Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Jean Marion Wlliams (1929-2006)
LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — Jean Marion Williams, 77, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2006, at her home, as a result of breast cancer. Jean was born in Ellsworth, Kan., Feb. 11, 1929. Her parents, Arthur and Marion Vague, preceded her in death. She has three brothers, one (Keith) preceding her in death when killed in WWII. She graduated high school in Wilson, Kan., then moved to Kansas City, Mo., in 1947 to attend nurses training at Trinity Lutheran Hospital, where she graduated in 1950. Jean married Glen Williams in 1951. They lived in Odessa, Mo., for four years then moved to Kansas City, Mo. They were blessed with three children, Phyllis, Brian and Nancy. Jean worked as a registered nurse at Menorah Hospital, the Baptist Medical Center until she retired in 1991. She was an active member of Ruskin Heights Lutheran Church for many years until transferring to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Glen Williams; her children, Phyllis Derington, Brian Williams and Nancy Douglas; and two brothers, Curtis Vague and Charles Vague. She leaves behind nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Oct. 31 in Memorial Park Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Park Lawn Mortuary and Chapels handled the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.
Victor P. Smischny (1908-2006)
Victor P. Smischny, 98, Ellsworth, died Oct. 18, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. He was born June 15, 1908, the son of John and Anna Cikanek Smischny. He was an auctioneer and farmer, and was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County. Mr. Smischny was a 72-year member of Masonic Lodge No. 146, Ellsworth; 32nd Degree Scottish Rite; Isis Shrine Temple and Russell Shrine Club; V.F.W. Post 6485, Ellsworth; and American Legion Post 200, Holyrood. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include a brother, Gilbert Smischny, Wilson; several nieces and nephews; and a close friend, Vera Meyer, Sylvan Grove. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera; a son, John; and two sisters, Henrietta Alderson and Sylvia Towle. The funeral was Oct. 21 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with Masonic Rites, Pastor Nathan Loudon officiating. Burial was in the Ellsworth Cemetery with American Legion Graveside Rites. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Shriner Children’s Hospitals.
John Bud Kueser (1916-2006)
John Bud Kueser, 89, Ellsworth, died Oct. 19, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. He was born Oct. 20, 1916, in Ellsworth County, the son of John H. and Katharine Hermreck Kueser. He was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, and a retired lineman for Smoky Hill Electric. He married Emaline Schwerdtfeger Oct. 15, 1938. She died May 18, 1990. On May 9, 1991, he married June Petty. She survives. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary. He was a member of American Legion Post 174 and V.F.W. Post 6485, both of Ellsworth. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include a son, Terry Kueser of Ellsworth; a daughter, Phyllis Rein of Enid, Okla.; four sisters, Lucille Coupal of Hays, Millie Stefek of Ellsworth, Katharine Kratzer of Geneseo, and Ramona Wallert of Ellsworth; and three grandchildren. The service was Oct. 23 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial was in the Ellsworth Cemetery with military graveside rites. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Ellsworth County Healthcare Foundation.
Genevieve M. Macek (1921-2006)
Genevieve M. Macek, 84, Ellsworth, died Oct. 20, 2006, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. She was born Oct. 23, 1921, the daughter of Gustavis Ranker and Emma Schroeder Ranker. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth, and was a housekeeper at Ellsworth County Veterans Memorial Hospital. She married Henri Macek Jan. 12, 1949, in Ellsworth. She was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and Hospital Auxiliary, all of Ellsworth. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henri, and a brother, Harold “Peck” Ranker. Survivors include a brother, Duke Ranker of Ellsworth, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was Oct. 23 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Father Charles Steier officiating. Burial was in the Ellsworth Cemetery. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the V.F.W. Auxiliary and the Presbyterian Church.
Charles Gregory Weber (1931-2006)
Charles Gregory Weber, 75, passed away Oct. 12 at his home in Bonner Springs, Kan. He was born in Springfield, Mo., March 23, 1931. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1953. He taught music in Louisburg and Bonner Springs. He is survived by his wife, Gisela, of the home; two sons, Ralph of Olathe and Brent of Eric, Pa.; three grandchildren; a brother, William of Holyrood; and a sister, Jean Randles of Ft. Scott. Services were Oct. 17 at the First Christian Church of Bonner Springs. Internment was in the Bonner Springs Cemetery.
Charlene Jayne Hill (1929-2006)
BUSHTON — Charlene Jayne Hill, 76, Bushton, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2006. Mrs. Hill was born Charlene Jayne Novotny Dec. 26, 1929, in Bushton. She was a homemaker. Her husband, James Donald “Bud” Hill, died Jan. 6, 2006. Survivors include a son, Jeffrey of Overland Park; a daughter, Jennifer Hill of Wichita; two brothers, Stuart Novotny of Abilene and Larry Novotny of Bushton; and five sisters, Alyce Pflughoeft and Leona Barkow, both of Ellsworth, Thelma Janssen of Leoti, Karen Hoffman of Overland Park and Judy Long of Wichita. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday in McPherson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to VFW Ladies Auxiliary of McPherson or Bushton United Methodist Church.The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson 67460.
