Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Winifred L. Koksal (1922-2006)
GARDEN CITY — Winifred L. Koksal, 83, Garden City, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at the St. Catherine Hospital, Garden City. Mrs. Koksal was born April 7, 1922, in Haskell County to Ray E. and Lenora H. McCollum Osborn. She taught first and second grades at Garden City for 29 years before her retirement in 1987. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Todays Mother’s Club, United Methodist Women’s Circle, Finney County Senior Center, Retired Senior Volunteers Program, Sunflower Unit of Kansas Retired Teachers Association, Finney County Historical Society and Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo. She married Frank L. Koksal Nov. 17, 1939, at Ness City. He died in
1993. Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Price of Amarillo, Texas; a son, Tom Koksal of Garden City; two brothers, Raymond Osborn of Pensacola Beach, Fla., and Gene Osborne of San Clemente, Calif.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 9 at the First United Methodist Church, Garden City, the Rev. Robert Cousins officiating. Burial was in Valley View Cemetery, Garden City. Memorials may be made to the St. Catherine Hospital Development Foundation or the Southwest Kansas Live on Stage in care of Garnard Funeral Home, Garden City.
Frank J. Zeman Jr. (1921-2006)
SALINA — Frank J. Zeman Jr., 84, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006, at Salina. Mr. Zeman was born Nov. 18, 1921, at Russell County. He was a farmer in Saline and Ottawa counties until his retirement. He was a member of the Salina Elks, the Salina Moose, the United Commercial Travelers and the Knights of Columbus. He is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy in 1996; a brother, Emil Leo, in 1935, and sisters Agnes Staudinger, Barbara Hlaus and Anna Staudinger. He is survived by his special friend Irene Bowen of Bennington; a daughter, Barbara Clem of Edwards, N.Y.; four sisters, Jody Hinnenkamp of Salina; Mary Geritzen of Little River, Sister Mary Leo Zeman of Concordia, and Alice Homeier of Wilson; and two grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina. Burial was in the Roselawn Cemetery, Salina. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401, was in charge of arrangements.
Fred Charles Zvolanek (1912-2006)
LINCOLN — Fred Charles Zvolanek, 94, Lincoln, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2006. Mr. Zvolanek was born Jan. 28, 1912, at Black Wolf to William and Emma Borecky Zvolanek. He was a farmer. Survivors include his wife, Clara, of the home; a daughter, Shirley Krueger of Lincoln; a brother, Stephen Zvolanek of Wilson; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Blanche, and a son, Donald Dean. The funeral was at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Vesper Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Wilson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Hall Funeral Home, Lincoln, was in charge of arrangements.
Velma Kvasnicka (1913-2006)
WILSON — Velma Kvasnicka, 92, Wilson, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, at the Wilson Nursing Center. Mrs. Kvasnicka was born March 2, 1913, at Wilson to Ed and Mamie Frederick Kleinschmidt. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She married Alfred Kvasnicka April 20, 1938, at Wilson. He died in 2005. Survivors include a niece, Norma Stoskopf of San Diego, Calif. The funeral was Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, Pastor Kris Bair officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Foster Mortuary, Wilson, was in charge of arrangements.
Dora Katherine Martin (1916-2006)
BROOKVILLE — Dora Katherine Martin, 89, Brookville, died Monday, Jan 30, 2006. Ms. Martin was born Oct. 22, 1916, at Brookville, where she was a homemaker and farmer. The graveside service was Friday in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina. Memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans. Roselawn Mortuary, Salina, was in charge of arrangements.
