Rex Orin Reist, 95, passed away Friday, October 29, 2021 at Crestview Manor in Seneca, KS. Rex was born May 9, 1926, six and a half miles north of Seneca on the family farm. He was the sixth child of Fred and Mary Humm Reist.

Rex attended Rock Country School through eighth grade, and then Seneca Public High School where he graduated in 1944. After high school, he farmed with his father and brother, Willis.

In March of 1950, he married Mary Lizabeth Curtis and they lived on the Reist family farm for 65 years. From this union three children were born David, Randall, and Julie. Late in his farming career he also worked at the Bern Seed Company. At age 70, he retired from farming and the seed house, but soon decided he didn’t have enough to do. So, he worked as a slot tech at the Sac and Fox Casino for 15 years retiring completely at age 85. In 2015, Rex and Mary left the farm and moved to Seneca.

Rex was an active community member serving on boards for USD 488, Nemaha County Coop, Frieden’s United Church of Christ, Nemaha County Home Health, Axtell Hospital, and Seneca Squares. Rex and Mary were accomplished dancers being active in Square Dancing clubs in Seneca and DuBois. They also enjoyed polka, ball room, and round dancing. They also couple skated in their younger years. Although not an athlete in high school because he had to work on the farm, Rex was a good athlete playing town team baseball and softball for Seneca, DuBois, Bern, and Frieden’s UCC. He continued playing softball to age 68. Rex also loved watching his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren play ball and seldom missed a game.

His family and those who knew Rex were entertained by his quick wit and many one-liners. He had an endless supply of quips that seemed to fit any occasion. Even to the end, the Crestview staff shared the new sayings they had learned.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Arlene Bates, Leola Farwell, Eleanor Stepan, and his twin brothers, Wilfred and Willis.

Surviving Rex is his wife, Mary, of 71 years; his son, David (Marcia) of Highland, KS, their children, Thad, Lawrence, KS, and his son, Rex; Tabitha (Michael) Steiner, Overland Park, KS, and their children Soren and Saffi; Thatcher (Anne), Salt Lake City, UT, and their children David, Alissa, and Collin; and Tessa (Tobias) Hathorn, Boulder, CO, and their children Noelle and Louise; his son, Randall (Sally) of Norman, OK, their children, Miranda (Matt) Gray, Katy, TX, and their children, Lauren and Avery; Laura (Dustin) Horstkoetter, Norman, OK, and their children Alison and Aaron; his daughter, Julie (John) McIntire, Seneca, KS and their children, Michelle (Craig) Sundstrom, Delaware, OH, and their children, Henry and Violet; Philip (Jen) Lockhart of Seneca, KS, and their children, Dayton and Spencer; and a sister, Mary Lou Morris, of Hamilton, MT.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Frieden’s United Church of Christ eleven miles north of Seneca. Interment will be made in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca, KS. Memorials may be made to Crestview Manor Nursing Home or Seneca American Legion Baseball sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle, Seneca, KS. 66538. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com

Gale “Butch” Owen Gakle, 61, of Holton, KS, passed away Friday, October 29, 2021 at Stormont Vail Hospital. He was born February 16, 1960 in Long Beach, CA, the son of Gale E. and Erma Marie (Johnson) Gakle.

Gale graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1978. After moving to Holton, he worked for Boyd Construction for a few years. Realizing Holton Police Department was in need of a dispatcher, Gale began working for them in 1980.  He graduated from KLETC (Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center), beginning his 40 years at the department. Gale retired on March 5, 2021 as Police Chief.

He was a member of Holton Fire Department, Holton Rotary and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. He took pride in helping the local children with the G.R.E.A.T program at Holton and Jackson Heights schools and assisting with the Sheriffs Day Camp.

Gale married Lorene “Lori” Ann Moser on June 9, 2001 in Holton. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Lori Gakle of the home; 6 children, Nathaen Wessel (fiancé, Susan Wires) of Topeka, KS, Allysa Dawn Smith (husband, Scott) of Lincoln, NE, Matthew E. Gakle, of Auburn, KS, Dalton M. Gakle (girlfriend, Kayla Hutzell) of Wakarusa, KS, Jennifer L. Scheid (husband, Chris Busch) of Topeka, KS and Ben A. Scheid (wife, Tamra) of Topeka, KS; sister, Betty “B.J.” Rokey (husband,Gary) of Sabetha, KS; 15 grandchildren; 2 nephews, Christopher Rokey of Topeka, KS, and Wade Rokey of Sabetha,KS, and a niece, Nichole Rokey of Topeka, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Erma Gakle; sister, Gaylene L. Gakle and a brother, Roger A. Gakle.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021 at the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial and Last Call will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Gale will lie in state Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday until visitation time.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gale Gakle Memorial Fund (to be designated at a later date) c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Edward Hubert Myers, Jr., 69, of Atchison, KS died on Friday, October 29, 2021, at his home.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, Nov. 6th, 2021, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. The body has been cremated. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to help with final expenses and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Ed was born on March 25, 1952, in Atchison KS the son of Edward H. and Anna (Hays) Myers, Sr. He worked for USD 409 School District for many years in the Maintenance Dept. and was a carpenter working for many people around Atchison. Ed was a former member of the Elks, and enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, and working on cars.

Survivors include four sons Aaron (Carrie) Myers, Atchison, Lonnie (Christy) Myers, Atchison, Chuck Reiff, Atchison, and Corey Myers, Atchison, two daughters Jenny Goodman, DeKalb, MO, and Angela Stepp, Atchison, KS, special caregiver Kate Myers, Atchison, KS, five brothers Donald Myers, Huron, KS, James Myers, Atchison, KS, Daryl Myers, Emporia, KS, Duane Myers, Rushville, MO, and Dwight Myers, St. Joseph, MO, two sisters Brenda Merrill, Huron, KS and Ruth Colby, Horton, KS, a grandson Christophar Horton, of the home and several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His parents, and a two sons, Ronnie Reiff, and JD Horton, and a sister Bonnie Merrill preceded him in death.

Timothy William “Tim” Tharman, age 52, of Arnegard, North Dakota, died Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Atchison, Kansas with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited on Friday, Oct. 29th at 6:00 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mt. Calvary Cemetery or St. Benedict Parish for Mass Intentions and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Atchison, KS.

Tim was born on November 28, 1968, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Carl E. and Ruth A. (Jacobson) Tharman. He graduated from Troy High School in 1987.

Tim served his country in the United States Air Force from July 23, 1987 until his honorable discharge on July 14, 1994.

Tim and Kelly McKinley were united in marriage on September 28, 2007 at Christ the King Church in Topeka, KS.

He was employed with Coca-Cola in Topeka, KS and Champaign, IL as a delivery truck driver. He relocated to Arnegard, ND in 2014 where he worked as a water truck driver for MBI and Wisco in the Bakkan Oil Field.

He and his wife are members of Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford, ND.

Tim enjoyed fishing, repairing and building things in his garage, fixing cars and his cats. He was a selfless person and would help anyone, including strangers on the street.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly Tharman, of Arnegard, ND; four children, Bryen Tharman, Evansville, IN, Krystena Tharman, St. Louis, MO, Tristan Tharman, Arnegard, ND, Kiera Tharman, Arnegard, ND; his father, Carl E. Tharman, Atchison, KS; siblings, Carl A. (Kathy) Tharman, Atchison, KS; Steven (Stephanie) Tharman, Paxico, KS; Kenneth (Michelle) Tharman, Long Island, KS; Janet (Leonard) Thooft, Paxico, KS; Raymond (Denise) Tharman, Andover, KS; Paul (Kim) Tharman, Sherman, TX; Becky (Jerry) Hudgins, Topeka, KS; and one grandson, Austen Tharman and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Tharman.

Sr. Claudia Olmos, OSB, age 89, of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 25, 2021, at her home in Leavenworth, KS.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Atchison, KS with Rev. Luke Turner, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church preceding the funeral mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mexican Sisters with checks being written to Eva Orozco. The Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home in Atchison has been entrusted with funeral care.

Sr. Claudia (Clara Olmos) was born on August 12, 1932, in Rancho el Alamito Municipio de Teocaltiche, Jalisco-Mexico, one of five children of Tomas Olmos and Maria Preciado Olmos.

Sr. Claudia entered the Misioneras Guadalupanas Benedictinas of Cristo Rey on November 4, 1957. She subsequently came to the United States to begin her work at St. Gregory Abbey in Oklahoma where she worked in the kitchen for fourteen years, followed by kitchen work at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, AL until relocating to Atchison, Kansas in 1977. She served in the dietary department of Maur Hill Prep School in Atchison, until her retirement.

She was a very talented crocheter and knitter and enjoyed teaching others to crochet and knit; she made many beautiful items. She was often asked by busy mothers and grandmothers in Atchison to babysit their children and loved then watching those children turn into successful adults and would always remember their names.

Sr. Claudia was a was a prayer-warrior and a caregiver to the other sisters in the community. She constantly worried about others and was a selfless person. She had a grateful heart to others and lived a long life of service.

She is survived by her brother, Timoteo, residing in California; a sister, Sr. Rosario, also a Guadalupana, residing in Cuernavaca, Mexico; twenty-one nieces and nephews and the sisters of her religious community in Leavenworth and Emporia, KS.

Sr. Claudia is predeceased by her parents; brother, Arnulfo; and a sister, Marta.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Dee Cameron, 84 of Summerfield, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Pawnee County Memorial Hospital.  She was born on March 17th, 1937 in Summerfield, Kansas to Roderick and Luella (Seip) Tiller.

Memorial service 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021 at the Presbyterian Church, Summerfield, Kansas.  Officiating Pastor Herb Schrader.  No visitation, cremation.  Inurnment at the Mission Creek Cemetery, rural Liberty, Nebraska.  Memorials to Mission Creek Cemetery, 

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

On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Rex Jones, 91, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 27, 2021 at Falls City. He was born December 24, 1929 at Falls City to John and Eva (Bonsal) Jones.

He married Virginia Hunker on February 21, 1954 at Falls City

Rex was raised at Falls City and graduated Falls City High School in 1948. Following his schooling he joined the Nebraska National Guard, becoming Company B 134th Infantry Division Unit Administrator at Falls City, retiring in 1985. He then worked various jobs and also owned The Front Porch with his wife. He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th and Towle St.) and served on various committees, Falls City Elks Lodge, American Legion Post #102, and United Commercial Travelers. He was elected a Richardson County Commissioner, served on many community projects like refurbishing of Candle Light Cabin. He and Bob Ferguson founded the “Wall of Fame” at Falls City High School.

Rex is survived by his wife Virginia of Falls City, daughters, Carlen Cudney and her husband Glenn, Brenda Scholl, Sally Merz and her husband Marc all of Falls City, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Cara (Nathan) Cepuran of Falls City, Jordan (Cara) Cudney and their children, Hadlee, Henley, Mavrick and Maizey of North Platte, NE, Ashley (Tom) Pfister and their children Sawyer, Emery and Davis of St. Joseph, MO, Ryan (Kim) Nolte and their children, Austin (Brianna) Ahern, Jaden and Chase Nolte of Falls City, Trenton (Jayna) Scholl of Nebraska City, Landon Scholl of Falls City, Allyson (Lee) Huetner and their children, Tessa, Willow and Ellori of Falls City, Logan (Emilie) Merz and their children Dax and Daphne of Auburn, Jeremy Silver of Lincoln, Lane (Chelsea) Merz of Allen, TX, Tucker Merz of Ft. Worth, TX and great-great grandchild, Stattler Ahern. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Maynard and Marvin Smith, Norval and John Jones, a sister, Delma Hollens and a grandson, Tanner Merz.

His funeral will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Evangelical Church (20th & Towle St.) with Wanda Beil officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.

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

Viewing will begin in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 3rd at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Raymond Grooms, age 92 of Nemaha, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Survivors include his wife Everna of Nemaha; daughters Susan Koso, Sheryl Bebb and husband Jerry, Sonya Williamson and husband John; son Steve Grooms and wife Lyndsey, 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Saturday, October 30, 10:30 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial will follow in the Nemaha Cemetery at Nemaha with military honors by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and the Nebraska National Guard Honors Detail. Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to Nemaha Fire and Rescue, Nemaha Methodist Church, or Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral of Auburn.

Raymond Henry Schober, born March 15,1927 in Baker Kansas, outside of Hiawatha, and, passed on October 14, 2021 of natural causes. Ray was raised by Zelma and Ray Schober and recently suffered the loss of his brother, James R Schober. He is survived by his Nephew James H Schober, and Niece Catherine L Conner, and her two sons, Elias Frazer and Derek Frazer.

The genetic family would also like to recognize the 'local family' Ray had in Heber Springs, from neighbors to caretakers at medical facilities, and the staff at The Smokehouse who embraced him over the years.  A specific hug goes out to each of his good friends and caretakers Christie and Sheila. 

Ray moved to Heber Springs when he retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 44 years as a machinist building the trains that keep America moving. Ray was an avid collector of antique radios which he restored in his down time as well as collections of other memorabilia from old ads to lunchboxes. 

He will be buried with his family in Powhattan Cemetery in Kansas at 3:00 in the afternoon of Oct 30th. 

