In lieu of a funeral service due to extenuating circumstances, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Town and Country Ambulance Service of Hiawatha, KS, or the Fairview-Walnut Volunteer Fire Department in Fairview, KS, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A memorial book will be available for signing at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, Kansas.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com PLEASE NOTE MARKED IN YELLO ARE SURVIVORS

Gregory J. Ramirez, 97, Horton, Kansas, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at University of Kansas Health System St Francis Campus in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born on May 24, 1923 in Horton, Kansas, the son of Bicente and Monica Rojas Ramirez. He grew up and attended school in Horton. During WWll, he served in the Signal Corp for the U.S. Army in the European and Pacific theatres. He also served in the Kansas National Guard in Horton, Kansas. He married Evelyn Jeannotte on September 6, 1947 at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Horton, Kansas. He worked for Rainbow Telephone Company, Everest, Kansas, for over 35 years. After retiring he worked for the Senior Center in Horton for 18 years as a driver of the bus transporting seniors. He was a lifelong member of Horton American Legion Post # 415, VFW and Kickapoo American Legion Post #415.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn of 69 years, his daughter Gloria Meerpohl, his son- in-law Mitch Battese, both parents, two sisters: Patricia Ortez, Mary Ortez; four brothers: Antonio Ramirez, Aristeo Ramirez, John Ramirez and Tony Ramirez, grandson, Nathan Cortez and three grandsons and one great grandson who died at childbirth.

He is survived by four daughters, Patty Battese of Lawrence, Kansas, Barbara (Jim) Tucker of Baldwin City, Kansas, Mona (Chris) Cortez of Horton, Kansas and Marlise (Kenny) Wilson of Horton, Kansas; three sons, Lawrence (Leigh) of Independence, Missouri, Steve (Carla) Ramirez of Lawrence, Kansas, Vincent (Stefanie) Ramirez of Casa Grande, Arizona and son-in- law Mike Meerpohl of Holton, Kansas; twenty grandchildren, forty two great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. Greg and Evelyn loved having large numbers of family and friends at their home on the hill east of Horton.

A rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the St. Leo's Catholic Church with a funeral mass to follow at 10:30 A.M. The family requests to please wear masks and practice social distancing. Friends may call at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, in Horton, Tuesday.  Burial will be at St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Greg Ramirez memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Elmer Chapp, 94, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 25, 2020 at Falls City. He was born January 8, 1926 at Burchard, NE to Rudolph and Mary (Blecha) Chapp.

He married Caroline Folkerts on October 14, 1951 at Beatrice, NE.

Elmer served in the United States Army from 1944 to June 1946 and was honorably discharged. He volunteered for the Army after graduation from High School, trained at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, then sailed on the Queen Mary over the Atlantic to the front lines in France. The day after his ship docked at Marseille, France, he was sent with a group of replacements to the front line. He was embroiled in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and spent Christmas Eve in a foxhole. He was one of five his group of 60 who had not been killed or wounded; which is why on April 29, 1945, he was able to storm the gates of the Nazi concentration camp in Bavaria, at Dachau. He was a member of the 42nd “Rainbow” Division. His next assignment was Vienna, as a Military Policeman with the 202nd Military Police Company in Austria guarding General Mark Clark, returning to the United States in 1946. He was among other Veterans on April 23, 2009, (age 83) to participate in the 6th Heartland Honor Flight, a chartered flight from Omaha to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial along with Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns for the Changing of the Guard…”one of the highlights of my life.” 

Elmer was raised on a farm in Virginia, NE and graduated Virginia High School in 1944. After his honorable discharge he studied independent business courses and worked as a mechanic at the Chevrolet Dealership in Auburn, NE and then as a mechanic at a filling station. When married the couple established their home in Auburn and in 1953 the couple moved to Falls City where he started Chapp Oil and became an independent Mobil Oil Distributer, this business is still in the family. In addition to the oil company he also owned 2 gas stations in Falls City. He was a well-respected businessman in the Falls City community.  His faith, family, and contributions as a community member were important to him. His customers were always top priority. Even from the nursing home, he would ask Mom if there were any calls for business. He was owner and businessman for Chapp Oil Company until his day of passing. He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th and Towle St.), VFW, American Legion and the Men’s Coffee Group at his church.

Elmer is survived by his wife Caroline of Falls City, children, Colleen Chapp and her husband Dan Williamson of Eastsound, WA, Kenneth Chapp and his wife Sonnie Kroon of Lincoln, NE, Deanna Jensen and her husband Don Durden of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren, Brian Chapp, Chris Durden and Jesse Williamson, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his his parents, sister, Evelyn Laflin, brother, Glenn, daughter, Karen Kay in infancy, grandchildren, Candace and Jason Chapp and son-in-law, John Jensen.

A private family memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Evangelical 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 service will be live streamed on the church’s YouTube Channel.

Friends are encourage attend the committal service at Steele Cemetery following the church service, but are required to stay in their cars and may listen to the service on 88.7 FM on their radio.

Friends may sign the guest register at Dorr and Clark Funeral during regular business hours.

Mayme Noll, 94, of Sabetha, KS (formerly of Hiawatha), passed away November 26, 2020 at Sabetha. She was born March 13, 1926 at Sand Springs, KS to Joseph and Anna (Sottong) Aker.

She married Thomas Noll on February 7, 1948 at Topeka, KS. He passed away May 21, 2012.

Mayme was raised at Sand Springs and graduated from Abilene High School in Abilene, KS in 1944. She worked for two years at United Telephone and then moved to Topeka in 1946 where she worked for Santa Fe Railroad. When married the couple established their home Perry, KS and in 1963 moved to Brown County Kansas where she was a homemaker and farm wife. She moved to Sabetha in 2012. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Altar Society and  the Grey Ladies at Hiawatha. She had been a Girl Scout and 4-H Leader. She enjoyed raising flowers and traveling. She has visited all the states except Delaware and also traveled to Europe, New Zeland and other countries.

Mayme is survived by her children, Don and his wife Margaret of Grant City, MO, Jane Oldland and her husband Alan of Centennial, CO, Joe and his wife Joan and Mark and his wife Joanne both of Hiawatha, nineteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Carl, Walter and Robert Aker, sisters, Geneveve Weishaar and Clara Aker, great-grandchildren: Jonah Noll and Savannah McGraw.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Lawrence Stoley as the presiding priest. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

The Mass will be live streamed on the Church’s Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/sppfc

A parish rosary will be recited 1 hour prior to service at Sts. Peter and Catholic Church

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

Ron Fritz, 84, of Salem, NE, passed away November 18, 2020 at his home. He was born September 7, 1936 on the family farm north of Salem to Harvey and Violet (Jones) Fritz.

He married Brenda Wiar on February 5, 1961 at Falls City, NE

Ron enlisted in the U. S. Army on March 29, 1956 at Falls City. He earned a Sharpshooter Badge and was honorably discharged on December 31, 1957 at Ft. Sheridan, IL.

Ron was raised north of Salem and graduated Verdon High School in 1954. He attended the University of Nebraska and ran track. When discharged he returned to Salem and was a member of the Nebraska National Guard. When married the couple established their home on the family farm and he took over the farming operation following the death of his father. He retired from farming in 2014 but still helped when needed. He was a member of the Brethren Church at Falls City, he served on the Verdon School board and drove a school bus. He was a past deacon of the Verdon Congregational Church and a long time umpire and member of the ASA Umpires Association for more than 40 years. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Brenda of Salem, daughters, Ronda Fritz of Avoca, IA, Stacey Duerfeldt and her husband Stan of Falls City, sister, Catherine Palensky of Omaha, granddaughters, Shelby Kuker and her husband Eli and Lindsey Duerfeldt and her significant other Payton Adams, sisters-in-law, Barbara Young of Jefferson City, MO, Linda Wiar of Falls City, Jakie Fritz of Phoenix, AZ, Jeanine Wiar of Boise, ID, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death his parents, sons, Brad and Ronnie, brothers, Art and Bob.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 1:30 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Pastor Victor Haworth officiating. Interment will be in Verdon Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.

COVID 19 Funeral Guidelines will be implemented with limited spaced seating (25% occupancy), 6 feet of separation between household units and masks required. Services will be broadcast on 88.7 FM near the funeral home and livestreamed on Dorr and Clark Funeral Home’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/dorrandclarkfuneralhome

The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home, masks required.

Irvin E. Knowles, 83, of Beattie, Kansas, passed away November 25, 2020 at the Frankfort Community Care Center in Frankfort, Kansas.  He was born to Kenneth and Alta (Miller) Knowles on November 17, 1937 in Pawnee County, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Pawnee City, Nebraska with Pastor Connor Barr officiating.

Visitation one hour before services on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the family's choice.

Interment will be in the Mission Creek Cemetery, rural Liberty, Nebraska.

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

Mary Lou Coonce, 82, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 27, 2020 at Falls City. She was born January 19, 1938 at Falls City to William and Vera (duerfeldt) Haeffele.

She married Kenneth Coonce on June 12, 1955 at Falls City. He passed away August 23, 2015.

Mary Lou was raised at Rulo and graduated from Falls City High School in 1955. When married the couple lived many places due to her husband’s military service and when he retired from service they returned to Falls City where she worked for Elliott Realty and then helped her husband manage Falls City Lanes for 20 years, retiring in 2015. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Audrey Pedersen and her husband B. J. of Florida, Kendra Ballagh of Falls City, Edward and his wife Donna of Topeka, KS, Jill Sumpter and her husband Russell of Sultan, WA, sister, Barbara Funk of Clarinda, IA, ten grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Marvin and a sister, Wilma Dunbar.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Reverend Daniel Gifford officiating. Interment will be in Rulo Cemetery.

COVID 19 Funeral Guidelines will be implemented with limited spaced seating (25% occupancy), 6 feet of separation between household units and masks required.

The service will be broadcast on 88.7 FM near the funeral home and also livestreamed on Dorr and Clark Funeral Home’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dorrandclarkfuneralhome

Open visitation and viewing will begin Sunday afternoon at Dorr and Clark Funeral home from noon until 7:00 PM 

Leonard J. “Duke” Kohake, 94, of Seneca, Kansas passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020
at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
Leonard Joseph was born December 2, 1925 on a farm in rural Seneca to Joseph and Margaret
Trimble Kohake. He was baptized on December 6, 1925 at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
He attended rural grade school for five years before going to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Grade
School; graduating from grade school in 1939 and from Sts. Peter & Paul High School in 1943.
He helped his parents on the family farm, prior to enlisting in the army on March 22, 1944.
He served with the 9 th Regiment of the Second Infantry Division at Fort Lewis Washington.
Duke was the Chaplain’s assistant as well as a mail clerk. He was honorably discharged on
September 23, 1947. He returned to Nemaha County with the dream of farming.
On April 21, 1949 he married Grace Martha Bergman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in
Baileyville. To this union were born seven children. They lived southwest of Seneca as a young
couple. In 1952, they moved to the Lierz farm in the Ford Community southeast of Seneca,
where they raised various crops and beef cattle. Grace passed away on April 6, 2010 after 62
plus years of marriage.
Duke was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, where he served a lector, rosary leader
and communion distributor to nursing facilities for many years; the Knights of Columbus
Council 1969; the St. Joseph Society from 1943-2020; and Benediction Oblates of St.
Benedict’s Abby in Atchison, Kansas since 1986. He worked with the Sts. Peter & Paul
Mission from 1973 for many years. He was a member of our Lady’s Rosary Makers Club from
1990 until his death, making rosaries for missions throughout the world.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and siblings, Lucille Bednarz on October 9, 1997,
Daniel Kohake on March 3, 2014 and Edith Scheurer on March 23, 2018.
He is survived by seven children, Jane (Don) Kreimer of Raleigh, North Carolina, Tom Kohake
of Seneca, James (Carol) Kohake of Seneca, Patrick Kohake of Topeka, Kris (Don) Haverkamp
of Fairview, Gerard Kohake of Topeka, Nebraska, and Linda Kohake of Seneca; 13
grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Leonard will lie in state at Lauer Funeral Home on Sunday, November 29, 2020 for public
viewing and to sign the book; the family will not be present that day.
He will lie in state on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Lauer Funeral Home. A rosary will be
prayed on Monday morning, November 30, 2020 at 9:30 AM at the Sts Peter & Paul Church
prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be left in Duke’s memory to be designated at a later date, sent in
care of the family.

Allen Lee Thompson, 87, of Osceola, MO, and Hiawatha, KS, died November 27, 2020, at St. Francis-KU Campus in Topeka, with complications resulting from Covid 19.

Allen was born September 23, 1933, at Holton, one of four children born to Orville and Elizabeth Buchholz Thompson.  He grew up in this area where he attended school, later graduating from Fairview High School with the class of 1951.  The military was of interest to Al, in particular the Navy, so he enlisted right out of high school, dedicating 21 years of his life, retiring in 1973, at the rank of Yeoman Chief Petty Officer (YNC).  During his career, he served during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, serving on various vessels, in fact, when asked the question which ship he served on his reply was “which time.”  Being in the military for this length of time took him all across the United States and overseas.

He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. More importantly, the Fleet Reserve Association Mo-Kan Branch Unit 161.  His Christian faith was very important to him, as he wore a cross NEVER removing it.

He married Jerilynn McNutt, June 24, 1978.  After Al retired, they made Fairview their home for a number of years before moving to Osceola, MO.  In recent years, they have made Hiawatha their part-time home.  She survives.

Also surviving are three sons:  Allen Lee Thompson II, of Hiawatha, Daniel Lee Thompson of Jefferson City, MO, Stephen M. Thompson of Holton; two sisters:  Jean Steele and Isabele Rogers, both of Fairview; and four grandchildren.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Susan Marie Thompson, brother Kenneth, and nephew Greg.

A Memorial graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, at Isely Cemetery, north of Fairview.  Shane Spangler will officiate.  

Military honors will be conducted by Funeral Honors Detail of Topeka, and Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

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

A special message of note of remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhhome.com

Earl Sanford Carver went to be with the Lord on November 27, 2020 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital at the young age of 93.  Earl was born in El Dorado Springs, MO, April 30, 1927 to John (Fred) and Myrtle Ella McAlexander Carver. In 1936 his family moved to Kansas where he attended schools in Morrill, Kansas. He was a member of the United States Army serving during WWII.

Earl married Lucille Grote, which involved taking on the raising of his stepson Rolland Grote Jr. To this union two children were born, Barbara Carver and Ken Carver. They divorced after 25 years of marriage. While attending a “Parents without Partners” meeting Earl met according to him ‘the love of his life’ "JoEllen Bartley". They dated for several years. One Saturday they had decided to go shopping, while at the mall they wondered into a jewelry store at which time Jo joked with him about when are you going to buy me a ring? He stated "I thought about it then decided heck why not." They were married on September 16, 1989. They spent all their married life in Hiawatha. Traveling, woodworking projects, time with family and spending time with his grandchildren was his passion. JoEllen preceded Earl in death in November 2017.

Earl was a hard-working man. He spent his younger years working in construction building homes. In 1973 he started working at Mid America Dairy in Sabetha as a welder. He retired in 1989. Earl stated to his family it was at this time his life really began. He always had some type of project in progress. From remodeling kitchens to helping his grandkids build something out of scrap lumber his abilities were exceptional. He also enjoyed his flower gardens over the years. Even when he was unable to get up and down to care for his flowers a good friend built him a raised garden so that he could care for while standing. Plants, whether inside or out, were a big part of his life up until he was hospitalized.

In the early 1990’s Earl became known as the “Bike Man” He started with fixing tires then on to refurbishing bikes and finally built several unique bikes from scratch. It was not odd to have kids come to the door at all times of the day/night to have Earl fix their bike or to work out a deal for a different bike Earl may have put out front for sale. He had the kindest heart just wanting to see the joy on a child’s face as they rode away.

As it became harder for him to work on bikes or larger projects. He enjoyed taking care of his plants and feeding the livestock. (Squirrels and birds) He passed along this love to his great grandson, Carter Jante.  They spent lots of time looking out the window talking about the birds etc. If you were lucky you might even see him going for a ride on his scooter checking out the work being done by the city on the streets.

Earl was also preceded in his parents, grandson Scott Carver, brothers: Elden Carver, Melvin Fortney, sisters Leoma Mullins, Ladene Arellanes, and Estelene Frey.

He is survived by his stepson Rolland (Jan) Grote Jr. of Hawley, PA, Daughter Barbara Carver and a son Ken Carver of Topeka, KS, Stepson Kenneth (Dawn) Stephens of Hiawatha; grandchildren: Jessica Persons, Silver Lake, KS, Derek Stephens and Althea Jante (Colton) of Hiawatha; great-grandchildren: Kora and Adalyn Persons, Nathanial (Gabrielle) Carver and Carter Jante; great-great-grandson Maveryck Carver.  Also surviving are his sister Maxine Mira, Ridgecrest, CA, brother in law Jim (Leslie) Bartley, Horton, KS, sister in law Carol (James) Thiesing, Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday, and until noon Wednesday.  Private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.  Tony French will officiate, 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hiawatha Community Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Remember the family during this difficult time with a card or note of remembrance sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Shirley Jean (Lash) Earp, 86 of Horton, Ks. passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital, following a short battle with COVID.

Shirley was born September 12, 1934 in Saint Joseph, Mo., the daughter of John and Mamie (Reno) Lash. On May 24, 1954 Shirley and Kenny Earp were united in marriage.  They lived and raised their family in Atchison and Horton, Ks.  They were blessed with 66 years of a loving life together.

Survivors include, husband Kenny Earp of Horton, children, Adena (Gordon) Toms Atchison, Ks. Kathy (Don) Camblin of Everest, Steve Earp of Lawrence, Ks., daughter-in-law Carla Earp, Kansas City, brother Kenny (Carol) Lash of Kansas City. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Mamie Lash, brothers, Curtis, Dick, and Don Lash, sister, Margery Slifer, son, Richard (Rick) Earp and grandson, Ryan Earp.

Shirley had a passion for helping others and spent over 25 years working at the Tri-County Manor doing just that.  She has touched so many lives with her kindness.  She was beautiful, spunky, ornery, caring, and so much more. Shirley was residing at Mission Village Living Center at the time of her passing.  She will forever bring a smile to many, with memories of her kindness, trips to the casino, and her wonderful fried chicken.

A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetary, Robinson, Ks. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

John H. Ernst, 82, Atchison, Kansas died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Atchison Amberwell Hospital.

Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Benedict Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant.  A parish and Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday at the church with visitation with the family to follow the rosary until 11:00 A.M.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Atchison Catholic Charities or Bishop Sullivan Center and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom final arrangements have been entrusted. Memories of John and condolences may be left online at www.arensbergpruett.com.

John was born July 13, 1938 in Atchison, Kansas the son of John and Veronica Hall Ernst.  He attended St. Benedict’s Elementary School and Maur Hill Prep School in Atchison, graduating from St. Thomas More Military Academy in Hays, Kansas.

He and Annette Meissen were united in marriage on September 10, 1960 in Wien, Missouri.  Following their marriage, he and Annette moved to Gladstone, Missouri and were very active members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where John later became a Deacon for the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese while a member of St. Charles Borromeo.  He also was an active volunteer of St. Vincent DePaul Society, Seaton Center and Bishop Sullivan Center.

John served for over thirty years in funeral pre-arrangement sales in the Kansas City and Atchison area.  His longest tenure being with McGilley Memorial Funeral Home in Kansas City, Missouri.