Wayne G. McCall (1919-2006)
MORAN — Wayne G. McCall, 87, Moran, Kan., died Oct. 12, 2006. He was born Sept. 29, 1919, in Ellsworth. He was the son of Roy Albert McCall and Edith Beebe McCall. Mr. McCall grew up in the Ellsworth area. He later moved to California and worked in the gold mines and logging industry. He returned to the Ellsworth area where he built houses. The family moved to the farm at Moran in 1954 from Ellsworth. He was a farmer and a stockman. He was a member of the Moran United Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge #245, Moran, Kan. and the 32nd Degree Scottish Rites, Fort Scott, Kan. He was a graduate of Carneiro High School. On June 7, 1937, he married Thelma Brady at Kansas City. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Randy McCall and wife Audrey of Moran, and Dan McCall and wife Donna of Moran; one daughter, Burma June Gonzalez and husband Ray of Bronson, Kan.; seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Arleigh McCall, Hayes McCall, Billy McCall, Earl McCall and Eldon McCall; and two sisters, Faye Basye and Laura May McKinnon. The service was Oct. 14, 2006, at the Moran United Methodist Church, Pastor Steve Paul officiating. Burial was in the Moran Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Moran United Methodist Church. Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Moran, was in charge of the arrangements.
Eloise Storrer (1915-2006)
CLAFLIN — Eloise Storrer, 91, died Oct. 11, 2006, at the Kaye Pogue Hospice Center in Salina. She was born Sept. 25, 1915, in Delafield, Ill., the daughter of Emery P. and Elizabeth (Dale) Maulding. She married Byron A. Storrer April 26, 1940, at Jackson, Miss. He died Oct. 5, 1988. She worked as a sales clerk in a clothing store in Illinois, and was a resident of Kansas since 1951, coming from Illinois and Michigan. She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church, Great Bend; Claflin Boosters Club and the Pink Ladies, Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. Survivors include three daughters, Meredith Vargo of Kanopolis, Judith Vanover of Round Rock, Texas, and Mary Storrer Reed of Wichita; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Noel Maulding, and a sister, Elizabeth Hensley. The funeral was Saturday at the First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend, the Rev. Doyle Smith officiating. Burial was at the Claflin Cemetery, Claflin. Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Claflin Library Fund, First Southern Baptist Church or Kaye Pogue Hospice Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, Kan. 67544.
Lawrence Dunlap (1928-2006)
KINCAID — Lawrence Dunlap, 78, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Dunlap was born July 12, 1928, at Orleans, Neb., to Turner C. and Nellie Coe Dunlap. He spent most of his life in the Kincaid area, where he was a fork lift operator at a telephone wiring factory. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Barbara Joan Burris in 1949 at Kincaid. She survives. He also is survived by a brother, Dee Dunlap of Leon. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael, in 1984; and two brothers, Floyd and Robert. The graveside service was at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Kincaid Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Disabled Veterans organization. Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Moran, was in charge of arrangements.
Frances M. Tripp (1939-2006)
KANOPOLIS — Frances M. Tripp, 67, Kanopolis, died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006, at Hutchinson Hospital. Mrs. Tripp was born Jan. 29, 1939, at Ellsworth to Isabel Mike and Carrie A. Grise Perez. She was a lifetime resident of Kanopolis, where she was a homemaker and a member of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. She married Tom H. Tripp Sr. Nov. 5, 1960, in Plain Dealing, La. He survives. Other survivors include four sons, Tom Tripp Jr. and Matthew Tripp, both of Kanopolis, John Tripp of Ellsworth and Richard Tripp of Pratt; two daughters, Dolores Kyler of Kanopolis and Rebecca Tripp of Great Bend; two brothers, Dale Perez of Gypsum and Michael Perez of Niles; four sisters, Georgia Rodriguez and Juanita Perez, both of Ellsworth, Bonnie Tripp of Kanopolis and Mary Tripp of Spring Hill, La.; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at the St. Ignatius Church, Kanopolis, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial was in Kanopolis Cemetery. There was a vigil at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth. Memorials may be made to the family to help defray medical costs or to the church.
