Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Wellemeyer, Lawrence J.
Wellemeyer, Lawrence J., 82, retired Boeing and Cessna aircraft electrician, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 10, 2004 after a lengthy illness. Rosary 6:30 P.M., Sunday, service 10:00 A.M., Monday, both at All Saints Catholic Church. Lawrence was an Air Force veteran of both WWII and the Korean War and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lucile; sons and daughters-in-law, James and Roberta (Robbie), Michael and Donna and Dr. Mark and Connie, all of Wichita, and Robert and DeAnn of Derby; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Steve Speck of Andale; nineteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established with All Saints Catholic Church, 3205 E. Grand, Wichita, KS, 67218 and Catholic Care Center, 6700 E. 45th N., Bel Aire, KS, 67226. Downing and Lahey Mortuary East.
Alamo, Frank M.
Alamo, Frank M., 73, retired Sr. Master Sergeant, USAF, died Friday, June 11, 2004. Service 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Preceded in death by wife, Roe Jean Alamo and children, Roe Jean Anne Alamo and Tamra Jean Alamo and one brother and two sisters. Survivors: loving wife, Nancy (Gill) Alamo; mother, Blanche E. Pierson of Wichita; sons, Rick Alamo (Sue) of Derby, KS and Michael F. Alamo (Jan) of Ridgecrest, CA; daughters, Christina Benny (Gary) of Biloxi, MS, Ann Knecht (Steve) of Emporia, Susan Wilson (Dan), Rebecca Gill and Julie Gill all of Wichita. Sisters Laura Morero, Josephine Barreto and Margaret Burgue and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with First Evangelical Free Church AWANA Club, 1825 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS, 67208.
Gutschenritter, Josephine A. (Rau)
Gutschenritter, Josephine A. (Rau), 92, beloved mother, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Saturday, August 14, 2004. Visitation with family, 2-4 p.m., Thursday; rosary, 7 p.m., Thursday, both at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral mass, 10 a.m., Friday, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 145 S. Millwood. She was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. Survived by children, Mary Ann (Jack) Watson of Augusta, Jacqueline (Pat) Carroll of Salamanca, NY, Jeanne (Richard) Young of Ponca City, OK, and Tony (Linda) Gutschenritter of Lenexa; sister, Lorraine Rau of San Rafael, CA; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers a memorial is established with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, Inc., 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Fankhauser, John Cleo
Fankhauser, John Cleo, 81, of Newton, formerly of Madison & Wichita, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2004. John was born June 29, 1923 on a farm near Madison, KS to Will & Jennie Fankhauser. He graduated from Madison High School and the University of Kansas with a degree in Pharmacy. He worked several years as a Pharmacist and later as part owner of Arrow Laboratory, Inc. in Wichita. He was a member of Broadway Christian Church in Wichita. Preceding him in death were his parents and two sisters, Wilma Manchester of Topeka and Margaret Margason of Austin, TX. John is survived by his three nephews, Brian Margason, of Cedar Creek, TX., Kevin Margason, of Lexington, TX., and Dana John Margason, of Lancaster, TX. Graveside memorial service 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 5, 2004 at Number 8 Cemetery, Madison, Kansas. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Ban, Eugene C.
Ban, Eugene C., 81, retired Wichita Frozen Food salesman, died Thursday, August 19, 2004. Visitation 7:00 ~ 8:00 P.M., Sunday, service 11:00 A.M., Monday, both at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Preceded in death by wife, Edna. Survivors: sons, Gregory Carl (Jacque) of Grand Junction, CO and William “Bill” (Zennie) of Wichita; grandchildren, Lori Rowley (Lance) of Sedgwick, KS, Mindy Ban (Jason Burgess) of OKC, OK and Cristy Ban of Craig, CO, Kirk Ban (Angela Weisner) and Stacy Schreck, both of Wichita; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Anita Gilbert of Joplin, MO and Bennie Zarr of Wisconsin. A memorial has been established with Central Christian Church, 2900 N. Rock, Wichita, KS, 67226.
