Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Edward Leonard Rude
Rude, Edward L., 69, music educator, church musician, & retired Raytheon technical writer, died Tuesday, October 28, 2003, after a rapid onset of cancer. Service 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 1, 2003, at First United Methodist Church. Survivors: wife, Emily; children & spouses, Charles Rude, of Derby, KS., Mark & Melany Rude, of Garden City, KS., Martin & Cheryl Rude, of Winfield,KS., Steven Rude & Sandra Brettler, of Seattle, WA., Cheryl & Edwin Ulanday, of Chicago, IL., Christa & Fotis Vazeos, of Athens, Greece; sister, Veda Orth, of St. Francis, KS.; brother, Clifford Hasenyager, of Tempe, AZ & Dusseldorf, Germany; 11 grandchildren. Memorials have been established with First United Methodist Church Organ Fund & First United Methodist Church TV Ministry, both at 330 North Broadway, Wichita, Kansas, 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Morford, Donna Kathleen
Morford, Donna, 55, retired postal employee, died Thursday, October 30, 2003. Visitation 6:00~8:00 P.M., Saturday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Service 2:00 P.M., Monday, Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, Colby, KS. Donna graduated from Fort Hays State University. Survivors: daughter, Linette Koranda of Augusta, KS; sons, Timothy Morford of Kanopolis, KS and Andrew Morford of the home; parents, Don & Vera Saddler of Colby, KS; brothers, Carl and Lyle Saddler both of Colby; sisters, Carol Harshbarger of Norton, KS and Wynn Duffey of Colby, KS; granddaughters, Kaycee & Kaylee Koranda. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67218.
Stephens, Hubert Haldon "Hal"
Stephens, Hubert Haldon “Hal”, 85, retired salesman for Southwest Scientific Corp., died October 31, 2003. Service 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, East Heights United Methodist Church. Hal was born July 24, 1918 in Wichita, KS, to Ralph and Leota Stephens. He graduated from the University of Wichita and went on to be a Captain in the Infantry in WWII. Hal married Iris Edgar on June 9, 1940. He liked to fish and travel. He was a member and former Sunday school teacher of East Heights United Methodist Church. Hal was also a member of the East Wichita Lion’s Club. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Iris; sons and daughter-in-law, Alan of Wichita and Gary and Swati of New York City; two grandchildren. A memorial has been established with East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67218. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Brasfield, Mary Ruth
Brasfield, Mary Ruth, 94, beloved Grandmother, Mother, co-worker and buyer/sales manager for Tropical Designs, Inc., died Friday, October 31, 2003. Service 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Survivors: daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and John Hoffmann of Wichita; grandchildren, Shayne Hoffmann of Hutchinson, KS and Shannon Hoffmann of Boulder, CO. A memorial has been established with Disability Supports of the Great Plains, 4000 N. Monroe, Hutchinson, KS, 67502 where Shayne resides.
Bickham, Gary D.
Bickham, Gary D., 65, Claude Federal Sign & Awning, Inc. owner, died Tuesday, November 4, 2003. Memorial service, 2 PM, Sunday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Survivors: wife, Donna; son and daughter-in-law, Jason D. and Nikki Bickham of Wichita; daughter, Angela Jean Bickham of the home; brother, Roger B. Bickham of Orinda, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202; American Lung Association, 4300 Drury Ln., Topeka, KS 66604; American Cancer Society, 4300 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202; American Heart Association, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, KS 66601.
Lebak, Michael Oliver
Lebak, Michael Oliver, 59, Boeing personnel administrator for Shared Services Group died Tuesday, November 4, 2003. Visitation with family 5:00 ~ 9:00 P.M., Thursday and Friday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Service, 9:30 A.M., Saturday, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Andover. Survivors: wife, Harriet Curlis Lebak; children, James Michael and daughter-in-law, Jane Elwood Lebak of Nashua, NH, Jean Marie Lebak of Colorado Springs, CO, Timothy Robert Lebak of Lawrence, KS and Jeffrey William Lebak of Manhattan, KS; brother, Robert George Lebak of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Stephen Michael Lebak and Caroline Gabrielle Lebak. Preceded in death by son, Christopher Andrew Lebak and granddaughter, Emily Rose Lebak. A memorial has been established with the American Cancer Society, 435 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67202.
