David L. Madere, 53, of Horton, Kansas passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at his home in Horton, Kansas.

He was born on January 18, 1969 in Horton, Kansas the son of David Madere and Linda Reeves. David graduated from Horton High School in 1987 with an impressive football career that he took into a brief collage stint. He was an amazing and stubborn man who had a lot of hard love for friends and family. David- real passion was coaching his kids in football and basketball.

Survivors include a daughter, Harley Madere (Jarred Kahbeah); two sons, Thad Madere (Isabel Dishman) and Gunnar Madere; three grandchildren, Kai, Kingston and Khalil; his mother, Linda (Reeves) Messer; two brothers, Dustin Madere and Dennis Madere (Julie); sisters, Danielle Vaughn (John) and Brittany Messer; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, David Madere Jr.

Memorial services will be at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the David Madere memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

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

Jeanette (Mahlandt) Simpson, 89, of Troy, Kansas passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Diversicare in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Jeanette was born on August 28, 1933, in Atlantic, Iowa to Harry and Eva (Dameron) Mahlandt.

She was a member of the Community of Christ Church, Fanning, Kansas.

Jeanette was an amazing lady that had so much love for her family and friends.

Jeanette married Ed Simpson on June 20, 1952. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sons, Tom Bruns and Rick Simpson and 2 great grandsons.

Survivors: sons; Mike Simpson (Kim), Roger Simpson (Kristi), daughters; Kathy Smith (John Marvin Jr.), Patty Hewins (Glenn) and Wendy Beahler (Ed).

Brother, Harry “Buster” Mahlandt.

Daughter-in-law, Connie Bruns.

20 Grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M Friday, December 2, 2022.

At the Community of Christ Church, Fanning, Kansas.

Visitation: 6-8 Thursday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Thursday.

Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.

Memorials: Doniphan County Ambulance District #1.

www.harmanrohde.com

Jerri Lynn (Banaka) Denton, 52, of New Bloomfield, MO, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022 at St. Mary- Hospital in Jefferson City, MO. She was born November 14, 1970 in Topeka, KS, the daughter of James L. and Janet Kay (Sharp) Banaka.

Jerri graduated from Jackson Heights High School in 1989 and Highland Community College. She earned her Masters Degree from Missouri Western College.

She was a Chief Negotiator for the State of Missouri and previously with the fitness program at Missouri Highway Patrol.

Jerri married Bradley Denton on August 8, 1989 in Holton; they later divorced.

Survivors include her fiancé, Christopher Schumann of the home; father, Jim Banaka of Netawaka, KS; 2 sons, Nick Denton of Florida and Brandon Denton of Holt Summit, MO; 2 sisters, Janelle Bell (Brad) of Trenton, TX and Julie Shook (Zane) of Carbondale, KS; 1 niece; 4 nephews and 4 great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by a son, Logan Alan Denton; her mother, Janet Banaka; brother, James Bradley “Brad” Banaka and a nephew, Wyatt Zane Shook.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Mercer Funeral Home (to help with funeral expenses) 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.

Carolyn “Carol” Lee (Aubrey) Fox, 76, of Stella, Nebraska was born on March 16, 1946, in Clayton, Missouri to William and Faye (Stiltz) Aubrey. She was raised in St. Louis, Missouri until the age of 15, when her family moved to California. She lived there for 18 years before moving to Nebraska where she has resided since. Carol graduated from high school with her G.E.D. and continued her education by completing her LPN degree from NEKA-VOTECH nursing school. She worked as a nurse for twenty years in southeast Nebraska at various nursing homes. Carol attended Grace Bible Church in Stella for many years and in her spare time enjoyed collecting beanie babies and making stained glass angels.

Carol passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Falls City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Falls City, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of seventy-six years, eight months and nine days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold and brother Jimmy Aubrey.

Carol is survived by her sons Bob Newman and wife Tj of Stella, NE; Jeffrey Baumann of Denison, KS; step-daughters: Bridget Dugger and husband Steve of Palmer, NE; Kimberly Bungenstock and husband Randy of Fairfax, MO; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

John Michael Blaske, 73, of Onaga, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 15, 1949 at Onaga the son of Elmer and Margaret Bennett Blaske. He attended grade school at Blaine, then 2 years at Wheaton School until the school closed then he graduated from Onaga High School in 1968. He then went onto Manhattan Vocational Technical School having studied welding and mechanics. He later attended the Missouri Auction School.

John was a farmer and a stockman. He also had worked at the Farmer- Cooperative in Onaga, Peterson Farms outside of Wamego and in the Swine Research Unit at Kansas State University. Along with that he worked as an auctioneer. His greatest love was watching his kids and grandkids participate in sports and any activities they were involved in. He also had a passion collecting IHC Farmall toy implements. He liked going to tractor pulls.

He was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church at Blaine, a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2278 in Blaine, Ks and the Thomas A. McNeive 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly No. 289 in St. Marys. He was also a Life Member of the Onaga FFA Alumni, a member of the former Pottawatomie County Pork Producers, Pottawatomie County Farm Bureau Board Member. While his children were younger, he was very active with 4-H, being a club Leader for Triple-V, and a swine superintendent at the Pottawatomie County Fair for many years. He loved helping with livestock and then was so proud to help his grandchildren when it came time to work with their animals.

John married Joyce Stoffer on June 28, 1968 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church Blaine, Kansas. She survives, of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three grandchildren, Natalie Blaske, Keaton Blaske, Serena Blaske, and a brother, Paul Blaske.

Other survivors include three daughters; Karen White (Rob), Wamego, Kathy Michaelis, Paxico, Kristie Dressman, Manhattan; three sons, Kevin Blaske (Yvonne), Havensville, Keith Blaske (Michelle), Sylvia and Ken Blaske (Jennifer), Duluth; and twelve grandchildren, Judy White (Leroy), Madelyn Michaelis, Garrett Dressman, Kayla White Alvarado, Emma (Zac) Ziemet, Harley Blaske, Gavin Dressman, Sydney Blaske, Conner Michaelis, Blaine Blaske, Colton Blaske and Calvin Blaske. two sisters, Mary Crumb, Onaga and Margaret Ann Fleagle, Reserve; many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1st at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Lillis. A Knights of Columbus Rosary and Chalice Service will be at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Blaine. John will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, where a visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorials will be decided at a later date and may be sent in care of the funeral home, Chapel Oaks 218 Leonard St., Onaga, KS 66521. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

A good man took his last breath on November 17, 2022, just a few months shy of his 96th birthday. David D. Wolken was born to Louise (Sieber) and Dirk Albert, D. A. Wolken on January 16, 1927 at their farm home in rural Nemaha County. He was the fifth of seven children. He attended school at Dewey Country and Tecumseh Public Schools. Most of David- education came from watching his dad and working in the family business alongside his brothers. David and his brothers owned and operated D.A. Wolken and Sons, a business started by their father in Tecumseh. He could solve any refrigeration problem and taught his kids there was only one way to do a job “the right way.” David could tell you about the good home cooking he enjoyed while working for customers, or about being called out in the middle of the night because someone- furnace had broken, a farmer- milk cooler was down, or any number of other mechanical breakdowns. Work was his way of life. David led a life of service to others, in business, community, and to fellow veterans.

For many years, he served the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, as a member of the funeral honors firing squad. David was officially recognized, as an Authorized Provider of Military Funeral Honors, by the United States Department of Defense, David served his country from 1950-1952 as part of the U.S. presence near Frankfurt, in occupied Germany.

After returning from his deployment, David married Bernice (Wenzl) and raised four children in the house he built from the ground up. On Sundays, he enjoyed taking his sons fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. After David- 1st marriage ended, he reconnected with a high school sweetheart, Ruth (Starlin), They were married on April 23, 1983. With this union, David was blessed with a daughter, son-in-law and four grandchildren. David and Ruth enjoyed traveling, flying to Europe and Hawaii, taking cruises and bus trips. David and Ruth also became Husker Football season ticket holders. They bought a camper and spent weekends enjoying mother nature and family. David always looked forward to annual fishing trips to the boundary waters in Minnesota with his brothers and extended family.

David was baptized and confirmed at St. John- Lutheran Church in Tecumseh. NE. He became a member of the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh following his marriage to Ruth. In 2018, David moved to Lincoln and lived at the Savannah Pines retirement community, where he enjoyed the many new friends he made there, the good food and the Nebraska tailgate parties. This past year he entered the Country House Memory Care facility where the staff loved him, and he prefaced most of his conversations with “I’ll tell you what…”

He is survived by his children Vickie & Roger Wenzl of Lincoln, David Jr. & Karen Wolken of Tecumseh, Jerry & Jeanne Wolken of Tecumseh, Lynn & Frank Buss of Gretna; Grandchildren Russ (Allison) Wenzl, Adam Wenzl (Anne), Kellen (Kelsey) Heideman, Kaci Wolken (Kaylor), Kale Wolken (Maggie), Matt (Tyra) Urkoski, Derek (Christina) Wolken, Brittany (Corey) Nepomuck, Beth Wolken, Jason (Melissa) Buss, Amy Buss, Carri (Chris) Dyer, Mandy (Tom) Barkhaus, and 19 great-grandchildren as well as sister Helen Silva and sisters-in-law Frances Wolken and Cherie Starlin. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, daughter Lori, his parents, and brothers Robert, Harold, Jack, Marion and Glen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Pastor Hugh Giesbrecht officiating. The service will also be livestreamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page. Full military rites by the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team and the Tecumseh VFW and American Legion Posts will follow the service.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the Avenue of Flags or the First Baptist Church.

Private family inurnment will be held at the Vesta Cemetery at a later date.

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

Carol Ann Baum, 83, of Holton, KS, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022 at The Pines South in Holton. She was born December 27, 1938 in Hoisington, KS, the daughter of Howard and Mary (Hennessy) Finn.

Carol graduated from Hoisington High School and attended Marymount University. She worked for the Jackson County District Court as a Trial Court Clerk; retiring in 1998.

She was a member of the Evangel United Methodist Church, Bell- Choir and volunteered for Today- Tomorrow Kid- Choir both at the church. She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a member of Pilot Club.

Carol married Robert Baum in 1964; they later divorced in 1982. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her son, David Baum on June 21, 2020; sister, Patty Finn and brother, Robert Finn.

Survivors include 2 sons, Mike Baum (Ranae) of Topeka, KS and Scott Baum (Susan) of Holton, KS; a daughter-in-law, Pam Baum of Holton, KS; 5 grandchildren, Jacob, Mason, Zack, Spencer and Regan Baum and 1 great-grandson, Bennett with “one on the way”.

Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County 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.

Barbara Jean Brown, 85, of Atchison, KS, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Amberwell Atchison.

Memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Craig Lantz officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark- Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Jean was born August 7, 1937, in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Harry and Margaret (Matthias) Clark. She attended Shannon Grade School and graduated from ACCHS in 1955. Immediately following graduation, she went to work for John Buehler, attorney at law. Jean later moved to Topeka for a brief time working for an insurance company. In 1960 she began working for Blish Mize Silliman. She left Blish Mize in 1969, returning part time in 1970 and back fulltime in 1976. She worked there until her retirement in 1999.

Jean married Dewey Harold Brown on August 14, 1955, at St. Mark- Lutheran Church, where she was a lifelong member. Over the years she served as Superintendent of the Junior Department, President of WELCA group, interim office worker, church council and financial secretary for the church. Jean held a private pilot license and enjoyed flying with Dewey who also held a private pilot license. With friends they would make many long and short trips. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and cooking many delicious dinners for her family.

Survivors include a daughter, Dianne (Pat) Knowles, Atchison; three grandchildren, Kathryn (Blake) Woolbright, San Francisco, CA; Jennifer (Josh) Stolz of Blair, NE; and Jason Knowles, Atchison; one step-grandson, Patrick G. Knowles, Holt, MO, two great grandchildren, Isabella and Leo Stolz, one step-great grandson, Deegan Knowles, one former daughter-in-law, Rebecca Naylor, Olathe; and several nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Harry William “Bill” Clark, a sister Dorcas Clark Low and a son William Harold Brown.

Janice “Jan” Thompson, 70, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 25, 2022 at Falls City. She was born October 4, 1952 at Ludington, MI to Andrew and Phyllis (Engman) Johnson.

She married James Fenimore on June 18, 1977 in Nebraska and they were divorced in 1999. She then married Steve Thompson on December 27, 2006 at Falls City.

Jan graduated from Northeast High School in Lincoln, NE in 1970 and then went on to graduate the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a teaching degree, later earning a masters degree from Kearney State College in 1982. She began her teaching career in Geneva, NE. She continued her teaching career throughout her life teaching in Niobrara, Superior, Falls City, and retired from teaching in Effingham, KS. She taught Middle and High School English and Grammar and was also a Speech and Drama coach for many years. When she retired, she taught G.E.D. courses in Falls City and also volunteered teaching English as a second language. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and refinishing items to sell in her space at Norma- Antique Mall. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Parish Circle, the church choir, the UMW, NEA and Retired Teachers Association.

Jan is survived by her husband, Steve of Falls City, children, Taylor Fenimore of Trophy Club, TX, Ross and his wife Brandy of Omaha, NE, step-daughters, Rachel Jackson and her husband Joe of Falls City, Roberta Geiger and her husband Kyle of Owensboro, KY, Michelle Easdale and her husband Kevin of New Market, MD, brothers, Paul Johnson and his wife Carol of Stuart, FL, Timothy Johnson and his wife Mary of Eden Prairie, MN, Thomas Johnson of Bloomington, MN and eleven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Philip and Daniel Johnson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church.

No viewing or visitation. Friends may sign the guest registry during regular business hours at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Jane Beekman, 77, of Falls City, NE passed away November 19, 2022 at her home. She was born October 14, 1945 at York, NE to Verdett and Pearl (Domeier) Bumgarner.

She married Peter Beekman and they were later divorced. She then married Richard Buckminster on June 1, 2011 at Falls City.

Jane was raised at York and graduated York High School in 1964, going on to graduated Peru State College with a degree in psychology. She started working in Iowa as a psychotherapist. She worked in the mental health field for many years. In her retirement she helped her husband working at the elevator in Salem. She attended the First Brethren Church at Falls City.

Jane is survived by her husband, Richard Buckminster of Falls City, sons, Davis Beekman and his wife Gracie of Uriah, CA, Matt and his wife Katie of Sacramento, CA, step-children, Bobby Joe Simmonds of Falls City, Chris Simmonds of Lake Havasu, AZ, a brother, Dr. Donald Bumgarner of Shenandoah, IA, and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Verdell Bumgarner.

Jane- body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time.

Helen Rose Ann (Smallfield) McDaniel, 84 of Holton, KS, passed away Friday, November 25, 2022 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. She was born April 20 1938 in Flandeau, S.D. the daughter of Otto William and Beatrice Lenora (Winklewitsch) Smallfield.

Helen graduated from Flandreau High School in 1956 in Flandreau, S.D. She graduated from cosmetology college in Sioux Falls, S.D. Helen was a homemaker and housewife.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, quilting club at the church, OES #320, V.F.W. Post 400 Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.

Helen married James Dean “J.D.” McDaniel on November 25, 1961 in Enid, OK. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2006 after 44 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Beatrice Smallfield and a brother, John Smallfield.

Survivors include her 2 sons, Robert McDaniel (Nora) of Sioux Falls, SD and William McDaniel of Topeka, KS; 3 daughters, KS, Dawn Baldwin (Lonnie) of Topeka, KS, Sally Beckwith of Topeka, KS and Amie McDaniel of Haysville, KS; a brother, Delbert Smallfield (Florence) of Bloomington, MN; 5 sisters, Virgene Bullis of Knoxville, IA, Frances Smallfield of Palm Desert, CA, Karen Johnson (Raymond) of Hephzibah, GA, Beverly Jones of Lake Madison, SD and Dorothy Leraas of Brookins, SD; 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Gary L. Gibson, 71, of Horton, Kansas, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022 at the Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha, Ks.

He was born January 19, 1951 in St. Joseph, Missouri, the son of Lloyd C. Gibson and Cuma L. (Richardson) Johnston. Gary graduated from Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1970 and served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 1970 to 1991 retiring at the rank of Staff Sargent. He worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation and retired in 2006 after 35 years of faithful service. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Shriners International.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Sheldon and Mark Gibson, and an infant sister.

He survived by his son, Gary L. Gibson II (Tammy), stepson, John M. Imlay (Katie), 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, numerous nieces & nephews, and caregivers Eileen Weathermon & Jon Begnaud.

Graveside services with full military honors will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Osborn, Mo. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that a donation be made to Shriners Hospital for Children and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Aneita Jennie Figgs, 87, died Friday evening November 11, 2022 at Mission Village Living Center in Horton, Kansas.

Aneita had lived in Topeka, Kansas, residing in Horton the last 2 1/2 years to be closer to her daughter. She was born March 9, 1935 on the family farm, 6 miles South of Effingham, Kansas to Jennie Mae (Arthur) and Irwin O. Figgs. She was the seventh of eight children and had many loving memories of her childhood and working hard with her siblings. Aneita and Bill Sheeley were married December 20, 1952 and to this union two children were born. Sheila Heineken (Ron) of Everest, Kansas and Shane Sheeley (Sandie) of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. They were later divorced. Aneita was a Communications Operator for St. Francis Hospital for over 20 years and the Parkview Center of Stormont Vail Hospital, both of Topeka.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and 6 siblings, Orville, Tyrus, Mary, Jerry, Irwin, and Tom.

Aneita is survived by her children, Sheila and Shane, 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, her brother Larry of Beloit, Ohio, a dear Sister-in-law Leona Figgs at Sabetha, Kansas, 6 nephews and a niece, and several wonderful friends she had made over her lifetime.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M. on November 30, 2022 at the Valley Falls Cemetery, Valley Falls, Kansas. Family will visit with friends and family at that time. Memorials may be made to the Aneita Figgs memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Bob O. Bell, 93, of Auburn, NE, passed away November 16, 2022 at Auburn. He was born October 14, 1929 at Amistad, NM to Clinton and Thelma (Steele) Bell.

He married Wilma James on May 23, 1954 at the Christian Church parsonage, she passed away on February 20, 2018.

On January 11, 1951 Bob was drafted into the U. S. Army. He served in the Korean War and then served in the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1956 as a Corporal.

Bob lived many places growing up and following the war he moved to Colorado in 1952. In 1953 he moved to Auburn, NE where he worked for Auburn Electric Motors and then for Humphrey Motors. In 1954 the couple moved to Gila Bend, AZ where he worked at guided missile range and missile testing site. They moved to Salina, KS where he worked for Ryder Truck Company as a mechanic and later, he worked for Western Auto. He later worked part time for Sam- Club. He moved to Hiawatha, KS in 2018 and later to Auburn. He enjoyed carving walking Sticks and canes.

Bob is survived by his brother, Ben of Great Falls, MT, sister, Lucy Scott of Oklahoma City, in-laws, Dean and Marian James of Stella, NE, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers and three sisters.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Prairie Union Cemetery with Pastor John States officiating. Military graveside honors by Shubert American Legion.

Ilaline I. Critser, age 86 of Auburn, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Survivors include her husband Justin; daughter Irene Critser of Holdrege; sons and daughters-in-law Frank and Renee of Auburn, Jon and Jennifer of Hickman; grandchildren Justin, Chad, Maddie, and Kyle; brother Dean (Sharon) Bogle of Humboldt; sister Donna Stricklett of Branson, MO; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Saturday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00. Burial will follow in Sheridan West Cemetery at Auburn.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to Auburn Volunteer Fire Department or Auburn Rescue Squad.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

Adina Janee Adamson "Dina", 46, died unexpectedly November 17, 2022, near her home. She was born March 9, 1976, in Enid Oklahoma to Pamela (Gerdes) Adamson and Jesse Adamson. Her early years were spent in Oklahoma before moving to Atchison, Kansas, in 1985. She attended Atchison High School graduating with the class of 1994. The last several years she was self-employed running her own cleaning service. Her greatest achievement and joy were her family. Affectionately known as 'GG' by her grandchildren she was a devoted mother, grandmother, partner, daughter and friend.Her favorite place to be was on a beach surrounded by family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Jimalou and Calvin Adamson; Joseph Gerdes; Jack- son, Jonathan Craig; and four uncles: John, Dee and Jerry Adamson, Joseph "Joey" Gerdes.Adina is survived by her longtime partner, Jack Craig, and his children, Andrew (Megan) Craig, Cassie (Eric) Pickhinke, Brad (Mario) Craig; her sons, Joseph (Allison) and Eli Widner; her daughter, Kassie (Kurtiss) Burge; granddaughters Sophia, Laekyn, Mileigh, Olivia, Aria, Briella & Kynleigh; grandsons Aidyn, Kamdyn and Landon; her mother, Pamela Adamson; grandmother, Rose Gerdes; sister, Jessica (Ed) Rose; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and her beloved dogs.

A visitation with the family will be Saturday November 26th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home ending with a short service. Flower arrangements can be sent to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home and memorials are suggested to benefit her youngest son Eli, and can be left directly with the funeral home.

Justina Tonia Brockman, known as Stina, unexpectedly passed away November 20, 2022 at the age of 39. She was surrounded by her Father, Tony Hyde, Step Mother, Helen Hyde, some of her many siblings, and her loving husband of 15 years, Russell Brockman.

