Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Imogene Bishop (1922-2006)
LINCOLN — Imogene Bishop, 83, Lincoln, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. Mrs. Bishop was born April 7, 1922, at Junction City to Orel A. and Leona Raye Bolte Linder. She was a dispatcher for Lincoln County Law Enforcement. Survivors include four sons, Steven James of Ellsworth, Patrick Robert of Kansas City, Mo., Marek Thomas of Imperial, Neb., and Michael Francis of Lincoln; two daughters, Barbara Jean Phillips of Gardner and Mary Catherine Abell of Barnard; a brother, Robert Linder of Manhattan; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean; and a grandson, Mitchell Lee Bishop. The funeral was Saturday at Hall Chapel. Private inurnment was in Lincoln City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lincoln County Historical Society.
Essie I. Boulineau (1937-2006)
Essie I. Boulineau, 68, Ellsworth, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Boulineau was born April 23, 1937, at Hutchinson to William H. and Edith M. Powles Cleaver. She was a homemaker and a member of the VFW auxiliary, Ellsworth, and the Air Force Sergeant’s Association auxiliary. She moved from Culver to Ellsworth in 1979. She married Bobby B. Boulineau Aug. 30, 1963, at Salina. He survives. Other survivors include two sons, Steve and Robert, and his wife, Sandy, all of Ellsworth; two sisters, Darlene Heintz of Springville, Iowa, and Betty Stump of Chico, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Mary Sue Cleaver of Salina; a grandchild, Michael Boulineau of Ellsworth; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was Monday at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Nathan Loudon officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the KSU Center for Basic Cancer Research or the Ellsworth Senior Center.
Charley ‘Blue’ Martin (1919-2006)
GENESEO — Charley “Blue” Martin, 86, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, Lyons. Mr. Martin was born Oct. 25, 1919, at Burbank, Okla., to William and Erma Balleu Martin. He lived in San Diego, Calif., and worked as a marine biologist and farmer until his retirement. In 1980, he moved to Geneseo, where he was a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion. He was a former member of the Diving Club, San Diego, and the California Water Control Board. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II. He married Arleene Jurgess May 30, 1958, at Las Vegas, Nev. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Michael Mason of Lyons and Paul Stevens of Lugana Hills, Calif.; a daughter, Susan Gesell of Siloam Springs, Ark.; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Robin Anderson and Kathleen “Ivy” Sauer; two brothers, William and Bob Martin; and a sister, Ruth Reynolds. The funeral was Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Geneseo, the Rev. Lyndelle Linde officiating. Burial was in the Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or to the Center for Basic Cancer Research at Kansas State University in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.
Patsy Sue Myers (1941-2006)
LINCOLN — Patsy Sue Myers, 65, Lincoln, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Mrs. Myers was born Jan. 11, 1941, at Lincoln to Paul and Vada Howe Ryan. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, William W. Myers, of the home; her mother, Vada McReynolds of Lincoln; four sons, Patrick of Lawrence, Paul of Topeka, Robert of Lincoln and John of Salina; a daughter, Tammy Wallace of Barnard; a brother, Steve McReynolds of Lincoln; two sisters, Paula Kastilahn of Kansas City, Mo., and Peggy McCullick of Hays; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and step-father, John McReyolds. The funeral was Jan. 19 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Lincoln, Msgr. James Hake officiating. Private burial is at a later date in Lincoln City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Wichita. Hall Funeral Home, Lincoln, is in charge of arrangements.