Santiago, Mary Louise
Santiago, Mary Louise, 52, insurance agent, died Saturday, August 21, 2004. Memorial service 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, East Heights United Methodist Chapel. Survivors: daughters, Christian Marie Barnes of Overland Park, KS and Amanda Faye Eden of Wichita; brothers, Joe, Jesse, Ken Jr., and Bob Santiago all of Pittsburgh, PA and Ben Santiago of OH; sisters, Christine Matura and Mona Vaglia, both of Pittsburgh, PA and Cindy Augustine of Buffalo, NY; grandchildren, Steven Andrew Barnes, Cameron Jacob Barnes and Maria Shae Eden. A memorial has been established with East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67218. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Burge Jr., Kenneth Howard "Jerry"
Burge, Kenneth Howard ”Jerry”, Jr., passed away on Saturday, August 21st at the age of 59. A graduate of Campus high school and Wichita State University, Jerry lived his entire life in the Wichita area after moving with his family from Arcadia, KS in the mid-50’s. Jerry was a veteran of the National Guard (1968) and enjoyed a professional career that included Boeing Wichita Credit Union and Southwest Federal Savings and Loan. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Karen, his son and daughter-in-law David and Kyttra, of Lincoln, NE, his granddaughter Darby, his sister Kay Moss, his mother Una, brother-in-laws Mike Darbyshire, Vern Moss, Rick Hanson, Brian Phillippe, sister-in-laws Jacque Darbyshire, Bonnie Hanson, Debby Phillippe, nephews and nieces Mark Moss; Larry, Carey, and Jon Darbyshire; Matt and Steve Thornton; Riley and Nicholas Phillippe; and Stephanie and Shani Hanson. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth. Services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Downing and Lahey Mortuary East Chapel.
Frank John Bengel, Jr.
Bengel, Frank J., Jr., ret. Air Corps and B. and S. Aircraft Co. died August 21, 2004. Visitation with the family Tuesday, 8 to 9 pm. At Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. Graveside service 10:30 am Wednesday at Wichita Park Mausoleum Chapel. Preceded in death by first wife Ruth in 1976 and son John in 1992. Survivors: wife Maxine; daughters Kay Adams of Mulvane, Debra Adkins of Wichita Falls, Tx. and Phyllis Lindsay of Bulverde, Tx..; Step-children, William H. Riggins of Clearwater and Ruth Leeora Riggins Hartman of Tulsa, Ok. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial has been established with YMCA.
Cramer, Robert D.
Cramer, Robert D. 59, Beloved Husband Dad and Grandpa, Retired Superintendent of Central Kansas Railway, died Saturday, August 21, 2004. Services 10:00 a.m. Wednesday August 25, 2004 Central Community Church. Visitation with the family will be 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, Downing and Lahey West Mortuary. Survivors: Wife: Margret of Home; Daughters Sons-in-law: Stacey(David) Cutter of Wichita, Linda Cramer, Joanna (Shawn) West and their mother Connie Cramer, all of Des Moines, IA, Step-daughter and husband, Amy(Michael) Ayres, Step-son and wife, Asa(Rachel) Snitchler all of Wichita, Sisters and husbands: Barbara(Robert) Lynn of Kansas City, MO. Beverly(Sam) Messina of Independence, MO. 10 Grandchildren. Preceded in death by a son Richard and parents Orbrey and Agnes Cramer. Memorials to: Wegener’s Granulomatosis Support Group, Inc., P.O. Box 28660, Kansas City, MO. 64188-8660
Shaffer, Jr., Raymond Lloyd
Shaffer, Jr., Raymond Lloyd, 84, retired E.H. Henry roofing and siding salesman, died Monday, August 23, 2004. Visitation 6:00 ~ 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Service 10:00 A.M., Thursday, Calvary United Methodist Church. Burial immediately following the service at Elmwood Cemetery, Augusta, KS. Raymond was a WWII veteran. He was a member of VFW Post 112, American Legion, Albert Pike Masonic Lodge, Midian Shrine Legion of Honor, Ambassadors and Hospital Van group and was also 1988 Shriner of the Year. Preceded in death by son, Lloyd Wayne Shaffer, parents, 1 brother and 6 sisters. Survivors: wife, Carrie Bea Shaffer; children, Steve and C. J. Shaffer of Wichita, Linda Shaffer and Clifford Sparks of Gardner, KS, Cindy and Scott Hand of Owasso, OK and Craig and Lee Ann Childers of Wichita; brother, John and Roberta Shaffer of Wichita; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. Memorials have been established with Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy, 130 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS, 67202 and Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67226.