Justina was born on August 7, 1983 in Topeka, Kansas to Tony Hyde and Angie Ramirez and is the oldest of 14 siblings. She grew up in Hiawatha KS as part of the Sycuan and Kickapoo Nations. She graduated from Hiawatha high school in 2001. She was a loving Step Mom to Lucky and Riley Brockman, devoted daughter, sister, and Aunt, always involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews, she was their biggest supporter. Being the oldest of so many gave her a maternal caring nature that even her friend- children felt.

Her kind spirit, hilarious sense of humor, toughness, and strength, truly made her one of a kind. She loved art, unique handmade jewelry, was an excellent bowler, loved heavy metal, Tim Burton movies, Halloween, tropical travels, and of course, motorcycles. Her most cherished times were spent on the back of the Harley with her best friend and husband.

Even with all these loud wild interests, in a large crowd, she may have often sat off to the side quietly observing, chuckling, with a smile that always made her eyes sparkle. In private, personal moments, she opened up to those she cared deeply for. Justina touched so many hearts, the unforgettable impact she made with her time here is felt far and wide..

Justina is proceed in death by her beloved Mother, Angie Ramirez, sister Yvonne Hyde, sister Darissa Ramirez, step-brother Justin Swindle, nephew Herbert Ramirez.

She is survived by her husband Russel Brockman, II, Stepsons Lucky Brockman and Riley Brockman, Father Tony Hyde of Hiawatha, Stepmother Helen Hyde, brother Bruce Swindle of Hiawatha, sisters: Alexandria Hyde of St. Joseph, MO, Ophelia Hyde of Flagstaff, AZ, Joanna Hyde- El Cajun, Calif, Arlissa Whitebird- Horton Ks, Jessi Whitebird of Kansas City, KS, Alissen Whitebird- Holton, Ks, Larissa Whitebird- Holton, Ks, Marissa Whitebird- Horton, Ks, Austin Whitebird- Horton, Ks, Iriss Whitebird- Horton, Ks, Clarissa Whitebird-Kansas City, Ks, Vanessa Whitebird (Gonzales)-Kansas City, Mo, Alvin Whitebird-Horton, Ks and Devin Whitebird-Horton, Ks, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Monday November 28th from 5:00-7:00pm and Funeral services will be Tuesday morning November 29th at 10:30 a.m., both will be at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 124 S 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

The family welcomes everyone to join them for lunch after services at the Fisher Center at 201 E Iowa St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Memorial contributions suggested to the Animal Shelter c/o funeral home, 66434.

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

Irma Last, 90, of Shubert, NE, passed away November 23, 2022 at Stella, NE. She was born July 23, 1932 at Elizabeth, AR to Walter and Katherine (Baer) Graves

She married Wilbur Last on August 31, 1957 at Superior, WI.

Irma was raised in Cozy Corner, WI and following graduation from high school she attended Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN, where she met Wilbur. She was a home maker and also worked as an in home healthcare giver. She enjoyed helping to raise her grandchildren. She was a member of the United Pentecostal Church.

Irma is survived by her husband Wilbur of Shubert, children, Tamra Fletcher and her husband Kevin of St. Joseph, MO, Mike and his wife Toni fo Flippin, AR, Vicki O’Neil of Shubert, Amber Last of Stella, nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Milton and Max Baer.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Harris Cemetery, Barada, NE.

No viewing or visitation.

Friends and family may sign the guest registry on Friday from noon until 5:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Gladys “Peachie” Bewley, 86, of Atchison, KS passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 27th, 2022, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Craig Lantz officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mark- Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Peachie was born on May 4, 1936, in Atchison, KS the daughter of Clarence and Pauline (Nestler) Hansen. She attended Atchison Schools and worked as a cashier and salesclerk for Millers Photo, Hansen Cleaners, Litwin-, and Best Western Motel. She was a member of the St. Mark- Lutheran Church and enjoyed reading, cooking and taking care of others.

She was married to her childhood sweetheart Joseph “Jim” Bewley who preceded her in death. They were blessed with four children who survive including Gary Bewley, Janice Morelock, Janey (Tim) Grebe, and Judy Stiffler (Tim Servaes), eleven grandchildren and numerous great and great great grandchildren.

Marion Alice Kranz, 89, of Wetmore, KS, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, KS. She was born May 19, 1933 in Troy, KS, the daughter of Clyde Garfield and Viola Belle (Smith) Dittemore.

Marion graduated from Holton High School in 1952. She lived most of her life in Nemaha and Jackson Counties; moving to Wetmore in 1959. She worked as an usher at the Arcada Theater in Holton, Grain Elevator in Netawaka all through the 70- & 80-, Secretary for Wetmore High School from 1968-1974 and many years on the election board.

Marion was a member of Wetmore American Legion Post 282 Auxiliary, Modern Wetmore Study Club, Wetmore 4-H Leader and Wetmore Bowling League.

She married Howard Eugene Kranz on March 22, 1953 in Holton. He preceded her in death on September 17, 2014; after 61 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by 5 sisters, Dorcas Killion, Verna Hendrix, Cathern Ring, Marjorie Kranz and Evelyn Wittenberg and 2 brothers, Hugh and Clyde “Mose” Dittemore.

Survivors include her 5 children, Janet Horton (Neil) of Manhattan, KS, Sandy Hutfles (Sam) of Baileyville, KS, Dennis Kranz (Carol) of La Vernia, TX, Tammy Ethridge (Troy) of Salina, KS and Mike Kranz (Holly) of Frisco, TX; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Wetmore Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5-7 P.M. Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 at the funeral home. Marion will lie-in-state Sunday afternoon until 6:00 P.M. and Monday from 9 A.M.- 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Apostolic Christian Home or to the Riley County 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.

Timothy Walter Allen, 68, Valley Falls, died Friday, Nov. 18, after succumbing to injuries from a workplace accident.

Tim was born Dec. 21, 1953, in Topeka, the son of Richard (Dick) and Margaret Allen.
He attended school in Dillon, South Carolina, spending his early years between Kansas and South Carolina.

Tim married Kristin Harden Oct. 4, 1991, at the Valley Falls Christian Church. Together they built a life for themselves and their family in Valley Falls.

He was a painter and a carpenter. He worked many jobs over the years, including for Haul-Mor Inc., Dana Kientz Painting, Holsapple Mudjacking, Senne Construction, and Kearney and Son Construction, retiring in 2015. He was a hard worker, building much of his family home and that of his son- family in recent years. He crafted everything from the picture frames on the walls to the horse barn in the pasture for his wife- beloved horses. Most recently, he was constructing a wood shop for himself, which remains unfinished.

Tim enjoyed the outdoors, carpentry, travel, and spending time with his family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Tim leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife, Kristin, of the home; a son, Christopher (Holly) Allen, Valley Falls; a daughter, Amber (Griffin) Copeland, Lawrence; four grandchildren, Charlotte, Echo, Wilder, and Raymond, with another granddaughter on the way; a brother, Blaine Allen, Valley Falls; a sister, Mary (Dean) Lederer, Valley Falls; and many cousins and friends, who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Tim- life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at Kearney and Son Construction, Valley Falls. All are welcome to attend. Cards of condolence or memorials to Jefferson County Humane Society may be mailed to Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, Kansas 66088. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Donna J. DeFreece, 85, of Tecumseh, passed away November 15, 2022 at the Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Donna was a longtime classroom and special education teacher.

She was united in marriage to James I. DeFreece at the First Christian Church in Grand Island, Nebraska. To this union five children were born.

Donna and Jim made their home in Tecumseh where they raised their family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, counselor, advisor and mentor. She was a Christ follower, friend to everyone, loved everyone, and left a legacy of love, that touched everyone she met.

She was a faithful long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh where she had served as deacon. Donna was also a member of Job's Daughters and the Foster Care Review Board. She was most passionate about children and her family and also enjoyed gardening, music and watching sports. Donna will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Donna is survived by her husband Jim DeFreece, children, Dave and Rhonda (Miesbach) DeFreece and children, Mike and Sara (DeFreece) Grein, Tim and Carrie (DeFreece) Bugg and Sam DeFreece, Jeff Brommer (Kristin- husband) and children Pat and Alicia (Naber) Brommer, Kyle Brommer and Sydney Zach, Dan and Kay (Pudenz) DeFreece and children Jameson and Taylor DeFreece, Leah DeFreece and Addison DeFreece, Andy and Gina (Novicki) DeFreece and children Nathan DeFreece, Jack DeFreece and Seth DeFreece, and Steve and Paula (Holm) DeFreece and children Schyler DeFreece, Gabe DeFreece and Jonathan DeFreece and 10 great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Josiah and Levi Grein, Madison, Grace and Lucy Bugg, Elliott and Cora Brommer, Cooper Zach and Ignatius DeFreece.

Donna was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and her daughter Kristin Brommer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Pastor Hugh Giesbrecht officiating. The service will also be livestreamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the First Baptist Church or Gold Crest Retirement Center.

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

Clarence George Hertlein Jr., 72, Valley Falls, Kansas, passed away on November 10, 2022 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City.

Clarence worked as a salesman in the welding supply field and at the Midwest Grain Products (MGP) facility in Atchison, Kansas. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.

He was born July 30, 1950, the son of Clarence Sr. (deceased 1992) and Teresa M. (Nelson) Hertlein (decreased 2002).

Surviving are his sisters Mary Lou Fisher (Doug), Virginia Ann. Burghart, Rita Marie Hertlein and Carol Sue Debacker (Dan). Also surviving are nieces and nephews Deann (Fisher) Kipers (Gregg), Matthew Fisher (Valerie), Michael J. Burghart, Jr., Beth (Burghart) Erb (Tory), Mariah (Debacker) Rickenbach (Philip aka Ricky) and his best friend considered brother Scott (Sarg) Morrow (Cindy). Many other close friends and distant relatives also survive.

Clarence was cremated. Weather permitting, a Catholic burial, officiated by Father Lazar Carasala, will be at Coal Creek Cemetery in Valley Falls at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Those wanting to attend are welcome to do so.

Markeeta Ann Walder, 75 of Mayetta, KS passed away, Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the Kelly House of Meriden. She was born July 27, 1947, the daughter of Andrew and Phyllis (Green) Jenson. They proceeded her in death, as did her sister, Collette Schnackenberg in 2003.

Markeeta married Marion Lee Walder in Holton on Oct. 6, 1967. He survives, of the home. Other survivors include daughter, Barbara K. Hittle (Bill) of Mayetta, daughter, Lisa R. Walder, sons, Shane W. Walder (Melissa) and Matthew L. Walder (Pam), all of Topeka, KS and nine grandchildren; Garrett Schleif, Rebecca, Wyatt, Jill, Tenley, Heidi and Waylon Walder and Cheyenne and Dakota Hittle.