Engen, Eileen E.
Eileen Elizabeth Engen of Wichita Kansas died of cancer at age 77 on Saturday November 8, 2003.
Eileen is survived by daughter Cheryl of Wichita, KS and her sons and their wives; Rob & Katy of Houston, TX; Chris & Joan of Austin, TX; Mark & Maureen of Overland Park, KS and Dan & Angie of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren Jennifer (Thomas) & Patrick Phipps, Wendy & John Muir; Mary, Colleen, Michael, and Elizabeth Engen; Bobby, Molly, Mary Engen and Jim, Mike and Julie Niggle; Alex and Austin Engen; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Brecken, Saige and Sam; brothers; Jack & Verl Flanery of SD, Dick & Marcia Flanery of AZ; sisters; Bonnie & Max Adler of SD and Donna Schreiner of SD. Eileen is preceded in death by her husband Robert and son Geoff, Mother and Father, 5 brothers and 1 sister.
Eileen was born and grew up in Sioux Falls South Dakota. She lived in Wichita for the last 45 years. She is retired from Wesley Medical Center where she worked for 22 years. She volunteered for several organizations including The Center of Hope and Wesley Hospital.
The rosary will be held at Downing & Lahey Mortuary, 6555 East Central on Tuesday November 11 @ 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Wednesday November 12 @ 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Blessed Sacrament Grade School, 3810 East Douglas, Wichita, KS 67208 and The Center of Hope, 400 N. Emporia, Wichita, KS 67202.
Samek, Mary L.
Samek, Mary L., 55, antique dealer, died Saturday, November 8, 2003. Service, 10 AM, Thursday, Downing and Lahey Mortuary West. Preceded in death by father, Dale Sims. Survivors: husband, John; sons, Doug and Steve Oldham, Lance and Andy Sadler; daughters, Linda Frazier, Barri Mann, Shanan Wilson; mother, W. Katherine Sims; brothers, Edwin and Bob Small; sisters, Kathy Tawney, Pat Clark, Jeanette Hicks; twenty-two grandchildren. Memorial established with Special Olympics Kansas, 5315 E. 21st St., Suite 106, Wichita, KS 67208.
Koehn, Mary Ann
Koehn, Mary Ann “Anna”, 89, of Wichita, homemaker, reunited with her family and friends in heaven, November 10, 2003. Viewing 12:00 ~ 9:00 P.M., Thursday and 8:00 A.M. ~ 9:00 P.M., Friday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary. Service 10:00 A.M., Saturday, November 15, 2003, Riverside Christian Church. She was born January 20, 1914 in Lowassie, MO. Anna began attending the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in 1923 and moved to the Kansas School for the Deaf in 1926 where she graduated in 1935. she married Otis H. Koehn in 1937, whom she met at KSD. Anna was active with the Wichita Association of the Deaf and the Roadrunners Camping Group for many years. She loved art and crafts as well as outdoor activities. Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Otis N. Koehn in 2000 and a son, Leroy, in 1949. Survivors: daughter Loretta “Lottie” Koehn-Miller of Wichita; niece, Joann Dixon of Wyoming and a niece by marriage, Gloria Dixon of Oklahoma. Memorials have been established with Riverside Christian Church, 1001 Litchfield, Wichita, KS, 67203 and Presbyterian Manor, 4700 W. 13th N., Wichita, KS, 67212.
Few, Charles Thomas "Tom"
Few, Charles T. “Tom”, 72, passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003 in Houston, TX. He retired from the Wichita Eagle-Beacon Newspaper in 1993, after 45 years of service. He served in the U.S. Army from July 1952 to June of 1954, and received the Korean service medal with 1 Bronze Service Star. Tom collected Indian jewelry, was an avid pool player in his earlier years, and was a friend to all who knew him.