Leona Quade (1906-2006)
Leona Quade, 99, Ellsworth, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006, at Via Christi St. Francis Harry Hynes Hospice, Wichita. Mrs. Quade was born Aug. 1, 1906, in Lincoln County to Ferdinard and Anna Walker Luck. In 2001, she moved to Wichita from Ellsworth, where she had lived since 1945. She was a homemaker and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Fellowship Club and the Immanuel Lutheran Church, all at Ellsworth. She married David Quade Sept. 11, 1938, at Lincoln. He died in 2003. Survivors include a son, Larry Quade of Derby; a daughter, Theora Wagner of Independence; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastors Dennis Dufon and Dean Von Stroh officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the VFW Auxiliary. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Caroline Schwerdtfeger (1904-2006)
Caroline Schwerdtfeger, 101, Ellsworth, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Schwerdtfeger was born Dec. 1, 1904, in Ellsworth County to Carl F. and Emilie Schultz Choitz. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a homemaker and a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She married Walter R. Schwerdtfeger Sr. April 24, 1935, in north Ellsworth. He died in 1951. Survivors include a son, Walter C. Jr., and wife, Jean, of Ellsworth; a granddaughter, Kim Kerby of Ellsworth; two great-granddaughters, Kayla Kerby of Manhattan and Kendra Kerby of Great Bend; and a brother, R.H. Choitz of Ellsworth. The funeral was Tuesday at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pastor Philip Hoppe officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the Ellsworth County 4-H Barn. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Michael Dean Gustus (1958-2006)
GENESEO — Michael Dean Gustus, 47, Geneseo, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. Mr. Gustus was born March 24, 1958, at Sterling to Dean and Jane Kindle Gustus. He was a lifetime resident of Geneseo, where he owned Gustus Backhoe & Tank Service. He attended the United Methodist Church and was a member and former chief of the Geneseo Fire Department. Survivors include two daughters, Callie and Haddie Gustus, Geneseo; his parents; and two sisters, Patricia “Patty” Beagley and Carolyn Gustus, both of Geneseo. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cyril and Olive Gustus and Cliff and Mary Alice Kindle. The funeral was Saturday at Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons, David Laughlin officiating. Burial was in Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to an education fund for Callie and Haddie Gustus or Hutchinson Hospice House of Reno County.
Mary Ellen Lawson (1921-2006)
SYLVAN GROVE — Mary Ellen Lawson, 84, Sylvan Grove, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Miss Lawson was born Aug. 16, 1921, at Sylvan Grove to Sidney Morton and Helen Mary Cross Lawson. She was a lifetime resident of Sylvan Grove, where she was co-owner of S.M. Lawson Hardware Store. She also was a member of Eula Chapter 345 of Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church, Sylvan Grove. Survivors include a niece, Rebecca Tousand of Salina; and a brother, Roger of Simsburg, Conn. She was preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen Kulich, who lived at Wilson. The funeral was Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, Sylvan Grove, Pastor Kris Bair officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Foster Mortuary, Wilson, was in charge of arrangements.
Allen Lee Parks (1933-2006)
ELLINWOOD — Allen Lee Parks, 72, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006, at his residence in Ellinwood. Mr. Parks was born Feb. 25, 1933, at Macksville to Frank and Lois Harmon Parks. He was a self-employed carpenter and farmer and was a salesman for Rainbow Bread Co. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He lived in Ellinwood for 14 years, moving from Larned. He married Dona Sue Jones May 19, 1959, at Batesville, Ark. She died in 1972. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Faye, and twin grandchildren, Jarrod and Jordon Link. Survivors include two sons, Danny Parks of Batesville, Ark., and James Parks of Evening Shade, Ark.; five daughters, Ann Rutledge and Deb Driggs of Indianapolis, Ind., Anita Link of Great Bend, Tina Velz of Ponca City, Okla., and Becky Page of Wichita; three brothers, Lyle Parks of Salina, Lowell Parks of Haysville, and Edward Parks of Macksville; two sisters, Twila Huckaby of Oklahoma City, and Lila DeGarmo of Meade; 23 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 25 at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, the Rev. Don Paden officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery, with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Allen Parks Memorial Fund.