Markeeta graduated from Holton High School in 1965. She was a member of the Holton Christian Church where she taught Sunday School. She was a member of the International Order of the Eastern Star, Job- Daughters Bethel #65 and was an honorary queen in 1964. She was also a member of the Lincoln Social Club at Mayetta.

Markeeta was a devoted wife and mother and she enjoyed cooking, crafts and spending time with her family. In Markeeta- early years, she worked at the Big B Grocery Store and the Arcada Movie Theatre in Holton. She worked outside of the home as a speech teacher for the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Head Start and the State of Kansas, where she worked for the Department of Administration and then for the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Revenue, until she retired in 2013.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Markeeta will be cremated and her burial will take place at the Holton Cemetery at a later date. The family will greet friends 5:30-6:30 P.M. Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral in Holton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer- Association and sent in 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

Ruth O. Alderfer Painter, 86, of Sabetha, Kansas died on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Ruth was born on July 14, 1936, the daughter of Thomas and Luzena (Hodges) Ryland on the family farm just north of Greenleaf, Kansas. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Alderfer on October 4, 1959, and they were blessed with three sons, David, Kenneth, and John. Her husband, Kenneth, passed away on August 16, 1978. On January 15, 1982, Ruth was united in marriage to Walter G. Painter. They later divorced.

After graduating from Marysville High School in 1954, Ruth attended the Nancy Taylor School of Modeling and Clark- Business School both in Topeka, Kansas. When her sons were born, Ruth focused her attention on raising them. She was also a well-known day care provider to several families in the Sabetha area and was an original board member of the Sabetha Community Preschool. In addition, Ruth was a talented seamstress and she enjoyed crafts and gardening.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; her son, David; her great-grandson, Mox; her two sisters, Arlene Frey and Dorothy Evans.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, Kenneth (Cindy) Alderfer and John Alderfer both of Sabetha; three granddaughters, Jessica (Chance) Steele of Sabetha, Ashley (Shawn) Lueger of Seneca, Kansas, and Tyanna (Andy) Kueser of Eudora, Kansas; her six great-grandchildren, Kendrick, Eva, Leona, Gaige, Conrad, and Bernadette; her brother, Donald Ryland of Hiawatha, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary. Inurnment will be held at the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rock Creek Church Restoration Project for the Albany Historical Society sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Raymond Earl Wehrman, of rural White Cloud, the youngest son of Willian Earnest Wehrman, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Burris Wehrman, was born July 6, 1932, at home on the farm near White Cloud, KS. He passed away November 16, 2022 at Amberwell Hiawatha Hospital.

He attended Hilltop Country School thru the 8th grade and high school at Reserve graduating in 1950. While he was in high school, Ray drove a school bus from his home to and from the high school picking up kids along the way. He worked several jobs before joining his father full time in farming. Farming and raising cattle was his lifelong passion.

On March 27, 1957, he married Marilyn Joyce Bruening at Zion Methodist Church. They moved to his grandparents’ farm home. Ray returned to his childhood home in 1964 after the death of his father in 1963.

Ray was on the Brown County Soil Conservation Board serving as Chairman in 1981. He was the secretary of the Roy- Creek Watershed Board for many years. He was a longtime member of the Zion Methodist Church serving in many positions including many years as Financial Secretary.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: William E. Wehrman, Jr. and his wife Marjorie, Larry A. Wehrman and his wife Jean.

Ray is survived by his wife Marilyn of the home; sons: Steven (Joleen) Wehrman, Scott (Cathy) Wehrman of McPherson, KS, daughter Mary (Morris) Thompson of Leona, KS; grandchildren: Kristin (Kyle) McConnell and their sons Max and Sam of McPherson, Faith (Aaron) Black and their sons, Aiden and Nathan Ray of Great Bend, KS, Christian Earl Wehrman of McPherson, Hope Wehrman of Hutchinson, KS, Joshua Wehrman of McPherson, and granddaughter by choice Ashlie Eubanks (Stephen Mayer) and their daughter Lydia, of Wichita, KS, with numerous cousins and their families.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, November 26 and after 12 noon Sunday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday evening

A Celebration of Ray- life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2022 at Zion United Methodist Church, 2906 Timber Road, Robinson. Pastor Darlene Sheffer will officiate. Interment will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Zion United Methodist Church or Maple Heights Activity Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Charles Andrew “Toad” Foley, 92, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. He was born June 29, 1930 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Paul C. and Mary Alice (Owens) Foley.

He graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1948. Charles proudly served in the United States Marine Corps; enlisting in 1951; he served as Sergeant in tanks in Korea. Charles received the Purple Heart Medal. He was a rural mail carrier in Valley Falls, Lawrence and Nortonville for over 40 years. He was also a farmer.

Charles was a member of the Coal Creek Community, a member of the Coal Creek United Methodist Church, MO Brittany Club, AKC Kennel Club and a charter member of Kaw Valley Shoot to Retrieve Club. He was a certified judge for the AKC and Shoot to Retrieve trails. Charles was a life member of Grahem-Herbers VFW Post 3084 and DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

He married June Kirkham on November 3, 1957 at the Coal Creek United Methodist Church. They celebrated over 65 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, June of the home; 2 daughters, Janet (Roger) of Georgia, and Mary Foley (Bill Williams) of Great Bend, KS; sister, Ida Taliaferro of Effingham, KS; 3 grandchildren, Shane Evans (Brittany) of Valley Falls, Angie Evans of Valley Falls, KS and Tyler Stohl of Georgia; and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mary Foley; 2 brothers, Paul and Harold Foley; and a son, David Foley.

Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Inurnment with Military Honors by Grahem-Herbers VFW Post 3084 will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or Valley Falls Library 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.

Laura Kottich, 93, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 16, 2022 at Falls City. She was born February 12, 1929 at Falls City to Jacob and Amelia (Clara) Niemeyer

She married Sterling Kottich on February 16, 1947 at Zion United Church of Christ. He passed away July 26, 2015.

Laura was raised at Falls City and graduated from Falls City High School in 1946 and then attended St. Joseph Platte Guard Business College. When married the couple made their home in Falls City and she worked as a secretary for lawyers, Paul Chaney and Steve Brott and then for Dr. Slominski and then for Dr. Williams. She was a member of Zion United Church of Christ Church and a church pianist, organist and bible school music leader, Falls City Music Club, Rotary with her husband, Joy Bells, Zion Womens Guild, Bride Clubs, Town and Country Promenaders, Leisure Hour Club, Bible Clubs and the Red Hat Society. In 1972, at a camp meeting in Hastings, NE, she was saved.

Laura is survived by her children, Douglas and his wife Dianna of Falls City, David and his wife Deborah of Elm Creek, Stanley and his wife Jeanne of Seward, NE, Nancy Demmel and her husband Bruce of Falls City, Janice Korthanke and her husband Richard of Hiawatha, KS, sister, Burdeen Prater of Papillion, NE, sisters-in-law, Lila Deeter and Mary Kottich, eighteen grandchildren and fifty-four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Howard and Marvin Zimmerman, sisters, Margie Steinman-Krumme, Jeannette Baumker and great-grandchildren, Bett and Joy Siyajuck.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Zion United Church of Christ. Interment will be in the Zion United Church of Christ Cemetery.

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

Kenneth Francis Hammes, 80, of Seneca, Kansas, passed away on November 15, 2022 at his home in Seneca, with his family by his side.

Kenneth was born on February 2, 1942 to Lawrence & Cora (Cornelia Stallbaumer) Hammes at Axtell Hospital in Axtell, Kansas. He was the 10th of 12 children. Kenneth graduated from Baileyville High School in 1960. After graduation, he joined the Army National Guard and upon completion of active duty he returned to work on the family farm and helped his father with his custom corn shelling business.

Kenneth served in the Army National Guard, Battery “A”, 2nd Howser Battalion, 130th Artillery, from 1960 until he was honorably discharged in 1967.

On November 7, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Alice Kuckelman, at St. Bridget Church in St. Bridget, Kansas. They celebrated 60 years of marriage with their family on November 12. They lived on their farm south of Baileyville until moving to Seneca in January 2007. He was a grain farmer and also raised livestock. Kenneth loved farming the land along with his wife, Alice, and later farmed with his son, Brad, from 2007 until retirement.

Kenneth- favorite pastimes were golfing, computers, family trees and field mapping. He purchased one of the first personal computers available. In 1980, he worked with his brother, Leo, to design and build one of the first electronic acre counters available to farmers. In retirement, he enjoyed joining his friends each morning for coffee at the local McDonald-.

Kenneth was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville, Kansas. He served on the Parish Council Finance Committee. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Seneca and then Baileyvile since 1960. Kenneth served on the B&B USD 451 School Board from 1981 to 1993 and as Board President for two terms from 1986 to 1988. He was instrumental in many improvements at B&B, including designing the new gymnasium. Kenneth also served on the Center Township Board for one term.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, Roger (1987), his grandson, Tyler (2018), his parents, Lawrence (1993) and Cora (1975); his brothers, Donald (1967) and Gerald (2021), and sisters Dorothy Bergman Schraad (2017) and Cleta Mae Haverkamp (2020).

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice, and three children: Donna (John) Kohake of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Brad (Glenda) Hammes of Baileyville and Sharon (Joe) Stallbaumer of Leawood; four brothers, Alvin, Galen, and Leo all of Seneca, and Larry of Topeka; three sisters, Bernice Heiman of Baileyville, Mary Rose Feuerborn of Richmond, and Jeanette Becker of Seneca; 8 grandchildren; Morgan Kohake of Broken Arrow, Shannon (Michael) Johnson of Norman, Oklahoma, Eric, Nicole and Kaitlyn Hammes of Baileyville, and Jack, Charlie and Ella Stallbaumer of Leawood, and 1 great-grandchild, Brielle Johnson.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 P.M. on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on November 18, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Burial with military honors will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorials may be left in his memory to Sacred Heart Cemetery and Nemaha Valley Community Hospital Building Fund, sent in care of the family.

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

Deborah Kay Earl Gilbert, 61, of Fayetteville, Arkansas died October 28, 2022 at the Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas.

A service to celebrate Deb's Life will be on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:30 A.M. preceding the service. Interment will be in St. Leo- Cemetery, Horton, KS. Cremation care has been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.

Deborah was born in Atchison, Kansas on August 7, 1961, the daughter of Jerry C and Connie (Thompson) Earl. She was the oldest of five children.

She graduated from Atchison County Community High School, Effingham, KS, in 1979. On April 26, 1980 she married Timothy Gilbert at St. Louis Catholic Church. They later divorced.

Deb worked as a nurse- aide in numerous nursing homes in Northeast Kansas. The love of her life were her children and grandchildren.