Linda Lou Stratmann (1938-2006)
Linda Lou Stratmann, 67, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Miss Stratmann was born Nov. 3, 1938, at Holyrood to William Sr. and Augusta Froereich Stratmann. She was a homemaker who moved from rural Holyrood to Ellsworth in 1948. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Survivors include a sister, Mildred Russell of Ellsworth; a niece, Lela Stratmann of Ellsworth; and Sophie, a close friend. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, William Stratmann, in 1991; and a dear friend, Gladys Whitley, in 2005. A private graveside service is planned in the St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery, Holyrood, Pastor Dennis Dufon officiating. Memorials may be made to the OCCK Transportation Fund. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
David Thornton III (1927-2005)
LAS VEGAS — David Bedwell Thornton III, 78, Las Vegas, died Dec. 22, 2005. Mr. Thornton was born March 2, 1927, at Ellsworth, Kan. He had lived in Las Vegas for 45 years and was retired from the Nevada Power Co. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane; sons, Randall of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., and David IV and Kevin, both of Las Vegas; a daughter, Melany Hogan, Las Vegas; a sister, Juanita Dawes of Riverside, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Dec. 27 at Palm Mortuary, Las Vegas.
Clinton D. Phillips (1917-2006)
SALINA — Clinton D. Phillips, 88, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, at Salina. Mr. Phillips was born June 6, 1917, at Gypsum. He was the owner and operator of the Phillips Motor Company in Salina for many years. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Sharon Spillers in 1997 and Dena Lewis in 1973; and one grandson, Shawn Wade, in 1968. He is survived by his wife, Esther of the home; a daughter, Shirley Yorgensen of Salina; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. The funeral was Friday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth St., Salina. Burial was in the Gypsum Cemetery, with military honors provided by Fort Riley. Memorials may be made to the St. Judes Childrens Hospital or to the donors choice.
Edwin M. Sheridan (1931-2006)
Edwin M. Sheridan, 74, Lyons, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. Mr. Sheridan was born March 5, 1931, at Carneiro to Lee M. and Edith Allen Sheridan. He was a longtime resident of Lyons, where he was a retired machinist for Lyons Manufacturing, Workmans and NAPA Auto. He also served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Boxer during the Korean War. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and VFW Post 3184, both at Lyons; and American Legion Post 241, Geneseo. He married Shirley Anita Lucas Nov. 1, 1954, at Ellsworth. Survivors include two sons, Daniel Sheridan of Raymond and Martin Sheridan of Hutchinson; a brother, Alex Sheridan of Buhler; two sisters, Joyce Sheridan of Ellsworth and Faye Jett of Garden City; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Jeffrey and Kenneth; two brothers, Harry and Howard; and a sister, Phyllis Soukup. The funeral was Friday at Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons, the Rev. Gary Karas officiating. Burial was in Lyons Municipal Cemetery with full military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation.
Rev. Elmer A. Feddersen (1910-2006)
ANDOVER, Minn. — The Rev. Elmer A. Feddersen, 95, Andover, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, in Coon Rapids, Minn. He was born Dec. 26, 1910, in Bethalto, Ill. He was a retired Lutheran minister who served parishes in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. Survivors include a daughter, Lois Hauschild of Andover; a sister, Ella Gutknecht of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dula, in 2000. The funeral was Saturday at the Faith Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids, the Rev. Curtis Deterding officiating. Burial was in the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo. Thurston-Lindsberg Funeral Home, Anoka, Minn., was in charge of arrangements.
Leo H. Helus (1918-2005)
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Leo H. Helus, 87, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2005, at the Pickerington Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Pickerington, Ohio. Mr. Helus was born Nov. 26, 1918, in Wilson, Kan., to John and Mary Kaitman Helus. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1937 and worked for the state of Kansas for two years. He served in the Air Force for 25 years until 1964. In 1944 Mr. Helus was awarded the Air Medal for “meritorious achievement” while participating in heavy bombardment missions in the Eighth Air Force offensive against the enemy over continental Europe. He served in the 8th Air Force in World War II, the Korean war and the Vietnam war. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked 20 years at Harpers Engraving & Printing Company, Columbus, Ohio, retiring in 1983. He married Arlene Redman Nov. 5, 1949, at Texarkana, Ark. She preceded him in death in 2001. He was also preceded in death by his parents and five sisters. He is survived by two brothers, Johnny of Ellsworth, Kan., and Paul of Topeka, Kan. Burial and a memorial service will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, 550 Hill Road North, Pickerington, Ohio 43147, is in charge of arrangements.
