Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Donald James Bland (1978-2003)
ARKANSAS CITY - Donald James Bland, 24, of Arkansas City, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, at the HCA Wesley Medical Center of Wichita. Mr. Bland was born Sept. 4, 1978, in Arkansas City to Randy James and Charlotte Gail Metcalf Bland. He attended Cowley County Community College. He was a lifetime resident of Arkansas City, where for the past five years he worked as a packager for Witter, Inc. at Strother Field. He served as steward of local union No. 86004. He married Aimee Dolezal July 6, 1998, in Arkansas City. She survives. Other survivors include his father, Randy Bland; his step-mother, Tammy Bland; his mother and step-father, Charlotte and Fred Gibson; a brother, Wesley Bland; four sisters, Stephanie LeMaster, Rochelle Gibson, Valerie Bland and Nikki Schuetz, all of Arkansas City; grandparents, Katherine Bland and Maxine Metcalf of Arkansas City; and Imogene Gibson of South Haven. Memorials may be made to the Ark City Takedown Club in care of Rindt-Hrdman Funeral Home, Arkansas City.
Donald Dean Bunker (1930-2003)
VASSAR - Donald Dean Bunker, 73, Vassar, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003. Mr. Bunker was born Jan. 7, 1930, at Dorrance. He was a tile setter for 30 years, retiring from Fox Ceramic Tile in St. Marys. Survivors include his wife, Jeane; two daughters, Jill McGann of Topeka and Judy Livengood of Plainville, Ind.; two stepsons, Russ Meier of St. Louis and Steve Meier of Overland Park; four brothers, Duane of Vassar, Delmar of Goodland, Dennis of Wilson and Dallas of Salina; a sister, Ellen Betz of Russell; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the Zion Lutheran Church, Vassar. Burial was in Morrill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Midland Hospice Care or the church.
Leta Mae Coffeen (1909-2003)
RUSSELL - Leta Mae Coffeen, 93, Russell, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003. Miss Coffeen was born July 24, 1909, at Dorrance. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two brothers, Walter of Dorrance and Gilbert "Jack" of Russell; and two sisters, Edith Friebus of Dorrance and Ethel John of Natoma. Burial was Saturday in the Dorrance City Cemetery. Pohlman's Mortuary, Russell, was in charge of arrangements.
Adolph L. Kepka (1926-2003)
Adolph Kepka, 76, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village, Ellsworth. Mr. Kepka was born Nov. 26, 1926, in rural Black Wolf to Anton Kepka and the former Rose Malir. He was a lifetime resident of the Ellsworth area, where he was parts manager for Kemps Auto Parts, a salesman for Larsen Chevrolet and Westerhaus Motors and a service manager for Shanelec John Deere. He also farmed and was a member of the St. Bernard's Catholic Church. He married Shirley Sheridan Aug. 6, 1949, in Ellsworth. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Bob Kepka of Ellsworth; a daughter, Barbara Lyons of Emporia; and three grandchildren, Laney Lyons of Lawrence and Anthony Kepka and Lindsey Kepka, both of Ellsworth. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ed and Rich. The funeral is at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial will be in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Parsons Funeral Home with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the church or the retirement village.
Eva Gladys Killingsworth (1910-2003)
LENEXA - Eva Gladys Killingsworth, 92, died Friday, Jan. 24, at Lenexa. Mrs. Killingsworth was born March 21, 1910, at Oglesby, Okla., to George Washington Dalton and the former Sarah Alice Fiddler. She moved from Bushton to Newton in 1985 and then to Goessel and Ulysses before becoming a Lenexa resident in 2001. She was a homemaker and a member of the Assembly of God Church, Lyons. She married B.C. Killingsworth Sept. 11, 1926, at Pawhuska, Okla. He died in 1979. She also was preceded in death by five sisters, three brothers, a granddaughter, two great-grandchild, and a son, Roy in 1977. Survivors include three sons, Richard of Newton, Don of Hominy, Okla., and B.C. Jr. of Elwood; four daughters, Louise Owens of Cleveland, Okla., Louella Lyman of Lenexa, Janet Sisco of Ulysses and Eva Bonham of Manter; 24 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. The funeral was Wednesday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Pastor Jim Ledford of Edna officiating. Burial was in Bushton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
William Dale 'Bill' Trump Jr. (1930-2003)
FRUITA, Colo. - William Dale "Bill" Trump Jr., 72, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, at his home in Fruita, Colo. Mr. Trump was born April 1, 1930, at Ellsworth, Kan., to William Dale Trump Sr. and the former Eleanor Herzig. In 1964, he moved to Fruita, where he was a retired teacher and coach at Fruita Middle School. He was the honorary grand marshal of the Fruita Fall Festival in September 2002 and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He married Mary Lou Emrich Jan. 10, 1953, at Estes Park, Colo. She survives. Other survivors include four sons, William Dale III of Parker, Colo., Robin Daniel of Ocean Springs, Miss., Kirby D. of Centreville, Va., and Casey Emrich of Grand Junction, Colo.; a daughter, Jill Trump-McBride of Fruita; his mother, Eleanor Rathbun of Ellsworth; a sister, Jean Campbell of Ellsworth; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father in 1977. The graveside service was Monday in Ellsworth Cemetery, the Rev. Donald Ray officiating. Memorials may be made to the Fruita Methodist Church, the Fruita Rescue Squad or the Fruita Veterans Memorial in care of Joe Silva. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Esther Welk (1917-2003)
WICHITA - Esther Welk, 85, Wichita, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003, at Homestead Health Center, Wichita. Miss Welk was born Nov. 18, 1917, in Ellsworth County to Carol Otto Welk and the former Martha Petermann. She was a school teacher in Ellsworth, where she lived until 1991, when she moved to Wichita. She was a member of the St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Wichita. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. The funeral was Saturday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, Pastors Cliff Winter and Richard Andrus officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Hour, the Immanuel Lutheran Church or the St. Andrews Church.
