Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
William H. Kirchner
William H. Kirchner, age 77, of Manhattan, died Wednesday, October 13, 2004, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born on January 4, 1927, in Titusville, Pennsylvania the son of Lawrence and Luella (Wright) Kirchner.
Mr. Kirchner was a longtime Manhattan resident where he was a former custodian for the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and also worked in construction and roofing.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers and sisters.
Mr. Kirchner is survived by nephews and nieces.
Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at the St. George Cemetery at St. George, Kansas.
On-line condolences may be left at this website by clicking on "Send Condolences".
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas is handling the arrangements.
Roberta C. Starnes
Roberta C. Starnes, age 91, of Manhattan, died Tuesday morning, September 7, 2004, at the St. Joseph Village in Manhattan.
She was born on April 3, 1913, in Manhattan, Kansas the daughter of Robert S. and Priscella (Jackson) Brown.
Mrs. Starnes attended school at the Kansas Vocational School in Topeka, Kansas. Following her education she returned to Manhattan and remained a lifetime resident.
Roberta was a food preparation engineer for numerous Kansas State University fraternity and sorority houses. For several years her winters were spent in Delray Beach, Florida as a companion and food preparation engineer.
Mrs. Starnes was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church where she was active in the Naomi Circle. In addition she was a member and past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star - Sunflower Chapter # 58, and a volunteer for the R.S.V.P. program at the Riley County Senior Service Center.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents in 1927, by her former husband, Luke Starnes, in 1983 and by her second to the oldest daughter, Kathrine E. Barron, in 1991.
She is survived by three daughters: Mae E. McElroy and her husband Walter of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Barbara J. Hanks and Alice M. Johnson both of Manhattan and one son: Clifford E. Starnes and his wife Deloris of Houston, Texas. One sister: Mary Cunningham and one brother: Guy Brown, both of Detroit, Michigan, 14 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Manhattan with Reverend Jim Reed officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 P.M. Sunday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home with the Order of Eastern Star conducting a service at 7:00 P.M.
A memorial has been established for the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
DOROTHY M. BLAKER
Dorothy M. (Gehring) Blaker, age 93, died Friday, September 10, 2004 in the Collin’s Landing House at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.
She was born on October 20, 1910, in Parsons, KS, the daughter of Claude E. and Kittie (Wells) Gehring.
On October 28, 1932 in Parsons, KS, she was married to Laurence W. Blaker. He preceded her in death on June 3, 1983.
Dorothy was co-owner and operator of Blaker’s Studio Royal. She was a member of many state and national photographic societies. Dorothy was also a member of First Christian Church in Manhattan.
She is survived by one sister, Shirley Scifers of Manhattan; one brother-in-law, John Blaker and wife Eleanor of Manhattan; one sister-in-law, Mida Vignery of Broomfield, CO, a daughter-in-law, Sue Blaker, a grandson, Dennis Wright, nieces, Stacey Rogers and Cynthia LaBarge and numerous cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Bradford Blaker in 1987.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Galesburg, KS with Reverend Mark Young officiating. A memorial service will be held at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan at a later date.
Memorial funds have been established for the Good Samaritan Fund at Meadowlark Hills Foundation and the Leukemia Society of America. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Donald Lee Adair
Donald Lee Adair, age 55, of Manhattan, died Friday afternoon, September 10, 2004, at the Irwin Army Community Hospital at Ft. Riley, Kansas.
He was born on October 25, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska the son of Jay E. and Golda G. (Worrell) Adair, and graduated from high school in Papillion, Nebraska.
Sergeant Adair was retired as an Aviation Specialist with the United States Army. During his military career his primary specialties were in Attack Helicopter and Tactical Transportation Helicopter maintenance and repair. Early in his career he became the Crew Chief in charge of the primary aircraft utilized in support of the Commanding General, Lieutenant General Eifler. In 1971, he was honored by being nominated as the Outstanding USAREUR Aviation Soldier, for his initiative and professional knowledge and expertise in Army Aviation. Other honors and medals included the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), Senior Aircraft Crewmember Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Expert M-16 Rifleman, The Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired in 1988, from Ft. Riley, Kansas after twenty years of service.
Following his army retirement he returned to Ft. Riley with the Federal Civil Service and went to work in the Department of Logistics (G4-DOL). While with the Federal Civil Service he received a Certificate of Appreciation, The Commanders Award for Civilian Service and upon his retirement in 2003, his Certificate of Retirement.