In lieu of flowers please help continue donating to one of his favorite charities including the Wounded Warrior Project, or the St. Labre Indian Catholic High School . 

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

https://www.stlabre.org/

Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha is in charge of local arrangements. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Micheal Ray “Aug-Wa-Tha” Hoskins, 51, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021 in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

He was born on June 19, 1970 in Holton, Kansas the son of Oscar and Shirley Walker Hoskins.  Micheal worked for the Hoyt Pallet Company. He was a member of the Sac-N-Fox Tribe of Oklahoma. If Mike wasn’t working he was spending time with his beloved grandchildren and his family.

Survivors include two daughters, Myka (Damien) Golden of Leavenworth, Kansas and Cheyenne “Kek” (Kahke)Simon of Mayetta, Kansas; two sons, Andrew (Shyan) Hoskins of Warrensburg, Missouri and Daniel “Patko”  (Precious Tiscareno) Mitchell of Mayetta, Kansas; two sisters, Brenda Rivera of Lawrence, Kansas and Kimberly Hoskins of Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Jimmy Hoskins of Kansas City, Kansas and ten grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Frank Hoskins, daughter, Micheala Hoskins and a granddaughter, Angel Moore.

Viewing and wake for people to say goodbye will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas with burial to follow at the Kennekuk Cemetery on the Kickapoo Reservation. After the burial there will be a dinner at the Kickapoo Community Building. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Mark Allen Tollefson, 60, of rural Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away October 24, 2021, at the Mosaic Medical Center in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was born August 4, 1961, in Horton, KS, to Robert and Beverly (Stephens) Tollefson. Mark married Valerie Enyart May 24, 1981, at the Horton First Baptist Church. During their 40 year union, they were blessed with three children.

Mark graduated from Hiawatha High School and enlisted in the military in 1979.  He began a full-time career with the Army National Guard in 1987. This career included assignments in Hiawatha, Ashland, NE, and Fairbury, NE. In 1996, Mark returned to Hiawatha where he continued a part-time military assignment and again farmed with his family.

Mark served in a variety of leadership roles both in the church and community.  At the time of his death, Mark was an active member of the Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha.  Mark was also a dedicated member of the American Legion Post #7 and acting chairman of the Mission Township Board.

Survivors include: wife, Valerie, of the home; son Seth Tollefson (Robyn) of Hiawatha, KS; daughters,  Leah Stotts (Jacob) of Derby, KS, and Annie Ceniza (Karl) of Topeka, KS; grandchildren,  Leah, Lane, Owen, Parker, Michael, Samuel, Matthew, Kaylin and Era June; parents, Robert and Beverly Tollefson of rural Hiawatha; brother, Richard Tollefson (Lori) of rural Hiawatha; and, nephews Chanz and Geoffrey.  Mark was preceded in death by:  brother, Dennis Tollefson; grandparents Tom and June Tollefson, Ralph and Gladys Stephens; and nephew, Robert Tollefson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Arthur Weir American Legion Post #7 Memorial Fund or to the Eternal Hope Worship Center Building Fund, which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th Street, Hiawatha 66434.

Friends may call at the funeral home starting Wednesday to sign the register book

 A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 7th at 3 pm at the Claytonville Cemetery. Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate. Military honors a courtesy of Arthur Weir American Legion Post. The family asks that you come as you are, just as Mark knew you.  Seating will not be available, lawn chairs welcome.

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

William L. “Bill” Callahan, Jr., 80, of Lawrence, KS died Monday, October 25th, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Bendena, KS with Fr. Michael Guastello as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Benedicts Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service on Saturday at the church. The Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison entrusted with the services. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict’s Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences and remembrances to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bill was born on March 14, 1941, in Kansas City, KS the son of William L. and Catherine M. (Calovich) Callahan, Sr. He graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1959. Bill served in the United States Air Force for four years. He worked as a mailman for the U.S. Postal Service, was a farmer and was also a truck driver during his life. Bill was a member of St. Benedicts Church, Bendena, KS, and enjoyed playing softball, fishing, hunting, and being a farmer.

He was married to Dorothy A. Libel on July 2, 1966, in Kansas City, KS. She preceded him in death on January 8, 1997. Survivors include two daughters; Elaine and Colleen Callahan, both of Lawrence, KS, a brother, Thomas (Wilma) Callahan, Kansas City, KS and one granddaughter, Taylor Callahan. His parents, wife Dorothy, two brothers; Michael and Nicholas Callahan, and two sisters; Kathleen Krotz and Pat Callahan preceded him in death.

 
Donna Mae Noble Ward, 91, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, October 25, 2021 at F.W. Huston Senior Living Center in Winchester.

She was born May  2, 1930 in the Fairview Township of rural Ozawkie, the daughter of Levi and Rachel Ruth Hurt Noble. Donna attended the country school of the Ross District #59, Oskaloosa junior High School and was a 1947 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. She attended Pittsburg State Teacher’s College in 1947 -1948 and taught two years at Sedan, KS, elementary school. She graduated in 1978 from Washburn University in Topeka and worked as a substitute teacher and taught 6th grade for two years at Oskaloosa elementary school.  Donna was elected to serve as Jefferson County Register of Deeds, serving for 12 years before retiring.

Her memberships and activities include the Oskaloosa First Presbyterian Church, A 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter #62, the Homemaker’s Club and extension units Circle Ten and Night Owls. She was a charter member of the Jefferson County Genealogical  and Historical Societies, a charter member of the Lucky Spur Saddle Club and a founding member of the Kansa Prairie Quilters’s Club.

She was married to her husband of 68 years, Carl Franklin Ward on December 31, 1948 in Oskaloosa, he preceded her in death on February 16, 2017.  She is survived by two sons, Bruce Ward, Mayetta, KS,  Jonathan (Angie) Ward, Oskaloosa, KS, two daughters, Colleen (Glenn) Dotter, Cotopaxie, CO, Joy (Roger) Hill, Dorrance, KS, one step-daughter, Judith (Ted) Plate, South Carolina, one sister, Shirley Sackechewsky, Great Bend, KS, six grandchildren, Jennifer Bostock, Jessica Willard, Jeremy Ward, Jamie Leonard, Regina Heggemeier and J.R. Hill, three step-grandchildren, Olivia Jones, Teague Jones and Eric Larsen, 12 great-grandchildren, Dakota Peterson, Will Binkley, Clay Binkley, Kyle Binkley, Zane Willard, Hunter Willard, Isabella Ward, Olivia Leonard, Cody Heggemeier, Justin Heggemeier, Shaunalynn Hayden and Laureen Hill.   

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Laureen “Laurie” Ward, one granddaughter, Windsor Langevin and a brother, Warren Noble.  

Funeral Services for Donna Mae Noble Ward will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa.  Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, Oskaloosa. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Monday, November 1, 2021 at the Funeral Home.  Memorials suggested to the Jefferson County Historical Society in care of the Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS,   66066.

Gerald “Bear” Scholl, 74, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 21, 2021 at Topeka, KS. He was born October 3, 1947 at Falls City to Benjamin and Anna Margaret (Lippold) Scholl.

He married Dessie Miller on March 18, 1972 at Rulo, NE.

Bear was raised at Barada and graduated Shubert High School in 1965, he then attended Peru State Teachers College for 3 ½ years. He left school following the death of his father to take care of the farm. He then went on to work for Frank Brewer and was also the Marshal of Rulo from 1974 until 1978 and then part time for the Falls City Police Department. He then became employed at Sur-Gro from 1975 until 1983 and also did custom fertilizer spreading. He purchased MFA Fertilizer plant in the fall of 1983 and it became Scholl Fertilizer, he retired in 2014 and devoted his time to the family farm. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Argo, Falls City Elks Lodge, NRA, was vice president of Falls City Riding Club and served on the advisory boards of AMCY and SOI.

Bear is survived by his wife, Dessie of Falls City, son, Benjamin of Falls City, daughter, Misty Voltmer of Falls City, brother, Dan and his wife Cathy of Falls City, sisters, Shirley Bauman of Falls City, Marcella Bauman and her husband Allan of Falls City, grandchildren, Rylee Scholl, Chaydyn and Drake Butler, Brody Scholl and Ashlee Voltmer. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Wayne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Rulo with Father David Oldham as the presiding priest. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

A Parish Rosary will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with family receiving friends afterward.

Viewing will begin Monday afternoon.

Cora M. Sanders, 91, of Cummings, KS died Friday, October 22, 2021, at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 27th, 2021, at the Cummings Christian Church with Rev. Jim Cormode officiating. Burial will follow in the Pardee Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 26th, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Cummings Christian Church or Operation Smile and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences and remembrances may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Cora was born on August 3, 1930, in Elwood, KS the daughter of Clifford Putnan and Minnie A. (Allsbury) Black. She graduated from Benton High School, St. Joseph, MO in 1949. She was married to Ralph L. Sanders on June 10, 1950. Mr. Sanders preceded her in death on January 31, 2005. She was a member of the Cummings Christian Church, the Ladies Aide, and enjoyed spending time having fun with her family and friends, traveling, cooking, and sewing.

Survivors include a son, Terry (Sheryl) Sanders, Atchison, a daughter, Shirley Grove, Atchison, KS, two sisters: Mary Adams, Overland Park, KS and Carol Farrell, St. Joseph, MO, one grandson, Jeremiah (Cindy) Sanders, two great-grandchildren; Jade and Gabriel Sanders, a step granddaughter Taylor O’Borg and a step great-great grandchild Avianna Steele. Her parents, four brothers; Herman, Melvin, Marvin, and Paul Black, and three sisters; Edna Ferguson, Ethel Whitacre, and Dorothy Kagay also preceded her in death.

Rarely in life, do you come across an individual who doesn’t have a bad day.  Larry Maxwell was one of those few – his glass was always half full (sometimes with Bud Light).  He lived his life to its fullest and made those around him feel better about their lives, just because that’s what he did.

Larry Alan Maxwell was born on May 27, 1948 in Horton, Kansas.  He peacefully entered into Heaven on October 22, 2021 surrounded by his family.  Larry was the son of Howard and Bernadine (Argo) Maxwell.  He attended a one-room school at Pleasant View Elementary near Whiting, KS and later graduated from Holton High School in 1966.  He proudly graduated with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Farmer Degree. 

Following High School, Larry attended Kansas State University where he ultimately met the love his life, Mary Kehler.  He and Mary grew up three miles apart, but they didn’t start dating until both were in college at Kansas State.  Larry claimed it was because the timing wasn’t right, Mary claims it was because God needed some time to tame him down.  Whomever you believe, it was a match made in Heaven.  In 1970, Larry graduated from K-State with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture Education, in June of 1970 he joined the Kansas National Guard.  On December 30, 1970 in Holton, Kansas, Larry and Mary were united in an amazing marriage that he would cherish for the rest of his life. 

In January 1970, Larry began his post college career as a Vocational Ag Instructor in Colby, KS, then 18 months later took a similar position in Holton, KS, where daughter, Amanda, was born.  With a newborn in tow, Larry and Mary headed back to Colby, where Larry accepted a position with Production Credit Association.  It was there he and Mary made their home for nearly 43 years and raised their 3 children, Amanda, Katie and Bailey. 

During his time in Western Kansas Larry also took up the sport of Team Roping.  This was the perfect sport for the gregarious person he was.  He enjoyed the comradery of the roping pen and made hundreds of friends along the way.  It was there, that all his children learned to love the western equine industry.  As his children grew, so did their love for rodeo.  So, it was off on the rodeo-road they went, from Little Britches to High School to college rodeo.  Larry may never have shown up in the fanciest rig, but he always showed up with the best attitude.  Somewhere along the way, Larry would always end up sacrificing his head horse for one of his kid’s rodeo events.  To no one’s surprise, he did so without an ounce of regret.  

The Fieldman position that Larry accepted with Production Credit Association in June of 1973, grew into a career that Larry loved with the Farm Credit System, where ultimately he served as President of Farm Credit of Western Kansas for over 20 years.  During his time as President of Farm Credit of Western Kansas, he developed many life-long friendships with customers, employees, Board Members and other Farm Credit Executives from across the United States.

In May of 2013, Larry retired from Farm Credit and he and Mary relocated to their old college stomping grounds of Manhattan, KS.  Larry and Mary found their retirement home to be the perfect location between friends and family.  During his retirement, Larry decided he might enjoy golf clubs better than a 30’ Classic extra soft head rope, so Mary enrolled him in golf lessons, and a new passion was spawned.  Larry enjoyed learning the game of golf, and the friendships he created while on the links.  He even developed a tan on his cowboy-white legs!

Also, in the early stages of his retirement, Larry and Mary started a small cow-calf operation.  He enjoyed nothing more than watching the sun set over the Flint Hills of their pasture while looking over their Red Angus cowherd with the love of his life by his side (or fixing a water gap….whatever he needed help with, Mary was always there!)

However, cows, golf, K-State sporting events, or afternoons at Kites – all of them took a backseat to his pride and joy…his grandchildren.  From a high school basketball game on a Friday night at Ashland, to a rodeo Saturday morning, then hustle down for a tee-ball game near Waco, TX, and finish the weekend at an RC Car Race in Topeka on Sunday, Larry and Mary found a way to be at every event possible.  “Grandpa” supported and loved his grandchildren unconditionally and was known to break into song and/or dance at any moment.  He was an incredible narrator of children’s books (with sound effects), the best snuggler, and wasn’t’ afraid to teach teenaged boys how to give a two-armed hug.    

