Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
CHARLES BENDER
Charles Edward Bender, age 85, of Manhattan, died November 11, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born June 30, 1919, in Kewanee, Illinois the son of William Jacob and Ella Ann (Lamb) Bender, and had been a Manhattan resident since 1952.
Mr. Bender worked in the boiler shop for Walworth Factory in Illinois, was a plumber in Kirksville, MO and a welder for Kansas Power and Light. Following his retirement in 1978 he worked at several local banks.
He was a member of the Sedalia Community Church and had served 3 terms as a Deacon, and was a member of the Apple Dumpling Gang and the Keats Redirect Club. He enjoyed numerous hobbies and welding.
On September 4, 1941, in Kewanee, Illinois, he was married to Illene Almina Lussenhop. Mrs. Bender survives of the home. Additional survivors include one son; Charles Bender and his wife Sheri of Danbury, CT, two grandchildren; Brian Allen and Caron Elise Bender, one brother; Dean D. Bender of South Salem, NY, Illene’s siblings; Darlene Hamptonand her husband Alec of Nevada, Almina Hughes and her husband Erskine of Silver Lake, KS, Donna Motley of Junction City, KS and Mary St. John and her husband Bob of Manhattan and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by five sisters: Ella Bridgewater, Emma Robinson, Mabel E.I. Kelting, Margaret Bender and Betty Bender and five brothers: George, Jerome, Junior, William and Raymond Bender.
Ed Schram
Ed Schram, age 78, of Manhattan, longtime owner and operator of Ed Schram Dodge, died November 10, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born December 2, 1925, in North Platte, Nebraska, the son of Edmund and Marie (Welliver) Schram.
Mr. Schram served in the Philippines during World War II in the United States Navy. He returned to North Platte and was in the automotive business prior to moving to Manhattan in 1968 and owning and operating Ed Schram Dodge. He was awarded the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1992 and the People Magazine Excellent Service Award in 1989.
Ed was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, was the former Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus in North Platte in 1967 and was a 4th Degree Knight in Manhattan. He was also a member of the KSU President’s Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, past president of the Manhattan Kiwanis Club, and the Manhattan Country Club. He was the president of the Dodge Dealer Advertising Association for 15 years, was the former president of the Kansas Auto Dealers Association, and was the past director of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. He was very devoted to his work and his family was his pride and joy.
On June 3, 1947, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Boulder, CO, he was married to the former Ann Bartle. Mrs. Schram survives of the home. Additional survivors include his three children: Therese Miller and her husband Terry of Manhattan, Marianne Schram and her husband Jim Clark of Boulder, CO, and Chuck Schram and his wife Deb of Manhattan; one sister, Gloria Watts and her husband Bill of Venice, FL; five grandchildren: Edmund L. and Terry L. Miller, Barbara Karr, Emily and Caroline Clark; and two great grandchildren: Mason and MaKenzie Miller.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 P.M. Monday at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church with Father Lawrence Grennan as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery with military honors.
The family of Mr. Schram will receive friends from 7:00 until 7:45 P.M. Sunday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home with a Christian Wake Service and Rosary to be held at 7:45 P.M. Sunday in the funeral home chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Seven Dolors Catholic Church or 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, KS 66502.
William Reed “Bill” Haigh
William Reed “Bill” Haigh, age 54, of Manhattan, died November 13, 2004, at the Mitchell County Hospital Emergency Room as the result of an apparent heart attack while hunting in the Beloit area.
He was born February 6, 1950, in Beloit, Kansas, the son of Ralph Henry and Ora Elta (Anderson) Haigh. He had lived in Beloit, Lompoc, CA, and Chino, CA, prior to moving to Manhattan in 1994.
Bill grew up in Beloit and graduated from Beloit High School with the class of 1968. He then attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1972 with his degree in Horticulture. He joined the Peace Corps following graduation.
He worked for Bodger Seed Company from 1974 to 1978 as a field manager, and then for O.H. Kruse Grain & Milling as a data processing manager from 1978 to 1992, prior to owning and operating the TCBY franchise in Manhattan since 1994.
