Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Hilda Martha Louise Schroeder (1912-2006)
Hilda Martha Louise Schroeder, 94, Ellsworth, died Wednesday, May 23, 2006, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus, Wichita. Mrs. Schroeder was born Feb. 28, 1912, in Ellsworth County to Reinhold and Bertha Peterman Eilrich. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she worked for Dryden Pottery, Safeway Food Store, Farmers Union Co-op Grocery and the City of Ellsworth as a deputy clerk. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and its Fellowship Club. She married the Rev. A.H. Schroeder in 1939. He died in 1947. She also was preceded in death by six children, Arthur J. Schroeder, Norma Pflughoeft, Alma Hubbell, Norbert Schroeder, Lorna Schroeder and Marvin Schroeder. Survivors include two sons, the Rev. L.H. Schroeder of Nampa, Idaho, and Ken Schroeder of Austin, Texas; three daughters, Annie Hochman of Geneseo, Ruth Kasiska of Kanopolis and Jeanette Westerhaus of Haysville; a sister, Verna Miller of Bremen, Ind.; 27 grandchildren; 72 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Dennis Dufon officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Ellsworth. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Fredya T. Long (1933-2006)
LORRAINE — Fredya T. Long, 73, Lorraine, died Saturday, May 20, 2006. Mrs. Long was born March 13, 1933, at Georgetown, Miss., to John H. and Lula William Berry. In 1972, she moved to Lorraine, where she was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church and the Peace Makers Quilt Guild of Lyons. She married Donald J. Long Nov. 26, 1954, at Hazelhurst, Miss. He died in 2004. Survivors include three daughters, Donna Coykendall of Kingman and Janice Klug and Leah Watts, both of Lorraine; a sister, Inez Davis of Temple, Texas; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Douglas; four brothers and four sisters. The graveside service was 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Lorraine Cemetery, the Rev. George Reddington officiating. Memorials may be made to the Kansas Soldiers Home, Fort Dodge, in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.
Loretta Ann Lowery (1960-2006)
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Loretta Ann Lowery, 45, Columbia, died Friday, May 19, 2006, at the University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia. Mrs. Lowery was born May 23, 1960, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Louis and Theresa Kratky Kasper. She was a computer support specialist for the University of Missouri System. She was a member of the St. Thomas Moore Newman Center and the Midway Heights Elementary PTA and was a volunteer in many of the organizations and activities involving her children. She married James B. “Jim” Lowery Oct. 18, 1986, at Wilson, Kan. He survives. Other survivors include her parents, of Wilson; two daughters, Michelle Ann and Melissa Grace Lowery of Columbia; a son, Daniel Louis Lowery of Columbia; a brother, John Kasper of Wilson; and a sister, Mary Vopat of Wilson. The funeral was Tuesday at the St. Thomas Moore Newman Center, Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Loretta A. Lowery Memorial Fund, in care of Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. 10th Street, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Linda Ann Marbut (1942-2006)
KANOPOLIS — Linda Ann Marbut, 64, a lifelong resident of Kanopolis and former mayor, died Sunday, May 21, 2006, at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita. Mrs. Marbut was born Feb. 2, 1942, at Carneiro to Dale and Ruby Irvine. They preceded her in death, as did a sister, Joyce. Survivors include her husband of 46 years, James Marbut; a son, James Marbut of Kanopolis; a daughter, Blanche Bosquez of Monett, Mo.; and two sisters, Elaine Fitzhugh of Portsmouth, Va., and Nancy Kent of Baldosta, Ga. A memorial service was at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mrs. Marbut’s home, 303 S. Colorado, Kanopolis, Ks. 67454. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association in care of Baker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 242, Valley Center, Ks. 67147.
Patrice ‘Patty’ Heinz Lorence (1950-2006)
BUSHTON — Patrice “Patty” Heinz Lorence, 55, Bushton, died Thursday, May 11, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center, Ellsworth. Mrs. Lorence was born Oct. 7, 1950, at Great Bend to Casper A. and Loretta Heinz. She was a graduate of Barton County Community College and Fort Hays State University. She is a former Ellsworth resident who taught at Ellsworth and Kanopolis. She was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church, Holyrood. Survivors include a brother, Mark Heinz of Ellinwood and a sister, Mary Smith of Wichita. The funeral was Monday at the Holy Name Catholic Church, Father Steve Scheier officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the Bushton First Responders. Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, was in charge of arrangements.