Kendra Dawn Warner (1988-2006)
SCOTT CITY — Kendra Dawn Warner, 18, died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, in Eads, Colo., as the result of an automobile accident. Miss Warner was born April 14, 1988, at Great Bend to Randy L. Warner and Shanna John. In 1996, she moved from Scott City to Holyrood, where she was a 2006 graduate of Scott Community High School. She was a member of Teens for Christ. Survivors include her mother and step-father, Shanna and Bill John of Scott City; her father and step-mother, Randy and Missy Warner of Scott City; a sister, Kinsey Warner of Scott City; three brothers, Dalton Lumpkins and Brady Lumpkins, both of Scott City, and Nathan Warner of Great Bend; three step-brothers, Josh John of Dodge City, Bill John Jr. of Scott City and Tom Lumpkins of Wichita; and her grandparents, Nora Krier of Claflin, Gary and Joy Lee Warner of Holyrood, Eldon McWithey of Scott City, Charles and mary Malone of Great Bend, Roger and Jackie John of Phillipsburg, and Izabella Hernandez of Scott City. She was preceded in death by a baby sister, Lauren Rose Lumpkins. The funeral was Friday at the United Methodist Church, Scott City, the Rev. Randy Robinson officiating. Burial was in the Scott County Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Teens for Christ in Scott City or the Grace Community Church Youth Group in Great Bend in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, Scott City. Condolences may be sent to www.priceandsons.com.
Loyal K. ‘Buddy’ Claussen (1932-2006)
Loyal K. “Buddy” Claussen, 74, died Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006, at his home in rural Ellsworth County. Mr. Claussen was born March 7, 1932, at Wilson to Harry and Bertha Herbel Claussen. He lived his entire life in the Wilson area, where he was a farmer/stockman. He was a member of Holyrood American Legion Post 200 and the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, rural Ellsworth. He married Frances Vopat May 23, 1955, at Ellsworth. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Beverly Vasko and Dawn Dolezal, both of Wilson, and Nancy Peschka of Ellsworth; a son, Brad Claussen of Manhattan; a brother, Virgil Claussen of Salina; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Van Earl; and a sister, Betty Hanke. The funeral was Friday at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pastor Phillip Hoppe officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church in care of Foster Mortuary, 610 24th St., Wilson 67490.
Alvin Turner Jones (1918-2006)
SALINA — Alvin Turner Jones, 88, Salina, died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at Salina Presbyterian Manor. Mr. Jones, a former Wilson resident, was born Feb. 17, 1918, in Ottawa County to Ray and Minnie Bruce Jones. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1978 as a clerk. He was a former member of the Wilson Lions Club and the First United Methodist Church, Salina. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ida Austin Jones, in 1983; and two sisters, Mildred Nicholson and Lavera Young-Lerwill. He married Elva Lee Watts in 1984 at Abilene. She survives. Other survivors include a brother, Elmer of Salina; two step-sons, Roger Allen of Salina and Lewis Allen of Athens, Ga.; five step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. The funeral was at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina. Burial was in Wilson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund of the Salina Presbyterian Manor, the remodeling project of the First United Methodist Church or Hospice of Salina.
William Lester Kline (1942-2006)
William Lester Kline, 63, Ellsworth, died Monday, Sept. 25, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Center. Mr. Kline was born Oct. 16, 1942, at Ellsworth, to Harold William and Mildred Smith Kline. He was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth and a member of the United Methodist Church, Kanopolis. Survivors include a sister, Carol Bradburg of Tonganoxie; a nephew, Scott A. Bradburg of Wheat, Ill.; and a niece, Nicole Gilmore of Waukegan, Ill. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Kanopolis Cemetery, Pastor Stephen Holmes officiating. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Kanopolis. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, is in charge of arrangements.
Fred Mares (1920-2006)
BOISE, Idaho — Fred Mares, 85, Boise, died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006. Mr. Mares was born Oct. 30, 1920, at Wilson, Kan., to Vaclav and Anna Mares. He moved to Idaho after graduation from Luray, Kan., High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, fighting in the South Pacific, and eventually earning his pilot’s wings. He owned Mobile and Sinclair service stations for years and also was a member of the Navy Reserves after completing active service. He married Louise Dittmar March 10, 1945. She survives. Other survivors include three children, Bill, Shery Owens and Doug; a sister, Adeline Stafford of Lakewood, Colo.; a brother, Ed Mares of Olathe; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Adolph and James, and his parents. There was a private graveside service in Cloverdale Memorial Park under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home.
Oteka Irene Schwerdtfeger (1929-2006)
BUSHTON — Oteka Irene Schwerdtfeger, 76, Bushton, died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006. Mrs. Schwerdtfeger was born Oteka Irene Murray Dec. 25, 1929, in Winfield. She was a homemaker. Her husband, Leonard, died in 2000. Survivors include three sons, Lennie of Roseville, Mich., Alan of McPherson and Glenn of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter, Crystal Behnke of Lyons; a brother, Dwight Murray Jr. of McLoud, Okla.; a sister, LaVer Sexton of Seligman, Mo.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Bushton. Burial was in Bushton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Hoisington 67544.