On September 29, 1972, in Rumelange, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, he was united in marriage to Yolande Elise diEgidio. She survives of their home along with Max ,their dog.
Also surviving are his parents: Jay and Golda Adair of Omaha, Nebraska, his sister: Shirley Adair-Megel of South Carolina, and three brothers: Larry Adair and his wife Janet of North Carolina, Gene Adair of Nebraska and Paul Adair and his wife Trish of Nebraska. He is also survived by his sister-in-law: Madeleine Boutillot and her husband Gilbert of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Friends may call anytime Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Ogden Baptist Church, which is located on W. 68th Ave. on K-18 at 2845 Greenwood Drive, east of Ogden, Kansas with Pastor Will Griswold officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Ft. Riley Cemetery.
On-line condolences may be left for the family on this webpage by clicking on “Send Condolences”.
A memorial has been established for the Ogden Baptist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Harvey Leland Hartle
Harvey Leland Hartle, age 89, of Manhattan, died September 12, 2004, at Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka.
He was born in rural Benton County, Missouri, on January 31, 1915, the son of Harvey and Clara (Pyle) Hartle.
Mr. Hartle attended a rural one- room school and graduated from Windsor High School in Windsor, MO. He farmed and worked at the International Shoe Factory for eight years. He volunteered for the US Army draft and joined the US Army on November 25, 1940 and was assigned to the 46th Calvary School at Fort Riley, KS. He later went to Europe with the 113th Calvary Group and landed on Normandy, France on July 1, 1944. He was wounded in St. Lo, France in 1944, and returned to the US and spent approximately 6 months in the hospital. He served tow tours of duty in Europe and two tours in the Orient, Japan and Taiwan. He returned to Fort Riley out of the 1st Infantry Division on February 28, 1961. While stationed at Fort Riley he met and married Opal L. Noble in the Main Post Chapel on September 14, 1950. When he retired from the Army at the rank of Major, he and his family returned to Manhattan.
Major Hartle and received the Purple Heart Award, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Medal for Germany & Japan, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Medal, Overseas Service Medal and numerous other awards and citations.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Manhattan, and was a charter member of the U.S. Calvary Association. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, his coffee groups, and following his son’s racing career.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Hartle on November 7, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his parents and by one sister, Ivey Grace Hartle in 1903, and the age of 3 years.
Survivors include one son, William “Bill” Noble and his wife Lisa of Manhattan, and one granddaughter, Jaime Gassmann and her husband John of Lawrence, KS.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the Fort Riley Cemetery.
d to the funeral home.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, is handling arrangements.
Stella Mary Seitz
Stella Mary Seitz, age 78, of Manhattan, died Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at the Mercy Regional Health Center.
She was born on November 13, 1925 in Lowell, MA, the daughter of Martin and Sophia (Marczak) Sibiga.
On July 22, 1950 in Dayton, OH, she was married to Leon M. Seitz. He preceded her in death on March 10, 1983. She had been a resident of Manhattan since November 1969.
Stella was a homemaker and also had been a registered nurse for Wharton Manor and College Hill Nursing Homes. She was also a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
She is survived by six children, Thomas J. Seitz and his wife Patricia of Franklin, TN, Robert Seitz of Topeka, KS, Richard Seitz of Manhattan, KS, Catherine Woodard of McFarland, KS, David Seitz of Manhattan, KS and Michael Seitz and his wife Joan of Alma, KS; two sisters, Helen Sibiga – Sister Mary Esther – Felician Sister of Enfield, CT and Teresa Crocco of Tuscon, AZ; seven grandchildren, Marc Seitz, Brennan Seitz, Brandon Seitz, Anastasia Woodard, Scott Woodard, Jessica Lesline and Chelsea Lesline.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Peter Paul Seitz; three brothers, Michael, Raymond and Joseph Sibiga and one sister, Mary Malonis.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Father Don Zimmerman officiating. Inurment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. Friday until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Alta “Arlene” Baer
Alta “Arlene” Baer, age 93, of Manhattan, died September 19, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born September 9, 1911, in Manchester, Kansas, the daughter of Fred H. and Alta (Matteson) Weaver. She graduated from Abilene High School in 1928.
Mrs. Baer had lived in Washington State, and Abilene, Kansas, prior to moving to Manhattan in 1970.