In April of 2019, Larry was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer.  As with any life challenge, he attacked this disease head-on and did so with the same positive attitude that made him the friend of so many.  He never pouted or felt sorry for himself, he believed in God’s plan and he lived every day to its fullest.  His faith in God never wavered and the leadership of his family never weakened.  He was truly the perfect role model for every husband, father, and grandfather.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Bernadine Maxwell.  He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years Mary of the home near Manhattan, KS.  His children Amanda (Gardiner) and husband, Garth, of Whitesboro, TX, daughter Katie (Flower) and husband, Russell, of Topeka, KS, son Bailey and wife, Casie, of Crawford, TX, along with 8 beautiful Grandchildren; Greysen Maxwell Gardiner of Stillwater, OK, Gage Monroe Gardiner of State College, PA, Grace Elizabeth Gardiner of Whitesboro, TX, Chris Alan Maxwell of Topeka, KS, Tatum Gaines Maxwell, Brekyn Lisabeth Maxwell, Rylan Joyce Maxwell, Trystan Blaine Maxwell all of Crawford, TX.  Larry also leaves three siblings, Greg (Linda) Maxwell of Whiting, KS, Sandra Copley (Howard Curtis) of Overland Park, KS, and Gary (Linda) Maxwell of Mayetta, KS as well as a host of nieces and nephews who all adored “Uncle Larry”.

Rosary and Visitation will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 pm on Thursday October 28th at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan, KS.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday October 29th, at Seven Dolors.  Lunch will be served immediately following the Funeral Mass.  Burial will follow at 1:30 at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Holton, KS.  Following the burial everyone is invited to join the family at 5:00 pm for “Larry’s Party” at RB Outpost, Manhattan, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center or Good Shepard Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Melvin Donald Harold, 101, of Sabetha, Kansas went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

He was born on April 3, 1920 on his grandfather’s farm which was one mile east of Sycamore in Brown County. Melvin was the oldest of three children born to Charles Franklin Harold and Clara Mae (Engle) Harold.

Melvin met Irene Moore and they were married on February 1, 1942. One month later, on March 1, Melvin was called into military service. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Amphibious Infantry, 7th Division. He was assigned to the Pacific Theater in World War II.  He was wounded in Okinawa, Japan twice, awarded two purple hearts, and honorably discharged on September 6, 1945.

After serving, he worked at Mid-America Dairy for 40 years and then retired in 1985. His retirement years were spent being involved in his church, traveling, gardening, and woodworking in his shop.  He read his Bible daily.

He was married to his sweetheart, Irene, for 71 years.  She preceded him in death on November 2, 2013.  Survivors include his brother, Gerald Harold; his sister, Betty (Farrell) McCallister; two nieces, Bonnie (Les) Shenefelt; Janice (Fred) Bent; two nephews, Alan (Sharon) McCallister and Mark (Shelley) Harold; and numerous great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Melvin was a loving and gentle man.  He was loved and will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Sabetha, Kansas. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held starting at 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Sabetha Community Hospital sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas  66534.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com

Alice Annabelle Colyn, daughter of Sam and Olive Martin Weir took her last breath on October 22, 2021, surrounded by family.  Just 24 hours before, she was choosing her favorite candy from the jar after winning a bingo game in the activities room at the Apostolic Rest Home, where she lived the past three years.  Alice was 93 and looking forward to her birthday on December 21, but the good Lord decided she would celebrate that one in heaven with her husband, John and her daughter Lori Dawn and one other child she never got to meet.  

Circumstances led to an interesting life for Alice.  She was the fourth child born on an Iowa farm and met “Colyn” on a double date and from that moment on they were a team.   Prior to that Alice taught one year at Willow Street School before attending Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College. John received a scholarship to play football and basketball at McPherson College in Kansas.  When he asked Alice to go with him, she replied, “Well, not unless we’re married.”  So, in 1947 Alice Weir became Alice Colyn and the adventure began.  

Over the years, her devotion to John and his adventuresome spirit took them to live in Yosemite National Park in a two room tent for two summers, then off to Connecticut to the National Audubon Society for one year and finally five summers in Rocky Mountain National Park.   Alice was willing to do what it took, such as cooking on a wood stove and storing her refrigerated items in a “bear baffle,” to make a happy life for John and her children.  These adventures made lasting memories for all their children.  

McPherson was their home except for one year spent in Mesa, Arizona, where they both continued their teaching careers.  Their one year in Mesa proved to be the most important move in their lives, as that is where they got involved in a church, which helped them learn to know Jesus in a personal way.  They jumped right into evangelism by signing up to be lay witness missionaries with Campus Crusade for Christ and later many years with Gideon International.  From that time on, telling other people about Jesus became a focus for her. After a move “home” to McPherson, Alice continued her 24 year teaching career in Lindsborg, Kansas.  In 1990, John and Alice retired from teaching and moved to Sabetha, Kansas, to be near family.  They continued to travel to see the wonders of God’s creations in nature.

Alice was an avid birder, as was John, and could name most every bird she saw and even could identify birds by their call.   Over the years, Alice nurtured and raised numerous “wild” pets, like Sweet Pea the skunk, Herk the Swainson’s Hawk and Cynthia, the boa constrictor.

Four children, Cathy (Tom Shade), Kay Ann (Gary Hewlett), Leslie (Gary Scoby) and Ken (Liz) were born. She was blessed with thirteen grandchildren, Ryan Keane, Travis (Ashley) Keane, Abby (Sam) Morgan, Jennifer Radick, Nathan (Sara) Winter, Josh (Amanda) Winter, Kara (Chris) Tramp, Luke (Robyn) Scoby, Ben Scoby, Jacob (Christy) Scoby and James, Samantha and Wyatt Colyn, and 30 great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at her church, the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha, Kansas.   Prior to the service, the family will visit with friends starting at 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the NorthRidge Church or the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation and sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas  66534.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at popkessmortuaries.com

Velda Milke, 82, of Stella, NE, passed away October 22, 2021 at Falls City, NE. She was born October 28, 1938 at Beatrice, NE to Charles and Gladys (Bindrum) Robinson.

She married Donald Milke on June 29, 1956 at Beatrice, NE. He passed away May 29, 2007.

Velda grew up in Beatrice, moved to Falls City for a couple of years attending Falls City High School. She returned to Beatrice and graduated from Beatrice High school in 1956. She continued at the Joseph College of Hair Design receiving her certificate working at Northview Care Center for more than 20 years doing hair. She also worked at Southeast Consolidated school as a janitor part-time later after her children were grown. She loved going to the casinos with her friends and when the Hitch’n Post café was open in Stella, she would eat dinner and visit with friends during the day.

Velda is survived by her sons, Tracey Milke and his wife Deb of Stella, Tim Milke of Cocoa Beach, FL, Tom Milke and his wife Audrey of Stella, Todd Milke and his fiancé Ashley Fisher of Humboldt, NE, twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a brother, Charles Duane “C.D.” Robinson.

A graveside service will be Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Stella Cemetery with Pastor Michael Schmidt officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Charlotte Jean Kuhn, 94, of Atchison, Kansas died Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Mosaic Life Center in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison, Kansas with Rev. Craig Lantz officiating. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Memory Garden in Atchison. Visitation with the family will be held 6-8PM on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society or to the MS Society and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family may be left at www.beckerdyer.com

Charlotte was born on January 19, 1927, the daughter of Carl and Ruth (McBratney) Schmidt in Atchison, Kansas. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and American Legions. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, traveling, bowling and was a member of the Stars & Stripe League and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS. Charlotte was a volunteer at Project Concern for over twenty years.

She is survived by her children; Gwen (John) Garrison, Ron (Carolyn) Kuhn, Dennis (Sharon) Kuhn and Debbie (Pamela) Rabin; Daughter-in- Law Karen Kuhn; eight grandchildren and nineteen great- grandchildren. Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents, son Keith Kuhn and her siblings Thelda Rose, Nell, Betty Ruth, Olive, John, Fred, Frank Arther, Edwin and Robert.

Sharon Kay Smith, 70, of Troy, KS passed away Wednesday, Oct. 20,2021, at Mosaic Life Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm on Sat. Oct. 23rd, 2021, at the Christ Lutheran Church, Wathena, KS 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 Friday, Oct. 22nd, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Condolences and remembrances to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Sharon was born on December 7, 1950, in Atchison Kansas the daughter of Alvin E. and Edna J. (Kuhnert) Wehking.  She was baptized at the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Effingham, KS and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Olathe, KS. After attending several schools, Sharon graduated from High School in Olathe, KS. And attended Emporia State College. In 1971 she was married to William “Bill” Faris. They had two sons, Nathan and Jason Faris.  They all preceded her in death.  She was later married to Kenneth Smith on Oct. 12, 1991, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS.  They lived on a farm near Troy, KS.  She was a active member of the Christ Lutheran Church, Wathena, KS where she was a Sunday School teacher, member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), the evening women’s group, and the Altar Guild. She had also helped serve as a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Counselor for Trinity Lutheran Church.  Sharon worked as a Lab Tech for the Atchison Hospital for many years, as a secretary for Dr. Wayne Wallace office, and then at the First National Bank, Troy, KS until her retirement.  Kenny and Sharon then started their own business, Brenner Welding where she was the bookkeeper. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and was especially a good cook.

Survivors include her husband Kenneth Smith, of the home, her father Alvin Wehking, Atchison, a sister Patricia (Charlie) Begesse, Temple, TX, two step-sons Ray Smith, Kansas City, MO and Darrin Smith, Parkville, MO., two step grandchildren, two nieces, four nephews, a sister-in-law, Betty Cameron, brother-in-law Rick Faris.  Her mother, husband Bill, two sons Nathan & Jason, and a brother Jerry Wehking, grandparents Ed & Clara Wehking and Herman & Muretta Kuhnert preceded her in death.

Martha Lois (Stowell) Visser, 86, passed away at Country Place Assisted Living in Seneca, KS, on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Lois was born on December 20, 1934, to Percy and Cecile (Williams) Stowell on their family farm southeast of Olsburg, Ks. She and her older brother, Lee, attended Oak Grove School a couple miles from their home before attending high school at Olsburg High School. Lois went on to earn her bachelors and masters degrees in home economics from Kansas State University. Lois was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing for herself and her family.  She made the classic satin dress she wore when she walked down the aisle of the Olsburg United Methodist Church to marry Eugene Sylvester Visser on October 7, 1962. Lois and Eugene recently celebrated 59 years of marriage. They began their married life on Eugene's family farm south of Riley. In 1966, during the Fort Riley expansion, they relocated their farming and cattle operation to Goff, KS in Nemaha County, where they worked and resided for more than 55 years.

Lois was a life-long learner, sharing that love of learning first in the classroom and then with their three children, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After receiving her bachelors degree, she taught home economics at Clyde High School in Clyde, Ks, then went back to complete her Masters degree before joining the staff at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. After marrying Eugene, Lois dedicated her life to perfecting the art of being a farm wife, homemaker, gardener and mother. She was active in a local neighborhood club and Family and Community Education (FCE) Extension Club, and project leader for the Red Vermillion 4-H Club. Lois was an avid gardener, famous among her grandchildren for her strawberries and sweet corn.

Lois daily lived her Christian faith. She was a dedicated member of the Corning Trinity United Methodist Church, participating in UMW (United Methodist Women), and helping with Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and in later years, playing the piano and organ. She was a quiet, kind and gentle soul, always willing and looking for ways to help and care for others. She took great joy in caring for her grandchildren, and she and Eugene were faithful attendees of activities and events for all their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Lee Stowell. Lois is survived by her husband, Eugene, her three children: Carol (Judd) Meyer of Sabetha and their children, Darla (John) Dwyer of Scottsbluff, NE, Amanda (Wil) Edelman and Wiliam, Adalynn, Gracie and Harv and Zachery Meyer all of Sabetha; Sharon Lindell of Riley and her children, Haley (Robert) Dulniawka of Manhattan, Kyla (Dillon) Tittel and Camryn of Riley, Tyler Lindell of Sabetha, and Ryan Lindell of Riley; and Gregory Visser of Goff (partner Samantha Wichman and her daughters Lilly and Maggie).

Funeral services will be Monday, October 25, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Corning Trinity United Methodist Church in Corning, Kansas. Visitation will be Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca, Kansas. Interment will be in Corning Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to a fund yet to be designated by the family and sent in care of the Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle, Seneca, Kansas 66538. Online condolences can be left for the family at popkessmorturies.com

Lane Michael Sinclair, 24, of Atchison KS passed away on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at the University of Kansas Medical Center following a motorcycle accident.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, Oct. 25th, 2021, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, Oct. 24th, 2021, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Midwest Transplant Network, or American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Lane was born on Sept. 4, 1997, in Atchison KS the son of Larry Sinclair and Marie Welch. He graduated from Atchison High School in 2017. Lane worked as a press operator for Progress Rail, Atchison. He enjoyed fishing, reptiles, gaming, drag racing, working on cars, firearms, and especially his 1993 Mustang GT and riding his motorcycle.