Henning, Vincent A.
Henning, Vincent A., 84, retired Service Manager for Foley Tractor Company, a Caterpillar Dealer, died Monday, August 23, 2004. Vincent was born August 2, 1920 in Willowdale, KS. He served in the United States Army during World War II in the 389th (Aviation) Signal Company. Survivors: wife of 59 years, Agnes; sons, Lloyd (Shiela), Jim, Stan, all of Wichita, Gary (Debbie) of Goddard; daughters, Janice (Don) Bobbitt, Virginia (Leo) Merriman, Barbara (Roger) Ralls, Theresa Bruce, all of Wichita, Pat (Glen) Burdue of Belle Plaine, Sandy (Wayne) Jones of Colorado; brothers, Omer of Hutchinson, Dick of Pratt, Steve of Manhattan; sisters, Dorothy Jewel, Cecilia Pshigoda of Wichita, Rita Rottering of Kingman, Mary Lees of Hutchinson, Gerri Furrow of Kansas City, MO; 24 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial established with Hospice Care of Kansas, 3241 E. Victor Place, Wichita 67208 and Christ The King Catholic Church, 4411 Maple, Wichita 67209. Rosary, 7 P.M., Wednesday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West; services, 10 A.M., Thursday, Christ The King Catholic Church.
Cohlmia, Josephine S.
Cohlmia, Josephine S., 85, homemaker, died Tuesday, August 24, 2004. Trisagion and Funeral Service 7:00 P.M., Thursday, St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. Graveside Service 11:30 A.M., Friday, Old Mission Cemetery. Survivors; son, Sam S. Cohlmia (Janette) of Wichita; sister, Jeanette Saliba of Dothan, AL; grandchildren, Ashley M. Cohlmia, Charissa J. Cohlmia and Sam J. Cohlmia; sisters-in-law, Jamelia Najim, Lorise Cohlmia and Virginia Saliba all of Wichita. A memorial has been established with St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E. 13th, Wichita, KS, 67206. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Herrington, Jason Dean
Herrington, Jason Dean, 32, Wichita State University Senior, died Monday, August 23, 2004. Service, 10 A.M., Friday, Westlink Christian Church. Survivors: mother, Joyce Herrington of Wichita; sisters, Janna Lenhart of Louisville, KY, Janese Palmer of Wichita; beloved Rottweiler, Littlz. Memorial established with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 5799 Broadmoor, Suite 504, Mission, KS 66202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
John, Keith Ray
John, Keith Ray, 53, master electrician and carpenter, died Wednesday, August 25, 2004. Visitation with family, 6-8 P.M., Thursday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Rosary, 7 P.M., Friday; service, 10 A.M., Saturday, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Mary John. Survivors: wife, Theresa; daughters and son-in-law, Brooke John of Overland Park, Audrey and Matthew Malone of Augusta, April Ahlers of Bedford, TX; brothers, Jerry John and Jimmy John both of Garden City; grandchildren, Kaleigh and Logan Ahlers. Memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita 67202 and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 861 N. Socora, Wichita 67212.
Frazee, John M.
Frazee, John M., 48, President of SNB Bank of Wichita, died Wednesday, August 25, 2004. Service 10:00 A.M., Saturday, Eastminster Presbyterian Church. John was a Senior Vice-President of Commerce Bank of Wichita, and Vice-President of Bank IV. He was the immediate past Chairman of Rainbow’s United, a member of Wichita Builders Association, Wichita Public Building Commission, and American Heart Association Board. He was also the past president of Maize School Board, a member of West YMCA Advisory Board, and Republican Precinct Committeeman. Survivors: wife, Pamela; son, Jacob M. Frazee of Wichita; daughter, Jennifer Whitcomb (Grant) of Evanston, IL; parents, Frank and Eloyse Frazee of Wichita; sister, Diana Doyle of Wichita. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Rainbows United, 340 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67202 and Complete High School-Maize, 11411 W. 49th St. N., Maize, KS, 67101. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Gorges, Ruthann L.