Irene M. Kemmerer (1908-2005)
HOLYROOD — Irene M. Kemmerer, 97, Holyrood, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, at the Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. Mrs. Kemmerer was born April 13, 1908, in Alluwe, Okla., to Edward C. and Dessie Brown Blanke. In 1972, she moved from Oklahoma to Holyrood, where she was a homemaker. She also was a member of the Great Bend Seventh Day Adventist Church. She married Hoyt R. Kemmerer March 27, 1926, at Nowata, Okla. He died in 1977. She also was preceded in death by a son, Hoyt R. Jr., in 1975; and a brother, Herman “Boog” Blanke. Survivors include a daughter, Betty Koch and husband, Harold, of Holyrood; a son, Terry L. Kemmerer of Mercer Island, Wash.; a brother, O.E. Blanke of Holyrood; five grandchildren and their spouses, Don and D.J. Nash and Rob and Kathy Koch, all of Holyrood, Cherie and Joe Dvorak and Doug Kemmerer, all of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Tracy Reynolds of Salina; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The graveside service was Jan. 4 in Martin Cemetery, Nowata, Pastor Jan Follett officiating. Memorials may be made to Enterprise Academy, 701 Bridge, Enterprise 67441. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Joseph P. Kratky (1911-2005)
WILSON — Joseph P. Kratky, 94, Wilson, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005. Mr. Kratky was born Feb. 20, 1911, in Lincoln County. He was a retired farmer-stockman. He was a member of the Monsignor John F. McManus American Legion Post 262. He also was a private first class in the U.S. Army for four years during World War II. He was preceded in death by three infant children and an infant grandchild. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia, of Wilson; two sons, Marvin of Hesston and Gary of Wilson; a daughter, Rose M. Hansen of Concordia; two sisters, Mary Soukup and Theresa Kasper, both of Wilson; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 2 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wilson. Burial was in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wilson Knights of Columbus or Wilson Nursing Center, in care of Foster Mortuary, Box 533, Wilson 67490.
Charles Alfred Mog (1913-2006)
McPHERSON — Charles Alfred Mog, 92, McPherson, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006, at Memorial Hospital, McPherson. Mr. Mog was born May 19, 1913, in Ellsworth County to Edward and Mary Kodytek Mog. He attended Black Wolf schools. He worked as a machinist for Wichita’s Boeing Aircraft during World War II. He then started Mog Construction, Great Bend, which he eventually sold and moved to California, where he did machine work for Mendelson/McCarthy Co. He worked for North American Aviation as a quality control inspector until his retirement
in 1974. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Great Bend and California, and a member of the Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bellflower, Calif. He married Viola Clara Panzer June 5, 1937, at Ellsworth. She died in 2000. He also was preceded in death by four brothers, Earl, Edward, Ben and John Mog; three sisters, Pearl Janousek, Blanche Sullivan and Caroline Vickers; and a grandson, David Corbus. Survivors include three daughters, Delores Harrison of Norwalk, Calif., Shirley Corbus and Barbara Mog, both of McPherson; two sisters, Evelyn Grubb of Hays and Beatrice Thompson of Bolivar, Mo.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the Countryside Covenant Church, McPherson, Tim Holgerson officiating. Burial was in McPherson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the McPherson Shrine Children’s Fund in care of the Glidden-Eidger Funeral Home, 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Ks. 67460.