He was married to Serene Kiehl on July 10, 2021. She survives of the home in Atchison. Additional survivors include his daughter Paisley Sinclair, of the home, his mother Marie Welch and Joey Shelton, Junction City, KS, his father Larry (Traci) Sinclair, Atchison, KS, a brother Daniel Sinclair, Junction City, KS, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His paternal grandparents Roger and Mary Lou Sinclair and maternal grandmother Tammy Welch preceded him in death.

Gene Laverentz, 76, of Overland Park  passed away Monday, October 18, 2021 at a Kansas City hospital. 

Gene was born on June 15, 1945 in Bendena, Kansas  to William and Ellenora (Ricklefs) Laverentz. 

He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1967, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Husbandry.  Gene lived and farmed in Bendena until the late 80’s, he then moved to Garden City, then moved to Overland Park in 1998.  Gene farmed and raised cattle early in his career and worked in sales most of his life.   

Gene is a member of the Advent Lutheran Church in Olathe, Kansas. 

He married Charlotte Russell on March 16, 1973 in Bendena.  She survives of the home.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents. 

Additional survivors include; son, Brian Laverentz of Overland Park, Kansas 

                  Daughters; Lisa Laverentz of Overland Park, Kansas 

                             Linda Serrano (Anthony) of Louisburg, Kansas 

            2 grandsons;  Wyatt and Cade Serrano 

      Brothers; Loren Laverentz of St. Joseph, Missouri 

                        Larry Laverentz (Melody) of Lenexa, Kansas 

          Sister,  Carol Haddad of Kansas City, Missouri 

              Numerous nieces and nephews 

FUNERAL: Saturday, October 23, 2021 – 10:30 A.M. 

      At:  St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bendena, Kansas 

     Burial:  Moray Cemetery north of Bendena, Kansas 

   Visitation:  family will receive friends Friday evening 6-8 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Friday. 

   Memorials: either the St. John’s Lutheran Church or Moray Cemetery c/o funeral home P.O. Box 185 Troy, KS 66087 

              www.harmanrohde.com 

Grimes “Ed” Behler, 88, of Atchison, KS died on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, at the Highland Healthcare & Rehab Center, Highland, KS.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at the First Baptist Church, 1640 Riley St. Atchison, KS with Rev. Michael L. Strickland officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Huron Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences and remembrances to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Ed was born on Jan. 12, 1933, in Huron, Kansas the son of George Edwin and Wilda June (Carson) Behler. He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1952. Ed served in the United States Army from 1953-1956. He worked as welder for Kansas City Power & Light Company for 21 years retiring in 1994 as a foreman. After his retirement he worked as a finish carpenter doing remodeling in Atchison for several of the historic homes. Ed was a member of the First Baptist Church, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking.

Ed was married to Bette Jean Luckett on Feb. 5, 1956, in Marana, AZ. Mrs. Behler preceded him in death on Nov. 1, 2009. His parents, a son Justin Behler, two brothers and one sister also preceded him in death. Survivors include two sons Gregory Behler and David Behler, both of Atchison, Ks, a daughter Dianna (Dennis) Snell, Atchison, KS, five sisters Leila McConnaughey, Everest, KS, Edith Myers, Huron, KS, Linda McCray, St. Joseph, MO, Shannon Gladman, and Pam Westbrook, of Independence, MO., fourteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

 Frances “Marie” Scheid, 98, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, October 18, 2021 at The Pines in Holton. She was born May 28, 1923 on a farm east of Mayetta, KS, the daughter of Walter Dean and Bertha Estella (Frantz) Marriott.

Marie attended South Cedar Grade School and graduated from Mayetta High School in 1942. She sold Avon for over 52 years and worked at Walmart for 10 years. Marie enjoyed working with her husband, Lloyd, on the family farm south of Whiting, where they lived until moving to Holton in 1985. Marie and Lloyd spent many Saturday evenings at the Vinewood in Topeka dancing. She also had a love for dogs, birds and colorful flowers.

She was a member of Avon’s President Club for 25 years.

Marie married Lloyd Henry Scheid on September 10, 1943 in Springfield, MO. They celebrated over 75 years of marriage. Marie always said, “Lloyd was her only love and the love of her life”. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2019.

She was also preceded in death by infant daughter, Estella Ann Scheid; a sister, Shirley M. Hazelwood; 2 infant brothers, Stanley and Russell Marriott and 3 nephews, Ronnie, Larry and David Hazelwood.

Survivors include her son, Russell Scheid of Mayetta, KS; granddaughters, Jerica Marie Gallardo (Justin) and Jameia Haines (Chad) and 4 great-grandchildren, Jaylen and Jaren Gallardo and Ashley and Emily Haines.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with burial to follow in the Holton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given the Heart of Jackson Humane Society 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.

Charles “Charlie” Marteny, 80 of Falls City, NE, passed away October 16, 2021 at Falls City. He was born July 16, 1941 at Falls City to Odin and Ruth (Robinson) Marteny.

He married Peggy Fisher and they were later divorced, the then married Doris Stalder on August 21, 1971 and they were divorced in 2006.

Charlie was raised at Falls City and graduated Falls City High School in 1959. He then enlisted in the U. S. Army and when discharged he came back to Falls City and took employment with James Oil Company for many years and then became Sexton at Steele Cemetery, retiring in 2003. He was a member of First Brethren Church.

He is survived by his step-daughters, Barb Mauslein and her husband Biff and Christy Sankey, brother, Byron and his wife Janice of Custer, SD, step-grandsons, Jacob and Dane Mauslein, nieces and nephews, particularly Julie Shafer and Mike Marteny of Falls City. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Lee, Albert, Gerald, Roger and John, sisters, Peggy Munoz and Gladys Schulenberg.

Charlie has been cremated and a graveside at Steele Cemetery is currently pending.

Aurora Kay “Pegsha” Knoxsah, 68, of Mayetta, KS, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. She was born December 24, 1952 in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of Henry and Leona (Mzhickteno) Knoxsah.

Aurora was a homemaker. She was a member of Native American Church and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Survivors include her 5 children, Jennifer Meacham (Zackary) of Lawrence, KS, Melvin Lewis (Tiffany) of Horton, KS, Kelly Lewis-Mills (Patrick) of Mayetta, KS, Dana Lewis (Regina) of Topeka, KS and Jillena Knoxsah of Mayetta, KS; sister, Deena Desjarliat of Mayetta, KS; 2 brothers, Martin Knoxsah of Hutchinson, KS and Clifford Knoxsah of Topeka, KS; 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Leona Knoxsah; sister, Vernona L. “Vernie” Lewis and 3 brothers, James, David and Virgil Knoxsah.

Native American Service will be Wednesday evening, October 20, 2021 at Nozhackum Hall on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation. Burial will be at Sunrise, Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Mahkuk Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

A pillar of Highland’s community, William Howard Batchelder, passed away at the age of 76 after a lengthy illness on October 17th, 2021, in his home looking over the fields he tended and loved, surrounded by his loving family.  

Bill was born in Fort Benning, Georgia to Howard Nelson Batchelder and Hattie Alice Smith Batchelder and raised in Highland, Kansas, the oldest of four brothers.  Bill’s father passed away around Bill’s 15th birthday.  With unusual selflessness at a young age, he accepted the heavy mantle of responsibility to help his mother raise his younger brothers.  Bill managed his family’s dairy and grain farm for 60 years, even while graduating from Highland Community College and Kansas State University, ensuring his beloved brothers, Charles, Paul and Bobby, all attended college (all brothers are proud KSU alumni).  

Bill watched his Final Harvest from his home over the last several weeks, culminating an incredible agricultural career.  Despite a dairy farmer’s schedule, Bill found the energy and time to better his community:  he served as a Highland School District Board member, Highland City Councilperson, and Highland Methodist Church board member.  Bill was a true gentleman.  Conscientious and well-read thanks to his life-long love of reading, he was a calming, principled presence to all who knew him.  His love of community extended to local sports, and to mentoring young men who lost their own fathers.  His greatest love was reserved for his children and grandchildren - ‘Papa’ left both a tremendous legacy and a heart wrenching vacuum for them.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Glenna (Zimmerman) Batchelder, and his loving children David and Rebecca (Darst) Batchelder of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Amy (Batchelder) and Jeff Handlin of Englewood, Colorado.  His granddaughters Claire Batchelder, Amelia Handlin, and Ella Handlin were precious to Bill.   His brothers and sisters-in-law mourn Bill as a father figure:  Charles and Nancy (Johnson) Batchelder of Highland; Paul and Tricia (Fish) Batchelder of Louisburg, Kansas; and Robert and Kathy (Dunlap) Batchelder of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Bill was cherished by his extended family, and he leaves behind dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 at 10:30am at Highland Methodist-Presbyterian Church at 101 South Avenue, Highland, KS, followed by a celebration of Bill’s life and luncheon at the Highland Community Center at 501 West Avenue, Highland, KS.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Highland Fire/EMS, 203 N. Genesee Street, Highland, KS.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Highland after 10 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m.

Condolences and remembrances may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Dorothy J. (Garrison) Price, 96, of Atchison KS died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at Vintage Park, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 19th, 2021, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Brad Greene officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church or the Atchison Library and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences and remembrances to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Dorothy was born on Nov. 5, 1924, in Atchison, KS the daughter of Leslie N. and Meda B. (Laird) Reynolds. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1942 and earned an Associate Degree in Dietary Science and Food Service from Penn Valley Community College. Dorothy worked as the dietitian and kitchen manager for the Atchison Youth Center for over 14 years. She was a member of the First Christian Church, had served as PTA President for Washington School, and was an avid bridge and canasta player. She enjoyed traveling having visited all 50 States, reading, playing board games with her grandchildren, and cooking for family holidays.

She was married to Harold L. Garrison in Nov 1942. Mr. Garrison preceded her in death on Dec. 25, 1990. She was later married to Joseph Price on Sept. 1, 1993, and he also preceded her on Oct. 1, 2011. Survivors include a son David (Linda) Garrison, Wichita, KS, three daughters Sarah (Douglas) Bounds, Leavenworth, KS, Kathryn Soph, Atchison, KS and Jane McLain, Edmond, OK, two daughters-in-law, Beth Smith, Pasco, WA and Janet Garrison, Basehor, KS, sixteen grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren, and a special friend Glenn Hicks, Atchison, KS. Her parents, both husbands, two sons, Mike and Bill Garrison, a son-in-law Greg McLain, and stepdaughter Gloria Kerns, two brothers, Milton and Ronald Reynolds, and two sisters, Martha Replogle and Sara Olivas preceded her in death.

John Cyprian Nordhus, 100, of Seneca, died Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

John was born on August 26, 1921, on a farm near Seneca, to Henry and Josephine Waller Nordhus.  John attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School thru the 6th grade, then he went to Triumph Country School for 7th & 8th grade.  He attended Sts. Peter and Paul High School for his freshman and sophomore year; and then went to help his father farm.

On August 10, 1949, Jon married Bernice Haug at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, Kansas.

John love nature and was a farmer and considered himself a caretaker of the land.  He did custom combining, worked at Curt’s Service Station, drove for Alf Roeder for 11 years, was a carrier for the Courier Tribune for 19 years and was employed by Palph Poteat Insulation. John loved to fish, play pool, golf, plant and tend to a garden, play cards, grow Christmas trees, have coffee at McDonalds’ and listen Molly B and Big Joe Polka and Daniel O’Donnel.

John was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, St. Joseph Society, the Adoration Hour at Sts. Peter and Paul and the Knights of Columbus Council #1769 in Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters, Jane Nordhus on April 24, 1994 and Julie Glissman on January 26, 2010; a grandson, Jason Nolte on June 21, 2014; a son-in-law, Christopher Ashcraft on July 7, 1992; and his siblings, Margaret Stallbaumer on February 7, 2005, Sylvester Nordhus on June 14, 2010, Rita Keith on June 2, 2012, Mary Macke, on September 10, 2017 and Theresa Heiman on December 6, 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bernice; his children, Bob (Sheryl) Nordhus of Seneca, Mary Lynn (Arland) Stephens of Norwich, Kansas, Diane (Jim) Schultejans of Corning, Debra (Sam) Hermesch of Seneca, Bill Nordhus of Seneca, Kathleen (Bob) Nolte of Seneca, John (Barb) Nordhus of Seneca, Tom (Melissa) Nordhus of Commerce, Colorado, Jerry (Karen) Nordhus of Bern and Sharon (David) Schumaker of Wetmore; 39 grandchildren; and 53 great-grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 PM on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM on Tuesday, October 19, 2020 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.  The burial will be in the church cemetery, next to his daughters.

Memorials may be left in his memory to Coins for a Cause, sent in care of the family.

Joseph L. Werner, 87, of Axtell, KS, died October 15, 2021, at Life Care Center in Seneca, KS.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home in Axtell.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 22, at St. Michael's Catholic Church.

Burial in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home.

Patricia L. Kramer, 84, of Axtell, KS, died Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Life Care Center in Seneca, KS.

Visitation will be Monday, October 18, from noon to 5 p.m. at Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home in Axtell.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 19, at St. Michael's Catholic Church.  Father Jim Shaughnessy will officiate.  Kathy Buessing will play the organ and the choir will sing “Be Not Afraid”, “Precious Lord”, “On Eagles Wings” and “City of God”.