John was a member of St. Benedict Parish where he served as a Eucharistic minister and lector.  He was also an active member of Sacred Heart Council #723 of the Knights of Columbus and William T. Jochems General Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.  An avid golfer, he was a member of Atchison Golf Club at Bellevue.  In his spare time he played golf, tennis, cards and board games and especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Annette of the couple’s home in Atchison; two daughters, Cindy (Terry) Fuller, Conneaut, OH; Cheryl (Craig) Ernst, Rulo, NE; three sons, Matt (Mary Jo) Ernst, Kansas City, MO; Mark (Tracy) Ernst, Kansas City, MO; John Ernst, Atchison, KS; two sisters, including his twin sister, Mary Wilson, Salina, KS and Betty Larson, Everest, KS; eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Benjamin Ernst.

Jerry D. Bruns, was born April 4, 1940, in Wichita, KS. He died November 25th, 2020, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Jerry grew up in Lawrence, KS where he attended school, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1958. He went to Iola, KS Junior College where he played basketball. He finished his education at Pittsburg State, where he excelled at track. His first teaching assignment was at Baldwin, then Council Grove, before he finished his teaching career at Highland. He couched the East-West Shriners Bowl. Jerry then worked for the Doniphan County Appraiser’s office from which he retired in 2002.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reno and Beulah Bethel Bruns, a sister Mary Linn Kelley.

Jerry married Doris Wynn in June 1962. To this union were born Jon David, James Daniel, and Wendy before they divorced. He married Sharon Lent December 26, 1980 who survives of the home.

Also surviving are his children David, Danny, Wendy Simmons (Barry); four grandchildren: Alexis Winchester (Cody), Alysa Simmons, Braden Simmons, and Teegan Bruns; and a great-granddaughter Demi Kay Grace Winchester and one on the way.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bruns Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035

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

Mildred “Elaine” (Sanders) Graham, age 94, was born on April 16, 1926 in Charlevoix, Michigan, the youngest of eight children, to Levi Howard and Mildred Mae (Wibert) Sanders. She passed away on November 27, 2020.

She grew up in Petoskey, Michigan where she attended school, graduating from Petoskey High School mid-semester in December, 1943.

In the summer of 1944 she met Oliver “Max” Graham. They married 6 weeks after meeting, September 3, 1944. They remained married until his passing on March 18, 2010. They had three children, Diana “Kay” Hostettler (Walt), Hiawatha, KS; Dale Lee Graham (Edwina), Houston, TX; and Beverly Jean Jones (the late Duane), Tomball, TX.

In 1958 she and Max moved their family from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Camarillo, California. Several years later they relocated to Scottville, Michigan, later returning to the Santa Barbara, California area. In October 1988 they moved to Hiawatha, Kansas and the next year to Robinson, Kansas, to be near their oldest daughter Kay and her family. Following her husband’s passing, she moved to Maple Grove Complex in Hiawatha. In April, 2019, she moved to Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

Elaine volunteered for several organizations throughout her adult life, serving as a Campfire Girls leader, helped to set up the Pleasant Valley Elementary School’s library (Camarillo, California), helped with mailings for the Brown County Kansas Area Agency on Aging, among many other projects.

When her children were all in school, she worked as a waitress for the Ranch Boy Restaurant in Camarillo, California and for bakeries in Camarillo and Santa Barbara, as well as at 3M. After settling in Santa Barbara she worked as a supervisor for EDS, which was owned by Ross Perot, and later for a medical billing company in Fresno, California. Once they were settled in Robinson, Kansas, Elaine worked in the lunchroom at Robinson Middle School.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Max, her parents, and all of her brothers and sisters and their spouses, and several nephews.

She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren: Heather Rippin (Dave), Macomb, Michigan; Margaret Goodman (James Knight), St. Joseph, Missouri; Jennifer Windholz (Travis), Houston, Texas; Sarah Spadola, Katy, Texas; Deborah Neher, Fulshear, Texas; and Tanner Jones (Holly), Tomball, Texas; and 12 great grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her willingness to help others whenever needed.

Her body will be cremated and interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, Kansas. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, Kansas is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial gifts in Elaine’s name are suggested to the Brown County Humane Society or the Brown County Food Bank, and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th Street, Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Remember the family during these difficult times by sending a card or note of remembrance to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

David Cooper, 57, of Falls City, passed away November 24, 2020 at Falls City. He was born November 28, 1962 at Falls City to Robert and Karen (Boyd) Cooper.

He married Janelle Futscher in Colorado and they were later divorced.

Dave was raised at Falls City and graduated Falls City High School in 1981. He then attended Southeast Community College where he studied architecture. He became employed at R D Cooper and Sons Roofing, a family business working alongside his father and brothers. He then moved to Colorado and worked for a heating and air conditioning company before moving back to Falls City and working for Jones Air Conditioning. He retired in 2016 due to his health. He enjoyed cruising in his Cadillac.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, six miles north of Falls City.

David is survived by his daughter, Hannah Konyalioglu of Oklahoma, son, Brenden of North Carolina, mother, Karen of Falls City, brothers, Dale and his wife Julie of Fairview, KS, Doug and his wife Salena of Falls City, sister, Debra Bailey and her husband Jerry of Fairview, KS. He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Cooper has been cremated and a service will be held at a later date.

Charles H. “Charlie” Heideman, 90, of Topeka, Kansas died Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, where he was admitted due to complications of Covid-19.

Charlie was born on March 7, 1930 to Henry F. and Catherine C. Henry Heideman in Axtell, Kansas. Charlie attended school at Sacred Heart Grade School until the family moved; he then graduated from the 8th grade, and in 1949 from St. Bede’s Catholic High School in Kelly.

Charlie was an avid bowler and was very proud to have bowled a 300 game. He was still actively bowling and within the last month he had bowled a 600 series. He enjoyed going to the casino with his sister, Rita and her late husband, Buck Reed. Charlie served in the U.S. Army and spent time in Korea during the war. After his military service, Charlie went to work for Goodyear in Topeka and retired in 1995 after 40 of service to the company. On weekends, Charlie would return to the family farm to help his brother, Ben, with the farming. He enjoyed playing cards, watching sports and working puzzles; and found particular enjoyment visiting with family.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning and attended Christ the King Church in Topeka. Charlie was a life time member of the Knights of Columbus Council 534 in Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Sr. Karen Heideman O.S.B and Virginia Runnebaum; brothers, Jerry and Ray; and brothers-in-law, Vern Runnebaum, Buck Reed and Charles Gress.

He is survived by his brothers, Bob (Eleanor) Heideman of Seneca, Tony (Anna Marie) Heideman of Corning, Gene (Marilyn) Heideman of Topeka and Ben Heideman of Corning; his sisters, Ann Gress of Seneca, Carolyn (Jerry) Osterhaus of Seneca and Rita (Buck) Reed of Topeka; nieces and nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Charlie will lie in state all day on Thanksgiving at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The family will not be present and Mask are required.

A rosary will be prayed on Friday morning, November 27, 2010 at 10 AM at the St. Patrick’s Church, prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Military services will be provided at the cemetery for Charlie, by the Corning American Legion.

Memorials are for St. Patrick’s Cemetery and or NCTC in Seneca, sent in care of the family.

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

George C. Love, 94, Rossville, formerly of Wetmore, died on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

George was born on December 29, 1925, in Elmont, Kansas just north of Topeka, the oldest son of Charles and Elizabeth Nissen Love.

George’s family moved to Wetmore when he was four years old; he attended school at Wetmore and graduated from the 8th grade. As a young man he helped his father on the farm. He joined the U.S. Army on September 21, 1944, he stationed in Philippians, and was in the Asiatic Pacific campaign, earning a bronze star. He was discharge on November 29, 1946 from Fort Beale, in California at the rank of PFC. George was employed by E and R Construction in Wetmore for 22 years; he later worked for Wetmore School District as a janitor, until retirement.

On July 28, 1973, he married Mary Wanda Perry Stubbs, at the Nemaha County Court House in Seneca. The couple resided in Rossville; they were married for 45 years before her death on March 2, 2019.

George loved to play the spoons, the harmonica and karaoke. He enjoyed dancing, and did so whenever he got the chance. He often could be found visiting with friends at the local legion in Rossville or wherever he could strike up a conversation. He was gifted at repairing small engines.

He belonged to the Levick-Barrett Post 282 of the Wetmore American Legion and the V.F.W., where he was a life time member.

Besides his wife, Wanda, he was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck on April 24, 1973 and Elizabeth “Lizzy,” on August 11, 1973; his brother, Harold “Joe” Love on October 20, 2009; and his sister, Blanche Eisenbarth on January 10, 2014.

He is survived by Anita Lamberson of Rossville; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Military graveside services will be on Saturday morning, November 28, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at the Wetmore Cemetery in Wetmore.

Memorials will be designated at a later date.

Hallie Katherine Dawson, age 85 of Highland, passed away on Nov. 23, 2020, at Two Timbers.

Hallie was born on September, 2, 1935, in Sparks, KS. She was the youngest daughter of 6 children born to Frank and Nina Simpson. She spent her whole life in Doniphan County. She met Marvin Taylor on a double date. They married in June, 1953, and were married 42 years until his death in 1995. Hallie married Lloyd, “Jr.”Dawson in 1996. They were married 21 years until his death in 2018. They fully enjoyed their retirement traveling, fishing and spoiling grandkids.

Hallie graduated from Troy High School in 1953 and Highland Community College in 1997. She cooked at the school in White Cloud, worked at Kelly’s Store and then the US Postal Service for 28 years. She also wrote and had published several stories in Modern Maturity, Highlights for Children, and other children’s magazines.

Hallie was a woman of many talents. She loved to read, write stories, she was an accomplished seamstress and restored dolls, painted, made pottery, was an excellent cook (especially her divinity) and loved her various cats that she had over the years. Hallie played the piano beautifully and played at church for many years, which included most of the weddings and funerals in White Cloud.

Survivors include 3 children, Alisa Koch of Topeka, KS, Lorie (Dennis) Hanlon of Highland, KS, and Nanette “Pete”, (Willie) Reid of Florida; four grandchildren - Edward Koch, Keith Conklin , Megan Gomez (Reid), Jaclyn Reid. Hallie was an awesome mom and grandma.

Hallie was preceded in death by her parents, Husbands Marvin and Junior, Siblings, Pauline Bell, James Atkison, Lawrence Atkison, Perry “Newt” Atkison and George Atkison.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Doniphan County Public Library or Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud, KS sent in care of Chapel Oaks FH, PO Box 33, Highland 66035. Hallie will be cremated. We will have a celebration of her life at a later time when it is safe.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Louanna Grier, of Hiawatha, went to be with Jesus with family by her side, Monday evening, November 23, 2020, at her home.

Among survivors are her children: Tanya Mabion of Kansas City, KS, Dion Grier (Judy) of Rulo, NE, Rhonda Ballew of Horton, Roberta Steward (Milton), Malcolm Grier (Cindy), Barry Grier, Alta Lee (Bill), Danny Grier, and Ethan Grier (Brooke), all of Hiawatha.

A private family service is planned for Louanna. A graveside service for family and friends will be at 11:15 Friday morning, November 27, 2020, at Hiawatha Cemetery.

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

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

Donna Kay vonBergen, 78, of Olathe, Kansas passed away Monday, November 23, 2020 in Olathe, Kansas, after a short illness.  She was born February 2, 1942 in rural Richardson County, Nebraska, daughter of Virgil and Geneva Lee.  Kay married Michael Ralph vonBergen on August 13, 1958 and they were married for 55 years.  They lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, Manhattan, Kansas and Sacramento, California before settling in Kansas City in 1973.

Kay studied histology and science at Kansas State University and American River College.  She worked in pathology at Kansas State University, University of California, Davis, American River Hospital, University of Kansas.  Kay worked as histologist at University of Kansas Medical Center,  Trinity Lutheran Hospital and other private practices until her retirement.  Kay was recognized as an expert in her field and loved her work. 

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son Bradley, father-in-law Ralph, mother-in-law Claudia, brother-in-law Lee Barcomb, sister-in-law Margo Larsen and sister-in-law Jean vonBergen.  She is survived by son Marc (Patty) vonBergen and grandson Brandon (all of Odessa, Texas), daughter Stacia Hawkins (Bobby) and grandson Spencer and granddaughter Valarie (all of Shawnee, Kansas), brother-in-law, Richard vonBergen, sister-in-law, Nicole Barcomb, brother-in-law Larry Larsen, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

 Kay was a special wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, niece and friend.  We miss her and cherish our memories.

A graveside service to honor Kay’s life will be held at Wild Rose Cemetery, Humboldt Nebraska in Spring 2021.

Patsy Jeannette Jones, 74, of Corning, KS, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

She was born November 6, 1946 in Topeka, the daughter of Chester A. and Vera J. (Lloyd) Turner. She graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1964. Patsy was a homemaker but in her early years she had worked as a sales clerk at Sears in Topeka, was a cashier at Wetmore grocery store for 17 years, had worked at Sarah’s Enchanted Cottage in Holton and also was a treasurer at Jackson Heights USD 335.

Patsy was a member Netawaka United Methodist Church, a member of the USD 335 School Board and United Methodist Women.

On December 22, 1967 she married James D. Jones in Topeka. They celebrated over 52 years of marriage. He survives of the home.

She is also survived by: her sons, Jason D. Jones (Robyn) of Netawaka and Travis J. Jones (Carolyn) of Corning; her brother R. Dale Turner of Berryton; her 13 grandchildren, Amaris, Sadie, Tamra, Turner, Karly, Eve and Tyler Jones, Amanda Campbell, Corey, Dalton and Devon Jones and Addyson and Comyn Schumaker. and 1 great-grandson, Bronx Jones.

Patsy will lie in state beginning Friday afternoon, November 27, 2020 through Saturday until 5:00 p.m. each day at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will be at a later date in Netawaka Cemetery. Memorials are suggested for Netawaka United Methodist Church or Corning Library and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton 66436. Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Rosalie (Aberle) Lohman, 88, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the Apostolic Christian Home.

Rosalie was born in Sabetha, Kansas on October 20, 1932, to Emil and Mary (Burger) Aberle. She grew up in the Albany area with her five sisters and one brother; Arleta Wenger, Frances Aberle, Carol Mabie, Irene Aberle, Mary Ann Reiger and Marvin Aberle. She attended Albany Grade School and graduated from Sabetha High School with the class of 1951.

Rosalie was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Lohman on December 4, 1955. She worked alongside her husband doing various jobs. Their most enjoyed achievement was running their greenhouse and flower business called “Lohman’s Flowers” at their home on 220 Grant Street.

Together they created a backyard oasis and enjoyed spending time there with their family. Rosalie’s many talents included sewing and doing alterations for people. She loved teaching her granddaughters how to use the sewing machine. Her love of birds and nature were reflected in her many sewing projects. She will be dearly missed by all.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents; her five sisters; one brother; and one son-in-law, Richard Bluhm.

She is survived by her husband, Robert of Sabetha, KS; her son, Brian Lohman of Sabetha, KS; her two daughters, Gina Bluhm of Kansas City, MO and Tamra (Dennis) Studer of Sabetha, KS; her four grandchildren, Brantly (Sarah) Lohman, Elaina Lohman, Dayne Lohman, and Ali Bluhm; her two great grandchildren, Arya Lohman and Leah Lohman; and family friend, Kimberly Sue Hartter and her beloved pomeranian, Tazzy.

Rosalie will lie in state at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The family will not be present.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held Saturday, November 28, 2020 at the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Albany Historical Society or the Apostolic Christian Home, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Wayne Lee Strahm, aged 80, of Sabetha, KS went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 22, 2020.  He passed into eternal life from complications of COVID-19 with his wife and son by his side and his daughter and other family members at the window of his ICU room at the Mosaic Medical Center in St. Joseph, MO. 

Wayne was born in Sabetha, KS on April 27, 1940 to the late Ephraim and Lorene (Marti) Strahm and was the oldest of five children.  He graduated from Sabetha High School and served his country in the National Guard for several years.  As a young man in his 20’s, Wayne gave his life to the Lord, repented of his sins and was baptized into Christ’s death at the Apostolic Christian Church of Bern where he faithfully worshipped for over 50 years.

Wayne was united in marriage at the Apostolic Christian Church in Wichita, KS to Claudia Ann Olsen on July 27, 1967 and they were happily married for 53 years.  

Wayne was a machinist by trade and spent most of his working years at Wenger Manufacturing in Sabetha, KS enjoying the relationships he developed with the people with whom he worked and mentoring many in leadership.   After retiring from Wenger’s, Wayne became very involved in organic farming with a special interest in soil health.  He had many interests including metal working, woodworking, and lumber milling and loved to tinker in his shop.  Wayne had a special love for his grandchildren who have fond memories of the time he spent with them and the many family vacations he organized.  He also had a heart for young people and nearly always had one or two young boys employed on his farm.  

Wayne will be dearly missed by those who he left behind.  He is survived by his wife Claudia, and his two children, Camille (Wayne) Hartzler of Creston, Ohio and Adrian (Harriet) Strahm of Sabetha, Hartzler grandchildren, Anna, Caleb (Morgan), Emily (Grant Anliker), Abigail, Leah and Isaac, and Strahm grandchildren, Laif, Alyssa, Alaina and Alison, his great grandson, Roland Anliker, his brother, Richard (Edie) Strahm of Sabetha, his sister, Shirley (Darrell) Rufener of Sterling, Ohio and his sister-in-law, Shelby Strahm of Sabetha.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Janette, and his brother, Dale.

A Private Funeral Service is planned on Monday, November 30, 2020. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bern Apostolic Christian Church, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Helen M. Hug, 97, died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Medicalodges Jackson County in Holton.

She was born February 8, 1923 at Denison, the daughter of Charles and Jesse Snair McCrory.  She graduated from Denison High School.  After high school Helen received Normal Training and taught at different county schools.

Helen was a member of Reformed Presbyterian Church in Denison.  She played a variety of instruments including the piano, harmonica and accordion.  She loved to sings the Psalms from the Bible.  Helen was also an accomplished seamstress.

She married Truman E. Hug on August 18, 1945 at Denison.  He preceded her in death on January 16, 2015.

Helen was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Theo Hamer, a brother, Melvin McCrory and two sisters, Kathryn Copeland and Leola Porter.

Survivors include a son, Darrell Hug (Ellen), Mayetta, two daughters, Phyllis Phillips (Ralph), Mayetta and Yvonne Hamer, Denison, twelve grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Private graveside services will be at the Denison Cemetery.  Helen will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27th,  and from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton.  Memorials are suggested to Jackson County Friends of Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS  66436. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com 

Dickie L. Thompson, 81, of Sabetha died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and time. Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas in charge of arrangements. www.popkessmortuaries.com

Marie Josephine “Tikie” Santo, 99 of Falls City, NE passed away on November 23, 2020 in Falls City, NE.  She was born November 22, 1921 to John Florer Watkins and Velma (Bradburry-Watkins) Wamsley.

She married Ralph Antone Santo on October 21, 1941.

Marie is survived by her children Judith (Santo) Koester and husband Leo of Tuscon, AZ, Marilyn (Santo) Gerdes and husband Dan of Auburn, NE, Rick Santo and wife Cindy of Verdon, NE, Mark Santo of Brookfield, MO, John Santo of Falls City, NE, Anita (Santo) Nolte of Falls City, NE, Matt Santo and wife Mimi of Lincoln, NE, 26 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Santo, her father, John Florer Watkins, mother Velma (Bradburry Watkins) Wamsley, sister Virginia Wiley, grandchildren Sgt. Nicholas Santo Nolte, Dillon Santo, Tracy Jo Santo, great grandchildren Pete Santo, Theo Santo, son-in-law Bradley Nolte, and Eugene Strauss.

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. This is a Native American proverb that Marie lived by. Marie was a certified member of the Osage Indian Tribe. She was proud of her Native American roots.

Marie “Tikie” Santo was a gifted woman with many talents. In her 60’s her daughter-in-law Cindy convinced her to pursue those talents and take art lessons so she began taking classes at Tootie’s. From there, her family now has beautiful treasures hanging on their walls. 