Hugh W. Sharp Jr. (1982-2006)
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Hugh W. Sharp Jr., 23, Jackson Hole, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006, as the result of an automobile wreck. Mr. Sharp was born Nov. 23, 1982, at Tacoma, Wash., to Sue and Hugh Sharp Sr. He worked for Edge Wirless, Jackson Hole. Survivors include his wife, Amber Rathbun-Sharp of Ellsworth, Kan.; a son, Liam Joshua of Ellsworth; his father and stepmother, Hugh Sr. and Tracy Sharp of Port Orchard, Wash.; his mother and stepfather, Sue and Charles Leonard of Fort Drumm, N.Y.; three brothers, Christopher Sharp of Port Orchard, Kenny Sharp of Federal Way, Wash., and Charlie Leonard of Fort Drumm; and two sisters, Faith Sharp of Port Orchard and Jessica Leonard of Fort Drumm. A memorial graveside service was Saturday at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery, James Crosby officiating. Memorials may be made to the Liam Sharp Education Fund. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Earl Abyron Weinhold (1913-2006)
SALINA — Earl Abyron Weinhold, 92, Salina, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, at the Salina Regional Health Center. Mr. Weinhold was born Nov. 21, 1913, in rural Wilson to Frank S. and Ethel Crider Weinhold. He was graduated from Salt City Business College, Hutchinson. He worked for 65 years as an auto mechanic at Earl Weinhold Auto Service, Salina. He also worked as a mechanic in the shipyards of Richmond, Calif., for two years during World War II. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina. He married Helen Hanson Aug. 9, 1936, at Hutchinson. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Frank of Topeka; a grandson; and two great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mabel Farley, who lived at Oakley, and a grandson, Jason Weinhold. The funeral was Tuesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment was in Abilene Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church building fund, 702 S. 9th, Salina 67401. Carlson-Ford-Geisendorf Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Linda Sue Arnold (1948-2006)
PEORIA, Ariz. — Linda Sue Arnold, 57, Peoria, died Friday, March 17, 2006. Mrs. Arnold was born Nov. 30, 1948, to Kenneth and Betty Cromwell. She was a 1966 graduate of Kanopolis, Kan., High School. Her father preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, James; a daughter, Cheri Murray of Peoria; her mother, Betty Jamison of McPherson, Kan.; two sisters, Judy Friesen of McPherson and Carolyn Hobbs of Bonner Springs, Kan.; two brothers, Ron Cromwell of McPherson and Larry Cromwell of Owasso, Okla.; and a granddaughter. The memorial service was at St. Thomas More. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the church, 6180 W. Utopia Road, Glendale, Ariz. 85308. Hansen Mortuary, Phoenix, Ariz., was in charge of arrangements.
Blanche E. Kornmeyer (1907-2006)
WILSON — Blanche E. Kornmeyer, 98, Wilson, died Friday, March 24, 2006, at the Wilson Nursing Center. Mrs. Kornmeyer was born April 17, 1907, in Russell County to Clarence M. and Ida E. Pospishil Hubbard. She lived most of her life in the Waldo area, moving to Wilson several years ago. She was a homemaker. She married Howard Kornmeyer Dec. 20, 1926, at Russell. He died in 1991, after 65 years of marriage. She also was preceded in death by a son, Milton, in 1997. Survivors include a daughter, Neta Mae Noel of Casper, Wyo.; a son, Myron Kornmeyer of Wilson; a sister, Beverly Thieman of Rush, Colo.; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned at 10:30 a.m. April 8 at Foster Mortuary, Wilson, Father David Metz officiating. Burial was in Grand Center Cemetery, Waldo. Memorials may be made to the Wilson Senior Center in care of the mortuary.
Evangeline L. Mehl (1916-2006)
Evangeline L. Mehl, 89, Ellsworth, died Saturday, March 24, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Mehl was born April 11, 1916, at Kanopolis to Wenslow and Tillie Kafka Dolechek. She moved from Wichita to Ellsworth in 1976. She was a homemaker and a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, and also taught Sunday school in Wichita. Survivors include a daughter, Dana Neuman of Ellsworth; a special friend, Candy Maxey of Humble, Texas; and two grandsons, Dustin Neuman and Daniel Neuman. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Carl Mehl; and a brother, Daniel Dolechek. The funeral was Monday at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Dennis Dufon officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery, Holyrood. Memorials may be made to the church or to the St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.
