Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Michael Patrick Luse
Michael Patrick Luse went home to be with the Lord Thursday, January 4, 2007. Mike was born on July 11, 1949.
He was united in marriage to Terry Baker, Sept. 4, 1976. Mike was employed at KSU for the past 35 year as Security Guard. Mike loved history, children, a good joke and his fellow man. He was proudly Irish and always wore green.
Mike was preceded in death by his biological mother, Althea Luse, 3 brothers: Weston Luse, Mark Luse & David Luse.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Terry and their cats, Snowflake, Tweety and Bow-wow of the home. Mother Elizabeth Ann Martin, Leawood, KS; Ron & Karen Luse, Colton, OR; Jim Luse, Camdenton, MO; Tim & Cathy Masehler, Lawndale, CA; Paul & Laura Martin, Kansas City, MO; Cindy Kelley, Kansas City, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews & people of Manhattan that he loved.
Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday (Jan. 9th) at All Faiths Chapel, Kansas State University, with Pastors Todd Weston and Dr. Don Fallon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the KSU Foundation for the School of Veterinary Medicine. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Paul D. Thompson
Paul D. Thompson, 83, died January 3, 2007 at Mercy Regional Health Center, Manhattan, KS. He was born in Howard, Kansas, August 3, 1923, the eldest child of Paul M. Thompson and Opal Perkins Thompson. He graduated from Howard High School in 1941. During the summers he worked on the family ranch, baling hay and working cattle. He attended the College of Emporia until he enlisted in the United States Navy in November, 1943. Paul had difficulty passing the Navy physical because of his heart; he used considerable creativity to be accepted. He trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Camp, Farragut, Idaho.
As a Medical Corpsman, he served in California and Texas, part of the time with the Marines. He was honorably discharged in April, 1946, and enrolled at Kansas State College that fall, majoring in Ag Economics. After graduating in 1949, he taught Veterans-On–Farm Training in Elk County. He joined the Howard Rotary Club and served as President. He served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Howard.
While a student at Kansas State, he met Rosalie Germann. They were married at the United Presbyterian Church in Manhattan on January 1, 1950. They lived on a ranch between Severy and Howard until the spring of 1954, when they moved into Howard, where Paul started Thompson Feed and Farm Supply. Paul sold Ralston Purina Feeds and enjoyed that association. In 1959 he sold the feed store and the Thompsons moved to Manhattan.
Paul and Rosalie built the first new home overlooking Tuttle Creek Dam which was then under construction. Paul loved sailing and skiing and taught many people to enjoy both sports. He also earned his private pilot’s license.
Early in the 1960s, Paul became a representative for Waddell and Reed, later becoming Division Manager for northeast Kansas. He won trips to Hawaii, Spain, Canada and resorts in the US. After retiring from Waddell and Reed in 1983, he enjoyed studying the stock market.
Paul was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, the Kansas State Alumni Association, President’s Club and Ahearn Club. Until Paul’s health began to fail, he and his family attended most of K-State’s bowl games. He loved to dance and was a charter member of Club Manhattan Ltd. Paul and Rosalie enjoyed traveling with family and friends on cruises, tours and independent travel.
Paul is survived by a daughter, Teresa Thompson Dunn, St. Louis, Mo, a son Tad M. Thompson, North Wales, PA; and four grandchildren: Andrea Dunn Chandler and husband Rick, Jacob, IL, Tiffany Dunn, Nashville, TN, Reece and Claire Thompson, North Wales, PA. Paul had a brother, Ralph Thompson and his wife Virginia, Denver, CO; two sisters: Virginia Thompson Kaufmann and husband Day, Topeka, and Elaine Thompson Dalgleish, Prairie Village, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews who were close to their Uncle Paul.
Visitation at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home will be Sunday, January 14th, from 3-5. Funeral services will be conducted by the Reverend Cam McConnell at the First Presbyterian Church on January 15th at 10:30 a.m. The body will be cremated and the ashes sprinkled by the family at a private ceremony. The family has requested no flowers. Memorials may be made to The First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan, or the Kansas State University Foundation for the KSU Rowing Team, in care of the funeral home at 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.
Phyllis “Betty” (Bergmeier) Lundin
Phyllis “Betty” (Bergmeier) Lundin, age 83, of Manhattan, died Saturday morning, January 6, 2007, at the Golden Living Center in Wakefield, Kansas.
She was born on February 24, 1923, in Wakefield, Kansas, the daughter of John Henry and Blanche Myrtle (Arnold) Bergmeier. She attended Chapman High School in Chapman, Kansas where she was a 1943 graduate.
Mrs. Lundin was a longtime Manhattan resident where she was a homemaker along with being a bookkeeper for Plaza West Apartments.
She has been a member of the First Lutheran Church in Manhattan since May 7, 1950.