She was a seamstress. She made her son Mark a tuxedo, her daughters’ prom dresses, her granddaughter Elizabeth’s wedding dress, suits for her grandsons and many beautiful garments.

She was a teacher of life lessons. Her children and grandchildren have learned a lot about life sitting in her sunroom visiting.

She was a self-taught hair dresser cutting all of her children’s hair. She even gave perms to the neighbor ladies. Marie always had her hair fixed beautifully. Her daughters have memories of her sitting in front of her vanity with her hair spray ratting her hair into beautiful up-do’s. Her grandchildren remember her long hair that she would braid so beautifully.

Marie was a comforter to all, always having the best advice whether we wanted to hear it or not. Tikie knew best!

Marie was a wonderful cook making the world’s best spaghetti that she would always prepare for family gatherings. She was a cook of three meals a day; always ensuring her husband and children never went hungry.

She was a dedicated gardener with her husband Ralph. They enjoyed gardening to feed their family throughout the year canning green beans, tomatoes, and making pickles.

Marie had a passion for fashion and beauty. She applied her Avon make-up like an artist and always looked like a movie star. Her fashion sense was stunning. Her favorite ensembles were a chartreuse and baby blue outfit with matching purse and shoes and her silk pink shirt waste dress with a matching pink floral hat that many of her granddaughters have worn in photos. However the most memorable ensemble was a two piece yellow crash dress she was wearing when she met the love of her life Ralph. She once said describing that day “I was dressed up, I looked good!”

But most of all Marie was the best wife, mother, and grandmother anyone could ask for. Marie always said that she never wanted to forget any of her family member’s names or birthdays and she kept that memory until her ninety’s. She only needed coaching that last couple years of her life.

Marie lived with fashion, flare, and grace all 99 years and one day of her life!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 27, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Lawrence Stoley as the presiding priest. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

A Parish Rosary will be recited on Friday at 12:00 PM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1 hour prior to service.

Seating will be limited and masks are required, please follow distancing guidelines.

The service will be live streamed on the church's facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/sppfc

Viewing will begin on Wednesday afternoon until 5:00 PM and on Thursday from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

                   Marian M. “Mickey” Morley

                         1941 – 2020

Marian M. “Mickey” Morley, 79, died unexpectedly Friday, November 20, 2020 at her residence in Kansas City, Missouri.

A private family Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Matthew Brumleve as celebrant and will be livestreamed at St. Patrick Catholic Church Facebook page.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison, Kansas.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Pius X High School or a charity of your choice and may be sent in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, 208 North 5th Street; Atchison, Kansas 66002 with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted.  

Mickey was born March 18, 1941 in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Raymond and Genevieve Malone Van Dyke.  She attended the Sacred Heart Elementary school and graduated from Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison. She and Richard B. “Bud” Morley were united in marriage on May 15, 1965 in Atchison, Kansas.  Mr. Morley preceded her in death on February 1, 2013. Mickey and Bud moved to Kansas City in 1965 and found lifelong friends and a parish family at St. Patrick Catholic Church.  Mickey served as a Eucharistic minister and participated in extensive volunteer work including helping the homeless and less fortunate.  Her involvement with St. Patrick’s and other organizations in the community were her passions.  She also was a substitute teacher in the Kansas City parochial and northland public schools and left a lasting impact on countless students.

Mickey’s greatest loves were watching her kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews play sports and sharing fun times with her lifelong friends and pitch group.  Mickey’s family is comforted that she has been reunited with the love of her life, Bud. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Kate (Darin) Cerven, Blanchard, IA; three sons, Rick (Judith) Morley, Kansas City, MO; Roger (Jodie) Morley, Leawood, KS; Ray (Connie) Morley, Kansas City, MO; two brothers, John Van Dyke, Atchison, KS; Ray Van Dyke, Maplewood, NJ; and six grandchildren - Lauren, Jake, Liam, Kyle, McLain, and Finnegan. She was preceded in death by her parents.Mickey’s children would like to thank the community and the countless family and friends that have offered support.

Nellie L. Grooms, age 91, formerly of Nemaha, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Scott and Trisha Grooms of Nemaha; grandchildren Trent Grooms of Omaha and Charlotte Grooms of Denver, CO; brother-in-law Raymond (Everna) Grooms of Nemaha; many, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, November 24, 10:30 a.m. at the Nemaha Methodist Church. Social distancing guidelines will be in place and masks are required. Burial will follow in the Nemaha Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Monday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral of Auburn.

Walter E. Hunzeker was born January 3, 1945 to James L. Hunzeker and Maurece C. (Christensen) Hunzeker in Humboldt, Nebraska.  He grew up on a farm southwest of Humboldt and attended St. Johns Reform Church.  He was baptized in April of 1946 and was later confirmed in November of 1958. Walter attended grade school at Dry Branch District No. 2 and went on to attend High School at Humboldt High School where he graduated in 1962.

In September of 1962 Walter signed up for the army and attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  He later served in the army reserves until he was honorably discharged in July of 1970. Walter was proud of his service and continued to honor the services through the American Legion where he earned the status of District 13 Commander.

Wittwer Brothers Construction employed Walter in 1964 as a scraper operator. In 1967 he left Wittwer Bros. Construction to pursue his love of farming.  Walter married Linda Prine in September of 1968 and they made their home on a farm southwest of Humboldt. To this union was born three boys, Greg Allen, John David and Brian Dean.

Walter was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1977. He was able to stay on the farm until 1983 when he and his family moved to a home in Humboldt.  In 1996 Walter move into Colonial Acres Nursing home where he become a staple at the front door.  He would greet every person who came in the door and strike up a conversation.  Walter did not know a stranger. 

Throughout his life, Walter was known as Wally to all his friends and family.  He always looked forward to all the aunts, uncles and cousins coming back to visit every summer. Some of his fondest memories were from these times.

Walter entered into eternal life on November 19, 2020 at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 16 days.

He is survived by three children, Greg and wife Karen of Tecumseh, John and wife Angie of DuBois and Brian and wife Jodi of Ridgefield, Washington, grandchildren Erika (Tristan) Attebery of Lincoln, Erin Hunzeker and Jordan Hunzeker of Tecumseh, Stella Hunzeker and Ayden Hunzeker of DuBois, Brynnley Hunzeker and Hayden Hunzeker of Ridgefield Washington, mother Maurece C. (Christensen) Hunzeker of Lincoln, siblings Larry (Michelle) Hunzeker of Humboldt, Sarah (Gordon) McCamley of Georgetown, Texas, Ruth (Bryan) Grosscup of Lincoln, Roger (April) Hunzeker Sun City, Arizona and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Wally was preceded in death by his father James L. Hunzeker and niece Alisha Hunzeker.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Nebraska, with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating with full military honors by the Nebraska Army National Guard Funeral Team and the Harvey-Mann American Legion Post #269 of Humboldt..  The service will be radio broadcast on FM 88.7 for those attendees who wish to listen in their vehicles.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary, Humboldt, Nebraska.  

Memorials in lieu flowers may be given to Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska.

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

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

Donald L. Wenger, 90, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Don will lie in state at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. The family will not be present.

A Private Family Service will be held. Interment will be in the Albany Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sabetha Community Hospital or the Apostolic Christian Home, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Olive I. Higley, 79, of Nortonville, KS died on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 27th, 2020 at the Nortonville Pleasant Grove Christian Church with Rev. Bob Carter, officiating. Burial will follow in the Nortonville Cemetery. The family request masks are worn and social distancing be followed for a brief visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Remembrances and condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Olive was born on August 10, 1941 in Horton Kansas the daughter of Henry and Daisy (Pike) Kout. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1959. She attended the University of Kansas and later graduated from Missouri-Western University with a degree in Accounting & Computers. Olive had worked in the accounting department for Exchange National Bank and then as a computer software installer for banks. She retired from accounting and computer dept for Country Club Bank in Lawrence and Kansas City. She was a member of the Nortonville Pleasant Grove Christian Church. Olive enjoyed cooking, making dinner rolls, sewing, reading, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.

She was married to James “Jim” Higley, on January 31, 1960. He survives of the home in Nortonville. Additional survivors include a son William ‘Allan” (Karlene) HIgley, Nortonville, KS, a daughter Gina “Beth” (Jeff) Martin, Melbourne, FL, five grandchildren; Jesse, Jentry, Ali, Broderick, McCall and seven great grandchildren, Mylie, Linkyn, Riley, Nyla, Neve, Olivia, and Carley. Her parents, a brother Walter Kout, and sisters Betty Farris, and Virginia Young preceded her in death.

Did ya heard about that ole guy in Northeast Kansas? What I mean is, he was a big teller of stories. And jokes. Mostly stories that turned out to be jokes. Now, he was never one to talk too much about himself. But here, we honor the story of his life.

William (Bill) Walter Howard believed in the good, lived a good life, and was one of the good. He recently shared with his family “All good things must come to an end.” He passed away at his home November 19, 2020 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 78 years young.
 
Bill was born July 10, 1942 to William and Charlotte Howard. Growing up west of Hiawatha on the family farm provided a work ethic and life skills he always carried with him. Bill took seriously his job of looking out for his younger brother, Donnie. As time went on, Donnie got the chance to do the same for him. Three days after his 18th birthday he registered and joined the US National Guard. After three months, he returned home to support the family farm due to the sudden loss of his father. He continued farming most of his life.
 
In 1976 he found himself with repeated reasons to visit the Brown County Animal Clinic so he could spend more time with the new Vet Tech in town. Three months after meeting, he asked Bonnie Garwood to marry him. They were married in Atkinson, NE and celebrated at the Garwood Ranch on August 7, 1976.
 
Tractor time was spent practicing auctioning, leading to the development of Howard Auction Service. However, on Saturdays Bill was more than just an auctioneer. He became an entertainer. With a spark in his blue eyes, a mischievous grin, and the ability to make an entire crowd laugh with his witty remarks, he loved the challenge of selling new things to old friends and old things to new friends, serving families, and working with Bonnie and an incredible auction crew for over 35 years. In time he began selling all kinds of real estate with King Reality. He thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of wearing a suit, serving Janice’s cinnamon rolls and selling farmland.
 
His biggest joy arrived in 1979–his daughter, Belinda. Together they conquered any obstacle as a team. You could find them disguised in Halloween Parades, bantering at an auction to provide an extra smile or sharing a look that told 1000 stories. When she married Janvier in 2015, Bill gained a son, of whom he became so proud of.
 
And then in 2016, Bill stepped into his favorite role of all. He became “Grandpa” to Zander William.  Ezekiel (Zeke-o as Grandpa called him) joined the team in 2017. They became his pride and joy and he was quick to share a story about them to anyone who would listen. They adored Grandpa and the feeling was beyond mutual. Azalee joined the family on October 7th, 2020 and Grandpa was grateful to welcome her home and spent several hours rocking his favorite granddaughter.
 
Bill was full of ambition and also had no desire to travel beyond the Fairview city limits. His love of his family landed him a passport and he found himself exploring more parts of the world than he ever imagined or needed! He was always ready to return home and get back to work. He claims he had two careers he “dearly loved” which were farming and Howard Auction Service, however we all know he had many more side gigs. He spent several years driving semi-trucks for King Trucking and moving furniture for Rieger Van Lines. He spent over 10 years of Thursday night’s working at the Hiawatha Sale Barn and endless days flipping Junk into Merchandise. He had a deep gift for seeing potential.
 
He led life with his huge heart and was diligent in cheering people on and meeting them where they were at. He was a generous man and always on the lookout for how to share his knack of hospitality. He didn’t know a stranger and was known to share an outrageous story or joke with anyone he met. He was a dreamer and always ideating new ways of doing things. He had a steel-vault memory, an incredible green thumb for a thriving garden and he made a mean batch of no-bake cookies. He loved animals and collecting collectibles. He was quick to acknowledge “the Good Lord” was always looking after us.
 
Bill would humbly acknowledge he had a good life, but those he leaves behind would say it was a grand life—and he leaves a grand legacy.  “Well done good and faithful servant.”
 
Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
 
He is survived by his wife Bonnie and children Belinda (Janvier) Bassene. He passed on his love to each of his adored grandchildren, Zander, Zeke and Azalee.
 
He is also survived by his siblings Don (Mary) Howard, Sharon (Steve) Thompson, Linda Garwood, Dennis (Sandra) Garwood, Diane (Warren) Hull, Arden (Lynn) Garwood and Trudie (Alan) Van Horn and a bucket full of nieces and nephews along with his mother-in-law Maxine Garwood.
 
On Tuesday, November 24th the immediate family will be gathering at the funeral home for a ceremony celebrating Bill’s life at 10 AM. The service can be viewed on the Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland Ks Facebook page. In addition, an Open House will be available to the community at the funeral home from 1-6 PM.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the funeral home to be designated later by the family.
 
Special thoughts or a story may be shared with the family at  www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

 Frank Marion King, Jr.,  of rural Hiawatha. Kansas, also affectionately known by his nickname “Doodle”, was born on June 12, 1929, and passed away at his home on November 17, 2020, at the age of 91.

His is survived by his lovely wife, Arlene, of 71 years of marriage; and their children:  Frank (Kathy) King, Richard (Jane) King, Linda (Sam) Huestis; and Leisa (Ken) Pyle.  He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Doodle and Arlene enjoyed farming in rural Hiawatha for the first years of their marriage, but what brought them the most joy in life was their time in missionary work in the later years.  He loved the Lord and was eager to share that with everyone he met.

He is now at rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  His favorite Bible verse was John 14: 19:  “Because I (Jesus) live, ye shall live also.”

A private family service was held Friday, November 20, at Hiawatha Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Doodle’s name may be sent to Gideon’s International in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Thomas Henry “Tom” Gold, 96, of Goff, KS, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Medicalodge Jackson County. He was born June 30, 1924 in Baker, KS, the son of Thomas H. and Edna (Anderson) Gold.

Tom graduated from Goff High School and attended K-State University for one semester; before enlisting. He proudly served in the United States Air Force in the Southwest Pacific during WWII as a navigator on a B-24 Bomber.

He was a member of the Goff United Methodist Church, American Legion in Goff, Goff Lions Club. He served on the board of directors for USD 441 School Board and Rural Water District.

Tom married Alyce M. Burke on June 27, 1948 in Bendena, KS. She preceded him in death on April 18, 2004. He was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Gold; a granddaughter, Chelsea Gold and 5 sisters, Helen Schuetz, Agnes Maddy, Etta Zabel, Dorothy Edwards and Jane Bottiger.

Survivors include 4 sons, John Gold of Topeka, KS, Gary Gold (Connie) of Hugoton, KS, David Gold (Cheryl) of Emporia, KS and Patrick Gold of Goff, KS; sister, Anna May McCrerey of Frisco, CO; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Tom will lie in state Monday afternoon, November 23, 2020 and Tuesday until 5:30 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Private Family Graveside with Military Honors will be Friday at Fairview Cemetery in Goff, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wetmore V.F.W. or Holton V.F.W. or Holton American Legion Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com. We also request everyone wear masks and practice social distancing.

Andree Simone Marcellis Kennedy, 80, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

She was born on October 9, 1940 in Saint-Mhiel, France, the daughter of Marcel Germai and Marguerite Augustine Watrin Humbert. Andree worked as a correction officer for the department of corrections in Lansing, Kansas for over 31 years before retiring. She loved quilting, knitting, was an avid KU fan and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.  In March of 1960 she married Francis B. Kennedy Sr. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include four sons, Andrew (Julia) Kennedy of Leavenworth, Kansas, James (Beth) Kennedy of Leavenworth, Kansas, Robert (Cathy) Kennedy of Elko, Nevada and Tom Kennedy of Leavenworth, Kansas; step son, John (Juliet) Kennedy of Marysville, California; step daughter, Elizabeth (Ron) Burnett of Lansing, Kansas; seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Donna Kennedy of Colvis, California; nephew, Serge Aubrion of Metz, France.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Francois and Eugene Aubrion, step son, Francis Kennedy Jr. and a nephew, Didier Aubrion.

A private graveside will be held at the Muscotah Cemetery. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Jo Marie Shell, 101 years old, Atchison, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Atchison Senior Village.

Memorial services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the First Christian Church, Atchison, with Rev. Brad Greene, officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until time of service at the church. Burial of the cremated remains will follow at the Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Atchison. Memorial contributions are suggested to Atchison Senior Village or the Atchison First Christian Church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is entrusted with the arrangements. Words of comfort and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Jo Marie Walters was born on August 28, 1919 in Conway Springs, KS, the daughter of Max J. and Hazel Lena (Fowler) Walters. Jo attended schools in Conway Springs. She was a homemaker and sold Avon products for over 40 years in the Atchison area. She enjoyed bowling, fishing and dancing. Jo loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jo was a special lady to all who knew her.

Jo and Chester L. Shell were married in Atchison on January 9, 1937. Chet preceded Jo in death on their wedding anniversary, after 42 years of marriage, on January 9, 1979. Jo was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Karen Sue Beightel; nephew, Jack Padgett; brother, Rex Walters and sister, Maxine Padgett.

Survivors include a son, Bill M. (Rhonda) Shell, Atchison; six granddaughters, Teri & Ward Keitel, Dina & David Rankin, Gail & Kelly Wood, Joni & Chris Woltjie, Jill & Kenny Callaway, Amy & Randy Funk; fourteen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and a half-sister, Mary Russell.

Shirley A. Cooper, 90, formerly of Rushville, MO died on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 at the Gower Convalescent Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, Nov 23rd, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Rev. Tim Champ officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or the Rushville Christian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Remembrances and condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Shirley was born on Oct. 13, 1930 in St. Joseph, MO the daughter of Norman and Beulah (Bush) Rathburn. She graduated from Rushville High School in 1948. Shirley was married to Archie H. “Tink” Cooper on Dec. 13, 1950 in Rushville, MO. She worked at Southwestern Bell for ten years, and as a bookkeeper for Tink’s Marine & Sporting Goods, Rushville for twenty-five years. Shirley was a member of the Rushville Christian Church and enjoyed sewing, cooking, and attending church activities and especially her daughters sporting and school events.

Survivors include three daughters Kim ( Bill ) O’Brien, Traverse City, MI, Nancy Lorts, Farmers Branch, TX, and Tracy (Todd) Goodlet, DeKalb, MO, five grandchildren; Tom (Linda) O’Brien, Chris (Ashley) O’Brien, Becca (Tyler) Halbert, Brian (Kathryn) Lorts, Colton Goodlet and two great grandchildren, Cooper and Kennedy O’Brien. Her parents, husband, and two sisters Norma Jane Rathburn and Phyllis Jean Kottman preceded her in death.

Bryce Randall Niss was born on July 31, 1985 to Randall and Deb (Schilling) Niss in Pawnee City, Nebraska.  He attended Pawnee City Public Schools and graduated in 2004.  He was united in marriage to Danielle Broady on August 8, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City.  Bryce and Dani resided on the Niss family farm, where they built upon the farm established by Bryce’s great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents; creating a cow/calf herd that was respected by buyers across the region.  This union was blessed with three children, Weston Randall, Reid Jeffrey and LilaBelle Rosanne.

As a child, Bryce was a fun-loving, outgoing, happy boy. He loved being outdoors, participating in sports, and being with his friends. He always had the best smile. He and his brothers had a perfectly normal relationship - fighting with each other, playing with each other, then, later in life, being loving uncles to each other's' children.