The pallbearers will be Bryce Buss, Shane Kramer, Travis Kramer, Rusty Kramer, Mark Deters, John Deters, Adam Deters and Paul Deters.

Burial will be in St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery.

Patricia was born April 26, 1937, to Steven and Margaret (Mitchell) Glynn.  In 1955, she graduated from Axtell High School.  On April 23, 1957, she married Melvin Kramer at St. Bridget Catholic Church.  They farmed and lived in the St. Bridget area north of Axtell for forty-eight years, before moving to Axtell in 2005.

Patricia enjoyed making quilts, embroidery, reading puzzles, cooking, baking and playing cards.  She loved being with her grandchildren and helping raise the calves on the dairy farm.  Patricia volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity thrift shop in Marysville for many years.  She was also a member of the St. Michael’s Church Guild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Jerry Glynn.

Survivors include her children, Bill (Caroline) Kramer, Axtell, Kathy (Earl) Kramer, Corning, KS, Mary (Nick) Deters, Baileyville, KS, and Joan (Ron) Schroller, Oketo, KS; sisters, Phyllis Mathewson, Seneca, KS, and Gladys Koch, Seneca;  17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home.

Betty J. (Wendt) Kolbek, 84, of Sabetha, formerly of Topeka and Holton, KS passed away Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Sabetha Community Hospital. She was born August 1, 1937 in Holton, KS, the daughter of Erwin R. and Louise Emma “Peggy” (Alley) Wendt.

Betty graduated from Denison High School. Betty worked many years as a computer operator and typist for credit and collections at Goodyear Tire Company where she retired. After retirement, Betty worked at Dollar General in Sabetha.

On August 7, 1955, Betty was united in marriage to John R. Kolbek in Holton, KS. They shared over 58 years of marriage before John passed away on August 1, 2014.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; husband John; a son, John E. Kolbek; and two brothers, Raymond and Hershel Wendt.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Ann Kesler (Jim) of Sabetha, KS; 2 sons, Ronald S. Kolbek (Cindy) of Topeka, KS and Jeffery L. Kolbek of Sabetha, KS; a sister, Mary Martin of York, NE; and a brother, Donald Wendt (Peggy) of Perry, KS; sister-in-law, Joan Wendt of Wichita, KS; 15 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, KS with the burial to follow at Olive Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Betty J. Kolbek Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave the family a condolence please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Robert J. Cash died on October 9, 2021 at age 79.  Bob Cash was born Roy Roland Harris, the youngest of eleven children born to Roy and Agnes Edmonds Harris on November 15, 1941, near Mountain Grove, Missouri.  At age one year, he and his four youngest siblings were kidnapped by the Joplin Baby Ring and sold.  Bobby was adopted at nineteen months by Bob and Edith Edde Cash and grew up in Hiawatha, Kansas.

Ag age seven Bobby began walking himself three blocks to church alone.  He earned his God and Country award in scouting.  In 1957 he won first place in the nation in a math test in trigonometry although he had never taken a trigonometry class.  As a teenager he had his own haying crew in the alfalfa fields.

Bob graduated from Kansas University in 1964 and earned his M.S. from K.U. in 1968.  At age 25 he set a base record in Run, Dodge and Jump at Fort Bliss.  Before Jaws of Life, Bob would pry injured people out of car wrecks while others were standing around waiting for help to arrive.

For 14 years Bob was director of Services for the Elderly.  Bob trusted Christ as his Lord and Savior, even up to ten minutes before he died.

His funeral will be Saturday, October 23 at 10:00 at Chapel Oaks with visitation at 9:00 A.M.  At 9:00 John Howard will play bagpipes.  Rev. Dennis Fulbright will preach and lead congregational singing playing his guitar.  Flag folding and gun salute will follow.

Pallbearers will be grandson Cash Mildwater, Bob’s nephews:  Steve Carrico, Rick Theno of Kansas City, and Anne’s nephews Brock, Bronz and Brandy Peterson.

At Clifton Cemetery at 3:00 Kent Kalivoda will read scripture, and Anne’s brother and wife Bill and Bryn Peterson will sing and play the flute.

Bob is survived by his wife Anne Peterson Cash, by daughter Sara Cash and grandson Cash Mildwater of Alsea, Oregon, by his sisters Shirley Munn of Shell Knob, Missouri and Donna Theno of Fort Worth, Texas.  His birth sister Jackie Harris Cash Littrell who grew up with him, died in 2009.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Barnabas Aid sent to 80 Abberyville Road, Lancaster, PA  17603 to help persecuted Christians worldwide.

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

Jon Thomas Summers, 70, of Fairview, Kansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 14, 2021. He was born in Sabetha, Kansas on March 7, 1951 to Gerald and Dorothy (Brigham) Summers.  He was the middle son of a lively household of boys. He attended Sabetha High School and graduated in 1969.  He briefly attended Highland Community College and Wichita State University before pursuing a career in law enforcement.

 Jon married his high school sweetheart, Janet (Jan) Heiniger on March 4, 1972, and they celebrated 49 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons, Matthew (Matt) and Marcus (Marc).  Jon loved his home and family, enjoyed home improvement projects, and made family vacations an important priority. They enjoyed camping as a family and visited many United States National Parks.

 Jon worked hard and was a dedicated employee. He began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Topeka Police Department in Topeka, Kansas. Then, he worked as a deputy for the Nemaha County Sheriff’s department in Seneca, Kansas and later was a city patrolman for the City of Seneca. At the age of 25, he was appointed as the Nemaha County Sheriff and was subsequently elected Sheriff by the citizens of the county. His final career move was to McPherson, Kansas where he was a city patrolman, and was later promoted to Investigative Detective.  He truly loved being a "cop" and often worked long night shift hours.  Although he carried a weapon while on duty, his greatest weapons were his keen observation skills and his ability to use effective communication skills to "disarm" many situations. Jon also worked in the family grocery business, worked as a jailer for the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, drove over the road for Federal Express, and worked for the Sabetha School district as a bus driver. In addition, Jon was a dutiful son to his mother and helped his father-in-law on the farm when needed.

On March 15, 2006, Jon was given the wonderful gift of a heart transplant at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. His new heart gave him extra years that he lived vigorously.  Never one to sit still for long, he loved to help others and cherished time with friends and family. In addition, he served others through the 12-step recovery program, served his community by delivering Meals on Wheels, and he spent hours encouraging other transplant patients. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a Shriner, and Kiwanis.  He enjoyed his NorthRidge Church family immensely. Jon and Jan loved to travel and visited nearly all 50 states in their RV. They also enjoyed their trip with Sabetha High School students to Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Dorothy Summers; and his two brothers, Jim and Kim Summers.

He is survived by his wife, Janet, of Fairview, Kansas; his sons, Matt of Silver Lake, Kansas and Marcus Summers of Independence, Missouri; his three brothers, Gary (Sylvia) of St. Joseph, Missouri, Jeri (Janice) of Columbia, Missouri, and Kirk (Stefni) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his sister-in-law Beth Summers of Calistoga, California; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews; and a host of friends.

Jon's outgoing personality and love of life impacted many people. He will be greatly missed.

Celebration of Life services will be Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha, Kansas. Visitation will be one hour before the service starting at 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church. Services will be live streamed at northridgechurch.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sabetha Community Hospital, Saint Luke’s Hospital Foundation Cardiac Transplant of Kansas City, Missouri, and Valley Hope at Atchison, Kansas and sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas  66534.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at popkessmortuaries.

Robert F. Hall, 86, of Sabetha, Kansas formerly from Effingham, Kansas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at the Apostolic Christian Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sat. Oct. 16th, 2021 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Rachael Dannar officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, KS.

There will be no visitation held prior to services, the family will greet friends and family following the graveside service at the cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison County Fair Board or the Atchison County Community High School Alumni Association and both may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Condolences and remembrances to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bob was born on April 12, 1935, in Atchison Kansas the son of Albert S. and Myrtle (Folden) Hall. He grew up in Farmington, KS where he was known as “Bob or Bobby”. In 1953 he graduated from Atchison County Community High School and attended Emporia College. Bob married Winifred J. Burgard on April 22, 1955, at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka, KS, they have shared 66 years of marriage together. Bob owned and operated Averie Acres where he enjoyed all aspects of farming and managing his family’s farm. Additionally, he worked for Page Airways, Snow Creek Ski Resort and USD 377 Effingham. He was a past member of the Future Farmers of American, 4-H, where he served as a leader and in 1968 received the alumni award, a fourteen-year member of the Atchison County Fair Board, National Farmers Organization (N.F.O.), a Master Mason with the Mackey Lodge, # 48 Effingham, Active Lodge # 158 A.T. & A.M. Atchison, KS, Abdallah Shrine Temple # 30 and Areme Chapter of the Eastern Star, Effingham. He was a fourth-generation member of the Farmington Christian Church, where he served as Trustee and Elder.

Survivors include his wife Winnie Hall, Atchison, KS, one daughter Cyreesa (Mark) Windsor Atchison, KS, one granddaughter Averie (John) Chapman, and two great grandchildren Miller and Reese Chapman, Fairway, KS, two sisters-in-law; Helen Hall, DeKalb, MO, and Ann Burgard, Albuquerque, NM, four nieces; Kathy Hall, KC, MO, Darla Hall Emmendorfer, Dearborn, MO, Deborah (David) Wessel, Linda (Larry) Tovrea, one nephew; Gregg (Brenda) Burgard, all of Albuquerque, NM and three great-nephews Zachary Emmendorfer, St. Joseph, MO, Kris Wessel, and Adam Tovrea, Albuquerque, NM. His parents, a brother Albert Scott “Scotty” Hall, and three nephews; Lindell, Richard and Darren Hall, one niece; Cindy Burgard Divett preceded him in death.

Harold W. Myers, 71, Lancaster, Kansas died Monday, October 4, 2021 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Memorial services will be Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Seth Montgomery officiating.  Interment will follow in Alderson Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, October 16th from Noon until time of services at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Faith Home Health and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral home with whom final care has been entrusted.

Harold was born September 7, 1950 in Atchison, Kansas the son of Harold Ray Myers and Barbara Muncie Myers.  He attended school in Effingham, Kansas and graduated from Atchison County Community High School.

He and Vicky Clem were united in marriage on November 18, 1972 in Lancaster, Kansas and were just one month short of celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Harold worked as a truck driver for numerous trucking companies through the years until his retirement.  In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and most especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren.

He was a member of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include his wife, Vicky Myers of the couple’s home in Lancaster, KS; s son, Curtus (Michelle) Myers, Lancaster, KS; a daughter, Rachael (Michael) Pease, Lancaster, KS; a brother, Terry Myers, Lancaster, KS; two sisters, Marsha Lutz, Lawrence, KS; Fay Sternsdorff, Lancaster, KS; seven grandchildren, Christian (Jessica); Courtney; Nathan; Kaleb; Cameron; Lilah; Chanler and two great grandchildren, Cooper and Everleigh.

Harold was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Myers.

Larry Eugene Merrill, age 72, of Huron, Kansas, died Thursday, October 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial services will be Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church with Rev. Jon Hullinger as celebrant. Burial of cremated remains will follow in the church garden. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to assist with burial expenses and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Larry was born on October 24, 1948 in Fort Monroe, Virginia, the son of Ray and Barbara (Hill) Larkin. He grew up in Atchison County and attended Atchison High School.

He and Brenda Sue Myers were married on July 5, 1984 in Atchison, Kansas and spent over thirty-nine years together.

Larry was a truck driver and for the most part just loved driving in general. He hauled products for Blish-Mize for over thirteen years, Rollins Transportation, Lenexa, KS, for fifteen years and for BMS Trucking out of St. Joseph, MO, until his retirement in July of 2011.

He was baptized at Trinity Episcopal Church and was a member of the church. He enjoyed working on cars and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Brenda Merrill, of the home in Huron, KS; two daughters, Melissa Merrill, Rebecca Merrill (Jared Hundley), both of Huron, KS; a son, Larry (Candi) Merrill, Atchison, KS; a sister, Robyn Larkin Kelley, Atchison, KS; a brother, Terry (Pam) Larkin, Atchison, KS; and three grandchildren, Ethan Hale, Wyatt Hale, Ruby Merrill; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Dennis Merrill, Mary Ann Harris, Karen Reiss, Timothy Larkin and Bonnie Zabel.

Donna Faye Barnhart was born at Belleville, KS, June 26, 1944, one of seven children born to Clifford and Lily Novak Grossner.  As a youngster, her family moved to the Claytonville Community, south of Hiawatha where she grew up, attended country school prior to graduating from Willis High School. Donna later graduated from Ozark Bible College and sang in the choir there.  She said many times this was the best thing she ever done with her life.  She left this life October 13, 2021 to take up her heavenly life.  She was 77.

Marvin “aka Barney” met Donna on line in 1973.  A quick romance ensued as they married that fall, November 6, at Miami, OK.  They lived in various places in the Midwest and Montana due to his job of being relocated with the railroad, before the family settled in Powhattan in 1995.  Donna and Marvin moved to Rose Hill, Kansas in 2012 to be near family in their retirement years.  He died January 26, 2016.

