Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Lewis E. Staten
Lewis E. Staten, age 60, of Manhattan, died February 19, 2004, at his residence following an extended illness.
He was born March 18, 1943, in Ogden, Kansas, the son of Edward and Betty Jane (Crumpton) Staten, and had been a lifetime area resident.
Lewis graduated from Manhattan High School.
He was a heavy equipment operator.
Survivors include two aunts, Zoah Crumpton of Topeka, and Nita Crumpton of Michigan Valley, KS; his uncle, Carl Crumpton of Topeka; and many other extended family members.
Cremation is planned with graveside services to be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Ogden City Cemetery, in Ogden, with Reverend John Kizzee officiating.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, is handling arrangements.
Margaret “Elizabeth” Bottorff
Margaret “Elizabeth” Bottorff, age 79, Manhattan, died Sunday, February 22, 2004 at her home.
She was born on November 10, 1924 in Chapman, KS, the daughter of Ira M. and Margaret Ann (Chittenden) Hassler.
Elizabeth graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in 1942 and Kansas State University with a bachelor of science degree in 1946. She worked in food service for U.S.D. 383 and taught home economics and science in the Simpson, Glasco and Woodbine schools. She directed class plays and coached girls softball. Elizabeth was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of a bible study, the United Methodist Women Lydia Group and the Konza Prairie Quilters Guild.
On June 13, 1948 in Chapman, KS, she married Charles Bottorff. He survives of the home.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by four daughters; Barbara Roepe and her husband William of Overland Park, KS, Jo Ann Grove and Charles of Abilene, KS, Margaret Smith and her husband Mark of Olathe, KS and Marilyn Fulkerson and her husband Kris of Manhattan, KS, one sister; Martha Burden of Manhattan,KS, eight grandchildren; Austin and Megan Roepe, Sally Harvey, Katie and Judy Grove, Ethan Smith and Michael and Kelsey Fulkerson, and one great-granddaughter; Elizabeth Harvey.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Beth Bottorff.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Thursday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jim Reed officiating. Interment will follow in the Indian Hills Cemetery in Chapman, KS.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorials have been established for the First United Methodist Church, Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research and Homecare and Hospice, Inc. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Ralph Max Wolffing
Ralph Max Wolffing, 79, died Sunday, February 22, 2004 at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan. He was born March 22, 1924 in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Emil A. (Dick) and Blanche Ethel (Fields) Wolffing. Much of his youth was spent outdoors hunting, fishing and exploring in the countryside on the outskirts of town.
Mr. Wolffing graduated from Manhattan High School in 1942. He served in World War II as a Technical Sergeant with the U.S. Army Signal Corps on Saipan responsible for power plant and communication installations. He graduated with a B.S. in Flour Milling Technology from Kansas State University in 1949 and was a member of Alpha Mu honorary milling fraternity.
Mr. Wolffing’s career in milling flourished during his 35 years with Nabisco in Toledo, Ohio. He held positions including maintenance supervisor, plant engineer, superintendent of mill operations and manager of projects and engineering. His accomplishments included overseeing the construction of the soft wheat mill in Toledo, then the largest flour mill in the U.S., bringing Nabisco-purchased flour mills into modernized production, and development of a patented process in cereal production. He was an active member of the Association of Operative Millers, serving as AOM President, 1979-1980 and was the 1992 recipient of AOM’s Distinguished Member Award.
Upon retirement from Nabisco, Mr. Wolffing returned to Manhattan in 1985 and joined Kansas State University’s International Grains Program. He traveled throughout various countries teaching and consulting in technical aspects of milling.
In his retirement, Mr. Wolffing returned to his boyhood haunts to fish and walk. He enjoyed yardwork and gardening. An avid reader, he pursued a strong interest in national and regional history. He and his wife traveled regularly to enjoy visits with their children and grandchildren. Mr. Wolffing was a life member of VFW Lee-Pierson Post # 1786, American Legion Pearce-Keller Post #17, and the Riley County Genealogical Society.
Ralph Wolffing is survived by his wife Libby, whom he married on August 6, 1950 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Other survivors include sons Byron of Farmington Hills, Michigan and Keith of Columbus, Ohio; daughter Nancy Best and husband Daniel of Chardon, Ohio; brother Richard Arch Wolffing and wife Jean of Sycamore, Illinois, and two granddaughters Emma and Kate Best. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Edna Joy Tripi.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan with Reverend R. Cam McConnell officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
The Wolffing family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis or a charity of the donor’s choice. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
John Lee Tweed
John Lee Tweed, age 67, of Wakefield, died February 21, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born November 15, 1936, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of Marcus Porter and Jenney Wren (Whitfield) Tweed, and moved to this area in April 1999.
Mr. Tweed served two tours in the United States Air Force from Nov 1953 to Oct. 1957 and from Apr 1958 to Jun 1962 as an A3C E-2. He served in Korea and had received he exceptional and Sustained Superior Performance Commendation, Special Service Award, Exceptional Professionalism Award, Korean Service Medal, the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service for his tour in Haiti, and Several Letters of Appreciation /Commendation.