Mary Eriksen-Rattan (1943-2006)
LA MESA, Calif. — Mary Eriksen-Rattan, 63, died Tuesday, March 7, 2006. Mrs. Eriksen-Rattan was born March 6, 1943, at Kanopolis, Kan. For more than two decades, she operated Eriksen-Rattan Associates at La Mesa, providing fire code expertise, with emphasis on hazardous materials, for a nationwide range of corporations and regulatory agencies. Before that, she was one of the country’s early female fire marshals. Survivors include her husband, Bill Rattan; a son, Todd Gray of Los Angeles; two step-daughters, Jennifer Rattan and Kelly Rattan, both of Los Angeles; and two brothers, Gene Miles of Ellsworth and Jim Miles of Edmond, Okla. A memorial service was March 24 at the Abbey, San Diego. Donations are suggested to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, San Diego Chapter, 4699 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 207, San Diego, Calif., 92123.
Hermina ‘Hermie’ Zvolanek (1917-2006)
SALINA — Hermina “Hermie” Zvolanek, 88, Salina, died Saturday, March 18, 2006, at Kenwood View Nursing Home. Mrs. Zvolanek was born April 12, 1917, at Wilson to Joseph W. and Hermina Houdek Zvolanek. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Alyce Stevens of Shrewsbury, Mass., and a son, Douglas Metzger of Clearlake, Calif. The body was cremated. Cards of sympathy may be sent to 125 N. Front, Salina, Ks. 67401. Carlson-Ford-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina, was in charge of arrangements.
Anna Edith Bristow (1909-2006)
JETMORE — Anna Edith Bristow, 96, Jetmore, died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at the Hodgeman County Health Center. Mrs. Bristow was born Oct. 13, 1909, in Hodgeman County to Jacob and Kathie Ewy Hubin. She was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women and a former Sunday school teacher. She married N.H. Bristow July 26, 1930, at Ransom. He died in 1991. She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Irvin and Quinton Hubin; three sisters, Ada Wasko, Esther Rehmert and Alvena Eichman; and a granddaughter, Caroline DeeAnn Timken. Survivors include two sons, Dennis Bristow of Dodge City and Don Bristow of Wilson; a daughter, Doreen Timken of Hays; a brother, Raymond Hubin of Jetmore; a sister, Olga Glasgow of Chanute; eight grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Jetmore, the Rev. Mitch Reece officiating. Burial was in the Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore. Memorials may be made to the church or the Hodgeman County Long Term Care Center in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore.
Paul Fredrick Choitz (1926-2006)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Paul Fredrick Choitz, 80, San Diego, died Monday, March 13, 2006. Mr. Choitz was born Jan. 8, 1926, in Kansas City, Mo., to Paul and Clara Nienke Choitz. He attended eight years of parochial school at the St. Paul’s Church, north of Ellsworth, Kan. He served in the Navy during World War II. His career was spent in the electronics industry. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; a son, Glen of Missouri; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral was March 17 at the El Camino Memorial Park.
Floyd A. Riemann (1914-2006)
CLAFLIN — Floyd A. Riemann, 91, Claflin, died Monday, March 13, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center, Ellsworth. Mr. Riemann was born Oct. 30, 1914, at Claflin to John D. and Mary J. Markel Riemann. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the 127 Infantry 32 Division-Red Arrow in Australia, New Guinea, and in the Phillipines during World War II, when he received a Purple Heart. He was a lifetime resident of Claflin, where he was a retired farmer and a member of the United Methodist Church. He also belonged to DAV Chapter 27, Great Bend. Survivors include a son, Ralph of Great Bend; a brother, Vernon Riemann of Claflin; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Velma Panzer; a brother, Harold Riemann; and a sister, Elva Brinson. The funeral was Friday at the United Methodist Church, Claflin, the Rev. Sarah Hickson de Salazar officiating. Burial was in the Claflin Cemetery, with military rites by the Fort Riley honor guard. Memorials may be made to the church or the Claflin Ambulance Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington 67544.