Joyce M. Shuttleworth (1943-2006)
LINDSBORG — Joyce M. Shuttleworth, 62, died Monday, May 8, 2006. Mrs. Shuttleworth was born Nov. 30, 1943, at Alba, Mo., to James Earl and Esther Marie Lasiter Sallee. She moved from Osborne to Lindsborg in 1979. She was a retail checker at Wal-Mart and a member of the United Methodist Church, Geneseo. She married Vance D. Shuttleworth Sept. 16, 1972, at Lyons. He survives. Other survivors include four sons, Edward L. Root of Joplin, Mo., Russell D. Shuttleworth of Lenexa, Brian E. Shuttleworth of Bridgeport and Wayne D. Shuttleworth of Joplin, Mo.; four daughters, Daylene Linnville of Lyons, Brenda Jackson of Geneseo, Rhonda Wilson of Lyons and Cheryl M. Ray of Albuquerque, N.M.; three brothers, Willliam Sallee of McPherson, Orville Sallee of Lyons and Chuck Sallee of Hutchinson; 17 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. The funeral service was Friday at the United Methodist Church, Geneseo. Burial was in Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, P.O. Box 386, Lindsborg, Ks. 67456 was in charge of arrangements.
Linda LaRae ‘Linn’ Urbanek (1976-2006)
SALINA — Linda LaRae “Linn” Urbanek, 30, died Monday, May 8, 2006. Mrs. Urbanek was born Jan. 29, 1976, at Smith Center. Survivors include her husband, Benjamin Urbanek; three children, Mikal “Mickey” Terrell and Jessalyn Urbanek, both of Salina, and Tristan Seems of Oak Grove, Mo.; her mother, Dion Leiker of Salina; her step-father, Nick Leiker of Salina; two brothers, Robbie Seiler of Marquette, and Scott Smith; her grandmother, Bernetta Bose of Garnett; her grandfather, Floyd Bose of Athol; and her father, Robert Seiler of Salina. The funeral was May 11 at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401. Burial was in Meyer’s Cemetery, Athol. Memorials may be made to the children’s education program.
E. Ronald Zvolanek (1937-2006)
E. Ronald Zvolanek, 69, Ellsworth, died Thursday, May 11, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Zvolanek was born March 29, 1937, in Ellsworth County to Edward and Emma Doubrava Zvolanek. He was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth, where he was a farmer and past member of the boards of the Farm Service Agency, Ellsworth Co-op and EFCU, 4-H and FFA. He received the Bankers Award for soil conservation. He married Patricia Hokr June 1, 1960, at Ellsworth. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Kevin of Ellsworth; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa, and a sister, Marsha Vopat. The funeral was Tuesday at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Linda Toms officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Lung Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Lisa D. Herber (1969-2006)
HOLYROOD — Lisa D. Herber, 37, Holyrood, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Herber was born March 11, 1969, at Fort Myers, Fla., to Willard and Carole Wolfe Kizzire. She moved to Holyrood three years ago from the Fort Myers area. She was an emergency medical technician and a member of the St. Pauls Church of Christ, Holyrood. She married Tim Herber Nov. 15, 2003. He survives. Other survivors include two sons, Tristan Bryant and Steven Chantz, both of Holyrood; a daughter, Jordyn Skylar of Holyrood; her mother; two brothers, Bob and Tim Kizzire, both of Cape Coral, Fla.; and a sister, Debborah Lannen of Fort Myers. The memorial service was Saturday at the St. Pauls Church of Christ, Pastor Debra Rains officiating. Memorials may be made to the Ellsworth County Emergency Medical Services in care of Foster Mortuary, Wilson.
Harvey C. Kohls (1938-2006)
SALINA — Harvey C. Kohls, 67, Salina, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Kohls was born Dec. 14, 1938, at Ellsworth to Emil and Christina Schmoekel Kohls. He lived in the Salina and Ellsworth area since 1990 and worked as a farmhand for Helvey Farms, Ellsworth. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force with service in the Korean War. He married Geneva Bell April 8, 1967, at Ellsworth. She died in 1980. He also was preceded in death by his father, Emil, in 1981. Survivors include a daughter, Christina Albers of Salina; a son, Harvey Kohls II of Overland Park; his mother, Christina Kohls of Ellsworth; three brothers, Kenneth, Delmar and Ralph Kohls, all of Ellsworth; a sister, Linda Kohls of Ellsworth; and three grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Nathan Loudon officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ellsworth. Memorials may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6485, Ellsworth.