  Bryce was a dedicated father.  The patience he had with his children and wife was a blessing. He taught his children the importance of work before play, instilling an appreciation for doing chores and working the land. His dedication to the farm was purely to build something for his children and set them up for success.   His passions in life included his family, farm, animals, camping, boating, and offroading with friends. Bryce is known by those who loved him for his fun, easy-going personality and tendency to be ornery, knowing which buttons to push. At home he would tease his kids, wrestle with them, and then help them with homework. He never turned down a request to have a helper in the combine, tractor, or truck and even taught Reid how to run the skid loader to help with chores. Bryce valued his independence but appreciated the help and support he received from friends and family while working calves, harvesting, or just trying to learn more about farming and cattle. Bryce was a proud member of the Pawnee County Rural Water District, Autism parents community, and Midland Seed family.

Bryce passed into eternal life on November 17, 2020.

He is survived by his wife, Dani Niss, children, Weston, Reid and LilaBelle Niss of Pawnee City,  parents, Randy and Deb Niss of Pawnee City, brothers Derek (Amanda) Niss, Pawnee City and Dr. Kent (Katie) Niss of Pawnee City, grandparents, Bob and Helen Schilling of Pawnee City, Bob and Colleen Niss of Pawnee City, nieces and nephews Sullivan NIss, Cal Niss, Eleanor Niss all of Pawnee City. Parents-in-law Jeff and Lori Broady of Johnson, sisters-in-law Jordan Broady of Omaha and Michelle Broady of Johnson, Grandparents-in-law Terry Broady and Norma Speckmann. Aunts and Uncles Mike & Sharon Schilling, Jay and Kim Schilling, Kathy Evasco, Les & Lanette Speckmann, LuRae & Bob Hallstrom, Lynette & Craig Underwood, Ricki Broady, many cousins and friends.

Preceded in Death;  grandmother Rosanne Schilling, uncle David Evasco,  grandmother-in-law Burna Broady, grandfather-in-law LaVerne Speckmann, and cousin-in-law Morgan Hallstrom.

Funeral Services 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 20, 2020 at 62031 Hwy 8 on the south side of the Highway.  Officiating Pastor Ken Tubbesing. Those attending please bring your lawn chairs. The service will be Radio broadcast on FM 88.7 and those attending can listen from their vehicle. The service will also be live streamed on the WherryMortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page as well as on Bryce's funeral home webpage. 

Visitation on Thursday, November 19, 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. Masks and social distancing required for visitation and service.  

Memorials to the Autism Society of Nebraska and/or for his children's future. 

Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  

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

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Margaret Rose (Cook) Smith, 79, of St. Joseph, MO died on Monday, November 16th, 2020 at the Mosaic Life Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 at the Community Christian Church, 2009 Mason Rd, St. Joseph, MO with Rev. Tim Champ officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Community Christian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Remembrances and condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Margaret was born on November 18, 1940 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Hamp and Barbara (Rolfes) Cook. She attended Winthrop and Weston grade schools, graduating from Weston-Platte High School in 1958. From 1958-1961 Margaret worked at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Atchison, KS. She was married to Lee R. Smith on April 22, 1960 at the Rushville Christian Church. They have lived in either Missouri or Kansas all her life. She worked as a receptionist /assistant for Dr. Eugene Bribach for 18 years. Margaret worked as a sales clerk for March Furniture for over 28 years. She was a member of the King Hill Christian Church, St. Joseph, MO, formerly a member of the Rushville Christian Church and First Christian Church, Atchison, KS. Margaret enjoyed shopping, traveling, dancing and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her husband and love of her life, Lee R. Smith, of the home, a brother, James W. Cook and his wife Debbie, Rushville, MO, a sister, Barbara Ann Huffman, Stanberry, MO, brother and sister- in-laws, Norman (Bonnie) Smith, St. Joseph, MO, Terry (Cheryl) Smith, Atchison, KS, nieces; Pam Sullivan, Covas, CA, Diane Riggs, Rushville, MO, Diane McGinley, Stanberry, MO, Becky Richeson, Excelsior Springs, MO, Anna Lutz, Rushville, MO, Jenny Surey, Aurora CO, Jessica Taylor, Blaine, KS, Ginger Valenti, Las Vegas, NV, Susan Hupp, Katy, TX, and Carrie Kovar, Ashburn, VA, nephews; Doug Wyatt, NE , Gregg Wyatt, Weston, MO, and Richard Cook, Warsaw, MO, several great nieces and nephews. Her parents, a brother, Thomas Cook, and sisters; Catherine Kovar and Georgia Gray, a nephew, Tommy Cook and a niece, Marguerite Marion preceded her in death.

Bonnie Rae (Kessler) Zentner, 79, of Falls City, was born August 16, 1941, in Falls City, Nebraska, to Alfred and Imogene (Young) Kessler.  She was raised in Falls City, where she received all of her schooling.  Bonnie graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1959.  On June 12, 1960, Bonnie was united in marriage to Kenneth Zentner at Christ Lutheran Church in Falls City.  To this union, two sons, Brad and Mark, were born.  Kenneth and Bonnie raised their family in Falls City while Bonnie worked as a bookkeeper for different local businesses over the years.  She was a bookkeeper for American Loan, Frank’s Jewelry, Stevenson Hotel, and many years for Falls City Auto Supply until retirement.  Bonnie was a wonderful homemaker that enjoyed sewing and cooking for her family.  She enjoyed camping and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Bonnie was also a very active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Falls City, serving for many years in the Altar Guild, LWML and held the position of Christian Growth Chairman.  She was in charge of the making of quilts for the needy of Orphan Grain Train and Lutheran World Relief.  Bonnie later became a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 20th & Towle Street in Falls City.

Bonnie went to be with her Lord on Monday, November 16, 2020, at the Falls City Care Center, having reached the earthly age of seventy-nine years and three months.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Sheila Whalen.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband Kenneth Zentner of Falls City, sons: Brad Zentner and wife Ruthann of Lee’s Summit, MO; Mark Zentner and wife Pam of Savage, MN; grandchildren: McKenzie Marston of Kansas, MO; Hunter and Piper Zentner both of Lee’s Summit, MO; Megan Zentner of Savage, MN; brothers-in-law: Richard Zentner and wife Carolyn of Falls City, Robert “Bob” Zentner of Falls City, Larry Whalen of Falls City, and many other relatives and friends.   

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Steele Cemetery in Falls City with Pastor Andrew Chavanak.  “How Great Thou Art” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” will be sung by vocalist Jon Von Behren.  Honorary Pallbearers for Bonnie’s service are her grandchildren McKenzie Marston, Megan Zentner, Hunter Zentner and Piper Zentner.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, at The Hall Funeral Home, 2403 Harlan Street, in Falls City.  Due to the current status of COVID-19, masks ARE required to enter our funeral home facility. 

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

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Richard Leon Hamlin, 76, of Circleville, KS, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020 in Topeka, KS. He was born June 28, 1944 in Holton, KS the son of Ralph and Erma (Myers) Hamlin.

Richard graduated from Circleville High School in 1962. He proudly served in the United States Air Force at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware from 1962 – 1968. After active duty, Richard joined the Air National Guard at Forbes Field in Topeka, KS, working in the personnel department. He retired as Chief Master Sargent in 1994.

He was a member of the Circleville Masonic Lodge.

Richard was united in marriage to Cheryl Kay Luscombe on October 3, 1971in Holton, KS. They shared over 48 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on May 27, 2020. He was also preceded by 3 brothers; Kenneth, Robert and Donald Hamlin and a sister, Bonnie Burns.

 Survivors include; 4 children, Tina Kerr (Jason) of Topeka, KS, Jeanette Hamlin of Circleville, KS, Jamie Bowser (Bryan) of Holton, KS and Brent Zibell (Heidi) of Holton, KS; sister-in-law Geraldine Hamlin of Hoyt, KS; 8 grandchildren, Dylan, Rylie and Ryann Bowser, Erika Bohnenkemper (Caleb), Chaz Zibell, Cortlin Kerr, Cooper Hamlin and Adalyn Hamlin-Whisler and 1 great-granddaughter, Avery Myers.

Memorial Graveside Service with Military Honors will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2020 at the Holton Cemetery. A register book will be available at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Senior Citizens. Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com. We also request everyone wear masks and practice social distancing.

Ron Fritz, 84, of Salem, NE, passed away November 18, 2020 at his home. He was born September 7, 1936 on the family farm north of Salem to Harvey and Violet (Jones) Fritz.

He married Brenda Wiar on February 5, 1961 at Falls City, NE.

Ron enlisted in the U. S. Army on March 29, 1956 at Falls City. He earned a Sharpshooter Badge and was honorably discharged on December 31, 1957 at Ft. Sheridan, IL.

Ron was raised north of Salem and graduated Verdon High School in 1954. He attended the University of Nebraska and ran track. When discharged he returned to Salem and was a member of the Nebraska National Guard. When married the couple established their home on the family farm and he took over the farming operation following the death of his father. He retired from farming in 2014 but still helped when needed. He was a member of the Brethren Church at Falls City, he served on the Verdon School board and drove a school bus. He was a past deacon of the Verdon Congregational Church and a long time umpire and member of the ASA Umpires Association for more than 40 years.  

Ron is survived by his wife, Brenda of Salem, daughters, Ronda Fritz of Avoca, IA, Stacey Duerfeldt and her husband Stan of Falls City, sister, Catherine Palensky of Omaha, granddaughters, Shelby Kuker and her husband Eli and Lindsey Duerfeldt and her significant other Payton Adams, sisters-in-law, Barbara Young of Jefferson City, MO, Linda Wiar of Falls City, Jakie Fritz of Phoenix, AZ, Jeanine Wiar of Boise, ID, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death his parents, sons, Brad and Ronnie, brothers, Art and Bob.

His funeral has been postponed due to COVID-19

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, seating will be limited, masks will be required. Services will be broadcast on 88.7 FM near the funeral home.

On Monday from 6-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home, masks required.

Please be mindful to social distance yourself by 6 feet for safety.

Nancy Sue Sullivan, 77, of Holton, Kansas, formerly of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2020 at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. She was born on August 9, 1943 in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Wayne and Ethel Newman Lewis. Nancy worked as a food service supervisor for area nursing homes for many years and served as a foster grandparent for a number of years. She also served on the Brown County Head start board. On August 12, 1961 she married Mervin Sullivan in Topeka, Kansas. They later were divorced. Survivors include two daughters, Lori Lindsey of Horton, Kansas and Cindy Boone of Holton, Kansas; two sons, Scott Sullivan of Shawnee, Oklahoma and Sean Sullivan of Manhattan, Kansas; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren with one on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Darlene Lewis, granddaughter, Rosanne Lindsey, great grandson, Mekhi Boone, and son-in-law, Bobby Lindsey. A graveside service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com. 

James L. Schuetz, 89, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 in Horton, Kansas.  Jim was the son of Peter and Maude Swisher Schuetz.  He was born at the Horton Hospital on March 6, 1931 and was the youngest of eleven children.  His siblings, Donald Schuetz, Lila Willich, Vernon Schuetz, Mabel Schuetz, Leo Schuetz, Donna Schuetz, Dale Schuetz, Marcella Craig, Charlie Schuetz, and Helen Sheldon, who all predeceased him, lovingly called him Jimmy.  To all of his friends he was known as Jim.

Virginia L. Schuetz, known to all as Ginger, 88, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020 in Horton, Kansas.  Ginger was the oldest child of Lloyd E. Jordan and Martha A. Spiker Jordan.  She was born at home at Wetmore, Kansas.  Her only sibling, James Jordan and his wife Karen predeceased Ginger.

Jim grew up on a farm in the Mercier area.  He attended Powhattan High School where he played football and basketball.  As an upperclassman, he also drove a school bus.  Jim graduated from Powhattan High School in 1949. 

Ginger grew up on a farm near Wetmore, Kansas.   As a child, she attended a one-room school.  She began attending high school at Wetmore and transferred to Horton High School her sophomore year.  Ginger was the drum majorette in the marching band and graduated from Horton High in 1950.

On August 12, 1950, Jim married the love of his life, Virginia “Ginger” Jordan, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mercier, Kansas.  They lived and raised their family in Horton, Kansas.  Jim and Ginger shared a great love and dedication to one another and they proudly celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in August of this year. 

Early in their marriage, Jim served in the National Guard.  During that time, he also farmed and milked cows.  Subsequently, he worked in the propane business in Horton, Kansas and then in Robinson, Kansas where he later became manager.  Ginger worked at the local garment factory for many years.  Jim and Ginger then worked side by side in a propane business for 25 years with Jim as the manager and Ginger as the bookkeeper until they retired.  After his retirement from the propane business, Jim drove the Senior Citizens Taxi in Horton for the next 20 years and Ginger baked pies.  Ginger became known as the “pie lady” and no one around could match her pie baking skills.  It was not uncommon for her to bake 10 to 12 pies a day.  Jim pitched in on the pie-baking venture as her dishwasher.

Jim and Ginger took yearly trips to Colorado when their children were younger and in later years, enjoyed going to Branson, Missouri.  During the last few years, they enjoyed drives around Horton and into the surrounding farming community to see the crops.  Both enjoyed watching the grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports, vocal music, plays, and many other activities.  They seldom missed the events, traveling sometimes several hours just to watch.

Jim and Ginger loved and were so very proud of their family.  They were also good friends to many.  Both were kind and always saw the good in everyone.  Jim and Ginger were nice to friends and strangers alike and were always very genuine, respectful, and sincere.  They had unwavering energy and a willingness to help anyone in need. Jim’s fun-loving nature captivated his listeners with stories of his playfulness and shenanigans from his youth through his adulthood.  His orneriness left a lasting impression on young and old alike.  Jim’s and Ginger’s humor and playful ability made everyone smile and have a good time. They were definitely a team.

Survivors include their children, Russ (Gay) Schuetz of Holton, KS, Vickie (Wayne) Finger of Powhattan, KS, Cindy (Brad) Shaffer of Wamego, KS, and Pete (Amber) Schuetz of Sabetha, KS.  Also surviving are 10 grandsons, 4 granddaughters, and 22 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Grandson Christopher Schuetz predeceased Jim and Ginger.

A private service and interment will be held at a later date with interment to be at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Mercier, Kansas.  Memorial contributions may be made to the James and Ginger Schuetz Memorial Fund to be designated later and may be sent to 1021 170th Street, Powhattan, KS 66527. There will be a register book to sign at the mortuary or a special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Francis W. Tebbutt, 83, of Seneca, Kansas died Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Francis will lie in state from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca, Kansas. 

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020 at the NorthRidge Church in Seneca, Kansas. The family will safely greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church.  Private inurnment will be made in the Seneca Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NorthRidge Church, Seneca Fire Department, or Coins for a Cause, sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle St., Seneca, KS 66538.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Francis W. Tebbutt, 83, of Seneca, Kansas died Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Francis was born on April 26, 1937 the son of George W. Tebbutt and Elinore (Lindsey) Tebbutt in Frankfort, Kansas. He attended Frankfort schools and graduated from Marysville High School with the Class of 1956. Francis was united in marriage to June Clark on July 7, 1957 in Marysville, Kansas. To this union four children were born. Francis was a past president of the Seneca Chamber of Commerce, and a founding member of the Nemaha County Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, shooting trap, hunting, and fishing.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Harold Tebbutt.

Survivors include his wife, June Tebbutt of the home; his son, Wesley (Nici) Tebbutt of Topeka, KS; three daughters, Beverly Heinen of Seneca, KS, Lisa (Bob) Mathewson of Axtell, KS, and Lori (Ken) Carlson of Seneca, KS; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; his brother, Gene (Dee) Tebbutt of Manhattan, KS; and two sisters, Carol (Larry) Stock of Emporia and Peggy (Earle) Allen of Topeka, KS.

Francis will lie in state from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca, Kansas. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020 at the NorthRidge Church in Seneca, Kansas. The family will safely greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church.

Private inurnment will be made in the Seneca Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NorthRidge Church, Seneca Fire Department, or Coins for a Cause, sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle St., Seneca, KS 66538. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Michael Scott Horton wrapped up his final Harvest season, and his body decided it was time to retire the overalls. He did not lose the fight with cancer, at the very least, it was a tie, and he took it out with him. 

Mike was born in Atchison, Kansas on October 9, 1973, the youngest of two sons, born to John and Nancy Horton. He has lived there his entire life. 

He died at his home with his family by his side on November 16, 2020. He was 47 years old. 

Mike went to Catholic School all the way through his Junior year, when he decided he had pulled all the pranks he could, and instead of cutting his beloved mullet, he would transfer to Atchison High. They happily accommodated his hairstyle, and it, along with his charisma, secured a Homecoming King victory in the fall of 1991. If you didn't know he was Homecoming King, you must not have ever met him. 

Although Mike will always be remembered for his booming voice and distinctive laugh, he will be missed most for his friendship, loyalty, and love for his family. For some, it will be his overalls and tennis shoes. For others, it will not be.

The greatest accomplishment in his life was the beautiful family he created with his loving wife, Robin. His daughters, Molly and Lucy, and his favorite boy, Reid, were his pride and joy. 

Mike’s career and love was farming. He also loved talking farm with his dad and friends, classic cars, laughing at his own jokes, running his skid loader, and stressing out his mom. He did not love meatloaf, imperfect corn rows, or their dog Milo, but the kids and wife do, so he tolerated him. 

Cancer was part of his life for the past 5 years, but he would not allow it to control him or define him. All he ever asked for was more time with his kids, and he did everything he possibly could to make that happen.  He only ever played the "cancer card" when absolutely necessary, like trying to get in free to football games. 

Mike is survived by everyone who loved him. Most notably, his parents, John and Nancy Horton, of Atchison, his brother, Tom, and wife Jenny, of Basehor, his wife of nearly 11 years, Robin (Osterhaus), and their 3 children, Molly, Lucy, and Reid, of the home. Honorable mention goes to the 2 dogs, Milo & Louie, a horse, a hamster, nieces, nephews, and a few hundred or so in laws.

He is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his favorite dog, Zeus. 

Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Nov. 18th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

To honor Mike, contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or just check the grain market several times a day, as he would. 

Bonita Lou “Bonnie” Stauffer, 75, of Holton passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 in Holton. She was born May 6, 1945, in Holton, the daughter of Melvin and Aileen (Hallauer) Oxandale.

Bonnie graduated from Whiting High School in 1963 and later attended Clarks Business School in Topeka. She worked for Denison State Bank as a teller for several years and was also a bookkeeper and helped with taxes at Farm Management in Holton. Her last job, and most favorite, was babysitting her four grandchildren.

Bonnie married Rodney Stauffer on March 25, 1967 in Whiting. They celebrated over 53 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband Rodney of the home; son, Mike Stauffer of Fairview; 2 daughters, Ronda Bohannon (Donnie) of Holton and Lori Barnes (Jason) of Holton; sister, Linda Howes (Jim) of Whiting; 4 grandchildren, Lindsey Bohannon (fiancé-Trevor Eastland), Cody Bohannon and Jacee and Jake Barnes; and 2 great-grandchildren, Tyler and Jordyn Eastland.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Shirley Amon.