Hermina Zvolanek (1917-2006)
SALINA — Hermina Zvolanek, 88, Salina, died Saturday, March 18, 2006. Mrs. Zvolanek was born April 12, 1917, at Wilson to Joseph W. and Hermina Houdek Zvolanek. Survivors include a daughter, Alyce Stevens of Shrewsbury, Mass.; and a son, Douglas Metzger of Clearlake, Calif. There was no service. The body was cremated. Cards of sympathy are welcome and can be sent to 125 N. Front, Salina, Salina 67401. Carlson-Ford-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina, handled arrangements.
Lola Grace Gage (1948-2006)
WARREN, Mich. — Lola Grace Gage, 57, Chesterfield Township, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006. Mrs. Gage was born May 17, 1948, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Theodor Gerhard and Esther Marie Kratzer Wacker. She was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church and a retired contract specialist buyer for the United States Tank Automotive Command at Warren. Survivors include two daughters, Amie Smithley of Pickneyville, Ill., and Debbie LaBranche of Chesterfield Township; three brothers, Sidney and Lewis Wacker, both of Lincoln and John Wacker of Wichita; three sisters, Marian Maes of Ray Township, Mich., Marlene Costa of Clinton Township, Mich. and Edith Wacker of Halstead; and eight grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Rev. Robert E. Kasper officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Macomb Township. Memorials may be made to the church’s Lola Gage Memorial Fund. Hauss Funeral Home, Macomb, was in charge of arrangements.
Msgr. Clement A. Kruse (1915-2006)
WICHITA — Msgr. Clement A. Kruse, 90, died March 7, 2006 at Wichita. Msgr. Kruse was born Sept. 24, 1915, at Selden. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest June 7, 1941. He was named monsignor in 1982. He had served on the Diocesan Board of Consultants. He had served parishes in Grainfield, Sharon Springs, Hoxie/Seguin, Damar, and many other parishes in the Salina Diocese. Msgr. Kruse was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Kathryn Kruse; and brothers, John Marlin and Lee. He is survived by his brothers, Wilbur F. of Wichita, E. J. of Wichita, Ervin of Stockton, Calif., Alvin of Broken Arrow, Okla., Paul of Peru, Neb., and Lawrence of Grinnell; three sisters, Mildred Robben of Bellvue, Wash.; Elenor Meitle of Oakley, and Alfreda Stephens of Grinnell; and 50 nieces and nephews. The funeral was Friday at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, the Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley officiating. Burial was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Salina. Ryan Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Nyla L. Rawson (1916-2006)
MARQUETTE — Nyla Laurine Rawson, 89, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at her home in Marquette. Mrs. Rawson was born May 28, 1916, on the family farm south of Marquette to Roy and Edythe Hamilton Hendershot. She taught for two years at Range School in Ellsworth County and in 1963 became editor of the Marquette Tribune, a job she held until 1999. She was the paper’s advertising director at the time of her death. She was a member of the Marquette United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and the Marquette American Legion Auxiliary, a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a charter member of Marquette Moderns and Marquette Town and Country. Her other memberships included the Lindsborg Ladies Golf Association and the Marquette Farmers State Bank bowling team, activities she continued into her 70s. She was a past member of the Rebekah Lodge. She married Floyd “Bud” Rawson May 28, 1938, at Marquette. He died in 1994. She also was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Sophie Rawson. Survivors include three sons, John “Bill” Rawson, Richard “Dick” Rawson and Robert “Bob” Rawson, all of rural Marquette; two daughters, Peggy Geiman of Marquette and Patsy Morgan of Rawlins, Wyo.; a sister, Chloris Lindstedt of Glendora, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at the Marquette United Methodist Church. Burial was in Marquette Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg, was in charge of arrangements.