Donna put her family first, taking care of her husband, and children as they were growing up, and later enjoying being a part of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives.  This being said, she still found time to quilt, sing in choir, and play the organ.  Donna especially loved family get- together’ s, gardening, baking cakes, and had a strong relationship with God.

Donna was also preceded in death by her parents, grandson Dustin Hamilton, sisters Betty Grossner, Ruth Rodvelt, and a brother Freddie Grossner.

Survivors include her children- Tobey (Michelle) Barnhart of Rose Hill, KS, Christopher (Tiffany) Barnhart of Valley Center, KS, Patricia Barnhart of Wichita, KS, Kimberly Barnhart of Wichita, KS, Jeffrey Barnhart of Newton, KS, grandchildren- Lori Pelkey, Casie (Paco) Ramirez, Tobey Barnhart, JR., Malachi (Jennifer) Oswald, Kaliegh (Aaron) Collins, Jacob Barnhart, Tiana Base, Thalia Barnhart, Alisha Barnhart, Erick Welch, Natalie Barnhart, Jace Welch, Emma Ryder, Isabelle Barnhart, Maverick Barnhart, great Grandchildren- Kaden Barnhart, Jade Riebel, Landon Barnhart, Dalson Carlson, Rykar Pelkey, Madalyn Carlson, T.J. Barnhart, Ellie Ramirez, Abigail Collins, Hudson Oswald.  Also surviving are three sisters:  Sisters- Norma Rodvelt of Horton, Linda Gunn of Independence, MO, and Cathy Iverson of Hiawatha.

A celebration of Donna’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha.  Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate.  Interment will follow at Claytonville Cemetery.

Friends may call after 12 noon Friday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, where the family will meet from 6 until 7:30 that evening.

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

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

Elizabeth Virginia (Betty) Mueller Jimeson was born on April 30, 1926, at White Cloud, KS.  She was the second child and only daughter born to Carl J. Mueller and Ethel A. Bruning Mueller.  She grew up in the Robinson and Denton areas attending Union School.  She attended Denton High School thru her Junior year and attended her senior year and graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1944.

On January 28, 1945, she married Glen S. Jimeson at her parents’ home northeast of Hiawatha.  Following Glen’s discharge from the Army in 1946, they establish their home 5 1/2 miles north of Hiawatha on highway 73.  Betty was a helpmate to Glen on the farm.  They raised cattle, hogs and row crops.  Betty also raised a garden and was an excellent homemaker and cook.  She was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ and the Women’s Guild.

In 2002 Betty and Glen moved into Hiawatha.  In September of 2014 they moved to Meadowlark Hills Retirement Center in Manhattan to be closer to family.  When her health started failing, she moved to Wroten House on the Meadowlark campus. Betty died October 13, 2021 at the Meadowlark Campus.

Betty’s greatest joy was working alongside of “Jim” and her family time with all her relatives. She also loved to dance.   Betty always had a full cookie jar and desserts in the freezer.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband in July 2015, by her parents, and brothers Robert (Bob) and William (Bill) Mueller.

Betty is survived by Connie (Bill) Rockey of Wamego, KS, Sam Jimeson of Houston, TX and Merrie Sue “MS” Jimeson of Austin, TX.  Her grandchildren Shane Rockey, Shannon (Michael) Leitch: great grandchildren: Darby Elizabeth, MaryKate, and Quinn Leitch all of Wamego.  Her brother Bradford (Buck) Sally Mueller of Shenandoah, IA, brothers-in-law Dick (Naomi) Jimeson of Oklahoma City, OK and Art (Linda) Jimeson of Hiawatha, KS.

Services are planned for 2 p.m. Monday, October 18, at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha.  Pastor Shane Spangle will officiate.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, from 12 noon until 5 p.m. Sunday and after 9 a.m. Monday.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

In loving memory of their grandma, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are serving as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethany Church of Christ, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

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

* MEMORIAL SERVICES:  11 A.M. Saturday, October 23, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fairview.

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 & Wren Rosenberger, Nolan and Elyse Winkler, Charlotte and Lennox Bailey.

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.

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.

 Sylvia (Johnson) Rush, 100, of Troy, Kansas passed away Monday, October 11, 2021 at Two Timbers in Highland, Kansas. 

Sylvia was born on August 24, 1921 in rural Robinson, Kansas to Ole Tobias and Inga (Pederson) Johnson.  She was a homemaker and lived her entire married life on a farm in the Wolf River Valley in rural Troy. 

Sylvia was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bendena and the Moray Home Extension Unit. 

She married George Rush on December 27, 1946 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Everest, Kansas.  He preceded her in death on February 2, 2015.  Sylvia was also preceded by her parents, sister, Anna Olson, brother-in-law, Jimmy Olson, son-in-law, Frank Tubbs, great-grandson, David Samuelson. 

Survivors include her son, John Rush (Phyllis) of Troy, Kansas 

                   Daughters;  Mildred Tubbs  of St. Joseph, Missouri 

                           Ann Rush (Larry) of Bendena, Kansas 

         6 grandchildren,  12  great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews 

FUNERAL:  Saturday, October 16, 2021 – 10:30 A.M. 

          At:  St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bendena, Kansas 

        Burial:  Moray Cemetery in Moray, Kansas 

        Visitation: family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the funeral at the church (9:30-10:30 a.m.)  Friends may call at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas after 9 a.m. Friday. 

        Memorials:  St. John’s Lutheran Church or Moray Cemetery c/o Harman Rohde Funeral Home P.O. Box 185 Troy, KS 66087 

               www.harmanrohde.com 

Ann (McMurray) Stevicks, 88, of Dawson, Nebraska was born on November 26, 1932, in Bern, Kansas to Charles W. and Geraldine (Morrow) McMurray.  She attended Honey Creek High School and graduated with the class of 1950.  After graduation, Ann continued her schooling by completing Airline School in Kansas City, Missouri.  On March 6, 1955, Ann was united in marriage to Bill Stevicks at The Four-Mile Congregational Church south of Humboldt.  To this union three children, Geri, Billy Jo and Marci were born.  The couple raised their family in Dawson, Nebraska where Ann worked as a cook for the Dawson-Verdon public schools for many years.  She truly loved her job at the school and seeing all the children daily.  Ann was also a volleyball referee, school bus driver and softball coach in the summer.  She enjoyed gardening, playing golf, bowling and spending time with her family. 

Ann passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at her home in Dawson, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-eight years, ten months and thirteen days.  She is preceded in death by her parents; son Billy Joe “B.J.” Stevicks and brothers, Charles Dean (Noreen) McMurray and Delbert McMurray.

Ann is survived by her loving husband Bill Stevicks of Dawson, NE; daughters: Geri Kean and husband Steve of rural Dawson, NE; Marci Reed and husband Robert Jr. of Two Rivers, WI; daughter-in-law Susan Stevicks of Alta, IA; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Lorna McMurray of Adams, NE; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Ann’s Life will be held by her family at a later date.

Messages of condolence can be left online at www.wherrymortuary.com

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

Kenneth “Kenny” Bippes, 85, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 9, 2021 at Omaha, NE. He was born September 1, 1936 in rural Preston, NE to Leslie and Anna (Deckinger) Bippes.

He married Glenda Witt on September 1, 1962 at Falls City.

Kenny was raised at Preston and graduated Falls City High School in 1954. Following graduation he started farming with his father and eventually with his son. He also worked for Homer Henke, Chet Nolte’s hay crew, Krume Lumber, Falls City Auction and 3 State Stockyards. He retired in 2010. He loved driving farm implement, hauling cattle and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Falls City Elks Lodge #963 and an 8 year member of the Nebraska Guard, Company B at Falls City.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Glenda of Falls City, children, Gina Scheitel and her husband Kevin of Falls City, Mark and his wife Stephenie of Falls City, grandchildren, Trent Scheitel and his wife Samantha of Falls City and their son, Peter, Brooke Fullner and her husband Micah of Beemer, NE, Derik Bippes and his wife Alexis of Falls City, Drew and Danielle Bippes of Falls City, Del Castell of Lincoln and Dyson Bippes of Falls City. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Marjean Werner and Virginia Elwonger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 2:30 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 Wednesday at 1:30 PM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Denise Lynn (Schnacker) Buethe, 54, of Elk Creek, Nebraska, passed away after losing her short battle with cancer at The Monarch House in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, October 9, 2021. She was born  May 15, 1967 in Kearney, Nebraska to Lawrence "Larry" and Nancy (Garringer) Schnacker.   Denise grew up in Elm Creek, Nebraska and graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1985. She attended and graduated from Kearney State College with a double major in Criminal Justice and Education.  Denise later earned her master's degree from Concordia University.  

On August 28, 2004, Denise was united in marriage to Brad A. Buethe at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney, Nebraska.  The couple made their home near Elk Creek.  Denise was a Behavioral Teacher at ESU#4 and taught previously at Overton Public Schools. She cherished all of her students and fellow teachers.  Denise was known as "Nee Nee" to all her nieces and nephews.  Her family meant the world to her.  Quite often she would get requests for her "famous brownies."  Denise enjoyed taking care of her flowers and plants as well as decorating her home.  

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Brad and their spoiled dog, Rolo, mother, Nancy Schnacker of Elm Creek, mother-in-law, Linda Buethe of Tecumseh, brother, Jeff Schnacker and wife Laurie of Elm Creek, sisters, Amy Schmidt and husband Will of Kearney and Gina Evans and husband Jason of Broken Bow, brother-in-law, Jeff Buethe of Fort Meyers, FL and sister-in-law, Lori Buethe of Tecumseh, nieces and nephews, Morgan and Lauren Schnacker, Riley and Cambrie Schmidt, Kinsey and Kacee Evans and Jax Glasgo and great-nieces, Evelynn and Madilynn Bowden.  

Denise was preceded in death by her father, Larry Schnacker, older brother, Scotty Schnacker, father-in-law, Ron Buethe and grandparents, Wayne and LaRea Schnacker and Roy and Erma Garringer.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 15, 2021 at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska.  A luncheon will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. , with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may be directed to a scholarship fund for high school seniors planning to major in Special Education in Denise's honor.  

Interment will be held at 4:00 p.m. in the Elm Creek Cemetery, Elm Creek, Nebraska. 

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

 Galen Ray Steward, 78, of Auburn, KS, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. He was born December 20, 1942 in Mayetta, KS, the son of Elizabeth Vivian (Moore) Gifford. He was raised by his foster parents, Bob and Lucille Shumway.

 Galen graduated Mayetta High School in 1963 and Haskell University after 2 years with an Associates Degree in Physical Education. Galen worked for over 30 years for Josten’s in Topeka as a Pressman; retiring in 2008.

Galen was a member of Catholic Religion and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

He married Caroll Jean Dinsmore, they divorced. He married Mabel “Kay” Henderson in 1989 at Auburn, KS.

Survivors include Kay Steward of Auburn, KS; son, Keith Steward (Lori) of Ottawa, KS; daughter, Kim Henry (Jerald) of Topeka, KS; 2 step-children, Richard H. Veal and Stephanie K. Jensen; sister, Betty A. Maruska (Marvin) of Glendale, CA; brother, John Gifford of Cambridge, OH; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren 3 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Gifford; foster parents, Bob and Lucille Shumway; sister, Juanita Nelson and brother, Paul Steward.

Family will greet friends 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will follow at the Shipshee Cemetery (142nd and K Rd., Mayetta, KS). Memorials may be given to the Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka 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.

 Mary Frances Stevens, 84, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka after a short battle with cancer. She was born July 20, 1937 in Topeka, KS, the daughter of Pete and Mae (Coleman) Zeller.

Mary graduated from rural Denison High School in 1955. She was a homemaker and the “Manager of the Family”. She was a dedicated and loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She was very proud of not missing functions that her family participated in.

She was a member of Valley Falls United Methodist Church, 15 year member of the Order of Eastern Star and 40 year member of Jefferson County Extension. She was life-long member of Jefferson County 4-H – earning State Home Economics Project Winner, Horticulture Superintendent for 4-H exhibits at the annual 4-H Fair developing skills for gardening and foods. Mary was a “Room Mom” for Valley Falls Elementary School.

Mary married Earl Dean Stevens on September 30, 1962 in Denison, KS. They celebrated over 59 years of marriage.

Survivors include her loving husband, Earl Stevens of the home; daughter, Susan Correll (Bill) of Valley Falls, KS; daughter-in-law, Mindy Stevens of Valley Falls, KS; brother, Fred Zeller (Lois) of Holton, KS; 6 grandchildren, Jacob Correll (Sam), Chelsey Davis (Stephen), Josh Stevens (Courtney), Morgan Stevens (Elijah), Jared Stevens (Lacey) and Brooklyn Correll and 7 great-grandchildren, Greysen, Oakleigh, MacKenzie, Gabe, Shea, Quinton and Emmett.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Mae Zeller and her son, James Dean Stevens on May 19, 2021.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Jefferson County 4-H, Valley Falls United Methodist Church or Valley Falls FFA 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.

Margaret Ann (Sinclair) Massey Whitney Wiley, 83, of Horton Kansas entered into her Savior's presence on October 9, 2021, at the hospital in Hiawatha.  She was surrounded by family, praying and singing prior to her passing. 