Deb was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Ann Earl; son, Brandon Gilbert; father, Jerry Earl; brother-in-law, Jim Unverzagt; grandson, Riley VanVleck; and both sets of grandparents.

Survivors include her mother, Connie Earl; brothers, Jerry A. (Beverly) and Daniel L. (Amy) Earl; sister, Teresa (Cody Ekker) Unverzagt; daughter, Carrie (Joshua) Sinclair; son, Timothy (Jessica) Gilbert; grandchildren, Cody, Andrew, and Isaac Sinclair, Chase and McKena VanVleck, Brenda Middleton, Hailey, Jazmine and Hunter Gilbert and great granddaughter, Faith Baublit; Deb has many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gerald Snyder was born on August 13, 1930 to Calvin Clarence and Ferne Rachel (Black) Snyder in Lamont, Oklahoma. Gerald passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at the age of 92 at the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.

Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the First Christian Church/First Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Officiating Pastor Diane Morgan and Reverend Ken Tubbesing. Visitation on Monday, November 21, 2022 from 9 a..m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Inurnment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Memorials to the

Pawnee County Medical Foundation, First Christian Church or Pawnee City Fire Department.

Online condolence may be left at ww.wherrymortuary.com

Military honors provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Pawnee City American Legion Post # 168.

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

Robert “Bob” Bruggeman, 86, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Sabetha Manor where he had been a resident for three months.

Bob was born on July 9, 1936, in Joliet, Illinois to Robert Frederick Bruggeman and Virginia (Poulsen) Bruggeman. He spent his childhood in Fort Pierce, Florida. He moved to Tonganoxie, Kansas with his mother and brother, Ronnie, in 1950 and graduated from Tonganoxie High School in 1954.

He married Wanda Nell Davis on January 26, 1958, in Tonganoxie, Kansas. They made their home in Lawrence, Kansas until he was drafted into military service with the U.S. Army in 1959. He served in the Army in military intelligence in Frankfurt, Germany for two years.

Upon his honorable discharge in 1961, they moved to Sabetha, Kansas where he worked at Davis Hardware Store. Bob and Wanda welcomed two sons, Robert Christian and Craig Davis. Bob worked at Wenger Manufacturing from 1980 until his retirement. He was also the owner of Bob- Appliance Service for 40 years.

Bob dedicated his generous nature to the community through service - as a universal blood donor for 30 years and teaching Kansas Hunter Safety courses to the Sabetha community for 50 years. He was a member of the Sabetha Jaycees and the Sabetha United Methodist Church.

A calm, generous, thoughtful man he loved his wife, sons, and grandchildren well. He performed many acts of kindness throughout his life whether it was time, a good visit, or fixing any appliance when called upon. His good luck at the casino was legendary in his family and he will be missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his wife, Wanda Bruggeman, on April 18, 2005; and his brother, Ronald Bruggeman, in 2020.

He is survived by his two sons, Christian Bruggeman, and his wife, Kim, of Edmond, Oklahoma and their three daughters, Amanda (Anthony) Audo and Madeline and Amelia of Royce City, Texas, Katie Francis of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Kayla (Parker) Case and Sutton and Palmer of Edmond, Oklahoma; and Craig Bruggeman, and his wife, Krista, of Sabetha, Kansas and their two sons, Ross (Kelsey) Bruggeman and Ellie, Emerson, and Ivy of Sabetha, Kansas and Reid (Whitney) Bruggeman and Robert “RJ” Bruggeman of Bellevue, Nebraska.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha with military honors by the Sabetha VFW Post #7285. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the mortuary. A private inurnment at the Albany Cemetery will follow at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sabetha Youth Baseball and Softball programs sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com

LaVon Richard Covault, 91, of Table Rock, Nebraska was born on November 15, 1930 in Pawnee City, Nebraska to Lloyd and Alice (Taylor) Covault. LaVon grew up on a farm north of Table Rock and attended Table Rock Public School where he graduated from Table Rock High School with the class of 1949. He had a strong interest in sports, lettering 13 times (4 in football, 4 in basketball, 4 in track and 1 in baseball). After graduating high school, LaVon attended Peru State College from 1949-1953. While in college at Peru, he joined the Nebraska National Guard in Nebraska City on May 1, 1951. Upon graduating from Peru State College, LaVon was drafted into the U.S. Army and out of the National Guard. He served his country in active duty from June 11, 1953 until being honorably discharged on May 14, 1955, spending 16 months in special services in Okinawa, Japan.

On August 17, 1958, LaVon was united in marriage to Gleora McCage at the Church of Christ in Table Rock, Nebraska. To this union two children, Lance and Glevon were born. LaVon was a teacher for 35 years teaching for 14 years in Dawson and 21 years in Pawnee City. While in Dawson, LaVon coached boys’ football, basketball, and track. He also coached a number of junior high teams while teaching at Pawnee City. LaVon was an active member of the Brown-Hays American Legion Post #289 and the Church of Christ in Table Rock where he served as church treasurer and the Sunday school treasurer for many years.

LaVon went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 11, 2022, at his home in Table Rock, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of ninety-one years, eleven months and twenty-seven days. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Leland and Larry Covault.

LaVon is survived by his wife Gleora Covault of Table Rock, NE; son Lance Covault of Lincoln, NE; daughter Glevon Stephenson and husband Mark of Johnson, KS; grandson Tyler Stephenson and wife Staci of Syracuse, KS; great-grandchildren Felix and Lux Stephenson of Syracuse, KS; his brother Roy Covault and wife Janice of Lincoln, NE; sister-in-law Norma Covault of Kansas City, MO; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at The Church of Christ, 601 Pennsylvania Street in Table Rock, Nebraska with Pastor John States officiating.

Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at The Church of Christ, 601 Pennsylvania Street in Table Rock, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-8:00 p.m. at the church.

Interment will immediately follow services at the Table Rock Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Brown-Hays American Legion Post #289 and the Nebraska Army Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be given to the Brown-Hays Legion Post #289 or Table Rock Church of Christ.

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

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 N. Nemaha ST- Humboldt, NE

Mary Ann Brewer, 92, of Atchison KS died on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 AM on Thursday, Nov. 17th, 2022, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph Hansen, Pastor of the Carol Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at 11:00 am at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 16th, 2022, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the NEKS Hospice and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Mary Ann Graves was born on March 24, 1930, in Atchison KS the daughter of Willis and Bertha (Kelsay) Graves. Mary Ann was born again on April 25th, 1937. She attended Martin East and Washington grade schools and graduated from Atchison High School in 1948. Mary Ann worked as a nurse- aid at the Atchison Hospital and did home care. Mary Ann was a member of the First Baptist Church where she served on the Board of Trustees, Board of Christian Education, Board of Pastoral Relations, was Sunday School Superintendent, taught Sunday School for several years, helped with Vacation Bible School and helped with children- sermons. Her hobbies included collecting bird houses, dolls, cats & chickens, and she enjoyed children, grandchildren, hobbies, church and drawing.

She was married to Delbert R. Brewer on May 19, 1949, in Atchison in a double wedding with her sister Isabelle. Mr. Brewer preceded her in death on Dec. 28, 1999. Survivors include a son Tom Brewer, Texas and two daughters Juanita (Kenneth) Gregoire, Atchison, KS, and Kathy (Michael) Schelp, Kansas City, MO, a sister Minnie Graves, Atchison, eight grandchildren; Daniel, Arron, Adam, Kellie, Colby, Patty, Jay, and Scott and eleven great grandchildren, Daniel, Joshua, Ashley, Shelby, Brooke, Caleb, Kerny, Nroh- D.J, Loran, Christopher, Riley, Rosey and Collin and a number of great great grandchildren, a daughter-in law Renita Brewer, and son-in-law Terry Burke . Her parents, husband Delbert, a son Ervin Brewer,two daughters Susan N. Brewer, and Dellane Burke and sister Isabelle Willlmeth , grandson Richard preceded her in death.

Louise Kathryn Wistuba, 73 of Winchester KS, died at Midland Hospice in Topeka KS on Sunday November 6th 2022. The Daughter of Leonard Joseph and Agnes Kramer was born in Leavenworth, KS on June 11th, 1949 and graduated from Winchester rural high school in 1967. Louise attended Fort Hays State University for two years and married Larry Joseph Wistuba on December 6th, 1969. Louise worked for the Exchange National Bank System, Easton KS branch for 41 years progressing from a teller to Branch Vice President by her retirement. Larry and Louise had two children Travis Michael Wistuba (52; Debbie) and Troy Joseph Wistuba (48; Stacy) and 4 grandchildren (Amanda Wistuba 24, Emma Wistuba 19, Tera Wistuba 18 and Tristan Wistuba 17. Visitation will be Friday November 11th from 5:00 -7:00 p.m., rosary at 7:00 P.M. at St Lawrence Catholic Church in Easton KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday November 12th at St Lawrence Catholic Church, Easton KS. Final interment will be at Corpus Christi cemetery following services. Memorials may be made to the St. Lawrence Catholic Church or to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice and sent in care of the Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.

Leland Vice, 84, of Shubert, NE, passed away November 8, 2022 at Falls City, NE. He was born December 28, 1937 at Shubert to Glenn and Gladys (Ramsey) Vice.

He married LaReine Gilmore on January 16, 1959 at Omaha, NE. She passed away January 7, 2020.

Leland was raised on a farm in Shubert and following his schooling he moved to Omaha and worked at Eli Lily as a maintenance worker. He then moved back to Shubert in 1970 and became an arborist working with his brother. He also set houses for many mobile home companies. In 1983 he and his wife started a business making and selling crafts. He attended Good News Assembly of God Church.

Leland is survived by his daughters, LeAnne Richey and her husband Gary of Falls City, Anna Barnett and her husband Harvey of Wingo, KY, grandsons, Gary Richey, Jr. and his wife VeLera and Josh Richey and his wife Molley both of Falls City, LaCoda Tuthill of Wingo, KY, great-grandchildren, Lathan, DeLana, Kimber and Beau, brothers, Rolland and his wife Iris of Stella, NE, Ted and his wife Colleen of Omaha. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Glen Fay, Donald and Howard Vice, sisters, Wilda Halligan, Darlene Bednorz, Gladys Lundy and Lila Meyerkorth.

His funeral will be held on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Good News Assembly of God Church with Pastor Tim Boatright officiating. Interment will be in Harris Cemetery.

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

Michael Fisher, 65, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 9, 2022 at Falls City. He was born June 15, 1957 at Falls City to Robert C. and Glenda (Zoucha) Fisher.

He married Pam Sailors in 1977 at Falls City and they were later divorced. He then married Jill Kovach in March of 2002 at Chandler, AZ and they were later divorced.