He graduated Suma Cum Laude from the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Illinois, with his bachelors in Political Science and Economics. He worked for the Department of Defense from 1974 to 2000 as a Logistics Assistance Representative, and provided technical assistance on maintenance standards policies and procedures to field customers and commanders for all Tank automotive and Armament Command (TACOM) Produced and Managed equipment.
He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Manhattan, and was active with the Church Choir, Men’s Fellowship Group, and had been an Altar Worker and Sunday School Leader. He enjoyed playing golf, and was proud of being a pilot in the Air Force.
On August 8, 1987, in Coal Valley, Illinois, he married Jacqueline L. Shoots. Mrs. Tweed survives of the home. Additional survivors include seven children: Gregory Tweed and his wife Barbara of Phoenix, AZ, Cynthia Tweed of Denver, CO, Eric Tweed of Phoenix, Camille Kelso of Chicago, IL, Lee Greene and her husband Cedric of Asheboro, NC, Brett Tweed of Asheboro, and Casey Kelso of Normal, IL; two brothers: Charles Tweed and his wife Jina of Naperville, IL, and Marcus Tweed and his wife Dee of Centerville, IL; twelve grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and by five siblings: Ida Anderson, Ruth Tweed, Lucy Reed, Isaiah Tweed and Wiley Tweed.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday at the First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Todd Weston officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery with full military honors.
The family of Mr. Tweed will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 P.M. Thursday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research or the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502
Louise Esther Ellis
Louise Esther Ellis, age 81, of Manhattan, died February 25, 2004, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.
She was born March 19, 1922, in Gaylord, Kansas, the daughter of Elgin Oscar and Emma (Haegele) Weiser.
Mrs. Ellis attended Emporia State Teachers College and Kansas State University. She was a teacher for the primary grades in the Manhattan Public Schools.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was head of the Education Department for many years. She was also active in Domestic Science, P.E.O., and the Association of University Women.
Louise was devoted to her family and friends, and enjoyed gardening and her home.
On June 9, 1947, in Oberlin, Kansas, she married Jack Ellis. He preceded her in death on August 11, 1963. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers: Richard Elgin Weiser and Wayne Vincent Weiser; and one nephew: Philip Richard Weiser.
Survivors include three children: Susan Christine Berry and her husband John M. Berry of Mission Hills, KS, Lu Ann Butterfield and her husband John M. Butterfield of Seal Beach, CA, and Thomas John Ellis and his wife Dottie J. Ellis of Santa Ana, CA; five grandchildren: Anne Josephine Berry, Katherine Louise Berry, Thomas Alden Butterfield, Christine Marie Butterfield and Erika Lin Ellis; and two nieces and one nephew.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 1st, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jim Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery. Following the committal services the family will have a celebration of her life in the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church, 612 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan.
The family of Mrs. Ellis will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Sunday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Bessie L. Inman
Bessie L. Inman, age 96, of Manhattan, died Tuesday February 24, 2004, at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.
She was born on November 11, 1907, in Manhattan the daughter of Frank S. and Ivy Mae (Chandler) Allen.
On February 20, 1929, she was married to John Raymond Inman in Manhattan, he preceded her in death on June 6, 1974.
Bessie was a member of the Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women Circle, Eastern Star, Riverside Club. She was the president of the Colorado Plaza Association for three years, Gold age Club president for four years and the Blue Valley Club president for two years.
Survivors include two daughters: Virginia Smith of Seneca, Kansas and Norma Scroggins of Salem, Oregon, a son: Allen E. Inman of Dacono, Colorado, nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by six sisters: Cora Mallon, Frances Creighton, Roxie Judd, Jessie Whitney, Grace Eddy and Nellie Westgate and a brother, Charlie Allen.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, with Reverend Rob Nore officiating. Interment will follow in the Sedalia Community Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Monday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established to the Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Vincent J. “Vince” Cool
Vincent J. “Vince” Cool, age 76, of Manhattan, died Friday, February 27, 2004 after a long illness of Myelofibrosis.
He was born in Beloit, Kansas on March 23, 1927 to Victor V. and Anna Marie (Jahnke) Cool.
Vince’s father was a school administrator and they lived all over Kansas. At one time they were in Yates Center, Kansas where he met and later married Lavonne (Kitty) Theobald on August 14, 1949.
Before graduation from high school in 1945, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. After he was discharged he entered Kansas State University where he received a degree in Architecture. He worked in the Department of Planning and Development at Kansas State University, until his retirement in 1994. At that time he was assistant to the President, Campus Architect, and served one year as State Architect. He knew a lot of people over the state and when Kansas State needed something from the legislature he always seemed to make it happen. He was a member of AIA, Who’s Who in America, a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He was president and a member of the Manhattan Planning Board for a number of years and many other organizations.