Gorges, Ruthann L., 79, homemaker, died Tuesday, August 24, 2004. Family will be having a private funeral mass and burial. There will be no viewing or formal visitation. Ruthann was preceded in death by her husband Fred M. and son Michael B. Gorges. Survivors include sons Marcus F. and David M. both of Wichita; half-brother Larry Wendhausen of California; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with the Alzheimer’s Association, Sunflower Chapter, 347 Laura, Wichita, Kansas 67211.
Friesen Irwin, Virginia
Friesen Irwin, Virginia, 75, photographer, died Friday, August 27, 2004. Rosary service 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 31, 2004, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Funeral service 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 1, 2004, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Graveside service 12:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 1, 2004, at Buhler Municipal Cemetery, Buhler, KS. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Laverne Friesen and Paul Irwin, one grandson, Jason Allen Friesen, and step-daughter, Paula Irwin. Survivors, son & daughter-in-law, Brian & Kitty Friesen, of Ft. Worth, TX; brothers & sisters-in-law, Keith & Connie Gaeddert, of Ottawa, KS, and Robert & Jean Gaeddert, of Prescott, AZ; step-daughters, Mary Anne Leap, of Blue Springs, MO., Patricia Irwin, of Wichita, KS., Joan Marcotte, of San Antonio, TX., Katie Shapiro, of Westminster, CO., Nancy Kincaid, of Houston, TX. Memorial has been established with American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720
French, Cordell W. "Cory"
French, Cordell W. “Cory”, 44, Augusta Aviation Maintenance owner, died Saturday, August 28, 2004. Memorial service 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. He was born January 17, 1960, at Altus Air Force Base to Don & Jeanene Linder French. He married Kelly Luebbers on November 25, 1995, at Leoti, KS. He was a member of the Towanda Volunteer Fire Department, Butler County EMS, Towanda EMS as a Captian. Cory joined the Towanda Volunteer Fire Resue November 28, 1995. He was certified as a Firefighter 1 and an EMTM-1 (Intermediate). He was most active in the Emergency Medical side of the Department, being assigned as EMS Training Captain. He was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2001 and awarded Medical Responder of the Year for Towanda Volunteer Fire Rescue in 1999, 2000, and 2001. Cory was awarded a certificate of perfect training attendance in 2001. He responded to over 480 calls during his nine years on the TVFR. Preceded in death by grandparents, Carl & June Jones French Ferren, and Albert & Mabel Burr Linder. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, of the home; children, Tara Jo & Kyle, of the home; parents Don & Jeanene French, of Leoti, KS; brothers Cameron French of Thornton, CO., and Mitchell French, of Syracuse, KS. A memorial has been established with Cory French Memorial Fund, c/o Towanda State Bank.
Farran, Frederick
Farran, Frederick, 91, retired US Air Force Captain, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004. Memorial service 2:00 P.M., Friday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. He was a quiet, gentle man, survived by his wife Catherine Farran. A memorial has been established with Trinity Hospice 1938 N. Woodlawn Wichita, KS 67208.