Rudolph Konzem (1911-2003)
SALINA — Rudolph Konzem, 91, Salina, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2003. Mr. Konzem was born March 28, 1911, at Tipton. For most of his life, he was a farmer-stockman on the farm where he was born. He retired in 1979 and later lived in Ellsworth and Salina. He was a member of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth, and Central Kansas Flywheels. He was a past member of the Flying Farmers. He married Rose Spiess Sept. 25, 1940, at New Amelo. She died in 1995. Survivors include three daughters, Joyce Pertle of Lucas, Nadine Lee of Ellsworth and Linda Cook of Salina; a brother, Felix of Anaheim, Calif.; two sisters, Ursula Arnoldy of Tipton and Anita Reed of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, the Rev. Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina. Memorials may be made to the Emergency Aid Food Bank or Salvation Army, both in Salina, or to the church. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, was in charge of arrangements.
Frances Kottas (1910-2003)
LITTLE RIVER — Frances Kottas, 92, Little River, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, at the Hospital District No. 1, Rice County. Mrs. Kottas was born Feb. 23, 1910, in Ellsworth County to Edwin Westerman and the former Hedwig Hoffman. She was a homemaker and the coordinator for the Garden City Senior Citizens Center before moving to Little River eight years ago.She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Garden City. She married Stewart Long and they were later divorced. He died in 1991. She married Leo Kottas March 1, 1969, in Cimarron. He died in 1979. Survivors include three sons, Bob Long of Bristol, R.I., Harry Long of Atlantic, Iowa, Ronald Long of Brookville; a daughter, Janice Schwerdtfeger of Lyons; a sister, Fern Zajic of Holyrood; a brother, Edwin Westerman of Ellsworth; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The funeral was Saturday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, the Rev. Tom Robson officiating. Burial will be in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sandstone Heights or the Garden City Zoo.
Venettia P. Manis (1919-2003)
GENESEO — Venettia P. Manis, 84, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, at the Hutchinson Hospital. Mrs. Manis was born Jan. 14, 1919, in Victoria Township, rural Geneseo, to Louis Wesley and the former Dorthea Schroeder Van Arsdale. She lived in Salina and Marion and also was a long-time Geneseo resident. She was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and the 55 Plus Club, all of Geneseo. She married Henry Siemsen Jr. May 13, 1937, in Geneseo. He died in 1963. Her second marriage was Jan. 2, 1994, in Salina to Robert C. Manis. Survivors include four daughters, Marlyn Shuttleworth of Geneseo; Madelyn McFarland of Yukon, Okla., Mary Kratzer of Geneseo, and Marvie Dirks of Shawnee; a step-daughter, Pat Jensen of WaKeeney; a brother, Herman Van Arsdale of Ottawa; four sisters, Hannah Lee Christopherson of Fort Collins, Colo., Edna Bing of Sheridan, Wyo., Imogene Klein of Lyons and Dolores Briles of Salem, Ore.; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Harvey Van Arsdale; sisters, Mahala McKinnis, D. Ellen Van Arsdale and Verda Cooter; a great-grandson, Dusty Shuttleworth; and a son-in-law, Kenneth Fail. The funeral was Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Geneseo, the Rev. Lyndelle Shuey officiating. Burial was in Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.