Eleanora A. Lewis (1914-2006)
HOLYROOD — Eleanora Lewis, 91, Holyrood, died Sunday, May 7, 2006, at the Ellsworth Medical Center. Mrs. Lewis was born Nov. 29, 1914, at Toston, Mont., to John Aloys and Theresa Jurenka Cipra. She had lived in Holyrood since 1980. She was a housekeeper at the Good Samaritan Center at Ellsworth and a member of the Richards Christian Church, Richards, Mo. Survivors include two daughters, Pat Nagel of Holyrood and Kathryn Cockrum of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; two sisters, Laverna Kozisek of Holyrood and Mildred Riha of Sacramento, Calif.; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Loren Lewis, in 2003; and two great-grandsons, Martin Hawks in 1997 and Nathan Breitenberg in 2004. The funeral was at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Holrood, Pastor Deborah Rains officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritn Village. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Karen K. Small (1930-2006)
WILSON — Karen K. Small, 66, Wilson, died Thursday, April 27, 2006, at Wilson. Mrs. Small was born Sept. 21, 1930, at Great Bend to Henry and Frances Rose Buehler Kenzel. She was a lifetime resident of the Wilson area, where she was a store clerk and homemaker and a member of the Wilson United Methodist Church. She married Gillen Small May 30, 1958. He survives. Other survivors include four daughters, Malia Rich of Garden City, Desdia Prockish of Louisville, Tanaya White of Ulysses and Loretta Small of Lincoln; a son, Gary Small of Wilson; two sisters, Bernadine Eichman of Manhattan and Valetta Smith of Soldotna, Ark.; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Jerry, in 2002. The funeral was May 1 at Foster Mortuary Chapel, Wilson, Pastor John Cousins officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in care of the mortuary.
Pastor Gerald D. Atchison (1924-2006)
SHAWNEE — Pastor Gerald D. Atchison, 81, died Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at the Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg, Mo. Pastor Atchison was born Oct. 26, 1924, at Kansas City, Mo. He was a veteran of World War II and a graduate of the Central Bible College, Springfield, Mo. He was ordained in 1951 by the Assembles of God. He built two churches, one at Ellsworth in 1950 and another at Junction City in 1984. He retired in 1996 after also being pastor at the Shawnee Assembly of God Church since 1983. More than 62 years ago, he married Delores Geiss of Ottawa Oct. 26, 1943. She survives. Other survivors include three sons and spouses, Gerald D. II and Tami Atchison of Omak, Wash., Stephen D. Atchison of Wichita and Larry D. and Bonnie Atchison of Bonner Springs; a brother and sister-in-law, Oliver E. and Ina Atchison of Campbell, Calif.; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary G. and Harold Jones of Winston, Ore.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral was May 2 at the Shawnee Assembly of God Church. Burial was in Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Charter Funerals, Merriam, was in charge of arrangements.
Wendle J. Redinger (1929-2006)
Wendle J. Redinger, 77, Ellsworth, died Friday, April 28, 2006. Mr. Redinger was born Jan. 4, 1929, at Halstead. He was a retired car salesman for McCurdy Motors. Survivors include two sons, Dennis of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Bruce of Las Vegas; a daughter, Kathleen Jarret of Ellsworth; two brothers, Darwin of Burrton and Gerald of Halstead; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was Monday at the Assembly of God Church. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Robbin L. Reeves (1942-2006)
RUSSELL — Robbin L. Reeves, 63, died Sunday, April 16, 2006, at Russell. He was born May 4, 1942, at Eureka to Norman and Betty Reeves. They preceded him in death. Survivors include three daughters, Noel, Theresa and Sharen; two brothers, Richard Reeves of Sylvan Grove and Delbie Reeves of Garden Grove, Calif.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association.
Karen K. Small (1930-2006)
WILSON — Karen K. Small, 66, Wilson, died Thursday, April 27, 2006. Mrs. Small was born Sept. 21, 1930, at Great Bend to Henry and Frances Rose Buehler Kenzel. She was a lifetime resident of the Wilson area, where she was a store clerk and homemaker. She also was a member of the Wilson United Methodist Church. She married Gillen Small May 30, 1958. Survivors include three daughters, Malia Rich of Garden City, Desdia Prockish of Louisville and Loretta Small of Lincoln; a son, Gary of Wilson; two sisters, Bernadine Eichman of Manhattan and Valetta Smith of Soldotna, Ark.; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Jerry, in 2002. The funeral was Monday at Foster Mortuary Chapel, Pastor John Cousins officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in care of the mortuary.
Robert L. Whitmer (1911-2006)
WILSON — Robert L. Whitmer, 94, Wilson, died Saturday, April 29, 2006, at the Salina Regional Health Center. Mr. Whitmer was born July 3, 1911, at Dorrance to George and Anna Wenger Whitmer. He was a lifetime resident of Dorrance, where he was a farmer-stockman. He also was a member of Beulah Lodge 291, Bunker Hill, and the Wilson United Methodist Church. He married Cora Duryee July 16, 1936. She died in 1974. He also was preceded in death by a son, George M., in 1996. Survivors include three sons, Richard L., Eldon L. and Lionel, all of Wilson; a daughter, Iris J. Mog of Wilson; 18 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. The funeral was at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Foster Mortuary Chapel, Pastor Kris Bair officiating. Burial was in Dorrance City Cemetery with graveside rites by the Masons. Memorials may be made to the Wilson Senior Center or the church.