Bill was a very active member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and served as the head elder, and played with the bell choir. He had served as a Sunday school teacher, treasurer and chairman of the congregation, and Lutheran Marriage Encounter while in California.
He loved spending time in the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, keeping honey bees, plants and flowers. He loved to read and was always looking for his “next book”. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and friend. He placed the care and concern of others above himself. Bill had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and expressed that faith through his life. He tried to lead by example. He always had time to “listen” and was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
On June 1, 1974, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Manhattan he was married to the former Sharon L. Carney. Mrs. Haigh survives of the home. Additional survivors include one daughter, Jennifer Haigh of Overland Park, Kansas; two sisters: Dorothy Buckland and her husband Joe of Miltonvale, KS, and Joyce Green and her husband Bill of Saratoga, WY; one sister in law, Phyllis Haigh of Wichita, KS; and many other family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and by two brothers: James and Robert Haigh.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday at the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church with Reverend Jim Mayes officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery southeast of Manhattan.
The family of Mr. Haigh will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. Wednesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Christian Concern Society, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Bell Choir or the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Building Fund. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502
Evelyn R. McMillen
Evelyn R. McMillen, age 91, died Tuesday, November 16, 2004 in the Starkey House at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community.
She was born on October 12, 1913 in Akron, KS, the daughter of William A. and Annie (Ahlerich) DeWitt.
On January 22, 1937, she was married to Royce L. McMillen in Winfield, KS. He preceded her in death in February of 2002. They moved to Manhattan in 1947 and together they owned and operated the Manhattan Mattress Company for 33 years, retiring in 1980.
Royce and Evelyn were sponsors of the Riley County Senior Service Center and were very supportive of their program and activities within the community.
Evelyn was a member of the Church of Christ and a lifetime member of Soroptmist.
She was preceded in death by five sisters; Marie McDaniel, Clara Tatom, Ila Louise Sanders, Lucille Donham and Bertha Keeler and two brothers; Harold DeWitt and Alfred DeWitt.
She is survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and many loving friends.
Ruth L. Pickett Criss
Ruth L. Pickett Criss, age 84, of Manhattan, died Wednesday morning, November 17, 2004, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born on April 22, 1920, in Frankfort, Kansas the daughter of Fred and Bessie (Wright) Padgett.
Ruth was a longtime Manhattan resident where she attended public schools graduating from Manhattan High. She was a tailor at the family business of Sowell Tailors in Manhattan for more than 35 years prior to her retirement.
Her memberships included the Eagles Auxiliary of which she was the “State Mother” this year, the V.F.W. Auxiliary and the Rebekah Lodge, all of Manhattan.
In 1935, she was united in marriage to Edgar Burton Pickett, in Manhattan. He preceded her in death in 1969. In 1971, she married Otis Glen Criss, in Manhattan and he preceded her in death in 1997. She was also preceded in death by one son: Dirk Pickett in 1996, by a step-son: Gary Criss in 1977, by two brothers: Harry and Fred Padgett and by a half-brother: Don Lee.
She is survived by her grandson: Kirk Pickett and his wife Susan of Manhattan, by a daughter-in-law: Margaret Pickett of Manhattan, by her sister: Maybelle Sowell of Manhattan and by two great granddaughters: Meagan Pickett of Manhattan and Cameo Franks of Olathe, Kansas. One great-great grandson: Chase Franks, four step grandchildren, three step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 22, 2004, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Neil Engle officiating. Cremation will follow the services.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials have been established for the American Heart Association and for the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research at KSU. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Franklin David “Dave” Johnson
Franklin David “Dave” Johnson, age 69, of Manhattan, died November 17, 2004, as the result of an accidental drowning at the Blue Valley Yacht Club.
He was born July 24, 1935, in Hillsboro, Oregon, the son of Toge and Nora Ryan) Johnson, and had been a Manhattan resident since 1976.
Dave graduated from Scappoose High School and the University of Portland. After college he embarked on a 23-year career as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force, including serving his country in the Vietnam War. During his military career the family was stationed in England, Spain, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, and finally Fort Riley. Following his first retirement in 1980, he attended Kansas State University and received his teaching certificate. He taught middle school math for USD 383 until 1995.