Leo McManes (1917-2003)
Leo McManes, 86, Ellsworth, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Mr. McManes was born Jan. 14, 1917, at Carneiro to Harry McManes and the former Alberta McCluggage. He lived in Carneiro until 1977, when he moved to the retirement village. He was a member of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth. Survivors include a cousin, Donald Oberg of Kansas City, Mo. The funeral was Wednesday at the Carneiro Cemetery, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Memorials may be made to the retirement village. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Leonard 'Tex' Feldhousen
BURLINGTON, Colo. - Leonard "Tex" Feldhousen, 73, of Burlington, Colo., died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2002, at Goodland Regional Medical Center, Goodland, Kan. Mr. Feldhousen was born in Wilson, Kan., where he was graduated from high school in 1946. After a short time in the U.S. Army Air Force, he moved to Burlington, Colo., and became a lifelong farmer. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn Staatz and Robert of Burlington, Susan Grosshans and Keith, Colorado Springs, Colo.,and Ronda Cook and Lew, Fairview, Texas; sons and daughters-in-law, Larry Feldhousen and Judy, Burlington; Norman Feldhousen and Marcy, Littleton, Colo., and Rodney Feldhousen and Lorna, Garland, Texas; a brother, Lawrence Feldhousen of Blessing, Texas; nine grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. The funeral was Dec. 30 at the United Methodist Church of Burlington. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery.
Dale E. Lamer (1927-2003)
SALINA - Dale E. Lamer, 75, Salina, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003. Mr. Lamer was born Jan. 17, 1927, at Salina. He married Ruby Temple April 12, 1946. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in the spring. He was retired from the Salina Journal after almost 40 years of service. He was a member of the First Foursquare Church, where he served on the church council and was involved in the ministry of hospital visitation. Previously, he had served as an elder at the Grand Avenue Methodist Church for many years. He was also an active volunteer with the Salina Rescue Mission Auxiliary. He was preceded in death by a brother, Leslie, and a sister, Arlene Lauber. Survivors include his wife, Ruby; three daughters, Margie White of Topeka, Debbie Roux of Alfred, Maine, and Della Lamer of Sanford, Maine; four sons, Steve, Matthew, Mark and John, all of Salina; two brothers, Ray of Salina and Don of Forsyth, Mo.; two sisters, Dorothy Bolte of Brookville and Edna Milleson of McPherson, 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at the Emmanuel Foursquare Church, Salina. Burial was in Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Salina Rescue Mission or Hospice of Salina. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, was in charge of arrangements.
Lena Meier (1906-2003)
BUNKER HILL - Lena Meier, 96, Bunker Hill, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003. Mrs. Meier was born Lena Luerman Jan. 24, 1906, in rural Dubuque. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, George, in 1961; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Survivors include two sons, Melvin of Dorrance and Gene of Salina; a daughter, Janice Flanders of Edson; nine grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at Pohlman's Memorial Chapel, Russell. Burial was in Bunker Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Bunker Hill Historical Society in care of the mortuary.
Danny Ray Porter (1954-2003)
GENESEO - Danny Ray Porter, 48, Geneseo, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2003, as the result of a truck wreck in rural Geneseo. Mr. Porter was born April 4, 1954, at Lyons to Howard Wayne and Regis Marie Gustus Porter. He was a lifetime resident of Geneseo and a former oil derrick hand and independent tree trimmer. Survivors include a brother, Darold Gene Porter of Geneseo; two sisters, Ann Murphy of Geneseo and Trina Marie Lawless of Galva; four nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dickie Porter. A private family service is planned in the Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Danny Ray Porter Cemetery Marker. Sillin Funeral Home of Lyons is in charge of arrangements.
Larry John Prewett (1952-2003)
Larry John Prewett, 50, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003, at his home in Wichita. He was born Jan. 16, 1952, at Beloit. His early childhood was spent in Wichita and on May 14, 1967, he was confirmed at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Mr. Prewett graduated from Wamego High School in 1971, attended Coffeyville Community College on an athletic scholarship, and served in the U.S. Army with station duty in Germany. He resided the past 15 years in Wichita where he was employed by Boeing in the tooling division. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ernest and Alice Prewett of Beloit. Survivors include his parents, John and Maxine Prewett of Lincoln, and Yvonne and Verl Dagel of Augusta; his son Clint Norris of Tulsa, Okla.; a brother Michael and wife Cheryl of Andover; a sister, Teresa Benton of Augusta; two grandsons; and several nephews and nieces. A memorial service was Saturday at the Lakeside Funeral Home, E 13th St., Wichita. Burial of the cremains will be Saturday, Jan. 18 in the Greenmound Cemetery south of Beloit with a graveside service at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Wichita Childrens Home or to the donor's choice.