She was a member of the Extension Homemaker Unit in Manhattan. She loved spending time with her daughter and grandchildren. Arlene enjoyed Kansas State sports and working on her high school class reunions.
On April 15, 1935, in Olathe, Kansas, she was married to George Glen Baer. He preceded her in death on July 11, 1966. She was also preceded in death by three sisters: Marcella Johnsmeyer, Ethel Weaver and Lillian Beals; and by two brothers: Bill and Pat Weaver.
Survivors include one daughter, Gwen Tomas of Topeka, KS; and two grandchildren: Nathan Tomas and his wife Angie of Gardner, KS, and Erin Bassi and her husband Nate of Olathe, KS.
Cremation is planned with private family graveside services to be held in Abilene City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to EHU – Extension Homemaker Unit of Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Merle Fredrich Hansen
Merle Fredrich Hansen, age 87, of Manhattan, died Friday evening, August 13, 2004, at his residence.
He was born on January 9, 1917, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Hans O. and Clara (Eckelberg) Hansen, and was a 1935 graduate of South High in Minneapolis.
Dr. Hansen received his B.A. (1939) and M.A. (1941) degrees in Zoology from the University of Minnesota. During World War II, he served as a 1st Leiutenant with the United States Army in the South Pacific as a Parasitologist until his honorable discharge in 1946. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska in 1948, he did research on parasitic diseases and hematology of Thoroughbred horses in the department of pathology, University of Kentucky, prior to joining the Kansas State University faculty in 1950.
Dr. Hansen was a Professor of Parasitology, and Associate Director for the Division of Biology at Kansas State University prior to his retirement in 1985. He was active in graduate education, training 21 master’s degree and 26 Ph.D. candidates in parasitology. He also had been an external examiner for parasitology for the University of Guyana in South America.
His professional memberships were numerous and included the American Society of Parasitologist, American Microscopical Society, American Association of Advanced Science, American Institute of Biological Sciences, Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists and the Kansas Academy of Science. He also was the author or co-author of numerous publications. In 1971, he received the honor of being recognized as an, “Outstanding Graduate Faculty Member”, by K.S.U. Graduate School Faculty Council Members.
Dr. Hansen was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Manhattan. He was so very proud of his twenty-six Ph.D. candidates, all of whom have stayed in touch with him over the years.
On January 14, 1946, in Ely, Minnesota, he was united in marriage to the former Jean Focht. She survives of the home. Other survivors include three daughters: Avanelle Hansen of Olympia, Washington, Kristen Johnson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Claire Schroeder of Ruston, Louisiana. Twelve grandchildren: Amanda Carr, Rebecca Church, Jeremiah Johnson, Jennifer Grace, Aaron Johnson, Brooke Barlow, Daniel Johnson, Derek Johnson, Samantha Hansen, Nicole Hansen, Haven Schroeder and Mlle Schroeder, and eleven great grandchildren also survive.
Dr. Hansen was preceded in death by his brother: Blaine Hansen in January of 2004.
Cremation is planned with inurnment to be in the Masonic Memorial Park Cemetery in Tumwater, Washington.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 8, 2004, at the First Lutheran Church Chapel in Manhattan.
A memorial has been established for either Homecare and Hospice, Inc. or First Lutheran Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Charles W. Krager
Charles W. Krager, 70, of Manhattan, KS died Saturday, September 25, 2004, at his home after a long battle with cancer.
He was born on March 12, 1934, in Minneapolis, KS, the son of Fay W. and Thelma M. (Hills) Krager. Charles attended the local schools and graduated from Minneapolis High School in 1952, then moved to Salina, KS, where he worked at various jobs including Pittsburgh Paint and Glass, Surveying, and the U.S. Postal Service. In 1969, he moved to Boulder, CO with his family to start a new career as a TV Technician. In 1975, Charles moved to Manhattan, KS and continued working as a TV Technician until he took a step of faith and launched into the hearing aid business as a salesman. Later he brought and successfully managed the business for 15 years, retiring in 1996.
Charles was extremely active in his church, the First Assembly of God of Manhattan, as the church Treasurer, Council Member, Usher, Sound Technician and at whatever else needed.