She was born on April 6, 1938 at Oelwein, Iowa, one of five children to Lester and Helen (Brant) Sinclair.  She graduated in 1956 from Morrill High School and has lived in Horton since 1958.

Margaret became a follower of Jesus Christ February 13, 1948 and was baptized Palm Sunday of 1948.  Margaret was a cook for many years at the Horton School District.  She also worked as a receptionist and CNA at Tri County Manor in Horton.  She was greatly involved in the Horton First Baptist Church.  She taught Sunday School, choir, and worked in the Awana Program and was on many church committees.  She was a seamstress, sewing love with every stitch.  Her biggest joys were her love for Christ and her family.  She was a witness to Jesus' saving grace.  

Margaret married Melvin C. Massey on October 12, 1958.  Two children were born of this union, Melvin L. (Mary Ann) of Denton, KS and Lisa (Rick) Boeschling of Waterville, KS.  Melvin C. passed December 5, 1990.

She married Ralph F. Whitney, Sr, March 12, 1994.  Ralph passed September 18, 2003.  She married Phil Wiley, February 13, 2015.  He survives of the home.  She was blessed with having married three wonderful Christian men.  

She is survived by her children, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two extended families, the Whitney's and the Wiley's and. one sister, Priscilla Hill.  She also "adopted" many others into her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Roger Sinclair, and two sisters, Aleta Harris and Anita Evans.

A Celebration of Margaret’s Eternal Life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 15, at the First Baptist Church in Horton.  Pastor John Kress will officiate.  Interment will follow at Horton Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday.  The family will meet friends from 6 until 8 that evening at First Baptist Church, Horton.

Memorial donations are suggested to the First Baptist Church, Horton, KS in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 7th Street, Hiawatha, KS  66434.

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

Cletus F. Haverkamp, 91, of Seneca, KS passed peacefully on October 9th, 2021, at Oakley Place surrounded by his loved ones.

Clete was born on September 14, 1930 to Lawrence and Matilda “Tillie” (Holthaus) Haverkamp on the family farm near Kelly. Clete always enjoyed telling the story to his family about how he started school at the age of 4, to walk with his older sister, Armella, to school. (However, the family thinks it is because his momma wanted to get rid of two kids at once). He also liked to boast that he graduated Kelly High School at the age of 17 because of this arrangement.   

On August 4, 1954, Clete married the love of his life, Marcina Burdiek, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church. The couple began dairy farming shortly after they wed. They began milking a few cows by hand. From there the operation of milking Holstein cows grew. During this time, they somehow managed to bring in six ornery children to help continue on this legacy. In 2002 Clete and Marcina “retired.” However, Clete continued to be an essential part of the now Kelly Hills Dairy. He loved puttering around in his work pickup looking for someone to help or something to do. He picked up parts, hauled cattle to the sale barn, and shuffled people from field to field. Anytime he picked someone up from the field he would say, “it’s going to cost you!” Then give you his classic chuckle.   

Clete cherished his family. When asked for advice on raising kids, he would say “if they get big you did a good job.” It made his day when a grandchild rode along to the sale barn with him, then he had an excuse to stop and get some ice cream. He also did his share of K-State tailgating and always made sure those with him made it home safely. 

Clete loved people and never knew a stranger. He never had a bad day. He was a hard worker and a sharp minded historian. He could tell you each year an event happened and if the crops were good that year. He loved Marcina’s cooking, especially her coconut cream pies. Clete treated Marcina to many dates at the Casinos which truly brought them joy. He was never shy in offering you a beer the second you came to visit, however, “you had to go to the basement to get it yourself, and him one too.”

Clete was a member of St. Bede’s Parish and the Knights of Columbus.  He also served on the Adams Township board for many years.   

Clete was preceded in death by his parents and infant twins Cletus and Marcina.

He is survived by his wife Marcina of 67 years, his children Elaine (Ron) Osterhaus of Seneca, Donald (Kris) Haverkamp of Fairview, Jim (Carolyn) Haverkamp of Solomon, Dale Haverkamp of Seneca, Sandy (Bill) Koelzer of Seneca, Brian (Kristina) Haverkamp of Seneca, grandchildren Lori Boden, Will Haverkamp, Jared Osterhaus, Ryan Haverkamp, Chelsie Ronnebaum, Shayla Beck, Corey Koelzer, Kurt Haverkamp, Courtney Strathman, Ashley Hunninghake, Austin Haverkamp, Madison Rottinghaus, 25 great-grandchildren, brothers Larry Haverkamp and Lynn Haverkamp, and sisters Armella Freeman, Rosalyn Hermesch, and Connie Koelzer. 

Rosaries will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home on Monday, October 11th at 2pm and 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, October 12th, at 10:30am at St. Bede’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. 

Memorials may be left in Cletus’s memory to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

Larry “Pete” Vonderfecht, 77 of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 at the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.  Pete was born on November 11, 1943 to Elmer and Laura (Essman) Vonderfecht in Crete, Nebraska.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Reverend Tim Llewellyn officiating.  Visitation on Friday, October 15, 2021 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. Inurnment at a later date at the Pawnee City Cemetery. 

Memorials to the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital Medical Foundation.  On line Condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Michael B. Clement, 72, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at his home in Horton, Kansas.

He was born on July 27, 1949 in Sabetha, Kansas the son of Cloyde and Elsie Gress Clement. Mike farmed with his dad on the family farm for years, worked for Goodyear Tire before going to work for USD #430 School systems in the maintenance department until he retired.

He loved being outdoors trapping, hunting, fishing and running coyote dogs. Mike was a member of the St. Leo’s Catholic Church where he served on the church council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike was a man that wouldn’t want anyone to brag about him, but he was blessed with so many god gifted talents he could do anything, he would work until the job was done and do anything for anyone. He enjoyed watching is grandchildren participate in all there school activities and donating when they needed it. Mike also loved to spend time in his garage visiting and entertaining his friends and family and always said your welcome here anytime.

On August 10, 1968 he married Jane Ann Tinsley in Horton, Kansas. She preceded him in death on July 15, 2001.

Survivors include two daughters, Tisha (Jason F.) Thomas of Horton, Kansas and Tara (Doug) Speer of Horton, Kansas; six grandchildren, Hunter Speer, Karlyn “Dolly” (Brant) Morris, Jaden Speer, Tiara Bolin, Angelina Thomas and Aubrey Thomas; brother, Rick (Debbie) Clement of Horton, Kansas. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas where a rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. prior to the funeral mass. Burial will follow at the St. Leo’s Catholic Cemetery.

The family will greet friends on Monday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Melvin S Harmon (Mel), 78, of Falls City, Nebraska, passed away on October 8, 2021, at his home.  He was born to Milton Harmon and Evelyn Purvis-Harmon on July 23, 1943, in Falls City, Nebraska. 

He attended school in Falls City and graduated in 1961.  He started working at Harmon’s OK Tire when he was 14 years old, washing tires. He continued on to changing and repairing tires.  He then worked his way up to selling tires. He eventually became a co-owner with his brother Galen Harmon. In 1962, he met his future wife, Sharon Bailey of Hiawatha, Kansas, on a blind date at a drive-in movie. They were married April 26, 1964. Melvin and Sharon (Sherry) lived in Falls City, Nebraska, where they raised their family. Melvin was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he held many Offices over the years. His faith was very important to him. He was also the President of the Falls City Educational Foundation for 25 years. He served on the City Counsel for 9 ½ years. He also served as the President of the Chamber of Commerce.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; Milton and Evelyn Harmon, a brother; Don Harmon, nieces; Susie Harmon and Gege Kleppe, nephews; David Sailors and Kenny Arnett. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Harmon, married 57 ½ years; sons, Todd and Troy Harmon; daughter, Traci (Doug) Aberle; and grandchildren Braxton and Kiersten Harmon; sister, Charlene (Chris) Dana; brothers, Galen (Sue) Harmon, Leland (Marcia) Harmon; grand dog Parker, family cat Peaches; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive visitors at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home, Tuesday, October 12, 2021, from 6 to 8 pm. 

Funeral services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 10:30 Am with Reverend Daniel Gifford officiating. Interment immediately following the service at Steele Cemetery.

 Nancy J. Beien 1939----2021 

Nancy J. Beien, 82, died Thursday, October 7, 2021 in Lawrence, Kansas. Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, October 12th at 2:30 P. M. at St. Benedict Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, October 12th at St. Benedict Church at 1:00 P.M. followed by visitation with the family until service time. Memorial contributions are suggested to Atchison Catholic Charities and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted.

Nancy was born March 12, 1939 in Onawa, Iowa the daughter of Charles and Alice Whitworth Schooler. She graduated from Atchison High School. She and Theodore P. “Ted” Beien were united in marriage on May 4, 1957 in Atchison, Kansas. Nancy was employed with USD #409 at the Atchison Middle School in the dietary department as head cook until her retirement. She also served as a cook for the Atchison Elks Club and Knights of Columbus hall. In her spare time she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and her granddogs. She was known especially for her cooking and making her friends and family happy. Nancy also enjoyed attending the casino and pulling levers.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Beien, San Tan Valley, AZ; Wesley (Jennifer) Brown, Lincoln City, OR; two daughters, Michelle Kasper, Lawrence, KS; Esther “Sissy” (Rocco) Weber, Lawrence, KS; four grandchildren, Thad Kasper, Celia Kasper, Jacob (Allison) Weber, and Vance Weber. Two brothers, Robert Schooler, Atchison, KS and Gary Schooler, Atchison, KS. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Roberta Schooler; Shirley Megenity and Judith Head.

Dianna Lee Wilson, 77, of Holton, KS, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 26, 1944 in Soldier, KS, the daughter of Donald J. and Donna Gladys (Davis) VanDonge. Dianna grew up in Soldier and graduated from Soldier High School in 1962.

Dianna was heavily involved in the community of Holton. She ran a daycare service for many years. She worked for the Holton Chamber of Commerce as Administrator and retired in 2006 after serving over 17 years.

She was inducted into the Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2016. Dianna was very active in the activities of the Holton Ball Association for over 45 years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Holton VFW Ladies Auxiliary as well as a Girl and Boy Scout leader.

On November 27, 1965, Dianna was united in marriage to Willard “Willy” Dean Wilson at the Soldier Christian Church. They shared over 55 years of marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Dennis VanDonge; a sister, Daisy Howe; and a step-grandson, Ryan Cox.

Dianna is survived by her husband, Willy of the home; 7 children, Tim Wilson (Jeanette) of Olathe, KS, Tom Wilson (Sally) of Holton, KS, Rob Wilson (Kristy) of Holton, KS, Donna Pool (Randy) of Circleville, KS, Kristi Wilson-Ricks (Mark) of Blue Springs, MO, Matt Wilson (Sharon) of Holton, KS, and Terry Wilson (Gemma) of Holton, KS; sister, Deloris Beam of Circleville, KS; 2 brothers, Donald VanDonge (Evie) of Topeka, KS and Danny VanDonge (Shirley) of Havensville, KS; 19 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 3 step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Dianna will lie in state Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Dianna Wilson Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Donald “Max” Hargrove, 91 of St. Joseph, MO, formerly of Rushville, MO died Thursday, October 07, 2021, at the Living Community Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, Oct. 11th, 2021, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison KS. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, Oct. 10th, 2021, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rushville Christian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences and remembrances to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Max was born on Jan. 16, 1930, in Effingham, KS the son of Brown and Pauline (Weit) Hargrove. He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1948. Max was a farmer and purebred black angus cattle rancher. He was active in Future Farmers of America in high school, member of the National Farmers Organization, was involved with 4-H, and active in the Agriculture Movement of the late 1970’s. He won several awards in row crop and cattle production. Max traveled locating purebred black angus breeding stock in several states, and Canada.

He was married to Helen Gerety in August of 1953. She preceded him in death in December of 1965. He was later married to Velma F. (Brumley) Price on Aug. 31, 1968. She also preceded him in death on Feb. 20, 2012. Survivors include four daughters Jeanne (Kevin) Henning, Parkville, MO, Rene’ (Bill) Cassity, Rushville, MO, Sara (Don) Hinz, Effingham, KS and Sheila (Mike) Larson, Platte City, MO, a sister, Geraldine Wohlgemuth, Effingham, KS, ten grandchildren, and numerous great and great great grandchildren. His parents, both spouses, a granddaughter, Bethanney Hinz, a brother Glenn Hargrove and an infant sister Della M. Hargrove also preceded him in death.

Rolland “Bill” Goins, 90, of Horton, Kansas passed away peacefully on Monday, October 4th, 2021 at his home in Oro Valley, Arizona.

He will be truly missed by family and friends in so many ways. Bill was born on April 16, 1931 in St. Joseph, Missouri the son of Lloyd and Leila Goins. He was raised in Horton and graduated from Horton High School in 1949. He was very active in athletics (basketball, football, golf, bowling and nearly anything else he attempted) both in school and his adult life. Bill loved sports and he attributed many of the qualities that served him so well in life to coaches and lessons learned while participating in athletic activities. Bill attended the Chillicothe Business College for one year but was subsequently drafted and he joined the United States Air Force. He served a four year tour of duty in Germany and left the service as a Staff Sergeant. He retired from the Kansas Power and Light / Gas Service Company, where he was Division Manager, in 1992 after 34 years of service.