Raymond A. Wanek (1922-2003)
WILSON - Raymond A. Wanek, 80, Wilson, died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2003, at Salina Regional Medical Center. Mr. Wanek was born Feb. 11, 1922, in Russell County to Joseph Wanek and the former Cora Root. He was a lifetime resident of the area, where he was a foreman for an oil field construction company. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Msgr. John F. McManus American Legion Post No. 262, the Wilson Lions Club and the Lutheran Brotherhood, where he served as an officer. He was awarded the Purple Heart during his time in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Wilma Casper July 20, 1946 at Norton. She survives. Other survivors are a daughter, Diana Brooks of Wilson; a son, Alan Wanek of Hutchinson; a brother, Junior Wanek of Russell; two sisters, Laverne Libal and Betty Mog, both of Wilson; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly; and a granddaughter in 1985. The funeral was 10 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 15) at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post. Memorials may be made to Camp Kuck at Lake Wilson or the church in care of Foster Mortuary, 610 24th Street, Wilson 67490.
Jack Clair Baker Sr. (1921-2003)
SALINA - Jack Clair Baker Sr., 81, Salina, died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003. Mr. Baker was born March 28, 1921, at Kanopolis. He was an accountant at Jack C. Baker Public Accountant in Salina for 52 years. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1432 and Salina Noon Optimists Clubs and was enrolled to practice before the IRS. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a sergeant in World War II, won the Bronze Star and served in the Pacific Theater. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville Woodson Baker and Verna Marian Hunter Baker, three brothers; and a sister. Survivors include his wife, Hilda Mae (Hazelton) Baker, of the home; two daughters, Deanna L. Crick and Janice A. Armour, both of Salina; a son, Jack C. Baker Jr. of Elgin, Texas; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, Salina, the Rev. Tom Reid officiating. Burial was in Prairie Mound Cemetery, Solomon. Memorials may be made to the church, 308 S. Eighth, Salina 67401. Carlson-Ford-Geisendorf Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Alice E. Borell (1924-2003)
DIGHTON - Alice E. Borell, 78, Dighton, died Friday, Jan. 3, 2003. Mrs. Borell was born Alice E. Galliart July 2, 1924, in rural Barton County. She was a school cook for several years. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Everett Steinle, in 1952. Survivors include her husband, Gene of the home; two sons, Jay of Faribult, Minn., and Kent of Dighton; two daughters, Judy Morgan of La Crosse and Kay Conrardy of Dodge City; four sisters, Adalene Charvat of Coffeeville, Bernice Duryee of WaKeeney, Karen Lovelette of Morris, Il.., and Rita Showalter of Mulvane; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at the Christ the King Lutheran Church, Dighton. burial was in Dorrance City Cemetery. Memorial may be made to the Lutheran Hour or National Autism Research Institution, in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, P.O. Box 891, Dighton 67839.
Debra S. Bowles (1950-2002)
WILSON - Debra S. Bowles, 52, Wilson, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Bowles was born Nov. 16, 1950, at Ellsworth to Dr. Dallas Moeller and the former Evelyn Sula. She was reared in Ellsworth County and lived in Phoenix for 15 years before returning to Wilson. She was a medical assistant and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her mother and step-father, Evelyn and Anton Sula of Wilson; her father, Dr. Dallas Moeller of Phoenix, Ariz.; a step-son, Kenneth A. Bowles of Wilson; a daughter, Kelsey Youngblood of Phoenix; a brother, Brett Sula of Salina; two stepbrothers, Jan Moeller of Phoenix and Jon Moeller of Los Angeles, Calif., and two grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at Foster Mortuary Chapel, Wilson, Pastor Elaine Lord officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation or the Ellsworth County Ambulance Fund.
Norma R. Kickhaefer (1934-2002)
SALINA - Norma R. Kickhaefer, 68, Salina, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002. Mrs. Kickhaefer was born Norma Ruth Lagerman April 7, 1934, at Salina. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Roy A.; three sons, Kent L. Griep of Arvada, Colo., and Kevin L. Griep and Darin Kickhaefer, both of Salina; three daughters, Billie Jean Russell and Katherine Marker, both of Salina, and Yvonne Elaine Young of Kanopolis; a sister, Lorraine Pierce of Salina; three brothers, Edwin Lagerman of St. Joseph, Mo., Robert Lagerman of Las Vegas and Melvin Lagerman of Salina; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 2 at Ryan Mortuary. Burial was in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Frieda Alice Moyer (1912-2003)
Frieda Alice Moyer, 90, Ellsworth, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2003, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Moyer was born Oct. 15, 1912, in Lincoln County to Henry Kottman and the former Anna Warner. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a homemaker. She married Harrison E. Moyer Oct. 22, 1935, in Ellsworth County. He died in 1978. She also was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Leticia Raney in 1996. Survivors include two sons, Dairel of Ellsworth and Lairen of Platteville, Wisc.; two daughters, Lenette Kottas of Harper and Velda jacobs of Topeka; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) at Parsons Funeral Home, the Rev. Mark Kayser. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ellsworth County EMS or the Ellsworth Senior Center.