Private Family Graveside Service will be Monday, November 23, 2020 at Holton Cemetery. She will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton starting Friday afternoon, November 20, 2020 through Sunday until 6:00 p.m. each day. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or Jackson County Friends of Hospice. Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Lorene F. (Kane) Clemens, 95 of Atchison KS died on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at her daughter’s home surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at St. Benedicts Church with Fr. Jeremy Heppler as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison. A parish rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 20th, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 8:30 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Benedicts Grade School and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Remembrances and condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Lorene was born on September 10, 1925 in Atchison, KS the daughter of John B. and Florence (Byrne) Kane. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1943. Lorene had worked as a sales clerk for several Atchison business including Montgomery Ward, Tonsing’s, the Wishing Well and Clothes Vault as well as a prefect for the Mount Academy. She was a member of the St. Benedicts Church where she had served as a Eucharistic Minister and helped decorate the church for Christmas for many years. Lorene enjoyed bowling and had gone to both State and National Bowling Tournaments. She was a member of the Daughter’s of Isabella, the Veteran’s Administration Hospital Auxiliary, Leavenworth, and the Atchison Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer for over 25 years. She was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and member of the VFW Auxiliary. Lorene was a member of the Red Hat Club and had served as Grand Marshall for the 1995 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

She was married to Oscar Edwin Clemens on February 18, 1947. Mr. Clemens preceded her in death on June 17, 1979. Survivors include three sons; Ron (Heidi) Clemens, Roseville, CA, Jerry (Sue) Clemens, Davenport, IA, and Joe Clemens and Peg Hargrove, Leavenworth, KS, three daughters; Judy (Ned) Ballinger, Sue (the late Bob) Durkin, Carol (Jeff) Smith, all of Atchison, KS, two brothers; John Kane, Jr, and Eugene Kane, both of Atchison, KS, fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren and a great great grandchild. Her parents, husband Oscar, a son, John S. Clemens, two brothers; Elvin “Skip” and Donald Kane, and four sisters; Doris Blankenship, Mary Lou Andre, Margie Swendson, and Pat Rush, and one grandchild preceded her in death.

Scott Steven Thomas, 56 years of age, of Liberty, NE passed away at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, NE on Sunday November 15th, 2020. He was born July 27th, 1964 in Beatrice, NE to Charles and Betty Jean (Tincher) Thomas. Scott graduated from Lewiston Consolidated Schools in 1982 where he met the love of his life. He married Sherry Schoen on November 9th, 1984 in Filley, NE. From this marriage came two children, Nicholas and Jordan. Early in Scott and Sherry's marriage they began farming and developing multiple small businesses. Scott was a member of the Liberty Christian Church where he served as a board member for many years. He also served as a school board member at Lewiston Consolidated Schools for 8 years. Scott was the Mayor of Liberty for 4 years. He was also a member of the Flying Conestogas. Scott always had a profound love of farming. Some of his other hobbies included flying, fishing, traveling with his family, and just spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include wife Sherry, son Nick and Cara Thomas, daughter Jordan and Travis Robeson, grandchildren Alex and Quinn Thomas and Claire and Abigail Robeson, Mother Betty Jean Thomas, and Mother-in-Law Dora Schoen. Brother Gregg and Linda Thomas, sisters Julie and Todd Bowhay, Kim and Roger Cram, and Chris Thomas and multiple other family and friends. He was proceeded in death by Father Charles Thomas and Father-in-law Lawrence Schoen. 

Services 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Liberty Christian Church, 604 Wayne Ave, Liberty, Nebraska.  Officiating Pastor John Snyder and Pastor Bob Wathor.  Visitation on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 9:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at the Liberty Cemetery, Liberty, Nebraska. Memorials to family choice.  Masks and social distancing required at visitation and funeral service. The service will be broadcast on FM 88.7 and those attending will be asked to listen in their vehicles. 

Daryl Monaghan, of Hiawatha, died Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka at the age of 79.

It was Daryl’s wish to be cremated with services pending at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, due to Covid 19.

Daryl was born May 3, 1941, in a farm home near Whiting, one of eight children born to the late John and Dorothy Askew Myer Monaghan.  Daryl has lived all of his life in Brown County:  growing up in the Whiting-Willis area, graduating from Willis High School with the class of 1959.  He worked at Albee’s Market, Schroth IGA, and the city of Hiawatha, prior to taking starting as a clerk with the Hiawatha Post Office in 1966 until 1992, retiring as a letter carrier, a career that lasted 26 years.  

He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha for 60 years, becoming a member transferring from the Christian Church when he married Elsie Bindel.  A number of years ago, he and Jimmie Alkire of Hiawatha spearheaded the Jr. Miss Pageant in Hiawatha.  He supported the Youth Baseball Program, first as a coach for the 8-10 year olds, then later helping in the concession stand for Legion games.  Daryl was a longtime member of NARFE, and to say he was hooked on the St. Louis Cardinal’s is vastly understated!  He now has the grandkids hooked with numerous trips to St. Louis to catch the games and buy memorabilia.  He has always enjoyed spending time with the boys, now the grandkids, supporting them in their sporting events and was known to shout out at the refs!  Daryl has always enjoyed fishing with his boys, now grandkids fishing and last summer, HE was able to catch the biggest fish!

Daryl attended a dance at the Hiawatha Auditorium and met his future bride.  They married September 18, 1960, at Hiawatha.  After Daryl retired from the post office, they bought Maple Lanes Bowling Alley in Hiawatha which they operated together for 34 years before they retired in 2018.   They celebrated 60 years together last September.   She survives in their Hiawatha home.

Also surviving are two sons:  Gerald Monaghan (Rosie), Craig Monaghan (Jennifer), all of Hiawatha; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are siblings Maxine Pollom of Lawrence, and Dale Monaghan of Topeka.  

He was also preceded in death by five siblings:  Lyle, Carol, Wayne, Eudene Behrens, Illene Merz, and great-granddaughter Chloye.

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

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

John Joseph Huber, 93, of Falls City was born on October 9, 1927 in rural Rulo, Nebraska to tenant farmers Carl and Janet (Mooney) Huber. He attended grade school at the brick school house west of Rulo and graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1944.  John was self-employed most of his life, for many years at his one-man real estate business.  He was a cradle Catholic and was united in marriage to Fern E. Keithley on June 22, 1953 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Falls City.  To this union 6 children were born, James, Peggy, Beth, Hope, Jack and Ted.

John passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at his home in Falls City.  He was preceded in death by wife Fern, son James, and siblings: Carl (Bud), Mary White, Janet Rudnick and Joan Fisher.

John is survived by his children: Peggy Kuser and husband David of Auburn, Beth Meyer and husband Mark of Falls City, Hope Schawang of Falls City, Jack Huber of Kansas City, MO; Ted Huber and wife Susan of Kearney, NE; brothers: Ed Huber of Atchison, KS; Ralph Huber and wife Hilda of Colorado Springs, CO; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19, Catholic services are being held privately by the immediate family only.  John’s cremains will be inurned at the Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

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

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Betty Marie (Cochren) Scheid, 90, of Whiting, KS, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020 at her home with family by her side. She was born September 10, 1930 in Whiting, the youngest child of Walter W. and Captola Marie (Shannon) Cochren.

Betty graduated from Whiting High School in 1948 and attended both Highland Community College and Benedictine College. She worked for the United States Postal Service as a Postmaster in Robinson, KS; retiring after 22 years.

She was a member of Whiting United Methodist Church and a 60-year member of O.E.S.

Betty and Paul L. Scheid were married on October 3, 1947 in Hiawatha and they celebrated over 73 years of marriage. Betty loved flowers and spent many hours gardening and redesigning their Whiting home, making it the center of many family gatherings.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Scheid of the home; 2 daughters, Paula S. Scheid (Stephen Rosengren) of Topeka, KS and Marcia Jo Scheid Watkins (Galen) of Whiting, KS; son, Mark W. Scheid (Glenda Herl) of Topeka, KS; 5 grandchildren, Josh Watkins (Erika), Zach Watkins (Cori), Matt Watkins (Kristin), Megan Martin (Anthony) and Jared Herl (Allison) and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, June Henoch and Joy Manion and 2 brothers, Wendell Cochren and Bill Cochren.

Due to Covid, the graveside service will be attended by immediate family only on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Springhill Cemetery in Whiting. For extended family and friends, Betty will lie in state beginning Tuesday afternoon to Thursday evening until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Whiting United Methodist Church or Holton Community Hospital Hospice. To leave a message of condolence or to share a special memory of Betty, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com. Cards may be mailed to Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Virginia K. (Nolte) Huggins, 90, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas.

Virginia was born on June 4, 1930 in Seneca, Kansas, the daughter of Aloysius and Mary (Krogman) Nolte. She graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul School in Seneca in 1948. As a young woman she worked at the Sabetha Hospital and Dr. Rucker’s office.

On April 7, 1951, she married the love of her life, Irwin “Hug” Huggins at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, and made their home in Sabetha. They were married 48 years until his death on June 15, 1999.

Virginia was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Ladies Altar Society and the Berwick Home Extension Unit. She worked at the Fountain Villa Nursing Home for many years. After her retirement, she continued to work as a personal care giver for several more years.

Virginia loved her family, church family and friends. She enjoyed antiquing, painting and baking. She was well known for her award-winning pies and paintings.

 Survivors include sons; Mark (Rachel) Huggins of Topeka, Kansas, Patrick Huggins of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, daughters; Mary (Van) Corser of Ulysses, Kansas and Susan (Daniel) Tollefson of Aledo, Texas, nine grandchildren; Amy Smith, Matthew Huggins, Adam Huggins, Kevin Huggins, Gabriel Walton, Andrew Walton, Erin Oberschlake, Bradley Tollefson, Chase Tollefson, eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Keith Huggins, her five brothers; Cyril, Edwin, Charles, Sylvester and Regis Nolte and her three sisters; Loretta Niekamp, Lucille Feger and Marie Wessel Mulroy.

Virginia will lie in state at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha, Kansas on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 17, 2020 until Thursday morning. A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held this week. A rosary will be recited on Saturday, November 21, 2020 prior to the 4:00 p.m. mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sabetha Community Hospital, or the Apostolic Christian Home, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com

Roy Meyer entered eternal life at 10:41 a.m. November 13, 2020 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

He was born September 2, 1950 to Frank and Mildred Meyer of Seneca, KS. Roy was raised in the Seneca, KS area. He graduated from Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. Roy then worked with Dr. David North in Ottumwa, IA for 40 years. He enjoyed being a veterinarian.

Surviving is his wife, Sue; children, Tom (Sheary) Meyer and Lyndi (Allen) Jefferson; grandchildren Aiden and Addison Meyer and Harper Rose Jefferson; brothers, Gary, Dan, Terry, Mark, Alan and their families.

He will be greeted in his eternal life by his parents, Frank and Mildred Meyer and his brother, Glen Meyer.

Roy fought Leukemia and Aplastic Anemia for many years and he finally lost!

Roy enjoyed bicycle riding and snow skiing with his children.

His body has been cremated. There will be a family service and inurnment at 11 a.m. Friday, November 20th at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Baileyville, KS with words of comfort by his brother, Alan Meyer

Memorials may be made to Nemaha County Training Center, 12 South 11th St. Seneca, KS 66538 or Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, PO Box 1092 West Seneca, NY 14224.

Roy felt he enjoyed a good life with family and friends. He believed “Life is Good.”

Dennis Mitchell Bradley, 70, of Kansas City, MO formerly of Atchison, KS died on Sat.Nov. 14, 2020 as a result of an injury from an accident.

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Dr. Rev. Rachel Dannar officiating, followed by visitation until 8:30 pm.  Mr. Bradley has been cremated and private family burial of his cremated remains will be at a later date in Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison.  Memorial contributions are suggested to help with final expenses and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Remembrances and condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Dennis was born on Oct. 12, 1950 in Atchison, KS the son of Loren F. and Lola J. (Blankenship) Bradley, Sr.  He graduated from Atchison High School in 1968.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from Kansas State University.  Dennis owned and operated BA Architecture in Kansas City, MO. He enjoyed being an Architect, traveling and photography.

Survivors include a brother, Loren F. “Skip” Bradley, Jr., and a twin sister, Janice (John) Kunkle, both of Atchison, KS, two nephews and two nieces.  His parents and a niece Holly preceded him in death.

Hiawatha, KS…..  Louis L. “Curly” Wenger was born at Powhattan, Kansas on September 13, 1926.  He passed away on November 13, 2020.

He was the last of eleven children born to John and Caroline Widman Wenger.  Curly grew up near Powhattan where he attended country school, prior to graduating from Powhattan High School.  He was an Army veteran of World War II, discharged at the rank of Technician Fifth Grade from Ft. Riley in 1947.  He returned to Powhattan and farmed with his brother Roy.  Then he worked for the Rock Island Railroad for a number of years as a section hand, and later a brakeman.  He retired to Powhattan and worked as a painter, working on homes and business buildings in the area until he retired.  Curly made his home in Powhattan until moving to Pemberton Village Apartments in Hiawatha in 1989.  He was in residence at Maple Heights Nursing Home the last eight years.

Mr. Wenger was a longtime member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Powhattan.  He was also a member and past commander of the Wenger Post #373, Powhattan American Legion.

Curly enjoyed music and was part of several singing groups in the area.  In later years, he visited area nursing homes where he provided the music.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters:  Goldie Kneisel, Gladys Thompson, Irene Wenger; seven brothers: Leroy, Raymond, Raphael, Johnnie, Don, Frank, and Charles.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews.

Cremation is planned with a Graveside Service at 11 a.m. Saturday November, 28, at the Powhattan Cemetery.  Pastor Mike Dunaway will officiate.  Military honors will be a courtesy of the Powhattan Legion and Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Powhattan American Legion, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

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

HOLTON-John “Jack” A. Sheldon, 80, of Holton, KS, passed away November 14, 2020 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jack was born February 10, 1940 near Vesper, Kansas, the youngest son of John and Alice Sheldon.

Jack graduated from Vesper High School and went on to Kansas State University where he was a member of the baseball team. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and later went on to earn a master’s degree in administration from Emporia State University.

He married DeeAnn Freidenberger August 17, 1963 in Hutchinson. She preceded him in death on August 25, 2014. Also preceding him in death were his parents, John and Alice, sister Esther Horrocks, and his brother Dale.

Survivors include daughter, Tami Coe (Michael) of Perry, KS; 2 sons: Stephen Sheldon (Lana) of Holton, KS and Jarrod Sheldon (Leah) of Wamego, KS; and 10 grandchildren: Heidi Parker (Jason), James, Casey and Andrew Coe; Sonora Seacat (Connor), Walker and Cooper Sheldon; and Ellie, Maddie and Dane Sheldon and two great grandchildren Raegan and Avery.

Jack was a teacher, coach, athletic director, and then principal at Jackson Heights High School from 1970 until his retirement in 1996. He was best known for his competitiveness as a basketball coach. At JHHS, he produced many great teams including one state champion team. Six teams during his tenure went to the state tournament. At the time of his retirement from coaching in 1985, he was one of the winningest coaches in the state with a varsity win loss record of 264-78. He continually focused on fundamentals, teamwork, and character. After retirement he served as a para-educator in Holton helping elementary students read.

Jack enjoyed history and collecting antiques. He also spent much time taking care of his horses, mowing and general land maintenance. He continued mowing pasture well beyond the point of his ability to walk on his own. He spent many hours on the lake with his family and friends and enjoyed their house on Beaver Lake during retirement.

Private Family Graveside will be Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Holton Cemetery. Jack will lie in state Sunday, November 22 to Tuesday, November 24, 2020 until 5:00 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorial contributions can be made to Jackson Heights Educational Foundation. Due to the critical situation our country is in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Richard Eugene Homan, 93, of Holton, KS, passed away Thursday November 12, 2020 at Medicalodge Jackson County. He was born May 8, 1927 in Peabody, KS, the son of Franklin and Goldie (Suffield) Homan.

Richard graduated from Peabody High School in 1945. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II.

He worked as a mill worker, worked construction for Welliever Construction and was a farmer and stockman. He owned and operated Montgomery Ward retail store with his wife, Billie Jean. Richard was also very involved with the building of the elevators at Jackson County Coop and would help with the “books” late of an evening at Holton Livestock Exchange while building their own home.

Richard was a member of the Holton V.F.W. Post 1367 and Holton American Legion Post 44.  

He married Billie Jean Hargett on June 29, 1947 in Peabody, KS. They celebrated over 72 years of marriage before her passing on November 19, 2019. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Betty Fisher.

Survivors include his 3 children, Vicki Justice (Melvin) of Holton, KS, Richard “Rick” Homan (Kathy), of Grove, OK and Kathleen Bergquist (Robert) of Olathe, KS; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Holton Cemetery. Richard will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home beginning Monday afternoon, November 16, 2020. Memorials may be given to Medicalodge Jackson County 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.

In the critical situation we all are in, a few family members would like to share some memories of their dad/grandpa.  From Toni Bergquist - “He always shared his garden items with family & friends and made sure every year that he planted his garden with wildflowers to take home to grandma.  I will always close my eyes and picture grandpa sitting under the front of the RV, in his old plastic chair, tomato beer in hand, plaid short sleeved shirt unbuttoned and jean shorts on. I remember watching them dance and being in awe of how amazing they were, even in their 80s.”  From Kathy Homan Bergquist - “He was such a good, decent, hard-working, honest man, great husband, dad and grandpa!” From Vicki Justice - “He loved to fish. He and mom would take pride in who caught the most or the biggest.  From Rob Bergquist - "I have so many great memories of Grandpa and all of our fishing adventures and card playing we did."  From Allison Justice - "He's the first person I ever saw with a tattoo, which he got in the Navy and I still cannot believe I didn't rub it off his arm.”
 

David Oliver, 71, of Dawson, NE, passed away November 12, 2020 at Omaha, NE. He was born October 28, 1949 to Dale and Loraine (Fritz) Oliver.

He married Vickie Sopoci in 1973 at Falls City.

David enlisted in the U. S. Army on July 29, 1971 at Falls City, NE. He served in Viet Nam and was honorably discharged on July 28, 1975.

David was raised at Shubert and attended Shubert High School. Following his schooling he helped his father in his mechanic shop. When married the couple established their home in Shubert where he worked at the elevator. They then moved to Stella, working at the elevator also. He took employment working for a trail derailment crew and then moved to Lark Charles, LA where he worked at the Conoco Phillips Refinery, retiring in 2016. They returned to the Dawson area and in his retirement he enjoyed watching the wildlife on the farm, fishing and wood working.

David is survived by his wife, Vickie of Dawson, children, Mandy Oliver and her fiancé Jimmy Norris of Pawnee City, NE, Corey and his wife Tracy of Salem, NE, brothers, Jerry and his wife Sharryll of Falls City, Richard and his wife Peggy of Shubert, Jim and his wife Mona of Lincoln, NE Harvey of Shubert, sisters, Shirley Minshall and her husband Arley of Salem, Mary Jamison and her husband Steve of Table Rock, NE, Judy Constantine and her husband Darryl of Auburn, NE, Kathy Last and her husband Merlin of Shubert, Peggy Oliver of Shubert, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren in infancy.

Mr. Oliver has been cremated and services are currently pending.

In the early morning hours of Nov 12th, 2020, having decided a long time ago that the best way to go was in your sleep, our beloved mother Dawn Barnthson did just that, surrounded by her family. She left this earthly plane in the company of Jesus to reunite with the love of her life, husband Raymond.  

Dawn was born October 6, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois to Lewis E. and Helen E. (Collins) Gillespie. 

One of 8 daughters, she grew up fiercely loyal, selfless, and dedicated to family. She became a proud army wife who followed her husband from state to state, having 5 children in four different states. The large Barnthson family had a lot of family get togethers while we all enjoyed Momma's fabulous cooking, and NO ONE will ever beat her chicken and fluffy dumplings. Dawn also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, talking to her 5 sisters from Louisiana by phone and collected Gone With the Wind and Wizard of Oz memorabilia. Known as the cake lady to so many, it gave her special pleasure to share her talent with others to help you all create your family memories. She would want you all to know her secret ingredient was love. She lived by these simple rules, love everyone, be kind, give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and laugh a lot!  Dawn and her sister-in-law, Carol, called themselves the "Outlaws" and enjoyed a deep, sisterly bond for over 60 years.  

Dawn married Raymond E. Barnthson on September 2, 1952 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2005. Dawn was also preceded in death by her parents, in-laws and sisters, Marlene Tolliver and Dixie Garner. 