LuVerna C. Pfannenstiel (1928-2005)
WaKEENEY — LuVerna C. Pfannenstiel, 77, WaKeeney, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005. Mrs. Pfannenstiel was born Sept. 8, 1928, at Walker to Theo and Katie Schulte Freitag. She was a cook for Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital and several restaurants. She also was a member of the Christ the King Catholic Church, the Altar Society, Randall Reid VFW Post 3449 Auxiliary and the Daughters of Isabella of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ellis. She married Virgil J. Pfannenstiel May 10, 1938, at Hays. He survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Dale and Rick, both of WaKeeney; seven daughters, Carol Rumback of Union, Mo., Judy Klaus of Munjor, Joyce Hertel of Hays, Diane Buchholz of Ellsworth, Vera Murphy and Kathy Pfannenstiel, both of WaKeeney, and Susan Pfannenstiel of Great Bend; two sisters, Dorothy Hammerschmidt and Dolores Augustine, both of Salina; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant grandchild, James Brewer; and two sisters, Marlene Burgardt and Rita Mae Freitag. The funeral was Jan. 3 at the Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Walk-A-Thon for Health in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th, WaKeeney 67672.
Joseph Paul Thielen (1946-2006)
DORRANCE — Joseph Paul Thielen, 59, Dorrance, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, at Via Christi Medical Center, Wichita. Mr. Thielen was born Feb. 21, 1946, at Hays to George and Ethel Coady Thielen. He was a lifelong resident of the Dorrance community, where he was a farmer-stockman. He also was a member of the Kansas Livestock Association, the National Cattleman’s Association, the Russell County 4-H Development Fund and the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dorrance. He married Susan Thielen June 3, 1972, at Russell. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, Joey of Frankfort, Matt of Beloit, and Kevin of Dorrance; a brother, Neal of Boulder, Colo.; a sister, Joan Kaufman of Topeka; and two grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wilson, Fathers David Metz and Jerome Morgan officiating. Burial was in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund or the Joseph Paul Thielen Memorial Scholarship Fund. Foster Mortuary, Wilson, was in charge of arrangements.
Harland H. ‘Harp’ Harper (1920-2005)
CANTON — Harland H. “Harp” Harper, 85, Canton, formerly of Glasco, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005. Mr. Harper was born Jan. 17, 1920, at Glasco. He was service manager for the Chuck Stein auto dealership in Minneapolis. His first wife, Marcelyn “Mush” Harper, died in 1995. Survivors include his second wife, Inez Johnston-Harper of Murrieta, Calif.; a son, Rick of Ellsworth; a daughter, Vicki Pucket of McPherson; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 28 at the Christian Church, Glasco. Burial was in Glasco Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Christian Church women’s group of Glasco or Shiloh Manor of Canton. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, was in charge of arrangements.
Elva M. Ray (1918-2005)
Elva M. Ray, 87, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Mrs. Ray was born Nov. 5, 1918, in Lincoln County to Otto and Veronica Shafer Trapp. She lived most of her life in Ellsworth, where she was a homemaker and a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. She married James F. Ray June 19, 1938, at Ellsworth. He died Dec. 1, 1990. She also was preceded in death by three sisters, a brother and a grandson. Survivors include a son, Stanley Ray of Lyons; a daughter, Barbara Hutchison of Great Bend; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. The funeral was Friday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Dennis Dufon officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ruby M. Carder (1921-2006)
Ruby M. Carder, 84, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006. Mrs. Carder was born Ruby M. Kelley June 30, 1921, in Salina. She was a cook at Elmore Cafeteria for 25 years and a retired cafeteria worker for the Salina school district. Her husband, Floyd E. “Shorty” Carder, died in 1998. Survivors include two sons, Stanley E. of California and Dick F. of Georgetown, Texas; a daughter, Nancy C. Schmidt of Ellsworth; two brothers, Bob Kelley of San Antonio and Ray Kelley of Manhattan; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 E. Crawford, Salina 67401. Burial was in Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.