Mike was raised west of Rulo and graduated from Falls City High School in 1975. Following graduation, he operated heavy equipment and built terraces and damns locally. He moved to Chandler, AZ in 1994 where he continued to operating heavy equipment and also had some maintenance jobs as well. He retired in 2019 due to his health and in 2021 he returned to Falls City. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play baseball.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Shelley Huppert and her husband Kory of Falls City, a sister, Terri Fisher and her husband Gary Navis of Scottsdale, AZ, ½ sister, Paula Kaslon and her husband Curtis of Lincoln, NE, step-father, Paul Benitz of Falls City, brother-in-law, Joe Dougherty of Chandler, grandson, Kamdyn and Kreighton. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Phyllis Fisher.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Steele Cemetery with Father Jim Meysenburg officiating.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6-7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Ellen Louise Schirmer, 94, of Holton, KS, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Medicalodge Jackson County. She was born March 17, 1928 in Menlo, KS, the daughter of Harry Leslie and Edna (Dean) Hoppas.

Ellen graduated from Menlo High School in 1946. She attended 2 years at Kansas State University and earned her Bachelors Degree in Education in 1971 at Washburn University.

She was a teacher at Holton Middle School and Holton High School for 21 years. Ellen also sold real estate for Kellerman Real Estate for 5 years and was County Commissioner for 4 years representing Jackson County- Second District.

Ellen was a member of Evangel United Methodist Church, Chapter PEO, Kings Daughters Sunday School Class, former member of Banner Creek Science Center, volunteered for Holton Senior Citizens Center and was a nominee for the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2019.

She married David Eugene Schirmer on August 26, 1948 in Colby, KS; he preceded her in death on September 17, 2005 after 57 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Edna Hoppas; son Charles S. Schirmer and brother, Charles D. Hoppas.

Survivors include son, Henry D. Schirmer (Charlotte) of Holton, KS; daughter, Mary Ellen Estrada of Topeka, KS; daughter-in-law, Susan Schirmer of Holton, KS; 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Beck-Bookman Library or Banner Creek Science Center 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.

Edward Ralph Garber Jr., 73, passed away on Nov. 6, 2022, surrounded by family.

Eddie Ralph and his twin sister Margaret Ann were born on Nov. 11, 1948, in Sabetha. He was the child of Edward and Rosemary Garber. He spent his early life in Sabetha and graduated from high school in 1966.

Eddie Ralph worked with his parents at Garber Building Materials during his adult life, and later managed the Sabetha Plant. He was a member of the Sabetha Masonic Lodge, and enjoyed golfing as long as his health allowed. He was married to Linda Aubry, and they welcomed a son, Andrew Jason, on Oct. 15, 1983.

Eddie Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Rosemary Garber.

He is survived by his son, Andy (Megan) Garber; his four grandchildren, Andre, Karlyn, Roman and Beckett; his brother, John (Elaine) Garber, and his twin sister, Margaret Garber; as well as nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Wesleyan Church in Sabetha. Memorials may be sent to the Wesleyan Church

Walter “Ray” Wright, 84, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, November 7, 2022 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. He was born November 22, 1937 in Plevna, KS, in a heavy winter storm. His parents, Floyd and Otilla (Nusser) Wright, welcomed the baby boy into their family of three girls. (two more were added later).

Ray attended a small one-room school for his early childhood and later Plevna Grade School. He graduated from Partridge High School and after graduation from Hutchison Junior College. Ray earned his Bachelor- Degree in Feed and Milling Technology from Kansas State University.

Ray started his career at Larned, KS Co-op and later to Chase, KS Co-op. He relocated his family to Holton when he started working for Farmland Industries working in Fertilizer and Agriculture Chemical Sales. Over the years, along with his work travels, Ray and Dolores enjoyed following their two sons and grandchildren in many athletic endeavors. They remarked they knew every stadium and bathroom in Northeast Kansas.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton, serving on the board of the Holton Country Club numerous times; Holton Rotary Club, Jackson County Friends of Hospice, Charter Member of BWA and founding member of Rhino Fitness Silvers Groups.

On May 29, 1959, he married his high school “Girlfriend”, Dolores Cranston at Partridge Community Church. To this marriage, two sons were born, Stacy and Shannon.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Dolores of the home; two sons, Stacy Wright (Becky) of Farmington, AR and Shannon Wright (Robyn) of Holton, KS; 5 grandsons, Ty Wright (Tyler), Jaxon Wright (fiancée, Sarah), Will Wright, Trey Wright and Nick Ellis; one granddaughter, Paige Warren (Brennan); two great-grandsons, Whitt and Rhett Wright; two sisters, Norma Tucker (Chuck) of Hutchison, KS and Gloria Bartley of Haven, KS and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Otillia Wright; three sisters, Kathy Vaughn, Evelyn Davisson and Morene Hamilton Havercraft and granddaughter, Carly Suzanne Wright.

Ray will be remembered for his ability to fit into any group of people, whether work related or entertainment such as golf, fishing or having breakfast with his buddies. He enjoyed his job so much and after retirement he was always on the go.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Ray will lie in state Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Holton Touchdown Club or Holton High School Volleyball 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.

Frank Gill, 85, of Falls City, NE, passed away November 7, 2022 at Falls City. He was born May 14, 1937 at Weston, MO to Edward and May (Van Allen) Gill.

He married Delores Schulenberg on June 22, 1958 at Falls City

Frank was raised in the White Cloud, KS area. He worked for Frontier Homes, Mickelberry Meats and then worked at various filling stations in Falls City until his health forced him to retire. He enjoyed fishing and his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Paul- Evangelical Lutheran Church at 20th & Towle St.

Frank is survived by his wife, Delores of Falls City, sons, Steve and his wife Kelly of Beatrice, NE, Ronald and his wife Suzanne of DeWitt, NE, Mark and Chris and his wife Heather both of Falls City, daughter, Tammy Isaacs and her husband Tom of Falls City, twenty-five grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, thirteen siblings, a son, Edward and grandchildren, Tony and Savannah Gill.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul- Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th & Towle St.) with Elysia McGill officiating. Inurnment will be in Steele Cemetery.

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

Sharon Elaine Edie, 63, of Highland, Kansas died Sunday evening, November 6, 2022, surrounded by her family in her home.

Sharon was born on July 15, 1959 in Zanesville, Ohio to Otis and Lilly Langley. She grew up in White Cloud, Kansas with her father, step-mother Linda Langley and her siblings: Steve Langley; Pam Langley; Teresa Langley; Keith Langley; Jenny Langley; Amy Langley; and Otis Langley.

Sharon married her best friend and partner in life, Larry Edie, July 18, 1987. Together they created their family with their children: son Jerod (Whitney) Edie; son Brian (Jessica) Edie; son Corey Spangler; daughter Meagan Ivey; daughter Ashley (Larry) Whetstine; and son Eric (Shiloah) Edie. During their 35 years together, Larry and Sharon- love and family continued to grow. Sharon- pride and joy was her husband, 6 children, 18 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She found comfort and peace in the home they created together.

Sharon was a devoted wife, adoring mother and grandmother, sincere friend, and disciple in her faith of God, even during her toughest battles. She most enjoyed any activity that gathered her big family, including: listening to them play music, playing cards, watching movies, and swinging on the front porch. Sharon had a creative mind and enjoyed writing and crafting. She spent a lot of her time talking on the phone with her loved ones. Her favorite pastimes were riding her four wheeler and going out on the town with her husband and friends.

Sharon was preceded in her death by her father Otis, Brother Steve, Sister Pam, and loving in-laws.

Saturday November 12, 2022, at Community of Christ church in Fanning, KS, a Celebration of Life will be held for family, friends, and the public at 1:30 PM. Sharon- ashes will remain with the love her life, Larry, for eternity.

In lieu of flowers, donations or contributions can be sent to or dropped off at 503 E Main St. Highland, KS 66035 or brought to the Celebration of Life.

Donnie Ray Oliver, 76, Atchison, Kansas died Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Homegoing funeral service will be Friday, November 11, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home Rev. Tom Stone and Rev. Ron Dickson officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday, Nov. 11th from 1:00 until time of services at the funeral home.

Donnie was born November 23, 1945 in Luverne, Alabama the son of Gean Fuller and Odesser Bennett. He attended Atchison Public Elementary School and Atchison High School.

Donnie and Helen May were united in marriage and later divorced. Donnie and Carol Allen were united in marriage on March 23, 1989 in Leavenworth, Kansas and she survives of their home in Atchison.

Donnie was employed as a chipper/grinder for the Atchison Casting Corporation for many years.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, participating in games with his family, spending time at LFM park under the soul tree; camping, gambling and the dog track.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Oliver, Atchison, KS; three sons, Donnie R. Johnson, Leavenworth, KS; D’angelo Johnson, Knoxville, IA; Jeremy Cluke, Crestview, FL; four daughters, Helen Danette Oliver Braden, Topeka, KS; Gwendolyn Oliver Harris, Topeka, KS; Donita Oliver Strange, Lawrence, KS; Donnice Dale, Wichita, KS; a brother, John (Barb) Oliver, Atchison, KS; a sister, Betty Oliver Alexander, Rockledge, FL; and nineteen grandchildren; twelve step grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Lorita Oliver; a son, Michael Oliver; and sisters, Molly Oliver and Lessie Beadles.

John David Boyce, 91, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

John was born just outside of Hiawatha, Kansas on August 18, 1931, to George W. and Nellie (Gibbs) Boyce. He attended country schools in the Hiawatha area. John joined the Kansas National Guard from 1949-1954. He was called to active duty on June 15, 1954 and served in the United States Army. He was honorably discharge on February 10, 1956.

John married Lora Louise Sherry on March 29, 1957, at Stanberry, Missouri and they celebrated 65 years of marriage earlier this year. They were blessed with three children.

John was a farmer and stockman. He also will be fondly remembered for his John Deere tractor and baler because he loved to custom bale hay and always strived to make the perfect bale. John was a member of the Woodlawn Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Kansas. John enjoyed gatherings with family and friends especially if the “Family Recipe” was involved.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John David Boyce, Jr.; his brothers, Don and George; and his sisters, Jennie, Viola, Betty, and Maude Alice.

John is survived by his wife, Louise, of Sabetha; his daughters, Sherry (Mike) McClain of Fairview, Kansas, and Connie Sue (Steve) Holthaus of Seneca, Kansas; his special daughter-in-law, Patty (Craig) Heinen of Seneca; four grandchildren, Jason (Tiffany) Boyce, Brian (Jenna) McClain, Derik Holthaus, and Brooke Holthaus; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, Kansas with military honors by the Sabetha VFW post #7285. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the mortuary. Memorial contributions are suggested to Woodlawn Baptist Church and the Apostolic Christian Home sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Inurnment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com

Lori Ann Scholz, 57, lost her battle with cancer, but God won the war Friday, November 4, 2022 in her home in Lancaster, Kansas, in the presence of her family.