On April 27, 1945, she was united in marriage to Carl Vincent Lundin, in the First Lutheran Church parsonage in Manhattan. He survives of the home. Also surviving are two daughters: Gwen Moore and her husband William Moore, Marsha Peters and her husband Donald Peters and one son: Mark Carl Lundin and his wife Trasenda Lundin, all of Manhattan. Six grandchildren: Thomas Moore and his wife Jessica of Manhattan, Megan Moore, Sarah and Rachel Peters, Reid and Regan Lundin all of Manhattan. Other survivors include Betty’s sisters and brothers: Opal Koerner of Wakefield, KS, Adelia Hamme of Abilene, KS, John Bergmeier of Topeka, KS, Patrick Bergmeier of Hutchinson, KS and Dean Bergmeier of Pocatello, ID.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by one brother Clarence F. Bergmeier.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the First Lutheran Church in Manhattan with Rev. Dr. Keith Wiens officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
A memorial has been established for the First Lutheran Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Peter C. Lufburrow
Peter C. Lufburrow passed away on January 4, 2007 at his home in Manhattan, Kansas at the age of 82 years.
He was born on June 24, 1924 in New Brunswick, New Jersey the son of Robert Allen and Olive Blanche (Hendrickson) Lufburrow. He joined the United States Army and served in the Battle of the Bulge, attaining many honors for service to his country. Following his discharge, he earned his BS & BA degrees at Washington & Lee University and started his career in the plastics field. Peter was very successful at his jobs, helping to expand and improve on many household items.
On October 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Jeane Summers in Kansas City. This union was blessed with 3 children: Douglas, Mark and Jean.
Peter was an enthusiastic fan of the K-State Women’s Basketball team and loved to travel the entire U.S. and Europe. He and Dorothy enjoyed camping, hiking and canoeing. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the American Legion Post #17 of Manhattan.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of the home; two sons: Douglas of Lebanon, TN and Mark of Bridgewater, NJ; a daughter: Jean Lufburrow of Franklin, WI; a brother: Robert Lufburrow of Sedro-Wooley, WA; two grandsons: Daniel and Matthew Lufburrow of Bridgewater, NJ; and many other family and friends.
Memorial Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held at 2:00 P.M. on January 19, 2007 in the Sunrise Cemetery, Manhattan, Kansas with Rev. Jim Reed officiating. Family and friends will be meeting at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home at 1:30 P.M. to form a procession to the cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Berea College CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 or left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Vaughn R. Lundberg
Vaughn R. Lundberg, age 83, of Manhattan, died January 12, 2007, at his residence.
He was born December 15, 1923, in Manhattan, the son of John O. and Laura M. (Pryse) Lundberg, and had been a lifetime area resident.
Vaughn graduated from Manhattan High School. He served in the United States Navy during WWII. He was a mason and bricklayer and was a member of the Bricklayers Union # 15 for more than 50 years.
He was an avid arrowhead hunter, outdoorsman, fisherman, maintained many Bluebird houses, and an amateur archeologist. Following his retirement he worked with SARC the State Archeology Research Center for the state of South Dakota.
On April 11, 1944, in San Diego, California, he was married to the former Dorothy “Jean” Hanna. Mrs. Lundberg preceded him in death on May 6, 1991. He was also preceded in death by one son, Gary Lundberg; and by two brothers: Merlin and Robert “Bob” Lundberg.
Survivors include three children: Carolee Fairbanks and her husband Delbert of Manhattan, Kathryn Boyett and her husband Jerry of Manhattan, and Jeffrey Lundberg and his wife Arlene of Olsburg, KS; one daughter-in-law: Pam Lundberg of Topeka; one brother, Bill Lundberg of Manhattan; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home with Pastor Devin Wendt officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery.
The family of Mr. Lundberg will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 P.M. Tuesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuttle Creek Lake Association for the Youth Fishing Clinic. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Marguerite J. Vaughn
Marguerite J. Vaughn, age 76 of Olsburg, died Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the Mercy Regional Health Center.
She was born on April 9, 1930 in Antwerp, Belgium, the daughter of Henry Rudolph and Anna (Greenshields) Grouenwout.
On May 18, 1963 in Memphis, TN, she was united in marriage to Estle Lee Vaughn, Sr. He preceded her in death on October 26, 2005.
Marguerite was a caregiver for the elderly. While in Germany, she helped with Easter parties at the military base. She enjoyed cooking and bingo and loved children.
She is survived by three sons, John Vaughn of San Francicso, CA, Estle L. Vaughn, Jr. and his wife Melody of Humble, TX and Patrick L. Vaughn of San Francisco, CA; one daughter, Patricia Soper of Olsburg, KS; one brother, Johnny Grouenwout of Brussells, Belgium; two sisters, Rose Levesque of Boston, MA and Adelle Stack of Birmingham, AL; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established for the Marguerite Vaughn Memorial Fund. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502
Aileen B. Johnson
Aileen B. Johnson, age 91, of Topeka, died Saturday, January 13, 2007, at Plaza West Regional Health Center in Topeka.
She was born May 13, 1915, on a farm near Randolph, KS, the youngest daughter of Frans August and Tilda (Melgren) Johnson.
Miss Johnson attended the local school, Riverside. She was baptized and confirmed in Mariadahl Lutheran Church of Cleburne, KS. For 36 years she was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kansas City and in 1995 transferred her membership to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Topeka.
She worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City for 40 years as the secretary to the vice president.