He is survived by his sister, Sarah A. Ward and her husband Dale; his niece Courtenay Crocombe and husband Bruce and their children. He will also be greatly missed by his former co-workers from the Eagle-Beacon and the many friends he made in retirement.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wed. Nov. 12 at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Graveside services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday Nov. 13 at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to Odyssey Hospice, 2636 S. Loop West, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77054 or American Cancer Society, 435 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202.
Toledo, David
Toledo, David, 84, retired Cudahy employee, died Monday, November 10, 2003. Rosary, 7 PM, Thursday, St. Jude Catholic Church; service, 10 AM, Friday, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. David was born in Ft. Worth, Texas, March 1, 1919. He was raised in Purisima de Bustos, Guanajuato, Mexico. After moving to the United States at the age of 23, he resided in Wichita for over 50 years. Preceded in death by: parents, Hilario and Luz Gutierrez; three brothers and three sisters. Survivors: wife of 57 years, Lupe; daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Michael Lopez, Lisa and Tony McKeown all of Wichita; brother, Lupe Gutierrez of Mexico; grandchildren, Mykelynn Fuser, Emily and Sara Lopez, Austin and Lauren McKeown; great-grandchildren, Brennon, Brooklyn and Brett Fuser; numerous loving nieces, nephews, god-children, and extended family and friends. Memorials: Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214 and Renal Care Group-Wichita, 1007 N. Emporia, Wichita, KS 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Medill, Joan Suellentrop
Medill, Joan Suellentrop, 72, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Wichita, KS, was born May 28, 1931 and died November 12, 2003. Rosary 7:00 P.M., Friday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Service 10:30 A.M., Saturday, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Interment in Ascension Cemetery following the service. Joan grew up in Colwich, KS. Survivors: husband, Thomas L. Medill; children and spouses, Susan Medill Smythe and Terry of Wichita, KS, Carol Medill of Alexandria, VA, Judy Medill Jackson and Greg of Parker, CO, Steve Medill and Colleen of Knoxville, TN and Sally Medill Ediger and Ron of Topeka, KS; brothers and sister, John F. Suellentrop of Lenexa, KS, Clem J. Suellentrop of Colwich, KS, Reverend Fr. Daniel M. Suellentrop, St. Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, OK and Mary K. Blick of Wichita; grandchildren, Emily and Christopher Smythe, Ryan and Rachel Jackson, Jacob and Brandon Ediger, Rose, Kathleen, Josephine and Matthew Medill. She was preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Cathryn T. Suellentrop, sister, Helen Suellentrop, brother, Bob Suellentrop and child, Molly Medill. In lieu of flowers memorials have been established with Ronald McDonald House, 1110 N. Emporia, Wichita, KS, 67214 and St. Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School, Seneca, KS.
Snider, Sarabell "Sally"
Snider, Sarabell “Sally”, 91, homemaker, died Friday, November 07, 2003. Private graveside service, Tuesday, Lakeview Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Clark; cousin, Virginia Lee Reimold of Salina, KS; niece and nephews, Dean and Mary Sanders of Winchester, KS and Bill Reimold of Salina, KS. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with Larksfield Health Care Center, 2828 N. Governeour, Wichita, KS, 67226.
Ryan, Edward R,
Ryan, Edward R., 85, Formerly of Wichita. Died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003, Houston, TX. Retired John Hancock Life Insurance Agent.Bornin Wichita and attended the University of Wichita. Rosary 7:00 P.M. Sunday, November 16, 2003, Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Memorial Service 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 17, 2003, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Chapel. Survivors: Niece; Marilyn G. Glass, Arlington Heights, IL. Nephew: Gary E. Grove, Colorado Springs, CO. Memorials To: Catholic Charities, 2900 Louisiana, Houston, TX, 77006 or St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston,TX, 77025.