He was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center, Manhattan Country Club, American Legion, the Military Officers Association, and the Air Force Association. For many years he officiated at Manhattan High School and Manhattan Marlins swim meets. Dave enjoyed reading, woodworking, golfing, traveling, his yard and garden, and recently sailing.
On June 21, 1958, in North Plains, Oregon, he was married to the former Lucille E. Baker. Mrs. Johnson survives at the home. Additional survivors include six children: Anne Krajcovic and her husband Frank of Colorado Springs, CO, Kellie Vanda of Chandler, AZ, Patricia Rietcheck and her husband Randy of Ft. Leavenworth, KS, David Johnson and his wife Allison of Overland Park, KS, Brian Johnson and his wife Debbie of Tulsa, OK, and Carole Novinski and her husband Dan of Grand Island, NE; 13 grandchildren; and two brothers; Philip Johnson of Hillsboro, OR, and Donald Johnson of Saratoga, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Noreen McAlister.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday at St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center with Father Keith Weber as Celebrant. Cremation will follow the services with burial at a later date in Fort Riley Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center, Manhattan Country Club Tree Fund, or the American Lung Association. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502
Jane Currin Kuhn
Jane Currin Kuhn, age 82, of Manhattan, died November 18, 2004, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.
She was born November 23, 1921, in Henderson, North Carolina, the daughter of Fleming B. and Alma Lee (Falkner) Currin, and moved to Manhattan in 2000 from Newport News, Virginia.
She was a generous and devoted mother and homemaker and an avid sports fan who continued to enjoy tennis and golf through age 80.
Survivors include two sons: David Richard “Rick” Kuhn of Columbia, Maryland and his children Gary, Christine and Kevin; William Beasley “Bill” Kuhn and his wife Anne of Manhattan; their father Richard E. Kuhn of San Diego, CA; and one sister, Page Chambers of Newport News VA with her children Gail, Larry and Barbara Ann. She was preceded in death by one brother, Fleming Currin Jr. who is survived by his children Jackie and Fleming.
Services will be held in Newport News, Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Meadowlark Hills Good Samaritan Fund. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Iris Alfreda Schneider, age 85, of Manhattan, died November 21, 2004, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.
She was born April 9, 1919, in Abergwili, Carmarthen, South Wales, the daughter of John and Margaretta (Walters) Davies. She moved to the United States in 1947, and was an Austin, TX resident from 1972 to 2002, when she moved to Manhattan.
Mrs. Schneider was a homemaker.
On May 26, 1951, at Langley Field, Virginia, she was married to William Henry Schneider, Sr. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1997. She was also preceded in death by two daughters: Marjorie Delyth Hill in 1997, and Dorothy Anne Herlan in 1999.
Survivors include two children: Janet Smith and her husband Paul of Manhattan, and William H. Schneider, Jr. Austin, TX; two grandsons: Patrick William Herlan and Paul William Smith; two sisters: Maureen Jeffries of London, England and Docia McLanachan of Glascow, Scotland; and one sister in law, Betty Davies of South Wales, Great Britain.
Interment will be in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. The Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX, is handling arrangements in Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Meadowlark Hills Foundation. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, which is handling local arrangements
Jo Anne Burns
Jo Anne Burns, age 70, of Manhattan, died Thursday morning, November 25, 2004, at her residence.
She was born on February 10, 1934, in Grand Island, Nebraska the daughter of Edward and Mignon Brooks. She was raised in Grand Island where she attended school, graduating from Grand Island High School. She attended college at the University of Colorado.
Mrs. Burns lived in Wichita prior to moving to Manhattan in 1967. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends. She also held a special fondness for animals.
She is survived by her son: David Burns of Kansas City, Missouri, by two daughters: Cheryl Burns of Locust Grove, Georgia and Susan Burns of Manhattan. Also surviving is her sister: Betty Heldenbrand of Golden, Colorado and one granddaughter: Sally Burns.
The family will receive friends at a visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2004, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials 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, Kansas 66502.