To the world you were a sweet kind lady. To your family you were the world. Left to cherish the memories, children, Gary Barnthson (Gail), Renee Weber, Linda Masters (Rich Vertin), Gordon Barnthson, Mark Barnthson (Theresa), sisters, Janis (Sidney) Spiegel, Holly Bennett, Melody Broussard and brother-in-law, Dallas Garner and sister-in-law, Carol (Larry) Barnthson. Grandchildren, Kami, Beau, Derek, Dane, Tyler and Cody, great-grandchildren, McKyla, Kailer, Hunter, Kinley, Kailey, Kimber, Zakk, Bronx, Bennet, Drayden, Emma and Aleena, great-great-grandson, Kallen (lil Raymond)  and multiple nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. 

Visitation:2-4 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Sunday. 

Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas. 

Memorials: Troy Ambulance Fund. 

www.harmanrohde.com 

Philip Ray Korthanke, age 93, of Hiawatha, passed away on November 13, 2020, at the Hiawatha Hospital surrounded by family. Phil was born in Robinson, February 13, 1927, one of five children born to F.P. and Elizabeth Lynd Korthanke and has lived in the Brown County area all of his life. He grew up and attended country schools prior to graduating with the class of 1945 at Hiawatha High School. Phil joined the US Navy and proudly served his country during World War II. Phil mentioned a couple memorable occasions while in the Navy was crossing the Pacific Ocean 3 times on the USS Meriwether APA 203. He also said flying an airplane at 20 years old. He returned to Brown County to farm and often worked on construction projects in the winter for neighbors and loved ones. He had a green thumb and loved gardening. His flower garden at his home on Iroquois street in Hiawatha was one of the most beautiful parts of the city for years. As a child, Philip helped his grandfather, Theodore, plant many of the beautiful maple trees all over Hiawatha.Philip was a warm, welcoming, and hardworking man. He was also a charmer. He married the love of his life, Anna Margaret Clary, in 1951. The two of them met on an arranged double date when Phillip, after seeing Annie, coaxed her into the front seat with him even though she wasn’t supposed to be his date. Later, when Philip decided that he’d parachute candy down from a single-engine plane to some of the local girls he knew, Annie refused to run out and collect hers. He landed the plane in the pasture and hand-delivered the candy instead. They were quite a pair. Phil’s faith was very important to him and a longtime member of the Christian Center in Hiawatha; also, the Hedrick-Moll Post #148, Robinson American Legion. Philip was the patriarch of a large and loving family. He loved hosting family get-togethers and spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He is survived by his sons: Dave, Jim, Rick (Janice), Mark (Gina) and daughter, Lisa Neher (Tim); 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and sister, Betty Jo Burris. Philip was preceded in death by his parents, FP and Elizabeth; his brothers, Bob (Verneal) and Glen (Bessie); his sister, Dorothy; and daughter-in-law, Charliss. SOCIAL DISTANCING TO BE OSBERVED AND MASKS REQUIREDFriends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 12 noon until 7 p.m. Sunday where the family will be present.Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, November 16, at the Christian Center, 519 N First St., Hiawatha. Pastor Tony French will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, with military honors a courtesy of Brown County Veterans Honor Guard. In celebration of Phillip’s life the family requests donations be made towards to Philip Korthanke Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.A special message or note of remembrance may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Philip Ray Korthanke, age 93, of Hiawatha, passed away on November 13, 2020, at the Hiawatha Hospital surrounded by family. 

Phil was born in Robinson, February 13, 1927, one of five children born to the late F.P. and Elizabeth Lynd Korthanke and has lived in the Brown County area all of his life.  He grew up and attended country schools prior to graduating with the class of 1945 at Hiawatha High School.  Phil joined the US Navy and proudly served his country during World War II.  Phil mentioned a couple memorable occasions while in the Navy was crossing the Pacific Ocean 3 times on the USS Meriwether APA 203.  He also said flying an airplane at 20 years old.  He returned to Brown County to farm and often worked on construction projects in the winter for neighbors and loved ones.  He had a green thumb and loved gardening.  His flower garden at his home on Iroquois street in Hiawatha was one of the most beautiful parts of the city for years.  As a child, Philip helped his grandfather, Theodore, plant many of the beautiful maple trees all over Hiawatha.

Philip was a warm, welcoming, and hardworking man.  He was also a charmer.  He married the love of his life, Anna Margaret Clary, in 1951.  The two of them met on an arranged double date when Philip, after seeing Annie, coaxed her into the front seat with him even though she wasn’t supposed to be his date.  Later, when Philip decided that he’d parachute candy down from a single-engine plane to some of the local girls he knew, Annie refused to run out and collect hers.  He landed the plane in the pasture and hand-delivered the candy instead.  They were quite a pair. 

Phil’s faith was very important to him and a longtime member of the Christian Center in Hiawatha; also, the Hedrick-Moll Post #148, Robinson American Legion. 

Philip was the patriarch of a large and loving family.  He loved hosting family get-togethers and spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.  He is survived by his sons: Dave, Jim, Rick (Janice), Mark (Gina) and daughter, Lisa Neher (Tim); 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and sister, Betty Jo Burris. 

Philip was preceded in death by his wife Annie February 29, 2016; his brothers, Bob (Verneal) and Glen (Bessie); his sister, Dorothy; and daughter-in-law, Charliss.

SOCIAL DISTANCING TO BE OSBERVED AND MASKS REQUIRED

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 12 noon Sunday, where the family will be present from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday. 

Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 16, at the Christian Center, 519 N First St., Hiawatha.  Pastor Tony French will officiate.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, with military honors a courtesy of Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

In celebration of Philip’s life the family requests donations be made towards to Philip Korthanke Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

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

The service will be posted live on the funeral home group page: Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland Ks

Richard Ernest Frayer, 70, of Powhattan, Kansas, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020 at his home, in Powhattan, Kansas.

He was born on May 2, 1950 in St. Joseph, Missouri, the son of Ernest and Janet Laurance Frayer. Richard served with the U.S. Army National Guards for over twenty two years. He worked at the Tri-County Manor as a nurses aide for years, prior to going to work for the Sac-N-Fox Casino as a security guard. On July 10, 1973 he married Cheryl White in Muscotah, Kansas.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Frayer of the home, Powhattan, Kansas; adopted son, Fred White of Horton, Kansas; numerous foster children; a sister, Sarah Levert of Hiawatha, Kansas; three brothers, Alvin Frayer of St. Joseph, Missouri, John Frayer of Hiawatha, Kansas and Robert Frayer of Chanute, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 10:00 A.M. until noon on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the Lentz Express Community Facility at 116 West 8th Street in Horton, Kansas with a dinner to follow. Memorials may be sent to the Richard Frayer memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Pamela June Anderson, 73, of Hiawatha, formerly of Robinson, went to be with the Lord, November 11, 2020.

A Celebration of her life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 14, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Shane Spangler officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon until 7 p.m. Friday where the family will be present.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Worriers Project sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St, 66434.

Pam was born February 12, 1947, at Horton, one of seven children born to Frank and Wanda Wenger Hedrick and was raised in Kansas City, Kansas. She married Larry Howard in 1966 and the couple moved to Robinson in 1967 to make their home and blessed their union with Tami and Russ. She and Larry later divorced and she moved to Hiawatha in 1984.

Pam married Mark Anderson in 1991 at their home. Pam worked at Abitibi in Hiawatha for 18 years, and later as a para educator for Brown County Special Education Cooperative. She enjoyed writing and submitting the Robinson community news to be included in the Hiawatha Daily World.

She was a faithful Christian and an ordained minister along with her husband Mark. Together, they worked to spread the word to bring people of all ages to Christ. She loved working as a youth minister at Living Water Fellowship where Mark was the pastor. A number of years ago, she was nominated to be one of the “Women of the Year” in Kansas.

Survivors include two children Tami Kent (Jim) of Sabetha, Russ Howard of Sparta, MO, two step-children: Joe Anderson and Stephanie Anderson, both of Shawnee Mission, KS; six grandchildren: Megan Nix (Marvin), Holly Hyde (Mat), Amanda Hartley, Jackie Cherry, Steven Howard, and Tiffani Howard; and 10 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her siblings: Polly Dove (Bob), Wesley Hedrick (Dot), Terry Hedrick (Paula), Arley Hedrick (Eileen), Poma Thaxton, and Peggy Williams.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mark November 13, 2011, along with her favorite dog Cookie.

Her favorite thing to do was to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her dog Cookie Dough.

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

Funeral Home Facebook page for service to be broadcast live: Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland Ks

Wanda Lee (Forbes-Dobbs) Tadlock, 79 of Atchison, KS died Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 at the Amberwell Hospital, Atchison, KS.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm on Monday, Nov. 16th, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Monday at the funeral home. The body will be cremated following the service and burial of the cremated remains will be at a later date in the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to help with final expenses and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Remembrances and condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Wanda was born on August 3, 1941 in Atchison, KS the daughter of Dick M. and Venita (Blair) Forbes. She was married to Sonny Dobbs and they had three children together. She was later married to Robert (Bob) Tadlock on Jan 5, 1969 and they had one more child. Mr. Tadlock preceded her in death on Dec. 30, 2000. Wanda went back to high school and at the age of 25, with three children, graduated from Atchison High School after three attempts. She worked as a secretary for a short time for Blish-Mize Co, but the majority of her life she was a homemaker and housewife. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, crossword puzzles, singing, being outdoors, and visiting with everyone. She especially enjoyed her children and grandchildren. Wanda was a former member and Noble Grand of the Rebekah’s Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star; she was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, and had taught tap, ballet, and character dancing. She had attended Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Kathrine Neill, of the home, Maggie Large, Topeka, KS, two sons Wayne Tadlock, Horton, KS and Donnie Tadlock, Littlerock, AR, grandson Roman Neill, of the home, and numerous other grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her parents, husband Robert Tadlock and brother Dean Forbes preceded her in death.

It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Ricketts announce his passing on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

Bill was born Jun 16, 1943 in Cummings, KS. Bill married Beverly (Wilcox) Ricketts on May 1, 1975 in Cummings, KS.

Bill worked several jobs as well as farmed in Cummings throughout his 77 years. Including the City of Atchison for 14 years and Golden Eagle Casino for 12 years.

Bill is survived by his daughters Luana (Mike) Schneider, Atchison; Marsha Ricketts, Muscotah; Joelen (Randy) Schmalstieg, Meriden; his two sons, David (Kristi) Ricketts, Belton, Mo; and Earl (Tammy) Ricketts, Cummings.

He is also survived by his sister Annie (Ricketts) Mathena of Mayetta, KS. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, Robert Stephenson, Michael Stephenson, Addam Stephenson, Jon Schneider, Matt Schneider, Lauren Doyle, Tiffany Young, Geoffrey Lucas, Brittany Shepard, Sean Jessip, Thomas Ricketts, Robert Ricketts, Aaron Ricketts, and Evan Ricketts. Bill was blessed to have 19 great grandchildren in his life as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, his parents Earl and Ida (Nitz) Ricketts and 2 sisters, Darlene and Earlene.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Nortonville Cemetery as he wished to be cremated. Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. A celebration of life will be held directly after the service at the Nortonville Knights of Columbus Hall.  The family asks if attending to please wear a mask.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The American Heart Association or NEK Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home, 800 Kansas Ave., Atchison, KS 66002.

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

Melvin W. Haverkamp, 89, of Seneca, died November 10, 2020 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

Melvin was born December25, 1930 on a farm north of Kelly, the son of George and Evelyn WinklerHaverkamp. He attended Kelly Grade School and received his diploma from Kelly High School in 1948. After he graduated from school he helped his dad on the farm until he joined the service.On October 10, 1951 he married Carolyn Hutfles at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly Kansas. They celebrated 69 years of marriage.

After they were married, Melvin joined the US Army in January of 1952. He servedin Camp Roberts and Camp Cook in California. In November of 1952 he was sent to Germany where heserved as a heavy machine operator and attained the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged in December of 1953. He returned home to Kelly, Kansas where he and Carolyn set up farming, raised hogs and ran a dairy for34 years. For a few years he worked for the KDOT building bridges. And for a short time, he went to work for the Seneca Elevator.

After he retired, he went to work for the Nemaha County Coop driving a reloadtruck. He loved his John Deere tractors and Chevy truck. He was a collector of John Deere tractors andloved buying those tractors, fixing them up and selling them.

He was a former member of St. Bede’s Church in Kelly where he served on the church council and wascurrently a member of St. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca and was a Member of Arthur Mills post 21 of the Seneca American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Evelyn Haverkamp and his brothers, Avitus,Robert and William Haverkamp, infant great grandsons Reuben Brillhart and Gabriel Haverkamp.

He is survived by Carolyn his devoted wife of 69 years and 6 children. Janet (Roger) Hermesch ofSeneca, Dan (Sharon) Haverkamp of Seneca, Joyce (Richard) Kohake of Seneca, Mary (Steve) Brillhartof Hutchinson, Gerard (TeriLynne) Haverkamp of Seneca and Bonnie (Steve) Nordhus of Topeka. Abrother George Haverkamp of Seneca and a twin Georgina Holthaus of Baileyville. 21 grandchildren and43 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Melvin will lie in state at Lauer Funeral Home on Thursday, November12, 2020 for public viewing and to sign the book; the family will not be present that day.A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM, Friday, November 13th at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. TheMass of Christian Burial will be at 10AM at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, following the rosary. Burial will bein Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Seneca.Memorials may be left in his memory to Coinsfor a Cause sent in care of the family.To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASK IS REQUIRED.

David A. Schussler, 74, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

He was born September 5, 1946 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Sylvester and Ruth (Roberts) Schussler.

David graduated from Christian Brothers High School. On April 8, 1965 he married Barbara Keck, they moved to Holton, Kansas where they
raised 4 children. They later divorced.

He loved his family and spending time with them. David enjoyed golf for many years as a member of the St. Joseph Country Club and Duncan
Hills.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Delores Drag, Alline Schussler; brothers, Thomas and Larry Schussler.

Survivors include wife of 25 years, Micki Klein Moeck Schussler children, Jay Schussler (Sara), Kelly Eck, Kim Sullivan, Jennifer Howe (Brian), Gaby Colbert (James), Tony Moeck (Angie), Shelly Moeck; grandchildren, Megan, A.J., Lucas Schussler, Alyssa Brock (Matt), Breanna Morris (Madison), Lacey and Samantha Sullivan, Hunter (Amy), Ty, Skyla Howe, Trevor (Michaela), Ashley, Kayla, Cheyanne Moeck, Haley Athen; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Miller; brother, Jerry Schussler; numerous nieces and nephews.

Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home &
Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday,
Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests donations to
Voices of Courage.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Ronald Dean “Ronnie” Myers, age 80, of Cummings, Kansas, died Monday, November 9, 2020, on his 58th wedding anniversary, with his wife at his side at Mosaic Life Care.

Private family services will be held. Cremation care has been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. A register book will be available at the funeral home until Saturday, Nov. 14th. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Parish and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences and memories of Ronnie may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com

Ronald was born on January 16, 1940, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Cecelia Lutz and Robert Myers. He graduated from Bendena High School in 1958.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1961. He was a member of the Fleming-Jackson-Seever Post #6 of the American Legion and a life member of the V.F.W. Post #1175, both in Atchison.

Ronnie was employed at Blish Mize and retired as a welder at WeMac Manufacturing in 2001.

He had many hobbies and talents including: woodcrafts, craft shows, fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting and going to the casino; but he especially loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet Myers, of the home in Cummings; a daughter, Annette (Buzz) Faught, Dalhart, TX; a son, Russell Myers, Cummings, KS; four grandchildren, Derek Faught (Danielle Galley), Brian (Callie) Faught, Ryan (Cheyenna) Myers, Bethany (Tyler) Jacobson; four great grandchildren, Ryker, Nyla, Ronnie, Reese; two step-great grandchildren, Wyatt and Caleb; and his nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, two brothers, Robert and Darrel Myers, and his sister, Evelyn Berry.

Barbara Ann Kotalik, 77, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2020 after a hard fight against an incurable illness, surrounded by her loving children. 

She was born on November 26, 1942 in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the youngest of five children to Clifford and Hazel (Thiemann) Brown.   She was living in several cities in different states, Barbara settled in Blue Springs, MO. where she worked for the Ewing Kauffman Foundation for over 15 years in various administrative office positions. She also served as a volunteer at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts during that time as well as years after. She enjoyed Scrapbooking, Stitch Club and playing the piano. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs where she was a member of the Choir and also served as a member of the Bell Choir. Both activities were especially important to her especially during the holidays. Barbara will be remembered for her warm smile and her kind heart.

Barbara is survived by her three children: Michael Kotalik (Cheryl) of St. Louis, MO, Jonna Scott (Allen) of Osage Beach, MO and Tom Kotalik (Lorrie) of Excelsior Springs, MO. Five grandchildren: Christy, Rachel, Serena, Graci and Sam; four great-grandchildren: Dalton, Raegan, Grayson and a step great grandchild, Broque; a brother, Rex Brown of Minneapolis, MN and a sister, Betty Kimes of Pawnee City, NE.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and two of her sibling’s brothers, Jim and Allen Brown.

 A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2020 at First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. The service will be live streamed athttps://vimeo.com/473973066/698bdfcceb. 

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pawnee City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. 

Arrangements provided by Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Judge William F. Colwell, born November 21, 1915 passed away peacefully on November 7, 2020 at Premier Estates in Pawnee City.  He was born in Bookwalter, NE and moved with his family to Pawnee City in 1918.  Following his graduation from Nebraska Law School in 1938, he returned to Pawnee City and practiced law for a couple of years before deciding to join the FBI .  He married Virginia Lee Smyth in October, 1940 and after six years, made the decision to return to Pawnee City, where they lived out their lives. He joined Clyde & Frank Barton as a law partner, and in 1950 was elected County Attorney, where he served four terms, while also serving as City Attorney. In 1962 he was sworn in by Governor Morrison as Judge of the First Judicial District and during his tenure, he twice served as President of the First Judicial Bar Association.  In 1975 he was asked to serve as an Associate Justice to the Nebraska Supreme Court and continued his work with the Supreme Courts until fully retiring in 1995.  He and Virginia had a strong and caring bond with their family, dedicated to supporting and encouraging their efforts in obtaining college educations in fields of their choice.

Judge Colwell was preceded in death by his loving and supporting wife, Virginia, in 2004.  Also preceding him in death were their two sons, James William and Jack Taylor Colwell; his sister, Elizabeth Herries, and his brother, Vice Admiral John B. Colwell.  

He is survived by his son, Tom and wife Gwen; Kathy Hill, his son’s widow; five grandchildren, Carrie, Bob, Amy, Bill and Virginia; his five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Jack, Riley, Jack, and Josie; and two great-great grandchildren, Otto and Hattie.  He is also survived by three nieces, Mary Neill, Betsy Williams and Molli Hull, as well as two nephews, David Herries and James Colwell.  

In addition to Judge Colwell’s extensive law obligations, he enjoyed playing golf with friends and family, as well as working on and refurbishing antique furniture.  Although retired, he occupied an office at Stehlik Law and enjoyed consulting with a close colleague for several years prior to moving to Premier Estates.

A graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., on Friday, November 13, 2020 at the Pawnee City Cemetery.  Officiating Pastor Ken Tubbesing.  Visitation on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Memorials in lieu of flowers to family choice. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com. Masks and social distancing required. Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary 919 G St. Pawnee City, Nebraska 68420 402-852-2387

Kerry “Toby” Ryan passed away in peace at her home in Raymond, NE on Sunday, November 8, 2020. She was surrounded by her loving family and her dog Jake, who never left her side. Toby was born on July 15, 1960, in Pawnee City, NE to Gayle and Pauline Eckman, later Maughan. She graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1978.