In 1955, the family built a house at 2019 College Heights where their three children, Marce Schemedemann of Jacksonville, Florida, Rod Cool of Lenexa, Kansas and Kent Cool of Manhattan were raised. He loved his family: son-in-law Ron Schmedemann, daughter-in-laws Debbie Cool and Kari Cool. His grandchildren, Rhys Schmedemann of Chicago, Rhett Schmedemann of Jacksonville, Jared and Travis Cool of Lenexa, who are now enrolled at Kansas State University, Kendra Cool, a Kansas State University student, Kory Cool, a junior in Manhattan High School, and Konner Cool who attends Marlatt Elementary School. Vince is also survived by a brother Bill and his wife Catherine of Manhattan and a sister Marilyn Yorke of Raytown, Missouri, and many relatives of the Riley area.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday at the Trinity Presbyterian Church with Reverend Vanessa Potter officiating.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. today at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to the Trinity Presbyterian Church or Homecare and Hospice, Inc of Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Lola B. Cassell
Lola B. Cassell, age 84, of Manhattan, died early Saturday morning, February 28, 2004, at her residence.
She was born on September 8, 1919, in Manhattan, Kansas the daughter of William H. and Hedwig Luise (Nieman) Cassell.
Miss Cassell was raised in Manhattan and was a graduate of Manhattan High School in 1937. While in high school she was active in sports especially excelling in softball.
Miss Cassell was employed as a secretary for the Muse and Langton Insurance Agency in Manhattan for 35 years.
Her memberships included the First United Methodist Church, and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed bowling on various leagues. She also enjoyed fishing, going to flower shows and watching sports, especially basketball.
Miss Cassell is survived by one niece: Sandi White of Perry, Kansas, three nephews: Steve Cassell of Kansas City, Missouri, and Carl and Bill Cassell both of Las Vegas, Nevada. Also surviving is a special friend: Thelma Winans of Manhattan.
She was preceded in death by three brothers: Clint Cassell, Clyde Cassell, and M.L. “Mutt” Cassell and by two sisters: Pearl Cassell and Wilma Webb.
Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jim Reed officiating. Graveside inurnment services will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the Beverly Cemetery at Beverly, Kansas with Reverend Kaye Metzler officiating.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. Thursday until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Manhattan Community Foundation. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Arthur “Glenn” Heidel
Arthur “Glenn” Heidel, age 77, of Manhattan, died Thursday morning, March 4, 2004, at the St. Joseph Village in Manhattan.
He was born on June 16, 1926, on a farm in Riley County, Kansas, the son of Richard Rudolph and Clara Cecelia (Moske) Heidel.
Glenn attended Manhattan schools through the 11th grade. He served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950 until his honorable discharge in 1952.
Following the war he returned to farm in both Riley and Geary counties. He later went to work in maintenance for the American Institute of Baking in Manhattan.
Glenn was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, the V.F.W. and the American Legion. In addition to his memberships he enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. He also was a good cook.
On July 1, 1977, in Manhattan, Kansas, he was united in marriage to the former Altie B. (Bouland) Ward. She preceded him in death on April 3, 1994. Glenn was also preceded in death by his father in 1982, by his mother in 1989, and by a brother: Bernard Heidel in 1951.
He is survived by one sister: Veronica Barry of Manhattan and by four brothers: Wayne Heidel of Junction City, Kansas and Edwin, Dennis and Alfred Heidel all of Manhattan. Also surviving is his step-daughter: Nancy Woodyard and her husband Larry of Manhattan, three step grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church with Father Michael Elanjimattathil presiding and Father Keith Weber as concelebrant. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan with military honors.
The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Monday, March 8, 2004, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel followed by a visitation until 8:30 P.M.
On-line condolences may be left for the family at this website by clicking on send condolence at the bottom or top of this page.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the K.S.U. Foundation for the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Constance L. Weinstock
Constance L. Weinstock, age 59, of Del Mar, California, died February 29, 2004, at Casa Palmera Care Home in Del Mar.
She was born on November 5, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Manhattan. Constance later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she lived for 26 years before moving to Del Mar, California in 1990 where she was an art consultant.
Survivors include a daughter, Paige Miller of Bellingham, Washington, a son, Baron Weinstock of Oceanside, California, her mother, Lucille Jelinek of Manhattan, a brother Charles Crum of Manhattan and her companion Robert Orr of Del Mar, California.
Local funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M Thursday, March 11, 2004, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, with Pastor David Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan.
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is handling local arrangements
Roberta Lynn “Bobbi” (Evans) Reeves
Roberta Lynn “Bobbi” (Evans) Reeves, age 50, of Manhattan, died March 5, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center emergency room.
She was born July 14, 1953, in Manhattan, the daughter of C.B. “Berry” and Alta E. “Betty” (Huddleston) Evans, and had been a lifetime area resident.
Bobbi graduated from St. George High School in 1971. Bobbi was an Admission Clerk at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She loved her animals including her dog Humphrey, her three cats and any wild animal in the area.
Survivors include two sisters: Beverly Jensen of La Crosse, KS, and Becky Gruenewald of Rapid City, SD; one daughter, Tammi Knott of Hackleburg, Alabama; one granddaughter, Morgan Knott; one niece and five nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Westmoreland City Cemetery with Chaplain Eldon Epp officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home for a time of remembrance prior to forming a procession to the cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