Charley William Brown
Charley William Brown, age 63, of Manhattan, died December 1, 2004, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born June 10, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas. He had been a Manhattan resident since 1995, and had lived in Marysville, KS, and Bassett, NE, prior to Manhattan.
Charley attended high school in Texas and was the quarterback of his football team, attended college for two years and received his Medical Technician Certification in Iola, KS.
He was a medical technician and had worked at the Marysville Hospital and at a nursing home in Nebraska.
Charley loved to camp, go to parks, and all sporting events. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and reminiscing about his childhood.
On August 9, 1996, in Manhattan, he was married to Adelia Augusta “Sue” Miller. Mrs. Brown survives of the home. Additional survivors include three children: Jennifer Brown, David and Marvin Brown; four step-children: Ivan Wilson, James Lance, Hank Wilson and Amanda Hughes; one sister and two brothers; and 15 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Lonnie Brown and one brother, Byron Brown.
Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Ulrey officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Josie “Jo” Spencer Sanders
Josie “Jo” Spencer Sanders, age 52, Manhattan, died August 10, 2003 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
She was born on September 6, 1950 in Magee, Mississippi, the daughter of William Alfred and Mable (Richardson) Spencer. As a child she lived in Pass Christian, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. She attended Southeastern Louisiana College and Louisiana State University and graduated in 1981 from North Georgia College with a degree in secondary education.
She taught English literature and French in both the United States and Europe before beginning a career in government service in 1988. In that capacity she worked as a program manager at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Newport Naval Hospital, Newport, Rhode Island, and Fort Riley, Kansas.
Jo was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and enjoyed pursuing her hobbies of sewing, quilting and cooking with friends in local Manhattan clubs. Her many community service activities included board of review member and merit badge instructor in Boy Scout Troop 74 and many parent activities at Rock Creek High School.
On December 27, 1970, she married Charles “Chuck” Sanders in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He survives of the home.
Other survivors include her children; Sara Denise Ottinger of Tampa, Florida and Chad Sanders, a freshman at Kansas State University, her mother; Mable of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one brother; Bill Spencer of Jarreau, Louisiana, one sister; Lola Spencer Faust of Baton Rouge, Louisana and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father and one sister, Patsy.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the Reverend Tom Miles officiating.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M., Thursday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
A memorial has been established for the Josie Spencer Sanders Scholarship Fund in care of the KSU Foundation. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
William Pitner Johnson
William Pitner Johnson, age 87 of Manhattan, died Monday, May 1, 2006 at his residence.
He was born on April 11, 1919 in Enid, OK, the son of Thomas Henry and Pearl Lee (Pitner) Johnson.
In Oskaloosa, KS, he was united in marriage to Virginia Nixon. She survives of the home.
William graduated from Manhattan High School in 1937, and Kansas State University in 1942 where he received a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. He was a Major in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1946, owned a private veterinary practice in Slater, MO from 1946 until 1952, then worked for American Cyanamid Company from 1953 until 1981. His last position was as Director of International Animal Industry Product Development.
During his professional career he authored or co-authored 14 professional publications; was listed in Who’s Who of Veterinary Medicine; belonged to several professional organizations, including the Executive Board of American Veterinary Association from 1970 until 1976; and traveled all over the world. After retirement he established and managed the endowment fund for KSU Veterinary College from the class of 1942.
William grew up in Manhattan. He left in 1942, and returned in 2003. He enjoyed golf, fishing, traveling in his RV after retirement and vacationing at his home in Beach Haven, NJ.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Constance Zigler of Halewia, HI, Virginia Conlan and her husband James of Lighthouse Point, FL, and Katherine Borg and her husband John of Alta Vista, KS; one son William Johnson, Jr. and his wife Susan of Lincoln Park, PA; one brother Daniel Johnson of Garland, TX; one sister Dorothy Taylor of Enid, OK; thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 6, 2006 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Dr. Wesley Paddock officiating.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the endowment fund William established for the KSU Veterinary College from the class of 1942. Checks should be made to the KSU Foundation CVM 1942 and may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