Bodecker, Melba Jean
Bodecker, Melba Jean, 81, passed away Friday, September 3, 2004. Service 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, College Hill United Methodist Church. Melba was born on October 18, 1922, to parents Ruby M. and Ernest V. Pittenger in Larned, KS. She lived briefly in Larned, Pittsburg, and moved on to Wichita where she graduated from East High School in 1941. She started to further her education at Wichita State University that next year. It was during this time that she met and married her husband, Kelsey Bodecker on December 7, 1944. Melba put her education on hold during the War, and for 9 years after, while Kelsey took a teaching position in Scott City, KS. After returning to Wichita in 1955, her daughter Barbara was born. Melba spent time at home with her, and eventually returned to WSU and graduated Cum Laude from WSU with a degree in elementary education in 1968. She taught in the Wichita Public School system for 17 years during which time she earned a masters degree from Kansas State University in 1980. She retired from teaching in 1985. After retirement, Melba and Kelsey enjoyed traveling and their time together. Melba was especially proud on September 9, 1987 when her one and only grandchild, Drew, was born. Their 50th wedding anniversary was spent on a Caribbean cruise with their family. This December she and Kelsey would have been married 60 years. In November 2001, Melba moved to Larksfield Place where she remained until her death. She was an active member of College Hill United Methodist Church for 47 years. Melba is survived by husband, Kelsey Bodecker, daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Marvin Cox, grandchild, Drew Cox and brother, Bob Pittenger, all of Wichita, and many cousins. Memorials have been established with College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. First, Wichita, KS, 67214 and Sunflower Lane at Larksfield Health Care Center, 7373 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS, 67226. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Bengtson, Marilyn Lou
Bengtson, Marilyn L., 73, died Thursday, September 2, 2004 at Riverside Retirement Center, following a short illness. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at Reformation Lutheran Church. Marilyn was born on February 25, 1931 in Lindsborg, Kansas to the late Herman and Mabel Bengtson. She received a BS in Business from Bethany College in 1952. Marilyn Lou retired from the Farm Credit Banks in 1984. Survivors: brother, Leland Bengtson of Lindsborg; sister; Betty Nelson of Topeka; four nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 South Market, Wichita, Kansas 67202 or Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.
Barragree, Flora M.
Barragree, Flora M., 87, beloved mother and friend, went to be with our Lord and Savior, September 6, 2004. Memorial service 1:00 P.M., Thursday, September 9, 2004 at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East, Wichita. She was a lifelong farm and ranch owner-operator and was happiest when driving her ranch (IXI) pastures in Meade County, KS, checking the cattle, grass, water and prairie dogs. Her favorite pastime was working on jigsaw puzzles. She will be missed by her many friends, but especially by her family. Flora was born December 8, 1916 in Beaver County, OK, to parents, Florance Linus Squire Frazee and Vita June Pounds-Frazee. Preceded in death by parents, husband, Thomas Orville Barragree, one brother and two sisters. Flora is survived by son, James and wife, Noreta; grandsons, Troy and wife, Stacy and Reid; great-grandchildren, Corey, Conner, Karsten and Kamille, all of Wichita; brother, Weber Squire Frazee of Oroville, CA. Burial will be in Capitol View Cemetery, Beaver County, OK. The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Calvary United Methodist Church or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Wichita, KS
Cantrell, Richard Lee
Cantrell, Richard Lee, 76, retired business owner, died Tuesday, September 07, 2004. Graveside service 10:00 A.M., Friday, White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Survivors: daughter, Debbie Stevenson of Derby; sons, David Cantrell of Wichita and Chris Cantrell, of Vassar, KS; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Stafford, Mary Marie (Lee)
Stafford, Mary Marie (Lee), 75, retired St. Joseph RMC RN and former Wesley employee, died Tuesday, September 07, 2004. Service 2:00 P.M., Saturday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. She will be sorely missed. Survivors: daughters and son-in-law, Janice Hutchinson of Colorado Springs, CO, EvaLynn and Larry Richmond of Gales Ferry, CT and Nancy Jensen of Wichita; brother and sister-in-law, Jerrold and Betty Lee of Wichita; sister, Frances Hesselius of Littleton, CO; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established with Rainbows United, 340 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS., 67202-9669, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS., 67202-3805.
Jeffryes, Charlotte M.
Jeffryes, Charlotte M., 84, homemaker and church secretary, died Tuesday, September 7, 2004. Service 10:00 A.M., Saturday, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Preceded in death by husband, Myron. Survivors: sons, Phillip R. Jeffryes of Augusta, KS and Doug Jeffryes of Wichita Falls, TX; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