Hatch, Marjorie
Hatch, Marjorie., 84, ret. Vice President at Eastside National Bank and homemaker, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003. Service 10:00 AM Tuesday at Calvary United Methodist Church. Survivors: sons; Maurice Hatch of Wichita, Jerry Hatch, of Augusta, daughter; Barbara Shields of Chatsworth, Calif., brother; Clifford Wilson of Borger, TX., sisters; Gilda Smith of Redding, Calif., Wilma Ward of Caney, KS; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Memorial has been established with Hospice Care of Kansas, 3241 E. Victor Place, Wichita, KS, 67208.
Mathiesen, Phyllis
Mathiesen, Phyllis, 75, retired Shaklee Distributor, died Saturday, November 15, 2003. Service 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, East Heights United Methodist Church. Graveside service 2:30 P.M., Bucklin Cemetery, Bucklin, KS. Survivors: daughters, Barbara Anne McCary of Wichita and Kathy Jean Mathiesen; son, Bob Mathiesen of Wichita; brother, Hubert Ray Powell of Portland, OR; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with Alzeheimers Association, Great Plains Chapter, 346 S. Laura, Wichita, KS, 67211. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Geneva Campbell Gerlach
Gerlach, Geneva Campbell, 77, ret. RN died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2003. She attended the University of Kentucky and Wichita State University. Geneva worked in the fields of obstetrics, psychiatry and general nursing. Services 10:00 AM Tuesday at Downing & Lahey East Survivors: Husband, Dr. E. H.; Sons Lt. Col. Robert C. (Donna J.) in US Army and Dr. David C. in emergency medicine in Chapel Hill, NC.; 4 grandsons and 2 granddaughters. Memorial has been established with Alzheimer’s Assn. 347 L Laura Wichita Ks. 67211
Irene Evers
Evers, Irene O., 82, Ret. RN and homemaker, died Saturday, November 15, 2003. Rosary, 7:00 P.M. Tuesday , November 18, 2003, Mass 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 19, 2003 both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Graveside Services 2:00 P.M. Thursday, November 20, 2003 Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Ks. Survivors: Sons: Larry L. (Marion Jessica) of Wichita, Ks.; Kirby J. of Denver, Co.; James W. (Angela C.) of Lawrence, Ks.; Brothers: Paul Hoss, Philllip Hoss both of Great Bend, Steve Hoss of Fairview, TX. Sisters Ann Bauer of Houston, TX., Angie Geil of Oklahoma City, OK., Agatha Berryhill of Gautier, MS. Grandchildren: Christopher L. (Monique Cupryn), St. Petersberg, FL., Emily R. (Brooks J.) Broeckelman , Atlanta, GA., Kirby J., Lawrence, KS., Nathan L., Lawrence, KS. Memorials To: American Diabetes Association Kansas Area Office, 837 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS. 67211 or Midwest Historical & Genealogy Society, 1203 N. Main, Wichita, KS. 67203. Downing and Lahey East Mortuary.
Dreiling, Edwin J. (Ed)
Dreiling, Edwin J., 92, Civil Service Contract Administrator, Died Sunday, November 16, 2003. Services, 10:30 A.M. Thursday, November 20, 2003, St. Thomas Catholic Church. Rosary 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 19, 2003 Downing & Lahey East Chapel.Bornin Victoria, Ks. in 1911. Graduated from Fort Hays State College in 1934. He worked in Salt Lake City, Utah and entered Federal service in Washington, D.C. in 1934. He attended night school & in 1948 graduated from University of Maryland Law School with a Juris Doctor Degree and later was licensed to practice Law in Kansas. During WWII Ed served in the European Theater with the 66th Infantryman’s Division, was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge & the Bronze Star. Ed was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 691, VFW, American Legion, National Contract Management Association, Holy Name Society, Wichita Bar Association and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Ed Was preceded in death by two infant sons, Wife, Alma Zehnder, Mother of his son Timothy, Second wife Louise Dillon, a brother and three Sisters. Survivors: son; Timothy of Wichita; Brother; Linus of Bakersfield, CA. Sisters; Celeste Steckline & Mary Kinison of Hays, Ks. and Agnes Shearer of Wichita. Memorials to The Lord’s Diner 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS. 67214
Wallenstein, Ethel M.