He is survived by his wife and companion of 51 years, Margaret (Michal) Krager; two sons: Rev. Michael Krager and his wife Diane of Osborne, KS and Charles Krager and his wife Lyn of Hampton, VA; five grandchildren: Bethany Knoll, Timothy Krager and John Krager of Osborne, KS, Charlyn Wapner of Williamsburg, VA and Andrew Krager of Hampton, VA and one great grandchild: Camden Wapner. Also surviving are five sisters: Virginia Myhre and Geraldine Shaffer of Garden City, KS, Velma Parker of Johnson City, TN, Panzy Moore of Bossier City, LA and Florence Jones of Morgan Hill, CA and one brother: Clarence Krager of Mishawaka, IN.
A visitation will be held from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 28th at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 29th, at the First Assembly of God church located at 2310 Candlewood Drive in Manhattan with Pastor Todd Weston officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Salina, Kansas.
On-line condolences may be left for the family on this webpage by clicking on “Send Condolences”.
Memorials have been established for the First Assembly of God of Manhattan and for 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.
Dr. Philip H. Hostetter
Dr. Philip H. Hostetter, age 87, of Manhattan, died Tuesday morning, September 28, 2004, at his residence.
He was born on April 4, 1917, in Albert, Kansas, the son of Harvey Edgar and Mae Edna (Charlesworth) Hostetter, and was a 1934 graduate of Holton High School in Holton, Kansas. In May of this year he was honored as “Alumnus of the Year” of Holton High.
Dr. Hostetter graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1942. Shortly after his graduation he was called to service with the U.S. Army, serving with the 24th Infantry Division as a Battalion Surgeon in the Philippines during World War II.
Following the war Dr. Hostetter returned to Kansas and served in clinics in Halstead and Baldwin prior to coming to Manhattan in 1950 to work at the Ball Clinic. In 1955, he opened his own clinic on Poyntz Avenue where he maintained his practice until his retirement in 1992. From 1956 until 1976, Dr. Hostetter served as district coroner for the Manhattan area.
Dr. Hostetter was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Manhattan Kiwanis Club of which he served as president in 1968. He also was a past president with the 24th Infantry Division and was the recent recipient of the prestigious Verbick Bowl Award. Other memberships and activities included being a founding member of the Blue Valley Yacht Club, past president of the State Academy of Family Physicians and was formerly active in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, especially enjoying time spent at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was an avid photographer, and enjoyed traveling with his wife to many locations throughout the world.
On September 7, 1941, he was married to the former Helen Marie Whitwam. She preceded him in death on March 12, 1997.
Dr. Hostetter is survived by two daughters: Carol Pacey and her husband David of Manhattan, KS, and Dorothy Brecheisen and her husband Warren of Cedar Falls, IA, by two sons: Jim Hostetter of Topeka, KS, and Bob Hostetter and his wife Judy of King City, CA. Two brothers: Robert Hostetter of Beverton, OR and Homer Clyde Hostetter of Mesa, AZ, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and his companion: Shirley Dodge also survive.
Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home with Reverend Jim Reed officiating. Private inurnment will be in the Sunrise Cemetery.
On line condolences may be left for the family at this webpage by clicking on “Send Condolences”.
A memorial has been established for Homecare and Hospice, Inc. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Irma Jean Area
Irma Jean Area, age 83, of Manhattan, died September 27, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born October 17, 1920, in Louisburg, Kansas, the daughter of J.W. and Juana Pebble (Wood) Shelton, and had lived most of her life in the Manhattan and St. George area.
Jean graduated from St. George High School with the class of 1939.
She was a homemaker and had worked several different jobs in the area.
She was a former member of the American Legion and V.F.W. auxiliaries. She loved and was very devoted to her family. Jean enjoyed her flower and vegetable garden and feeding the birds.
On December 9, 1939, she was married to Merle “Dutch” Area. He preceded her in death in 1979. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Juanita Hoover-Herman; three brothers: Junior, Loi “Shorty” and Jesse Shelton; and one grandchild.
Survivors include one daughter: Merla Brookman and her husband Thuran “JR” of Manhattan; three grandchildren: Jennifer Springer and her husband Jesse of Topeka, James Oppy, and Jacquee Stubbings and her husband Donald of Manhattan; three great grandchildren: Jacob and Johanna Springer of Topeka, and Megan Stubbings of Manhattan; and one sister, Evelyn Epperson of Colorado.
Cremation is planned with graveside services to be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at the St. George Cemetery with Father Don Zimmerman officiating. Family and friends are invited to meet at 1:00 P.M. Friday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home to form a procession to the cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jean Area Memorial Fund, to be designated later. Contributions may be left in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