Mass of Christian burial to celebrate Lori- life will be on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann- Church in Effingham, KS, with Fr. Hughes Sundeme as celebrant. She will be laid to rest in the Lancaster Cemetery. No formal visitation will be held. The Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral care. Memorials may be made to Lori A. Scholz Memorial and will be designated as a scholarship fund to be awarded to students in the Atchison County Area who demonstrate qualities that Lori was passionate about.

Lori was born April 2, 1965 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Lawrence and Margaret (Cooke) Clark. She attended Atchison grade school and graduated from Atchison High School in 1983. Lori attended Johnson County Community College in Kansas City pursuing her dream of being a Registered Dental Hygienist. She started her career in dentistry with Dr. Corrigan in 1986. In 1992 she spent a year with Dr. VanDyne. It was 1993 that she built a family in her profession with Atchison Dental Associates where she worked 29 years. Lori was a member of the St. Ann- Catholic Church where her faith was undeniable to anyone in her life. Lori was the ideal farmer- wife; patient, very patient, ran on little to no sleep, and did everything she could to make her family- lives as easy as possible. Lori spent her life running her kids around from sport to sport, livestock show to livestock show, and everything else to help build their resumes to be successful. Lori lived every minute of her life for her husband and kids. Anywhere her kids were, she wanted to see and be a part of. Lori loved to travel. Being a mean mom was essential for three kids and a husband with luggage among other things, but she had her routines down pat and everything always went smoothly. Her favorite place to be was on a beach with her toes in the sand or chasing lines at Disney. Lori- advice in dental work, raising kids, cattle knowledge, and much more was sought out by many, both near and far. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer a listening ear.

Lori married Trent Scholz on April 24, 1993 at St. Benedicts in Atchison, KS. Her legacy of faith, smiling, and hard work will be carried out through her husband Trent, Lancaster, KS, daughter Leah Scholz, Caldwell, ID, daughter Beba (Beau) Vowels, Camp Pendleton, CA, and Augie Scholz, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Janice Kay Scholz.

Wayne L. Williams, 86, of Shubert, NE, passed away November 6, 2022 at his home in Shubert as a result of a fall on July 28, 2022 that left him paralyzed from the chest down. He was born June 13, 1936 at Shubert to Harold and Nevada (Lewis) Williams.

Wayne Enlisted in the U. S. Navy on February 2, 1956. He served in Memphis, TN, Whidbey Island and Kodiak, AK. He was honorably discharged on January 26, 1960

Wayne was raised at Shubert and graduated from Shubert High School with the class of 1954. He worked on the Missouri River in his younger years and the oil rigs. He then worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 30 years. His hobbies included fishing, giving every dog he saw treats that he always carried in his pocket, feeding the squirrels and rabbits, making tow trains, doll houses, rocking horses, coat racks and all kinds of wood working projects. He was a 63-year member of the Shubert American Legion Post #222. He was also a member of the Operating Engineers Local 571 for over 30 years. He had served on the town board for several years. Shubert meant a lot to him and he did a lot for the town he loved. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him.

Wayne is survived by his significant other of over 30 years and the love of his life, Sharon Howard of Shubert, brother, Steve and his wife Christina of Omaha, step-children, Joey Georges, Cindy Georges, Ellen Howard and Kay Sullwold all of Stella, twelve step-grandchildren, including Hunter Howard Perez who was by his side all the time until his passing, twelve step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, many friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Patricia Hubbard, brother, Alan Williams and a grandson, Joseph Georges.

His funeral will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Shubert Christian Church with Wayne Shafer officiating. Interment will be in Prairie Union Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Shubert American Legion.

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

Cecelia Kunce (Ceil) passed away on November 2, 2022, at the age of 87. Cecelia was born on July 2, 1935, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to J. Leo and Cecelia Connolly. Cecelia was tiny but mighty - she was quiet, but strong and in charge in surprising ways. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

The middle child of ten, Cecelia grew up in a small house in Council Bluffs. The family- world centered around Holy Family, the local parish and school. As a child, she loved reading and swimming. Cecelia had a lifelong and abiding love of baseball, having grown up watching the game with her father.

After graduating from Holy Family High School, Cecelia attended the College of St. Mary in Omaha, where she got a teaching certificate. She later received her bachelor- degree at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa.

During high school, she worked as a cashier at Smith Drugs in Omaha, where she met Ken Kunce, a young Creighton pharmacy student. He persuaded Cecelia to go out for coffee with him and, eventually, to marry him. They were married on July 14, 1956, at Holy Family Church in Council Bluffs. After the wedding, Cecelia worked for a short time as a 2nd grade teacher, before she left that position to care for her five children, Ken Jr., Julie, Amy, Jon, and Mary.

The young family moved around the Midwest and Colorado until they settled in Onawa, Iowa in 1964, where the family owned and operated Onawa Rexall Drug. Cecelia was involved in the local parish and community and was busy raising five young children.

In 1977, the family moved to Falls City, Nebraska, when Ken bought Shestak Drugs and, with Cecelia- encouragement, renamed it Ken- Pharmacy. The soda fountain was the town- gathering place to have a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade pie for a quarter and to catch up on all the news of the community, and Cecelia spent many hours in the pharmacy helping with the books, catching up with the customers, and talking and laughing with the pharmacy staff.

Eventually, Cecelia operated a JC Penney Catalog franchise in the pharmacy. She was ahead of her time as a businesswoman. Cecelia was an excellent and exacting bookkeeper, and she got great joy in running her own business, But Cecelia- main job was to raise 5 kids while Ken worked long hours in the pharmacy. Cecelia had a keen ability to understand people, and often had insights into why certain people do certain things, which meant that she was a kind, patient, accepting, and understanding wife and mother. She was a survivor - among other things, she survived loss of her eldest son, and her dearest sisters, and devoted husband.

Cecelia was a champion shopper. She loved finding a bargain and was always the first to adopt the newest “gadget.” She was introverted by nature, but for those who knew her best, she gave and took delight in being with them. She had a handful of friends she enjoyed seeing when she was in Falls City, many of whom were part of her extended work family - they were women of all ages who worked in the pharmacy and became close to Cecelia as a result.

She was an avid reader - she read the paper cover to cover every day, and particularly was fond of reading biographies. Cecelia was always up for a trip, whether it be by car or plane, and willing to do things that were outside of her comfort zone in surprising ways. She and Ken particularly enjoyed traveling to pharmacy conventions and seeing friends that they had made around the country over the years. They would visit family in California, and got to be expert at going to the Rose Parade (and the Rose Bowl game), because they went so frequently. They often went to baseball games, and were frequently at Royals games in Kansas City or Cubs games in Chicago. Their trips were active ones - going to museums, seeing historic sites, going to local events and sports.

Cecelia planned all of the itineraries in great detail, with guidebooks and maps, and triptiks, and (after GPS came along) with the help of at least two different GPS devices working at the same time while she read the map, much to Ken- consternation - he heard the directions from 3 or 4 different voices - 2 to 3 GPS devices and Cecelia. He was much more of a “let- see where this road takes us” kind of traveler; Cecelia had everything planned out. But they stayed on the road, together and headed in the same direction, for 63 years. Ken passed away in March 2019.

More than anything else, though, Cecelia loved her family. She took great joy in her five children and her five grandchildren. She will be missed by each of them, and by so many in each of the communities that she touched. Falls City and this world are richer because Cecelia Kunce brought her own quiet, strong, determined spirit and joy to it. She will be missed by many and remembered always.

Cecelia is survived by her children Julie Kunce Field and her husband Stuart Field of Fort Collins, Colorado; Amy Kunce of Lincoln; Jon Kunce and his wife Kathy Radosta of Bellevue; and Mary Kunce and her husband Rick Johnson of Seattle, Washington, as well as grandchildren Sam Field of Fort Collins, and Ellen Field of Boise, Idaho, and Conor, Evan, and Aaron Johnson of Seattle. She was predeceased by her husband Ken Kunce, her son Kenneth J. Kunce, Jr., and her siblings Leo, Rita, Tim, Nancy, and Janice.

Cecelia- family invites the community to celebrate her memory on Saturday, November 12, 2022, starting with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and with a memorial mass at 11:00 a.m. Both will take place at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Falls City, Nebraska. A luncheon will follow the interment at the Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Humane Society of Richardson County, Inc., The Humane Society of Richardson Co. Inc., P.O. Box 365, Falls City, NE 68355; https://rchs-ne.tripod.com/home.html.

Judith (Judy) Marie (Guenther) Clay, 80, Horton, KS, died Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha, surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 25, 1942, in Atwood, KS, the daughter of W.F. and Ilda (Schroeder) Guenther. Judy attended Zion Lutheran School and graduated from Linn Rural High School in 1960. She went on to Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE, graduating in 1964. She worked as church secretary, medication aide, and learning disabilities paraprofessional.

Judy was married to Richard Clay on May 28, 1967, in Ft. Dodge, IA. They made their first home in Stanton, NE, and moved to Horton, KS in 1974.

For many years, she participated as a leader of the local Girl Scouts and sang with the Sweet Adelines Women- Chorus.

Most importantly, Judy had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. She was baptized on July 12, 1942 and confirmed in 1956. Her confirmation verse was Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”

She was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha, KS, where she was an organist and served many years as church secretary. She was an active member and officer of the Lutheran Women- Missionary League (LWML) and enjoyed attending many Kansas District and national conventions.

Judy is survived by her husband, Richard; two children: Jennifer (Ragan) Todd, Pittsburg, KS, and Samuel (Yuko) Clay, Statesboro, GA; two sisters: Kathleen Lahey, Kansas City, MO, and Martha (David) Piotrowsky, Ottawa, KS; five grandchildren: Emily and Ian Todd and Hannah, Rachel and Joel Clay.

Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, November 8, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. The family will greet visitors before the service from 1-2pm and burial will follow at Horton Cemetery. Friends may call funeral home after 10 a.m. Monday. Memorials are suggested to the Lutheran Women- Missionary League and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

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

Butch Linn, 70, of Rulo, NE, passed away November 4, 2022 at Falls City, NE. He was born February 10, 1952 at Falls City to Leo and Florence (Roberts) Linn.

Butch was raised at Rulo and graduated Falls City High School in 1970. After graduation he worked in the oil fields and later took employment at the Rulo Elevator, working there for over 40 years and retiring in 2017. He also helped various farmers in and around Rulo over the years.

Butch is survived by his brothers, John of Falls City and Roland of Omaha, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Rulo Cemetery with Pastor Mike Hader officiating.