Throughout his life Bill gave his time, talent and resources to the community and church he loved and was devoted to. He was a President of the Horton Health Foundation, President of the Kiwanis Club, President of the USD 430 Board of Education, was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Horton Post) and a member of the American Legion. He was also very active in the United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and as a soloist for many years.

Bill was preceded in death by Nancy Goins, wife and mother of his children. Bill was also preceded in death by two sons, Rolland Goins Jr., Ron Goins and a brother Lloyd Goins Jr.

Survivors include wife Donna Goins of Oro Valley, Arizona, two sons Todd (Toni) Goins of Baldwin City, Kansas and Bruce (Stacey) Goins of Parkville, Missouri. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Michaela, Abbey, Olivia and Peyton along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services and burial will be held on Monday, October 11th at 11am at the Horton Cemetery. The family will greet friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall at the United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Horton United Methodist Church sent in care of Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Lynn Marie Niehues, 65, of Corning died on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, surrounded by her family, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City.

She was born July 24, 1956 in Ottawa, Illinois to John and Elizabeth Singer Geiger. She graduated from Marquette Academy High School, in Ottawa. Lynn attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, where she gained her bachelors in psychology and sociology. She then further her education at Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, Missouri, gaining her masters in social gerontology. After graduation, Lynn relocated to Manhattan Kansas where she welcomed her two loving children. A job opportunity brought her to Nemaha County, where she met and married Roy G. Niehues of Corning.

On July 28, 2001, Lynn married Roy Niehues at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. Lynn was employed as a case manager for Big Lakes, and as a social worker, NCTC.  She enjoyed helping with the less fortunate and disabled, she was semi-retired, but still was working at the time of her death.

Her interest were horses, the Green Bay Packers, baking, taking care of all animals, family events, antiques and especially her grandchildren. She was a member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, St. Ann’s Altar Society and was on the Northeast Kansas Area on Agency Board of Directors. Lynn was a foreign exchange participant and a foster parent.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a grandson, Carson.

She is survived by her husband, Roy; a daughter, Lauren (Abel) Linares of Hiawatha; a son, Taylor (Whitney) Niehues of Centralia; two brothers, Mark Geiger of Chicago, Illinois and Bill Geiger of Riverton, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Sawyer, Kemper and Bowen.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Friday, October 7, 2021, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Saturday, October 8, 2021, at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. Burial will be in the St. Bede’s Cemetery in Kelly.
Memorial are to be designated at a later date sent in care of the family.

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

Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Ackmann, age 71, of Atchison, Kansas, died Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Mission Village Nursing Home in Horton, Kansas.

Cremation is planned. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date and will be announced at that time. The Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation care.

Kathy was born on June 2, 1950 in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Donald and Mary Maxine (Williams) Daigh. She attended St. Benedict’s Elementary School and graduated from Mount St. Scholastica in 1968.

Kathy was often seen as a friendly face working at Lot-A-Burger in Atchison for many years and she spent the rest of her working career as a cook and waitress at different restaurants.

She was a free-spirited lady and loved being outdoors. She could often be found wading into a nearby creeks, looking for rocks and sticks and making her children drag it all home! She enjoyed doing crafts, including painting and spending time with her pets; she could be considered a dog fanatic- she loved her dogs!

Survivors include her children, Margaret “Maggie” Bailey, Hiawatha, KS; two sons, Kelly Rutledge, Atchison, KS, Christopher (Regina) Bailey, Lathrop, MO; a brother, William (Donna) Daigh, Virginia Beach, VA; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Eugene Garrett, 89, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 5, 2021 at Falls City. He was born November 23, 1932 at Craig, Mo to Ernest and Roberta (Means) Garrett. 

He married Gwena Hazelwood on January 26, 1957 at Falls City. She passed away September 21, 2011.

Eugene was drafted into the U. S. Army on February 18, 1953 and entered into active duty at Kansas City, MO. He served in G Company 4th Infantry at Alaska, earning a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on February 4, 1955 at Ft. Carson, CO.

Eugene was raised at Craig and graduated Craig High School in 1950 and on October 16, 1950 he became employed by the CBNQ Railroad. Upon his discharge he returned to Craig and went back to work for the railroad. He lived in various places because of his work as a signal maintainer, retiring on June 30, 1999. He was a member of American Legion Post #164 at Craig.

Eugene is survived by his children, William Cooper and his wife Karen of Grand Island, NE, Sherry Fischer and her husband Joe of Falls City, sister, Joan Hall of Mound City, MO, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Erica Cooper and her special friend, Bill, Joe Cooper and his wife Allison and their child, Maddox, Kelly Cooper and child, Curtis Lehn all of Grand Island, Shannon Wustrack and her husband Trevor and their children, Reid, Emmett and Vivian of Falls City. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a son, Bob Garrett.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Cornelison Cemetery at Reserve, KS with Pastor Tim Boatright officiating.

Colby Gregory Smith, 17 years old, of Cummings, Kansas, died Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Celebration of Colby’s Life will be on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Atchison County Community High School with Rev. Jim Cormode officiating. Interment will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, from noon until the service at the high school. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison County Community Schools Foundation and will be put towards the building of the new gymnasium and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom care has been entrusted. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Colby was born on June 23, 2004 at the Atchison Hospital at 6:18 p.m. the oldest son of Gregory A. and Stacey (Bennett) Smith. He attended Atchison County Community Schools and was currently a senior at the high school. There is no doubt that he kept the entire school staff on their toes at all times. He was a great athlete and played football and excelled at wrestling. He was a member of the Effingham Wrestling Club since he was just a young kid and in middle school he was known as the “Lunch Box Kid”. He was part of the Kansas National Wrestling Team and wrestled on several traveling teams, including the O-Team.

Colby can be summed up as an All-American Kid and was loved by so many. He was adventurous, funny, witty, enjoyed four-wheeler riding, having people over to his house and if you asked him, he was a for sure stud-muffin. He loved his chocolate milk and Oreo cookies and as a child he loved Thomas the Train. Colby enjoyed inventing games whether they were considered appropriate or not and building things with his friends; he even constructed his own deer blinds. He was well known for his general mischief and horseplay and was always a part of any kind of prank. He was considered a good friend to many, made numerous friends from other schools and would always tell people, “Be nice to everyone”.

Colby is survived by his parents, Greg and Stacey Smith; his brother, Austin Smith; his sister, Lauren Smith; paternal grandparents, Howard and Judy Smith; maternal grandpa, Jerry L. Bennett, Sr.; his aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend, Madison Stirton.

He was preceded in death by his grandma, Ruth Bryant.

Brice Landon Volker, 38, of Auburn, Nebraska was born on October 12, 1982 in Omaha, Nebraska. His parents, Keith and Jody (Johnson) Volker raised their family in Beatrice and Laurel, Nebraska before moving to Lincoln, where Brice attended Norris High School and graduated in 2001. He then attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and Doane University. On December 14, 2013, Brice was united in marriage to Emily Jantzen in rural Beatrice. The couple made their home in Auburn, Nebraska.  Brice farmed with his family in rural Humboldt, Nebraska, operated his seed business, custom farmed, and managed an online auction service of farm equipment. He and Emily are members of St. James (Long Branch) Lutheran Church in rural Humboldt.  

Brice went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 2, 2021. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Lenora Volker; Vernon and Elaine Johnson; and an uncle, Merlin Volker.

Brice is survived by his loving wife, Emily Volker, of Auburn, NE; parents: Keith (Susan) Volker, of Lincoln, NE; Jody Johnson, fiancé, Bob Ellsworth, of Lincoln; in-laws, Warren (Gail) Jantzen, of Plymouth, NE; siblings: Stephanie Volker and friend, Gabriel Estes, of Fairbury, NE; Collin (Samantha) Volker, of Lincoln; nephews: Samuel Jantzen, of Chesapeake, VA; Jeromy and Jacob Henry, of Fairbury; Gabe Addleman-Platte, of Lincoln; nieces: Genesis Estes of Fairbury, Natyli Volker of Lincoln; brothers-in-law Brian and Paul Jantzen, a large extended family and an abundance of friends from home and afar.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 701 N. 6th Street in Beatrice, Nebraska with Pastor Eric Spruth-Janssen officiating. A livestream broadcast of Brice’s funeral and graveside services will be available on the Wherry Mortuary/Monument Facebook page.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021, at the Wherry Mortuary, 202 N. 3rd Street in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the St. James (Long Branch) Lutheran Cemetery in rural Humboldt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be given to designated ag related organizations chosen by the family.

Messages of condolence can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Turk Kennel, 45, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 3, 2021 at St. Joseph, MO. He was born June 23, 1976 at Fairfax, MO to Loyal and Joanie (Jones) Kennel.

He married Kelli Rue in 2002.

Turk was raised in the Craig and Fairfax, MO area and graduated from Craig High School in 1994. Following graduation he worked in Forest City, MO, becoming employed at Fast Global Solutions in 2000. He was a lead man on the night shift working until his health failed in October of 2020. He enjoyed riding his Harley, working on Dalton’s old chevy, fishing and camping. He was a member of Church of Christ at Falls City.

Turk is survived by his wife, Kelli of Falls City, children, Alexis Alverson and her husband Michael of Tulsa, OK, Dalton, Gracelynn and Wyatt all of Falls City, mother, Joanie Montgomery of Joplin, MO, brother, Chester and his wife Heather of Spring Hill, MO, sister, Jessica Stoner and her husband John of Craig, MO, brother-in-law, Paul Rue and his wife Sara of Falls City and a grandson, Emmett. He was preceded in death by his father.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Wayne Shafer officiating. Inurnment will be in Steele Cemetery.

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

Larry D. Russell, 60, of Lincoln, Nebraska was born on June 17, 1961 to Harlan and Charlene (Weddle) Russell in Axtell, Kansas.  Larry attended school in Falls City, Nebraska and graduated from Falls City High School in 1979.  After graduation, he worked various jobs in the area.  While working at Keim Trucking in Sabetha, Kansas, he met and married Peggy Havel.  To this union a son, Tyler, was born.  The couple would later divorce.

In 1998, Larry was united in marriage to Virginia Spellmeier of Sabetha, Kansas.  To this union twins, Chad and Abigail, were born and the couple later divorced.  Larry moved to Lincoln, Nebraska with his special friend, Dawn Buss.  Larry passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021, in Lincoln, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of sixty years, two months and twenty-three days.  He is preceded in death by his father, Harlan, brother Robert and maternal grandmother Edna (Helms) Gerdes.

Larry is survived by his mother Charlene Russell of Falls City, NE; children: Tyler Russell and wife Caelie of Sabetha, KS; Chad and Abigail Russell of Sabetha, KS; grandchildren: Holden and Sawyer Russell of Sabetha, KS; step-daughter Ashley (Havel) Cunningham and her children Braxton and Mackenzie of St. George, KS; and special friend Dawn Buss of Lincoln, NE.

A Graveside Inurnment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021, at the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Nebraska with Pastor Tim Boatright officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given 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, Nebraska

Keith Bradley Terry, 62 of Highland Kansas born March 1, 1959-October 2, 2021 to James R and Laura G Terry Onaga Kansas. 

He graduated from Hiawatha High school in 1977.  He married Debra Chezem September 18, 1981 and retired from Comanche construction in Kansas City in 2016.

He is proceeded in death by both parents, sisters Ginger Flower (Crys) and Nancy Tilton (Kenneth), and brother Robert Allen Terry. 

He is survived by Sisters Robin Jones (Mike) of Highland, Kelly Nitz (Shawn) of Tonganoxie, and step brothers John and Travis Ralph. Also Children Teresa Ridout (Clifford) of Highland, Heather Owen (Travis) of Robinson, Brandon Terry (Jennifer) of Grain Valley and 15 grandchildren.

An Irish Wake is planned for Sunday October 10th at the Community Center in Highland Kansas starting at noon. All Friends and Family are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home to help with final expenses and may be sent to 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS  66434. 

Dale Eugene Brownlow Sr., 84, of Topeka, KS, passed away September 30, 2021. Dale was born on June 25, 1937 to Rachel Angeline Carpenter and Jesse William Brownlow in Holton, Kansas.

Dale served in the United States Navy from September 1955 to September 1959. He served on the U.S.S. Bennington, U.S. Intrepid, and U.S.S. Forestall and traveled to the Arctic Circle, Ireland, and France during his years of service.

Dale had a long and successful career as an Auto Parts Counter Salesman at the Kansas Automotive Warehouse in Topeka, KS. Dale enjoyed gardening and created beautiful and colorful flower beds each year.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leroy Brownlow; sisters, Kathleen Johnston, Marilyn May, Doris Armstrong, and Evelyn Weatherhead; and son, Dale Brownlow Jr.

He is survived by his children Alan Brownlow, Ryan Brownlow, Carol Matthews; brother, Donald Brownlow (Linda); sisters, Linda Brownlow and Shirley Horr.

Dale was dearly loved and will be remembered for his kind spirit, strong work ethic, honesty, everlasting positive attitude, and for being a loving Father, Brother, and Son.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to funeral service. Dale will lie in state 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be given to the Holton V.F.W. Post 1367 c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.