Toby loved the holidays. Christmas was an important time of year that she made magical for others as it was another opportunity for her to celebrate family. Toby also loved pink flamingos and Harleys. She enjoyed riding motorcycles and adventuring with Mark and her friends. She was honest, a dedicated worker, loyal, and could give it to you straight but share a laugh the next moment. She welcomed any and everyone into her home. While everyone could attest to how tough she was, only those who experienced her tender and comforting side truly understood where that fire and strength came from. It was clear to see through the grit that she was so much more than just tough.

Toby spent her last few days at her paradise in Raymond, which her and her partner, Mark Homes, built together. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jeffry Eckman.

She is survived by her brothers Scott (Kim) Eckman, Stacy (Bev) Maughan, Mark (Candace) Eckman, Bob (Mari) Eckman, and sisters Linda Maughan-Hager, Lisa (Tony) Rughe, Irene Eckman, Daisymae (Mark) Eckman-Brayton, her children Nicholas (Tosca) Ryan, Jessica Ryan, Amanda (Paul) Schmid, Zach (Shanna) Homes, and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who she adored.

A special thank you to her other family, the Lincoln Police Department, where she built a 20 year career. Their efforts and show of support over the last several weeks warmed her heart, put a smile on her face, and provided us moments of beauty during such a difficult time.

The degree to which Toby touched people’s lives is hard to put into words. She will be deeply missed by so many who could count on her and appreciated her. There is a hole in the world now that she’s not in it, but the unmeasurable impact she made will never be forgotten.

Please join us for a gravesite service at the Pawnee City Cemetery at 10:30 am on Saturday November 14, 2020.  Due to Covid,  Masks and Social distancing is required. The service will also be live streamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Monument Facebook page for those who are unable to attend in person. 

In lieu of flowers, donations will go to Santa Cop (or if you insist on flowers, please buy them from Oak Creek Floral)

Checks can be made out to Santa Cop:   LPD, 575 S 10th ST.  Lincoln, NE 68508   Attn: Brianna Walters    Add “Toby” to your memo line

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

VALLEY FALLS-Clara Louise Heuertz Wynkoop, 78, resident of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. 

Louise was born on September 21, 1942 at home in Valley Falls, KS. Daughter of Ben and Clara Heuertz. She has 9 siblings, Benny, Mary, John, Phil, Cathy, Margaret, Eddie, Ruth and Carolyn. She went to the Catholic school in Valley Falls.

She was an organist and secretary for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls for many years. She was also a member of the Altar Society. She had many jobs throughout her life, she was a secretary for the family business CRW Family Trucking, worked at A&W Root Beer, the Mop Factory, was a CNA for Jefferson County Home Health taking care of people. She was an assistant leader of Blue Birds, as well as assisted in leadership roles for multiple cub scouts. Louise organized local blood drives in Valley Falls over many years. Her hobbies and interests included sewing, quilting and taking care of her beloved grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Charles “Butch” Wynkoop Jr.; 6 children, Chad (Laurel) Wynkoop, Terry Wynkoop, Debbie (Ron) Schrick, Kevin (Sharon) Wynkoop, Brad (Tammy) Wynkoop, and Kelli Wynkoop, all of Valley Falls; 3 sisters, Margarite Stover of Hays, KS, Carolyn Lewis of Topeka, KS and Ruth Remmers of Lawrence; 3 brothers, John J. Heuertz, Benny Heuertz and Phil Heuertz all of Valley Falls, KS; 31 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren with 2 more greats on the way and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her siblings Mary Cummings, Cathy Abrams and Eddie Heuertz; her parents Ben and Clara Wynkoop and a granddaughter MacKenzie Haug.

Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Rosary will be 5:00 p.m. Friday evening, November 13, 2020 with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Clara will lie in state beginning Thursday afternoon at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Louise Wynkoop Memorial Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Twila Marlene Hochstein, 77, of Falls City, Nebraska was born on September 22, 1943, in Shubert, Nebraska to Norman E. and Bonna J. (Marchand) Alexander. She spent most of her childhood with her family in Shubert, but her family moved around a bit and Twila spent some of her school years in central Iowa.  The family eventually moved back to southeast Nebraska where Twila graduated from Shubert High School with the class of 1962.  In June of 1962, Twila was united in marriage to Gary Beutler and to this union two children, Marty and Marcy were born.  The couple would later divorce.  On September 22, 1974, Twila was united in marriage to David Hochstein and to this union two children, Scott and Sheri were born.  Twila and Dave were married for twenty-seven years before divorcing.  Twila then lived in Oklahoma for many years before returning to Nebraska where she has resided in Falls City since.

Twila passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020, at Bryan LGH Medical Center West in Lincoln, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of seventy-seven years, one month and fourteen days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Joyce Macklin, a brother Wayne Alexander, soulmate David Hochstein and a nephew Timothy Macklin.

Twila is survived by her children: Marty Beutler and wife Becky of Omaha, Marcy Jones and husband Steve of Omaha, Scott Hochstein and wife Erin of Missouri Valley, IA; Sheri Hochstein of Omaha, grandchildren: Montana (Shae) Duryea of Omaha, Desirae (Hager) Martin and husband Chase of Omaha, Breanne Beutler of Omaha, Riley Beutler-Jones of Omaha, Brennan Hochstein of Ames, IA; Brittney Beutler of Omaha, Shadow Siefken of Omaha, Kiera Hochstein of Missouri Valley, IA; Zoe Siefken of Omaha, Lauren Hochstein of Missouri Valley, IA; sisters: Nancy Stokes of Falls City, NE; Connie Alexander of Beatrice, NE; brothers: Gary (Alice) Alexander of Auburn, NE; Glenn (Angie) Alexander of rural Humboldt, NE; Landon (Jan) Alexander of Shubert, NE; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life is open to the public and will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at the Hall Funeral Chapel, 707 15th Street in Auburn, Nebraska with Pastor Ben Moore officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020, at the Hall Funeral Chapel.

Inurnment will be at the Nemaha Cemetery following services.

Memorial 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

Connie R. (Kelsay) Merrill, age 73 of Georgetown, TX, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Baylor Scott & White Health in Temple, TX.

Survivors include her husband Jim; daughter and son-in-law Carrie and Gary Snyder of Lincoln; son and daughter-in-law Cory and Roxy Goings of Eagle; five grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; brothers Dan Kelsay of Raymond; Steve (Jackie) Kelsay of Auburn; James (Shirley) Kelsay of Falls City; sister-in-law Dot Kelsay of Stella; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Saturday, November 14, 10:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00. Connie’s body will be cremated following the service and burial of ashes will be on a later date at Heim Cemetery at Dawson.

Memorials are suggested to the Gary Sinise Foundation or The Fisher House.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral of Auburn.

Raynette Louise Urban, 75, of Bendena, died Friday, November 6, 2020, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

She was born in Atchison, KS on July 12, 1945, the only child of Ralph “Daniel” and Mary Louise Van Hoozer Bromley. She grew up in Atchison, KS graduating from Mount St. Scholastica Academy with the class of 1963. Raynette attended St. Joseph’s Beauty University and was employed at the Modern Beauty Salon in Atchison after her graduation. Although, she spent the majority of her esteemed career running “Nettie’s Kitchen” and taking care of her beloved family and anyone else who sat at her table. Raynette and Jim enjoyed numerous trips and adventures but spending time with grandkids, family and friends at the Lake of the Ozarks was their passion. If Raynette wasn’t at the lake you could often find her at the casino spending “JimBob’s” money.

She married James Edward Urban, May 1st, 1965 at St. Joseph’s church in Atchison. He preceded her in death August 10, 2015.

Surviving are their children: Michael Urban (Dany) of Bendena, Patrick Urban (Kim) of Robinson, Kelly DeMeritt (Glenn) of Atchison: a sister in law Marlene “Molly” Lane (Ronnie) of Winchester; seven grandchildren: Kyle (Tori), Chelsea, Mason, Makinley, Maya, Paige, Piper; numerous nieces and nephews.

Raynette was also preceded in death by her parents.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 1 p.m. Wednesday, where the family will meet from 5 until 7 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to either the Coffman Bend Fire Association or Maur Hill-Mount Academy. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

A special message may be left at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUESTED

Lela Annetta (Koehler) Buchholz, 97, of rural Table Rock, passed away November 5, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Center in Auburn, Nebraska.  She was born to Albert and Lena (Johnson) Koehler on October 18, 1923 on the family farm near Humboldt, Nebraska.  She was one of six children.  Lela was baptized Nov. 18, 1923 and confirmed March 6, 1938 at the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church, rural Humboldt, NE. She received her education at Prairie Hill Rural School District #46 through the eighth grade.   

 She was united in marriage to Harold Buchholz on April 20, 1944 at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church.  To this union three children were born, Janice, Milton and Karen.  After their marriage they lived on the same farm where Harold was born. 

Lela was a partner with Harold in the farm operation and enjoyed being a homemaker and farm wife.  She was a lifetime member of St. James where she was active in Luther League and was a charter member of the Mary Martha Circle.  Lela loved birthday parties with family and friends, playing cards, baking, mowing the yard, taking drives in the country, and reciting The Lord’s Prayer with her family on a daily basis.  Lela especially loved spending time with family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Lela is survived by her children, Janice Price of Curtis, Milton Buchholz of Elk Creek and Karen Smith and husband Brian of North Carolina, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michelle Axelson and husband Lennie and daughter Kelsie, Jennifer Newcomb and husband William and son Lucas, Melissa Breazile, Nicole Rogers and husband Stephen and children Mason and Summer, Damian Cooper and wife Elise and children, Olivia, Xavier, Wesley and Sammy, Shaun Smith and wife Courtney and children Kristina, Katelyn and Chloe, Ashley Mitchell and husband Zach and children Joshua and Leila and Megan McGrath and husband Rodney and children, Abigail, Owen, Maverick and Elissa, sister-in-law, Elma Lee Buchholz of Table Rock and nieces, nephews and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, son-in-law Del Price, brothers Edwin, Clarence (Hulda), Wilber (Iona) and Glenn (Verna Mae) Koehler and sister Lenora (Lawrence) Volker.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church, rural Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastors Eric and Amalia Spruth-Janssen officiating.   The service will be radio broadcast on FM 88.7 and attendees will be asked to listen in their vehicles, as well as live streamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the family’s choice.

Interment will be in the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Cemetery, rural Humboldt, Nebraska.

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

Mary Ellen Reynolds, 91, of Atchison, KS passed away November 9, 2020, surrounded by her family.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Amberwell Hospice and maybe sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left www.beckerdyer.com.

Mary was born October 22, 1929 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Frank and Elsie (DeMoss) Pierce.  She first started working at Leo’s Restaurant as a waitress and then Saunders/Golden Star from 1955 to 1961 and 1969 to 2004 retiring after forty-one years.  Mary attended Trinity Lutheran Church.  She bowled until she was eighty-four years old, having received in 2001 from WIBC the Grand Duchess Award.  Mary bowled on the Golden Star team, the Early Bird League and Senior Citizens League.  She went to Kansas State Bowling Tournaments and even bowled in the National Tournament in Reno, NV, twice.  Mary lived on Potato Hill all her life and she and her daughter Mary Jane Sowers were the first to drive across the new Potato Hill Bridge.  She also enjoyed playing Farkle, five Crown Card Game and going to the casino and car races with her grandkids.  Mary also enjoyed watching her daughter’s hummingbirds and the KC Royals and Chiefs games.

Mary married Boyd E. “Newt” Reynolds on March 12, 1954.  He preceded her in death on August 1, 2008.  Survivors include a daughter, Mary Jane and Phil Sowers, Atchison, KS, two granddaughters; Melissa Sowers and Laura and Kyle McBride.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Elmer, Irvin, Marvin, Harvey, Lawrence Pierce, Ruth Shockey, Annie Hays, Lois Walker and an infant sister.

Charles L. Aldridge, 71, Atchison, Kansas died Friday, November 6, 2020 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 13, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be for one hour preceding the services at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriers and may be left in care of the funeral Home.

Charles was born January 30, 1949 the son of Leslie Ray Aldridge and Anna Cornelius Aldridge in Harrisonville, Missouri. He attended schools and graduated from the Pleasant Hill High School, Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Charles and Harriet J. Moore were united in marriage on November 18, 1977 in Atchison, Kansas.

He was employed for over 45 years with Locomotive Finished Materials Company, Atchison Casting Corporation and Bradken until his retirement.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Navy from June 19, 1968 until his honorable discharge on May 28, 1970.

In his spare time he enjoyed bowling; fishing; the WWE wrestling on Friday nights and he always had with him a glass of sweet tea and especially enjoyed watching Chiefs football.

Survivors include his wife, Harriet of the couple’s home in Atchison, KS; three sons, Robert Burgoon, Atchison, KS; Gene (Solange) Burgoon, Leavenworth, KS; Samuel (Crystal) Hale, Atchison, KS; three daughters, Kim Byrd, Atchison, KS; Vickie Hale, St. Joseph, MO; Jeanette (Dale) Oden, Kearney, MO; two brothers, Doug Aldridge, Kingsville, MO; and Ronald Aldridge, two sisters, Margaret  Arthur, Kansas City, MO and Nancy Crawford, Warsaw, MO; seventeen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a great grandson, Victur Torres and a sister, Cheryl.

Doris “Arlene” Zabel, 58, of Rushville, MO died Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 at the Mosaic Life Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Remembrances and condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Arlene was born on August 4, 1962 in Atchison Kansas the daughter of Albert C. and Mary (McConnaughey) Donaldson. She was a housewife and homemaker. Arlene was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, loved to crochet, work on craft projects, spending time with her family and grandchildren, and eating down by the river. She was married to Russell “Rusty” Zabel, Jr on Nov. 19, 1982. He survives of the home. Additional survivors include a son, Brian (Sharon) Zabel, Rushville, MO , a daughter Melissa (Joshua) Hughes, Rushville, MO, her mother, Mary Pilcher, St. Joseph, MO, two brothers Paul (Lisa) Donaldson, and Albert (Paula) Donaldson, of St. Joseph, MO, and sisters Shirley (Wes) Jones, Karen Donaldson, and Debbie (James) Pace, of St. Joseph, MO, six grandchildren Natalie, Isabella, Lacey, Hunter, Kale, and Autumn. Her father and step-father, Albert Pilcher, and a sister, Alberta Maly preceded her in death.

Janice Lee Turner Ernzen, Jan to her family and friends, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, November 2, 2020, in Waco, Texas. 

Mass of Christian burial will be Monday, November 9, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Atchison, Kansas. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery. A parish rosary will be Sunday, Nov. 8th at 5:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 6:30 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Atchison, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Patrick’s Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home.  

She was born on October 27, 1945 in Marshall, MO, daughter of the late Leon Paul Turner and Alice Katherine Jacoby Turner.  She attended Mercy Academy, Marshall High School, and received a Bachelor's Degree from Missouri Valley College in Marshall.  

After college, she taught physical education in the Leavenworth School District. She left the teaching profession to travel with her husband, Thomas John Ernzen, whose employment took him to many countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.   

She and Tom, originally from Atchison, Kansas, were married in 1968 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Leavenworth, KS and celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on July 27, 2020.  They had a wonderful marriage and were the parents of two sons in whom she took great pride, Brian Thomas Ernzen and wife Julie of Waco, TX and Brandon Turner Ernzen and wife Nicole of Portland, TX.  She was also blessed to be grandmother to Brian and Julie's beautiful children, Emma, Madison, and Benjamin.   She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, a good friend to many and she will be greatly missed.

Growing up, she was very active in sports and loved teaching swimming lessons and life guarding at the local pool in Marshall.  She enjoyed many sports but was an especially avid supporter of Texas A&M football where her sons are alumni.  She was a devout Catholic and attended St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco where she was a member of the Women’s Society.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Wayne Paul Turner and Charlie Jacob Turner.  In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister-in-law Lois Turner of Marshall; niece Julie and husband Joe Stockman of Liberty, MO and niece Jennifer and husband Larry Johnson, of Waverly, MO, and numerous other family.

Janice Lee Turner Ernzen, Jan to her family and friends, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, November 2, 2020, in Waco, Texas. 

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 Monday, November 9, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Church in Atchison, Kansas. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery. A parish rosary will be Sunday, Nov. 8th at 5:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 6:30 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Atchison, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Patrick’s Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home.  

She was born on October 27, 1945 in Marshall, MO, daughter of the late Leon Paul Turner and Alice Katherine Jacoby Turner.  She attended Mercy Academy, Marshall High School, and received a Bachelor's Degree from Missouri Valley College in Marshall.  

After college, she taught physical education in the Leavenworth School District. She left the teaching profession to travel with her husband, Thomas John Ernzen, whose employment took him to many countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.   

She and Tom, originally from Atchison, Kansas, were married in 1968 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Leavenworth, KS and celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on July 27, 2020.  They had a wonderful marriage and were the parents of two sons in whom she took great pride, Brian Thomas Ernzen and wife Julie of Waco, TX and Brandon Turner Ernzen and wife Nicole of Portland, TX.  She was also blessed to be grandmother to Brian and Julie's beautiful children, Emma, Madison, and Benjamin.   She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, a good friend to many and she will be greatly missed.

Growing up, she was very active in sports and loved teaching swimming lessons and life guarding at the local pool in Marshall.  She enjoyed many sports but was an especially avid supporter of Texas A&M football where her sons are alumni.  She was a devout Catholic and attended St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco where she was a member of the Women’s Society.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Wayne Paul Turner and Charlie Jacob Turner.  In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister-in-law Lois Turner of Marshall; niece Julie and husband Joe Stockman of Liberty, MO and niece Jennifer and husband Larry Johnson, of Waverly, MO, and numerous other family.

Lonnie Allen Shannon, 82, Vermilion, died November 4, 2020 at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 6 at Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, Axtell.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 7 at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

A memorial fund is established.  Contributions may be sent in care of Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, Axtell, KS.

Rachel M. Thompson, 101, entered her heavenly rest on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

She was born March 16, 1919 on a country farm in Green County, Kansas, the youngest of five children born to Claude and Lucy (Stoffel) DeGroff. She married the love of her life, Albert N. Thompson, on March 5, 1944, and together they shared 42 years of marriage prior to his death in 1986. A treasured son, Stephen Andrew, was born in 1949, and died in a tragic accident in 1964. Rachel owned and operated Rachel’s Beauty Shop in her home for a number of years. She loved people and showed her hospitality by hosting dinners and baking delicious pies. She was an avid reader and loved studying the Bible. Rachel was a charter member of Faith Bible Fellowship Church.

She was predeceased by her four older siblings, Goldie Weider, Charles DeGroff, Roy DeGroff, Leona DeGroff, and a niece Eva Bowser and her husband Robert (Bob) Of Holton, Kansas. Surviving are her niece, LaVon DeGroff Ulam and nephew Eric (Debbie) DeGroff, both of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Also her late son’s best friend who became her lifelong adopted son and present caregiver David (Cheryl) Guess of Nebraska City, Nebraska, her adopted granddaughter and past loving caregiver, Deanna Mapes, adopted niece and her husband Carol (Kenneth) Sook of Tecumseh, Kansas, as well as her dear church family at Faith Bible Fellowship.

Funeral services will be held 11:00AM Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Faith Bible Fellowship in Atchison, Kansas. Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery. The Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to Faith Bible Fellowship Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Harry Owen Hamilton, 89, of Rulo, Nebraska was born on October 25, 1931 in Maryville, Missouri to James Elmer and Ethel Louise (Barrett) Hamilton. He attended school through the eleventh grade in Missouri but transferred his senior year to Blanchard High School in Blanchard, Iowa where he graduated with the class of 1949.  On February 1, 1951, Harry entered into active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country for three years until being honorably discharged in February of 1954.