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

Charles Robidoux, 83, of Reserve, KS died early Thursday morning, November 3, 2022 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

Charles was born April 29, 1939 in Reserve, KS to Charles Sr. and Isabelle Bentley Robidoux. He joined the Army National Guard and served for 8 years before being honorably discharged. While serving he completed a tour in Vietnam. He was a member of the Riverton, WY VFW. Charles lived in various places and worked in law enforcement his entire working life.

Charles was a very spiritual person. He loved many things including; model trains, thrift and garage sale shopping, grocery shopping, western and history channels, country music, and singing karaoke. Most importantly he loved his family.

He was married to Florence Darlene McQueen in 1958 in Netawaka, KS. She preceded him in death on November 3, 1991.

Charles would marry Betty Vinsonhaler and would later divorce.

He was married to Coletta Armstrong March 29, 2011. She preceded him in death on July 7, 2017.

Charles is survived by his children; Joan Marie Heifort (Darrian Hill) of Hiawatha, KS, Edward Charles Robidoux (Lisa) of Wetmore, KS, Brandon Cody Robidoux (Ashley) of Billings, MT, April Dawn Fortner (Ben) of Riverton, WY, and Marjorie Anne Hardy of Horton, KS. Step children; Anna Marie Baird of Hiawatha, KS and William Olaf Baird of Horton, KS. 20 grandchildren; Ernie, Rebecca, Jennifer, Tiffany, Dalton, Amy, Steve, Kari, Michael, Ashley, Emily, Sherry, Azaree, Peter, Robert, Charlee, Taylor, Braylee, Elli, and Kyrah and 17 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, son; Ricky Alan Robidoux, son in law; Wes Robert Hardy and siblings; Roscoe, David, Lewis, Jessie, Luella, Izetta, and Irene.

Funeral Services are planned for 11 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2022 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Pastor Steve Chappleman will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Friday. Friends may call the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday. Interment will follow at the Claytonville Cemetery southeast of Hiawatha. Military Services will be provided courtesy of Brown County Honor Guard.

Memorials are suggested in his name and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

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

Ernest Lionel Zeltwanger, 97, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the Carriage Square Nursing Home. 

Ernest was born on January 30, 1925, in Troy, Kansas to Albert and Ruby (Lloyd) Zeltwanger. 

He was owner and operator, building retaining walls. 

Ernest married Edith Briggs on April 8, 1944, in Troy, Kansas. She preceded him in death on January 28, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his son, Larry Zeltwanger, parents, brothers, Edwin and Arthur Zeltwanger, sisters, Helen Henry, Norma Briggs and Elaine Walter. 

Survivors, daughter, Sharon Johnson (Phillip), 

3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. 

Sisters, Luella Briggs, Shirley Hagen and Darlene Gawatz. 

Brother, William Zeltwanger.  

Numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 5, 2022 

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

Visitation: 1 hour prior to service at 10:00 A.M. Friends may call after 12 noon Friday. 

Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas. 

Memorials: Traditional Hospice 

www.harmanrohde.com 

Betty Ann (Stastny) Stauffer, 88, of Humboldt, Nebraska was born on June 6, 1934, in Pawnee City, Nebraska to Steven E. and Matilda I. (Horalek) Stastny.  She was raised with her three sisters in Pawnee County and attended country school.  Betty Graduated from Pawnee City High School with the class of 1952.  On          , Betty was united in marriage to Henry E. Stauffer at       .  To this union three children, Jack, Larry and Janice were born.  The couple raised their family on a farm south of Humboldt where Betty was a homemaker and helped with the day-to-day operation of the farm.  After Henry passed away suddenly in 1971, Betty worked as a cook for Bern public schools in Bern, Kansas until retirement.

Betty passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-eight years, four months and eighteen days.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Henry Stauffer, son Jack Stauffer, great-granddaughter Collins Schaardt, nephew LaWayne Mach and special friend Glen Boehm.

Left to continue her beautiful memory are her children: Larry Stauffer and wife Kathy of Humboldt, NE; Janice Plummer and husband Scott of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren: Monica (Pete) Hobson of Yorktown Heights, NY; Melanie (Bruce) McDowell of McKinney, TX; Jessica (Wes) Schaardt of Lincoln, NE; Julie (Matt) Mezger of Lincoln, NE; Sarah Plummer of Las Vegas, NV; Adam Plummer of Las Vegas, NV; Rachel (Cody) Bannon of Washington D.C.; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters: Alma Mach of Humboldt, NE; Elsie Tomek of Pawnee City, NE; Edna (Roy) Wittwer of Sabetha, KS; and many other family and friends.

  Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Four-Mile Congregational Church in rural Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment will immediately follow services at the Humboldt Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may go to the Colonial Acres Nursing Home and the Humboldt Rescue Squad.

Inurnment will be in the Mound (Prospect) Cemetery, east of Humboldt, Nebraska.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha St., Humboldt, 

Steven John Davies, 75, of Hiawatha, with family by his side, passed away Oct. 29, 2022, at Amberwell hospital, in Hiawatha, after a prolonged illness.

He answered to many names: Dr. D., Dr. Davies, Steve, or Steven John, called himself Fat Steve, and Slim Davies. His most desired and cherished title was daddy. For those who were blessed to know him, mere words are insufficient to describe this unique personality. His storied life began in Kingman, Kansas, Jan. 28, 1947, delivered at home by his father. His parents owned and operated Livingston Mortuary, which at the time also operated the ambulance service and the furniture store. He was born with a heart condition, fortunately to educated parents, his father with medical related training and his nurse mother, who saved his life. Despite this condition, he was a strong and active child who dreamed of being a cowboy. It was during his senior year he suffered a heart attack and was told his life expectancy would be short. He was advised to not pursue college as the strain would be too much. Steve remained determined to do whatever he set his mind to do, and he certainly did not slow down!

To say that he was highly educated is a vast understatement. After graduating high school, he began his higher education career with a BA in speech pathology, simultaneously obtaining a BA in elementary education from Wichita State University. He continued with an MA in Speech Pathology, a certification in Special Education Administration at ESU, an MS in Special Education from KSU, Education Specialist degree in Administration, Masters degree in Criminal Justice from WSU, and topped it off with a PhD in Adult and Continuing Education from KSU. He belonged to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity throughout his college years and was active in student government. He highly valued educational achievement, but had a down to earth style that many found surprising,

Steves professional working career began in Hiawatha as a speech/language pathologist and audiologist and over the years included multiple positions in the fields of speech, education, and criminal justice. Most notably, his career intertwined his education and criminal justice backgrounds including, the Superintendent of Education at Kansas State Industrial Reformatory in Hutchinson, Kansas, USD #105 Rawlins Co-Atwood, USD #331 Kingman-Norwich, Secretary of Corrections for the State of Kansas, Chairman of the Kansas Parole Board, and he returned to Brown County as Director of Special Education Interlocal #615, followed by Superintendent of Schools for USD#430 South Brown County from which he retired in 2017 after 16 years of service to the community.

He was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, and friend. At the age of 46 he married Tracy, who he met while teaching as adjunct professor at Pratt Community College. They wed in his hometown of Kingman, Kansas, on April 1, 1993, April Fools Day, his favorite day of the year. On this day, he also instantly achieved his lifelong desire to become a father, upon the consent of Raven (age 3) and again in 1994 with the birth of their son, Drew.

Steve always considered northeast Kansas his home and friends here his family. Regardless of his role, Dr. Davies devoted his life to kids to help them develop a positive self-image, he always had their best interests at heart.

Steve championed various organizations too numerous to list such as: Lions Club, Jaycees, Boy Scouts of America, KARC, NASA, etc. that supported the development of young people, the disabled, and the disenfranchised. In a 1985, publication of the College of Education at KSU Perspectives in Adult Learning and Development Vol 9, Steve wrote an article entitled A Chance to Square Up where he detailed the value of a quality stair stepped educational program to support the needs of the inmates 85% of whom had not completed high school or a GED as he would later be quoted that 90% of incarcerated people return to the community and that the purpose of corrections is to return them as good neighbors. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop #112, and coached little league soccer and baseball. He devoted his time to mentoring youth, and networking to help people young and old achieve their goals. He had a passion for horses, vintage cars, and collecting antiques.

Although he had a giant personality to match his size and would go toe to toe with anyone who wanted to challenge him, he was a sentimental, tender hearted, humble man with a phenomenal sense of humor. You always knew where you stood with Steve. He was a true humanist and treated everyone with respect, and in turn was widely respected.

Ironically, he was told his life would be limited due to his weak heart, along with several other infirmities that came his way, however, he chose to live a vibrant life that he was so willing to share with others. Ultimately, it was his heart that proved to be the strongest, outlasting everything until the very end.

Steve is survived by his wife, Tracy Davies, of Hiawatha; his daughter, Raven Sharice Milam Davies, of Topeka, Kansas; his son, Drew Christian Davies, of Kansas City, Missouri; and his sister, Karen Jo Vickery, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Newcomer Davies; his mother, Gladys Marguerite Hanson; and his sister, Deanne Wagner.

A celebration of Steves well lived life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Tony French will officiate.

Friends may call at the funeral home after noon Saturday where the family will meet with friends from 4 until 6 p.m. that afternoon. The family will have a storyboard provided to post your Steve stories so that all who visit may enjoy the humorous and loving man he was.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Kingman, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Handicapped Equipment Playground Fund at Horton Elementary School which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th Street, Hiawatha, KS 66434.

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

Dennis D. Stiers of Lincoln, died Friday, October 28 at the age of 73.

He is survived by his wife, Sara; daughter Dana (James) Berger and grandsons Brennan and Brogan Berger of Lincoln; and sisters Debra Miller, Springfield, Missouri and Denise Lock, Republic, Missouri. Also surviving are brothers-in-law Larry (Dianna) Pryor, Papillion, Nebraska; Randy (Michelle) Pryor, Lincoln; Alan (Diane) Pryor, Lincoln, and sister-in-law Sharon Pryor of Boise, Idaho; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service for Dennis Stiers of Lincoln will be held at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, at the Prairie Union Cemetery at Shubert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ducks Unlimited or Norwood Park Community Learning Center.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

Donna Jo Kelley, 84, of Rulo, NE, passed away, October 30, 2022 at Hiawatha, KS. She was born December 5, 1937 at Rulo to Paul and Norma (Simmonds) Frederick.

She married Wesley Dale Kelley at Rulo, he later passed way.

Donna loved working puzzles, bingo and going to the casino until she could no longer go due to dementia. She was a member of the Iowa Tribe.

Donna is survived by her children, Alan Kelley and his wife Eden, Donna Hiatt, Norma Thomas, Glen Kelley, Polly Koelzer and Sean Kelley, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Paul, Earl and Harvey, son, Wesley Dennis Kelley, grandchildren, Phillip Drake, Danielle Koelzer, Alyssa Kelley and Teresa Lewis.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Rulo Cemetery.

Family prefers memorials to be designated to Family Choice.