Wallenstein, Ethel M.,76, retired nurse, died Sun. Nov. 16. Service: 10:00 Fri. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West Chapel. Survivors; daughter, Brenda Pentz, Rudy, AR and niece, Jo Harrel, Wichita. A memorial has been established with: Hospice Care of Kansas 3241 East Victor Place Wichita, KS 67208.
Devoe, Peter E.
Devoe, Peter E., 43, Auto technician, died Tue. Nov. 18, Service: 10:00 Sat. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West Chapel. Preceded by father; Roger E. Devoe. Survivors: Son; Danny Devoe and daughter; Whitney Devoe of the home, Mother: Delina Devoe-Wendell, Lynn, MA. Brothers: Richard Devoe, Wichita, Donald Devoe, Lynn, MA. Sisters: Judy Pelletier, NH, Irene Diamandiatis, Lynn, MA. A Memorial has been established with: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 3726 Wichita, KS 67201.
Smith, Richard I.
Smith, Richard I “Dick”, 81, retired commercial oil salesman, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, November 19, 2003. Service 10:00 A.M., Monday, St. Mary’s Cathedral. Preceded in death by parents, Lewis & Eva Smith, sister, Donna Lee Carter, and brother, Harold Smith. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen M. Smith; son, Rick W. Smith and wife Debbie of Augusta; grandson Jeff D. Smith of Portland, OR; brothers, Kenneth of Concordia, KS, Donald of Cawker City, KS, Robert Of Glen Elder, KS; sisters, Alice Brownell of Concordia, KS and Nora Peters of Phoenix, AZ. Richard was born on April 22, 1922 in Tipton, KS, grew up on local farms and entered the Army November 1942. During WWII he answered a Presidential call for volunteers for “A Dangerous and Hazardous Mission”. He and approximately 2,900 other American soldiers responded to the call. This Brigade, which became known as Merrill’s Marauders, served heroically in the China, Burma and India Theatres and were forerunners of today’s elite Army Rangers. During his service to our Country he was awarded the Presidential Citation, Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, and finally, the Bronze Star. After returning from the war, he worked as a mechanic, and owned and operated various service stations located in Glen Elder, KS, and later, Salina, KS. He worked for Universal Motor Oil from 1965 until his retirement in 1985. Following his initial retirement he worked as a car salesman at Discount Auto and enjoyed various woodworking projects. A memorial has been established at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 307 E. Central, Wichita, KS, 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Rose, Andrew James "Andy" Jr.
Rose, Andrew James “Andy” Jr., 82, retired troubleshooter for Gas Service Co., died Monday, June 07, 2004. Rosary 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, service 10:00 A.M., Thursday, both at All Saints Catholic Church. Survivors: wife, Genevieve (Martens) Rose; sons, Bill Rose (Beth) of Derby, KS, Dave Rose (Dale Ann) of Topeka, KS and Tom Rose (Kate) of Wichita; daughters, Ellen Robertson (Fred) of Haysville and Karen Gonzalez of Bel Aire, KS; sisters, Katherine Tanner of Iola, KS and Lois Henderson of Ft. Scott, KS; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with All Saints Catholic Church, 3205 E. Grand, Wichita, KS, 67218.
Henning, Heather
Henning, Heather, 17, Maize High School student, died Thursday, June 10, 2004. Service 2:00 P.M., Monday, Westlink Christian Church. Survivors: father, Joseph Henning, step-mother, Michelle Henning, mother, Stacey Renner, all of Wichita; brothers Riley and Marshall, sister, Natalie, all of the home and brother, Tate Smith of Wichita; grandparents, Irene Crum, Julia Henning and Alvin Henning, all of Wichita and Janice and David Ross of Haysville, great-grandparents, Al and Bernie Henning and John and Reba Grady, all of Wichita; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials have been established with Make-A-Wish Foundation, 2016 Amidon, Wichita, KS, 67203 and Children’s Miracle Network, 2622 W. Central, Wichita, KS, 67203. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