On December 5, 1975, Harry was united in marriage to Marlene McKim at the First Brethren Church in Falls City, Nebraska.  The couple made their home in Falls City before moving near Mound City, Missouri where they owned and operated Tri State Seed and Implement.  The couple would later divorce and Harry moved to Rulo, Nebraska where he has resided.  Harry passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at the Community Medical Center in Falls City, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-nine years and six days.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Kurt Hamilton, daughter Marilyn Hamilton, a brother Arthur Hamilton and son-in-law John O’Grady.

Harry is survived by his daughters: Nancy Johnson and husband Kenneth of Claremont, MO; Carolyn Hansen of Maryville, MO; a brother Joseph Hamilton and wife Ivy of Kansas City, MO; step-children: Linda Frost and husband Neil of rural Rulo, NE; Cathy O’Grady of Falls City, NE; Jerry McKim and wife Nancy of rural Falls City, NE; Nancy Fischer and husband John of Topeka, KS; Karey Jo Weaver of Falls City, NE; and many other relatives and friends.

A Graveside Memorial Service is open to the public and will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at the High Prairie Cemetery in Elmo, Missouri with Father David Oldham officiating.  Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps Funeral Honor Guard.

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

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan ST.-Falls City, NE 68355

Eva Mae Libel passed away on October 28, 2020, at home surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer.

Eva was born on April 29, 1939, to George and Marion (Jones) Moore in Troy, Kansas.

She graduated from Robinson High School with the class of ‘57. She worked at the Bank of Leona in Leona, Kansas, and this is where she met her husband, Bill.

Eva attended Highland Community College and Emporia State University before marrying Bill on May 12, 1962. Eva was an excellent cook who loved and cared for many children and truly loved all of God’s Creation.

Eva was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all that knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harry and Dean; her sister, Jane Hanson; and daughters-in-law, Janet and Lora Ann Libel.

Eva is survived by her husband; her sons, Charles (Kelsie), Pat (Dee), Allan (Jennie), Danny (Kelly); daughters, Elizabeth (Daron Bauerle), Laura Hover; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Ted Moore of San Marcos, Texas.

Our mother was a wonderful woman and we will miss her very much.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Bellevue UMC Leona, Kansas, on Saturday, November 7, 2020, with visitation starting at 10 A.M. and services at 11 A.M.

Mom wanted to recognize NEK hospice, Doniphan County-Meals on Wheels, Highland Ambulance and Bellevue UMC.

Raymond Howard Miller, 52, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away November 2, 2020 in Topeka.

He was born June 2, 1968 in Topeka, the son of Raymond C. Miller and Janet (Whitaker) Bailey. He graduated from Royal Valley High School in 1986.  Raymond and Rae Bryant had three children together Tyler, Ashley and Toni.

He worked at Southwest Publishing in Topeka for over 16 years.  He previously had worked in construction, on the family farm and for Stewart’s Quarter Horses in Lawrence.  Raymond enjoyed playing in pool leagues in Jefferson and Shawnee Counties and traveled with them as well. He was a member of Kansas Crawler, traveling with his Toyota 4-Runner.

He is survived by: his daughters, Toni Miller of Topeka, KS and Ashley Miller of St. Genevieve, MO; his mother, Janet Bailey of Mayetta, KS; his sister, Tiffany Botts of Tavernier, FL; his brother, Michael Leuszler (Germaine) of Lyndon, KS; uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and many extended family.

 Raymond was preceded in death by his father, his step-father Charles Bailey and his son, Tyler Allen Miller.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls.  The family will greet friends Friday evening at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to the Raymond Miller Memorial Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.  To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

Dennis William Gleason, 65, of Seneca, Kansas passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at his home.

Dennis was born in Seneca to William and Evelyn (Goodman) Gleason of Goff, Kansas on December 13, 1954. He graduated from Nemaha Valley High School in 1972. Dennis worked as a mechanic for his dad at Gleason Chevrolet for many years until its closure. He then worked in the door division for Koch and Company, Seneca. On March 20, 2010, he married Betty Jones in Seneca, Kansas.

For many years, he enjoyed building the motors and helping Olberding's #45 Heideman Race Team.  Dennis was an avid sports fan of Kansas State University, the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs and NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife Betty; sister Sondra Rogers, Manhattan; brother Roger (Jolene) Gleason, Kansas City, Missouri; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis was proceeded in death by parents, William and Evelyn Gleason; his brother-in-law, Kent Rogers; and a sister-in-law, Bernice Patterson.

A Celebration of Life for Dennis will be Saturday, November 7th with visitation starting at 1 PM followed by services at 2 PM at Lauer’s Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers they family request donations be made in Dennis's honor to Valley Hope of Atchison, Kansas, in care of the family.  www.lauerfuneralhome.com.

Mildred Emma Reinecke, 93, of Seneca died on Monday, November 2, 2020 at the Life Care Center of Seneca.

She was born on April 2, 1927, on a farm east of Seneca, to John F. and Clara Tanking Burdiek. She attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Seneca and helped on the family farm.

On April 8, 1947, she married Louis A. Reinecke at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca; the couple celebrated 72 years of marriage. The couple lived and farmed north of Baileyville until1957, when the family moved to the Reinecke family homestead southeast of Baileyville. Lou and Mildred ran a dairy herd until 1991, where they raised hogs, cattle. In 1991, Lou and Mildred retired and built a new home in Seneca.

She was a lifelong farmer and gardener, who enjoyed driving around and looking at the crops. She enjoyed playing cards, casino trips and visiting at the coffee shop during her retirement. She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church; where she was a weekend collection counter and a participated in weekly adoration. She was past member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lou on February 5, 2020; three children, Marilyn, Joseph and John; and two brothers, Gerald Burdiek on October 26, 2009 and Walter Burdiek on July 5, 2010.

She is survived by three sons, Kenneth (Clara) Reinecke of Baileyville, Linus (Cheryl) Reinecke of Axtell and Galen (Sharon) Reinecke of Seneca; and sisters, Alice Kramer, Irene Kramer, and Marcina Haverkamp, all of Seneca; ten grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Due to the critical situation our county is in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website.

Mildred will lie in state at Lauer Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 for public viewing and to sign the book; the family will not be present that day.

A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM on Thursday at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. She will be buried next to her husband in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Baileyville. SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASK REQUESTED.

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

Sue Haws, 85, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 2, 2020 at Falls City. She was born November 25, 1934 at Falls City to Joseph and Alyce (Brown) Stewart.

She married Virgil Vinsonhaler and they were later divorced and then married Clarence Haws, he passed away in 1986.

Sue was raised at Falls City and attended Falls City High School. When married to her first husband they lived in different places because of his work. She was employed at Milam’s Greenhouse at Falls City. When married to Mr. Haws they made their home in Falls City and following his death she moved to Lincoln, NE where she worked in neighborhood grocery stores until moving back to Falls City in 1998 and she has lived here since. She enjoyed auctions, flea markets and had booths in various antique malls. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and was a former Girl Scout leader.

Sue is survived by her children, Vicki Martineau of Falls City, Linda Lee and her husband Roger of Falls City, Nancy Brown and her significant other, Bill Green of Pleasant Valley, MO, Wesley Vinsonhaler and his significant other, Gina Otto of Beatrice, NE, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, two sisters, and a son in infancy, Edward.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Lawrence Stoley officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery. Masks are required at the church and social distancing guidelines will be practiced.

A Parish Rosary will be held on Thursday at 6:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be practiced.

 Adrian F. “Cookie” Koch, 96, of Holton, died Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at his home.

He was born September 18, 1924 at St. Benedict, the son of Edward and Rose Deters Koch.  He graduated from St. Benedict High School in 1942.

Adrian was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton, Holton Knights of Columbus Council No. 4219, and the Kansas Carpenters Union.

He worked as a carpenter for most of his life.  This included being a carpenter foreman for Eby Construction, based out of Wichita.  He helped build many homes in the Holton area, including his own.  He and his wife had owned and operated the Holton Bowling Alley, and he sold insurance for the Jayhawk Insurance Company.  In retirement he could be seen most days with his saw on the driveway, making picture frames that he took to many craft shows in the area.

He married Therese M. Haverkamp on November 25, 1950 at St. Benedict.  She preceded him in death on December 25, 2014.

Adrian was also preceded in death by his parents, a son, Alan Koch, who died in 2018, three brothers, Victor Koch, Cyril Koch and Lawrence Koch, and three sisters, Thelma Olberding, Emma Olberding and Freda Koch.

Survivors include his daughter, Marilyn Miles (John Porter), Ozawkie, a daughter-in-law, Cathy Koch, Jacksonville, FL, three granddaughters, Tara Anderson (Jasson), Angela Koch and Susan Koch, three great grandchildren, Ava Miles, Conner Miles and Emree Miles, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 9th at St. Dominic Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery at St. Benedict.  Adrian will lie in state after 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton where a Rosary will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, followed by visitation until 5:00 p.m.  Please wear a mask for the Rosary, visitation and the Mass.  Memorials are suggested to St. Dominic Catholic Church or the Holton Knights of Columbus, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS  66436. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com 

Dorothy Louise Schletzbaum, age 95, a pillar in the Atchison community, went home to her Heavenly Father on November 1, 2020.  Dorothy was born August 24th, 1925 at the family farm where she called home for her entire life.  Her parents were Charles and Edith (Gerrish) Schletzbaum. 

With her siblings, she attended Independence Valley Country School and worked at F.W. Woolworth behind the candy counter the last three years of high school.  After graduating from Atchison High school in 1943, Dorothy worked on the family farm for three years.  In 1946 she began working as an operator for Southwest Bell Telephone Co. In her 30-year career she observed many industry changes, from the operators using manual switchboard to the installation of direct dial before she retired in 1977.  She was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America.

Dorothy was a compassionate caregiver most of her life - caring for her mother and close friend Bill Heintzelman as well as other community and family members.  She appreciated the outdoors and did a lot of the field work on their farm north of Atchison.  She also liked antiques and history and was often found visiting auctions or clipping news items from the newspapers.  Dorothy was never one to be idle – always having several ‘craft/sewing’ projects in progress, researching family genealogy or serving as the President on the Mt. Vernon Cemetery board of directors.  As the matriarch of the family she planned many family reunions (Schletzbaum and Gerrish) and established relationships throughout the country with extended family.  Dorothy enjoyed traveling and went on many trips with her siblings, other family members and friends.  She loved her family and tried to attend the weddings, graduations and special events in the lives of her niece’s and nephew’s families.

Dorothy was a member of the First Christian Church in Atchison, the local Christian Women’s Club, Atchison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Atchison County Kansas Genealogy Society.   In 2014 she received the DAR certificate award for Excellence in Community Service.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Esther (Ward) Cowles, Wayne (Esther Mae),Schletzbaum, Durl Schletzbaum, Virginia (Floyd) Schrader, nephews Richard Feldkamp and Mike Mosiman, great nephew Jeffrey Feldkamp and great niece Skylar Fleming, and her close friend, Bill Heintzelman.

She is survived by brother, Jerry (Barbara) of CA, sister-in-law Isola of Iowa and nieces and nephews –Janice (Raymond) Williams; Gary (Debra) Cowles; John (Donna) Schletzbaum; Sharon (Ken) Steuart; Donna (Chris) Willoughby; Susan (John) Snowdon; Roger (Maureen) Schletzbaum; Raymond (Mary) Schrader; LeRoy (Elaine) Schrader; Mildred Mosiman; Charles (Jammie) Schletzbaum; and Roy (Lisa) Schletzbaum; and 79 great nieces and nephews.  Dorothy will also be missed by her extended family and friends who have loved her, welcomed her friendly smile, enjoyed her inquisitive nature and appreciated the love and care she provided to each one.

Graveside services will be Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at Doniphan Cemetery, Doniphan, Kansas with Jim Cormode officiating. Open viewing will be available at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home from Noon on Tuesday, November 3rd until 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 5th.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Mt. Vernon Cemetery or Doniphan Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Elizabeth “Diann” Heimerman, of Sparks, passed away at her home Thursday, October 29, 2020, due to a long batter with cancer. She was 72.

Diann was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her parents, brother Russell “Smoke” Davis, sisters: Brenda Leavey and Shirley Ramsey.

She was born, September 2, 1948, one of nine children born to the late John “Doggy” and Margie Mooney Davis. She grew up at Sparks where she attended school and graduated high school. Diann had lived several places across the Midwest but lived most of her life at Sparks.

She married Richard Heimerman January 20, 2001, in Kansas City, Missouri who died January 24, 2009 at Highland.

Survivors include brothers, Larry Dean (wife Dolly), Roy (wife Debbie), and Toney, sisters: Sally Williams and Bert Weis; sons Craig Davis (wife Cathy), Daniel Hoffman (wife Melinda), daughter Theresa Sutton.

Diann also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She requested to be cremated with a visitation to be held in the near future and will be announced by Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland. Inurnment will be next to Richard at Iowa Point Cemetery.

A note of remembrance may be left at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Rosella Marie (Moyer) Naber, 80, formerly of Humboldt, Nebraska was born on November 29, 1939 in Humboldt, Nebraska to Elmer and Mabel (Snell) Moyer.  Rosella was raised with her family in the Humboldt area where she received all of her schooling.  Rosella raised her own family in Humboldt before moving to Springfield, Missouri later in life to live with her daughter.

Rosella passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020, in Springfield, Missouri having reached the earthly age of 80 years, 10 months and 25 days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son Glen and brother-in-law Gaede Jurgens.

Rosella is survived by her children: Debra Fuller and husband Robert of Springfield, MO; Gene Naber and friend Claire Bachman of Humboldt, NE; Donna Dettmann and husband Rick of Humboldt, NE; Diane Naber of Rapid City, SD; Gary Naber of Quapaw, OK; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters: Ardis Jurgens of Humboldt, NE; Burnice Moyer of Florence, CO; brothers: Elton Moyer and wife Jane of West Cliff, CO; Keith Moyer of Humboldt, NE; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating.

Inurnment will be at the Humboldt Cemetery.

Memorial 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 N. Nemaha Street-Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915

Judith Kay (Menold) Edelman, 80, of Sabetha, Kansas died Sunday, November 1, 2020 at her home in rural Sabetha surrounded by her family.

Judy was born on March 1, 1940 in Sabetha, Kansas to John and Dorothy (Kaeb) Menold. She grew up in the Sabetha area, spent five years doing domestic work in Peoria, Illinois and worked at various local businesses upon returning to the Sabetha area. Serving God while caring for her husband, children, and home were her priorities. Her hospitality will be remembered by many, and she loved cooking and serving others. Judy enjoyed hymns, singing, and spending time with her family and church family. She was lovingly cared for by her husband and family through her journey with dementia. Even as her health declined, her smile reflected the joy she had when surrounded by loved ones.

In early adulthood, she sought the Lord in repentance and was baptized in the Christian Apostolic Church.

On January 23, 1966, she was united in marriage to Eugene Edelman in Sabetha. Seven children were born to this union.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Leroy Menold and James Menold; and her brothers-in-law, Fred Edelman, Donald Steidinger, and Steven Kaufman.

Judy is survived by her husband, Eugene of the home; their children: Sheila (Todd) Rokey, Lynn (Alisa) Edelman, Luci Goodman, Anita (Dwight) Rokey all of Sabetha, Wendy (Greg) Braker of Oronogo, MO, Marci (Darin) Grimm of Morrill, KS, and Steven (Kelly) Edelman of Sabetha; 39 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by six sisters: Miriam (Clayton) Strahm, Alice Steidinger, Marge (Morris) Edelman, Helen (Leroy) Meyer, Joann Edelman and Wilma Kaufman, and one brother, Don (Pat) Menold; and her two sisters-in-law, Kathy (Joe) Rokey and Louise Menold.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Christian Apostolic Church in Sabetha, Kansas. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Center in Sabetha. Interment will be in the Sabetha Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Apostolic Church or Nemaha County Home Health & Hospice, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Avis L. Thonen, 65, a longtime resident of Brown County, KS, died Sunday, November 1, 2020, at the Brown County Development Services Delaware Apartments, Hiawatha, KS.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Friday, November 6, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha.  Reverend Michael Dunaway will officiate.  Interment will follow at Powhattan Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, from 10 until 6 p.m. Thursday, until noon Friday.

Avis Louise Thonen was born May 31st, 1955, one of four children born to Norman and Leona (Kneisel) Thonen.  She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, Powhattan formally in the country by Mercier.  She grew up in the Powhattan community and lived on the family farm south of Powhattan.  She later lived in Parsons, then moved to Salina, before returning to live in Hiawatha.

Avis was a fun-loving person that loved everybody.  She had a way of remembering everybody’s birthday, even if she hadn’t seen them for quite some time.

She worked at the BCDS Thrift Shop, Hiawatha, and was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Wenger Post #373, Powhattan.

Surviving are her three sisters:  Janette Thonen of Hiawatha, Christine (Paul) McCartney, of Hiawatha, and Rosie (John) McGinnis of Topeka.  An uncle, Lawrence (Donna) Thonen, and also an aunt, Mavis Geiger, both of Hiawatha survive as well.  Some of her nieces and nephews are Blaine McCartney of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Jacob McGinnis of Colorado, Haley McGinnis of Kansas City, MO, Jackie McCartney of Holton KS, and many, many cousins. 

Avis was preceded in death by her parents, and two uncles.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Brown County Development Services which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A note of remembrance may be left at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
Funeral home Facebook page:  Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland Ks
MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING PREFERRED

Martha J. McGinnis, age 71, of Seneca, passed away at St. Francis Medical Center in Topeka, on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

A viewing will be held from noon to 8:00 pm, Friday, November 6, 2020, at Terry-Christie Funeral Home in Waterville. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 7, 2020, at New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Blue Rapids. 

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, south of Blue Rapids.

The Terry-Christie Funeral Home, in Waterville, is in charge of the arrangements.
 

Wayne Albertson, of rural Robinson, died Friday morning, October 30, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.  He was 76.

Wayne was born at Horton, July 26, 1944, the only child born to Luther and Wilma Goodman Albertson and was a lifelong resident of the Robinson area.  He graduated from Robinson High School and Highland Community College.  Wayne, being a third generation Norwegian farmer, did not back down from challenges, he seemed to thrive on them: whether it was Church Board, Mission Township Board, Wolf River Watershed Board or the Conservation Board, he would take the extra initiative to get a project figured out and completed.  Wayne was always thinking about a better way to farm, which usually led to an idea to build something in the shop.

Wayne was a lifelong steward of the land and had a passion for conservation of the land wanting to leave it in better shape than he found it.   He personally ran the bulldozer, making land improvements all through his life as long as he was able.  Conservation was always something he not only believed in but was actively practiced.  There was nothing he took more pride in and enjoyed more than constructing a terrace.

The love of traveling started when his children were old enough to travel.  The destination started with many trips to Colorado.  It was through the many summer vacations the children learned to read the map.  The kids learned many things on vacation:  where to stop for picnics and NEVER feed Dad before lunch!!  He would not be hungry when everyone else was.  He was proud to have traveled to over thirty different countries.  He was known to visit hours with someone about farming, even if they didn’t speak English.  He and his family were able to return to the ‘old country’ to find and meet his Norwegian ancestors.

As the children were growing up, they learned by his example of farming:  to problem solve, love what you do, and do it right the first time if possible.

He met his future wife, Beverly Weidman on a blind date.  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019.  She survives at their rural Robinson home.

Also surviving are their children Diane Ward (Jim) of Hiawatha, Julie Dolezilek  (Shawn) of Topeka, Lance Albertson (Cheryl Churchek) of Corvallis, Oregon; grandchildren Mason and Brenna Ward, Julian and Irene Churchek.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha from 10 until 5 p.m. Thursday.  Private family services will be held.  Shane Spangler will offciate with inurnment at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethany Church of Christ Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
A message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
Live Facebook group page:  Chapel Oaks Funeral Home Hiawatha & Highland KS