Pilar Cisneros (1931-2006)
KANOPOLIS — Pilar Cisneros, 74, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2006, at her home in Kanopolis. Mrs. Cisneros was born Oct. 31, 2006, at Kanopolis to Jesus and Maria Mendez Munoz. She was a lifetime resident of Kanopolis, where she was a homemaker and a cook at Kanopolis school. She also was a member of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, the choir and the Altar Society. She married Jesse Cisneros Oct. 19, 1957, at Kanopolis. He died in 1990. Survivors include three sons, Larry Cisneros of Salina, Mike Cisneros of Wichita and Martin Cisneros of Gypsum; a daughter, Rita Whitmer of Ellsworth; three brothers, Albino Munoz of Ellsworth and Charles Munoz and Nicholas Munoz, both of Kanopolis; three sisters, Juanita Munoz of Bullhead City, Ariz., Inez Torrez of San Francisco, Calif., and Virginia Gonzales of New York City, N.Y.; and six grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Fathers Daniel Scheetz and Basil Torrez officiating. Burial was in Kanopolis Cemetery. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Steven Lenhardt Homeier (1956-2006)
RUSSELL — Steven Lenhardt Homeier, 46, of Russell died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006. Mr. Homeier was born Oct. 11, 1956, at Ellsworth. He was graduated from Dorrance High School and attended Culinary Arts School in Wichita before moving to San Francisco, Calif., where he lived for several years. His adult years were split between Kansas and Colorado, where he worked in food service and as a bartender. He was active in fundraising efforts for several hospices and the Colorado AIDS Project. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert. Survivors include his parents, Alice and Lenhardt Homeier of Wilson; six sisters, Rita Habbart, Mary Lee Bohnen and Donna Fay Major, all of Dorrance, Barb Bowman of Russell, Alice Mae Prester of Lyons and Betty Jo Lloyd of Parker, Colo.; two brothers, Will Homeier of Russell and Ralph Homeier of Dorrance; and longtime companion, David Weiland of Russell. A gathering for family and friends was 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Russell Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at a later time at the Catholic cemetery in Wilson. Memorials may be made to South Wind Hospice in care of the funeral home, 610 N. Elm Street, Russell 67665.
Pauline M. Wilbur (1912-2006)
LYONS — Pauline M. Wilbur, 93, Lyons, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, at the Lyons Good Samaritan Center. Mrs. Wilbur was born May 17, 1912, in Major County., Okla., to Arthur and Elizabeth Daniels Gard. In 1938, she moved from Udall to Lyons, where she was a retired food service employee for the school district. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Priscilla Club and Silver Threads, all of Lyons. She married Marion A. Wilbur Jan. 17, 1931, at Wichita. He died in 1978. She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Iris L. McDermed; a sister, Daisy Gregory; and a granddaughter, Julie Wilbur. Survivors include two sons, Larry J. Wilbur of Lyons and Stephen A. Wilbur of Augusta; a daughter, Paula J. Bigham of Ellsworth; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at the First Baptist Church, Lyons, the Rev. Gary Karas officiating. Burial was in Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the Lyons Good Samaritan Center. Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons, was in charge of arrangements.
Tillie Dolezal Browning (1918-2006)
Tillie Dolezal Browning, 87, Ellsworth, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006, at her home. Mrs. Browning was born Sept. 17, 1918, at Sylvan Grove to Mike and Katie Hrabik Shiroky. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a homemaker and a member of the Ellsworth Senior Citizens group and the First Presbyterian Church. She married Charles Dolezal Sr. June 6, 1937, in Kansas City, Kan. He died in 1973. She married Orville Browning Sept. 23, 1990, at Ellsworth. He died in 1994. She also was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Charles R. Jr. and Virginia Dolezal of Ellsworth; a grandson, Dan Dolezal of Valley Center; a granddaughter, Pam Harms of Silver Lake; and five great-grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer and Matthew Dolezal, all of Valley Center, and Jacob and Eric Harms, both of Silver Lake. The funeral is 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Nathan Loudon officiating. Burial is in Ellsworth Cemetery. Visitation was from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until service time today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the church or the American Diabetes Association.