Dale D. Batt (1945-2006)
RUSSELL — Dale D. Batt, 60, Russell, died Tuesday, July 4, 2006, at the Hays Medical Center. Mr. Batt was born Aug. 13, 1945, at Great Bend to Robert and Alice Ochs Batt. He was a lifetime resident of Russell County, where he was a farmer-stockman and a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. He served on the boards of the Galatia Co-op Rural Water District 3 and Lincoln Township. He was a life member of VFW Post 6240, American Legion Post 99 and Elks Lodge 1715, all at Russell. He served in the Army National Guard, 995th Maintenance Company, with service in Vietnam. Survivors include his mother of the home; a brother, Eugene of Hoisington; and a sister-in-law, Carla Batt of Holyrood. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Larry, the police chief of Holyrood who died unexpectedly three weeks ago. The funeral was Friday at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, Pastor Richard Monson officiating. Burial was in Hoisington Cemetery with military rites by VFW Post 6240 and American Legion Post 99. Memorials may be made to the Dale Batt Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, Kan. 67544.
H. Raymond Curtis (1943-2006)
SALINA — H. Raymond Curtis, Jr., 62, Salina, died Saturday, July 1, 2006. Mr. Curtis was born Aug. 31, 1943, in Ellsworth. He was a dispatcher for the Kansas Highway Patrol for 24 years, retiring in 1998. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy J. Curtis, in 1989. Survivors include two sons, Brent and Ross Curtis, both of Salina; and a sister, Sue Jimison of Great Bend. A graveside service was Tuesday in Gypsum Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 837 S. Hillside, Wichita, Kan. 67211.
Lucy F. Smith (1912-2006)
LORRAINE — Lucy F. Smith, 93, Lorraine, died Friday, July 7, 2006, at the Western Prairie Care Home, Ulysses. Mrs. Smith was born Aug. 14, 1912, in Howard County, Mo., to Silas and Bessie Fisher Estill. She moved to Ellsworth in 1999 after living in Lorraine since 1948. She was a teacher in North Dakota and a cook at the Lorraine school for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Lorraine. She married Leo S. Smith May 15, 1947, at Wolf Point, Mt. He died in 1963. She also was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers. Survivors include a son, Gregory of San Francisco, Calif.; a foster son, Robert Suiter of Gillette, Wyo.; three granddaughters; and six great-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the First Baptist Church, Lorraine, Pastor Nathan Loudon officiating. Burial was in Lorraine Baptist Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Maxine Zier (1918-2006)
LINCOLN — Maxine Zier, 88, Lincoln, died Saturday, July 1, 2006. Mrs. Zier was born Maxine Cline Feb. 7, 1918, in rural Lincoln County. She was a homemaker. Her husband, Raymond, preceded her in death in 1998. Survivors include two sons, Larry of Broomfield, Colo., and Rolland of Salina; three grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral was at Hall Funeral Home Chapel, Lincoln. Burial was in Lincoln City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or MidAmerica Nursing Home.
Robert L. Dolezal (1949-2006)
Robert L. Dolezal, 56, Ellsworth, died Thursday, June 29, 2006, at Overland Park. Mr. Dolezal was born Oct. 3, 1949, at Ellsworth to Lloyd and Belva Urbanek Dolezal. He was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where he worked for 34 years as a driller at Independent Salt Mine, Kanopolis. He was a member of Steel Workers United. Survivors include three daughters, Aimee Bland of Salina and Brandy and Tessa Dolezal, both of Kanopolis; a son, Robbie Dolezal of Kanopolis; his father and step-mother, Lloyd and Fern Dolezal of Ellsworth; and a brother, Mark Dolezal of Ellsworth. He was preceded in death by his mother, Belva Urbanek, and a son, Chad Robert Dolezal. The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Kanopolis Cemetery, Pastor Linda Toms officiating. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or to the Robert L. Dolezal Children’s Fund. Parsons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mildred Katzenmeier (1913-2006)
Mildred Katzenmeier, 92, died Friday, June 30, 2006, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. Mrs. Katzenmeier was born Nov. 4, 1913, in Ellsworth County to John and Agnes Stehno Klema. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a homemaker, a volunteer at the Ellsworth Senior Center and the Good Samaritan Center and a member of the Friendly Neighbors EHU and the Immanuel Lutheran Church. She married Alvin Katzenmeier Sr. Nov. 4, 1936, at Ellsworth. He died in 1993. Survivors include two sons, Alvin Jr., of Wichita, and Ivan of Hutchinson; three brothers, Richard Klema of California, Art Klema of Wilson and John Klema of Great Bend; two sisters, Adeline Bartunek of Ellsworth and Shirley Krug of Florida; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral was at 10 a.m. Wednesday (July 5) at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Dennis Dufon officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the University of Washington, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Box 358733, Seattle, Wash. 98195-8733. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