Edith M. Terpe (1950-2006)
SALINA — Edith M. Terpe, 55, Salina, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006. Mrs. Terpe was born Edith Basye in Ellsworth Sept. 28, 1950. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Robert Terpe of Hutchinson; two daughters, Barbara Terpe and Andrea Terpe, both of Connecticut; and two brothers, Robert Basye of Wichita and Michael Basye of Salina. The memorial service was Friday at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Private inurnment will be in Carneiro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the New Beginnings A.A. Group.
Katheryn A. Whitfield (1925-2006)
PITTSBURG, Pa. — Katheryn A. Whitfield, 81, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, at Pittsburg. Mrs. Whitfield was born at Kanopolis, Kan., to Joseph and Anna Kasper. She was preceded in death by her husband, George P. Whitfield; a brother, Emil; and two sisters, Evelyn Urbanek and Margaret Russell. Survivors include two daughters, Dianne Tomson of Notrona Heights, Pa., and Kathy Zarella of Austin, Texas; three sons, Ronald of Wheaton, Ill., Kenneth of Jefferson Hills, Pa., and Robert of Pittsburg; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 2 at the St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, Pittsburg. William Slater Funeral Home, Pittsburg, was in charge of arrangements.
Glenda Sue Willson (1955-2006)
OSBORNE — Glenda Sue Willson, 50, Assaria, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, at Salina. Ms. Willson was born Dec. 17, 1955, at Hoisington to Melvin and Elva Heinze Willson. She lived in Osborne for many years before moving to Assaria. She worked as a phlebotomist at Salina Regional Health Center, returning to Osborne about a year ago. Survivors include her mother, of Osborne; three sons, Josh Boden and Jerod Boden, both of Waldo and Justin Boden of Hays; two brothers, Loy Willson of Osborne and Gary Willson of Wilson; and grandsons. She was preceded in death by her father. The funeral was Sept. 20 at the Faith Lutheran Church, Osborne, the Rev. Tim Rahn officiating. Burial was in Osborne Cemetery. Clark-Gashaw Mortuary, Osborne, was in charge of arrangements.
Lee Charles Bieberle Sr. (1936-2006)
CLAFLIN — Lee Charles Bieberle Sr., 69, Claflin, died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at Hutchinson Hospital. Mr. Bieberle was born Oct. 20, 1936, at Great Bend to Leo and Irene Brunin Bieberle. He was reared on a farm near Bushton and later lived in Claflin. He was production superintendent for Hinkle Oil Co., Wichita, before his retirement and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Claflin. He married Janice Litzenberger June 15, 1960, at Bushton. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Lee Bieberle Jr. of Claflin; three daughters, Kimberlee Ramsey of Bushton, Lisa Klug of Odin and Jina Murrell of Ellsworth; two sisters, Adella Banks of Macksville and Marietta Mooney of Bushton; and 11 grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, Fathers Charles Mazouch, James Roth and Dan Scheetz officiating. Burial was in Claflin Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Claflin Community Scholarship Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, Kan. 67544.
Wendell Eugene Froese (1927-2006)
TOPEKA — Wendell Eugene Froese, 78, Topeka, died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, at the Stormont-Vail Health Care Center, Topeka. Mr. Froese was born Sept. 17, 1927, at Hutchinson to Augustiv V. and Jessie P. Carey Froese. He served in the U.S. Army and Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He worked for construction companies. He married Isla June Keeler June 3, 1946, in Moline. She preceded him in death. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister and a grandchild. Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Hutchinson of Salina, and Kathy Barnhill of Florida; four sons, Richard of Andover, Ron of Wyoming, Jerry of Ellsworth and Gary of Topeka; 19 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Friday at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, Arkansas City. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home.
Albert C. Hlad (1942-2006)
SYLVAN GROVE — Albert C. Hlad, 64, Sylvan Grove, died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. Mr. Hlad was born Aug. 27, 1942, in Ellsworth. He was a self-employed trucker and farmer. Survivors include his wife, Linda Jo, of Sylvan Grove; three sons, John F. of Denmark, Troy A. of O’fallon, Ill., and Jim D. of Sylvan Grove; two daughters, Vicki Wiegert of Sylvan Grove and Amber Karlin of Salina; a brother, Harry J. of Gladwater, Texas; a sister, Betty Hendon of Carbon Hill, Ala.; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 13 at Rodrick & Minear Chapel, Sylvan Grove. Burial was in Rosette Cemetery, Sylvan Grove. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas, American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.
Harold Dean McCall (1932-2006)
SALINA — Harold Dean McCall, 74, Salina, died Monday, Sept. 11, 2006. Mr. McCall was born April 21, 1932, in Ellsworth. Survivors include a sister, Mary F. Lerret of Salina. A graveside service was Friday in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina. Memorials may be made to CLC of Salina, 2936 Georgia, Salina 67401.