Miss Johnson was a member of the 25 year Club at the Federal Reserve and the Scandinavian Club in Kansas City.
Aileen was preceded in death by two brothers: Terrance and Flavel Johnson; and by three sisters: Mildred Ekblad, Lenore Woolworth and Delia White.
Survivors include two nieces: Carolyn Landes and Elizabeth Utech; and several great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Pastor Trudy Cretsinger officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan.
The family of Miss Johnson will receive friends from 9:00 until service time Saturday morning at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or Heart of America Hospice. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Ruth LaMedna (Wilson) Bayard
Ruth LaMedna (Wilson) Bayard was born on April 14, 1917 to Harry J. and Etta E. (Pitts) Wilson. She entered into eternal rest on January 15, 2007 at the St. Joseph Village at the age of 89 years 9 months and 1 day. Ruth grew up in Manhattan attending Douglass Elementary and Manhattan Junior and Senior High Schools
Ruth was married to Curtis Harris and to this union one son, Curtis E. Harris was born. This marriage was dissolved. She later met Tolton M. Bayard and they were united in marriage on January 24, 1942, at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Sgt. Bayard was the love of her life and became a father to her son “Nutchie”.
Sister Bayard grew up in a Christian home, and at the time of her death, she was the oldest member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pilgrim Baptist. She continuously asked about and expressed her love for the Lord and for her church. She loved talking about the goodness of God. She loved the old-time, gospel music. She was a Mother of the church and a member of the choir for many years.
She was employed by the ACACIA Fraternity House at Kansas State University for many years.
Mother Bayard was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tolton M. Bayard; her son and daughter-in-law, Curtis E. and Mary Y. Harris; two brothers, Roan T. Wilson and Harry J. Wilson; three sisters, Vivian E. Wilson, Cecil I. (Wilson) Hill and Edna L. (Wilson) Daniel; and by a great nephew, Harry J. Hill II.
She is survived by one brother, Jack A.M. Wilson,Cranston, RI; one grandson, Curtis E. Harris, Jr. of Manhattan; three granddaughters, Kurmia Yvette (Harris) Monroe of Kansas City, Kansas, Denise LaMedna and Patrice LaCarol Harris, both of Denver, CO; two great-grandsons, Devon Monroe and Dorsey Malachi Harris; and two great-granddaughters, Charlie Yvonne and Tessarae Dawn Harris, six special nephews: Kelsey, Harry, Vernon, Michael, Billy and Gary Hill; four step-sisters, Birdie Gibson, Naomi Glenn, Bertha Mae Johnson and Thelma Woods; and one step-brother, Gene Holiwell; a very dear friend, Rev. Dr. Orlando B. Yates of Cincinnati, Ohio and a host of other relatives and friends.
Friends may call anytime Saturday and Sunday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2007, at the Pilgrim Baptist Church with Reverend Harry J. Hill officiating. Interment will follow at the Ft. Riley Cemetery, Ft. Riley, Kansas.
A memorial has been established for the Pilgrim Baptist Church-Choir Robe Fund. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Gordon Wonnacott Brown
Gordon Wonnacott Brown, age 92 of Manhattan, died Monday, January 15, 2007 at his residence.
He was born on May 20, 1914 in Coffeyville, KS, the son of Thomas and Elva (Mark) Brown.
On February 12, 1942 in Manhattan, KS, he was united in marriage to Ollie Frances Fuller. She preceded him in death on April 30, 2004.
Gordon graduated from Kansas State University with three engineering degrees that were essential during his time in the military. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon was called to active duty as a commissioned officer in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army. Because of his academic achievements and employment with Halliburton, he was given the command of a unique radar company. Radar technology was then new and extreme revolutionary concept which required personnel with a high degree of electronic skills and training. In 1942 the unit was moved to Australia and placed under the command of General MacArthur in preparation for his push through the South Pacific, New Guinea, Phillippines and to Japan. Gordon continued to command through WWII, having attained the rank of Major. His service was of singular credit to himself, his command and the U.S. Army.
After WWII, he was a highway contractor and owned and operated Brown Brothers Construction with his brothers, Sealy and Thomas Brown until 1957. They then reformed the company to be only Gordon and Thomas. Brown Brothers Construction worked on the Kansas Turnpike, Tuttle Creek Dam and most state lakes around Kansas.
He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Elks Lodge, Sertoma International, Kansas State University Alumni Association, Kansas Contractor’s Association, Manhattan Country Club and Stagg Hill Golf Course. He loved golf in retirement and even landed a hole in one at Del Rio, TX.
He is survived by one daughter, Nancy McNerney and her husband, Charles of Midland, TX; one son, Thomas G. Brown of Columbia, SC; one brother, Thomas Brown of Manhattan; one sister, Elizabeth Scott of Urbana, IL; two grandchildren, Robyn Winslett of Mobile, AL and Robert White of New York, NY and one great-granddaughter, Callie Farris of Lubbock, TX.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Sealy Brown.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday January 22, 2007 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Rev. R.C. McConnell officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery with military honors.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen.
A memorial has been established Meals on Wheels. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Verna Fay Corke
Verna Fay Corke, age 83 of Manhattan, died Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at the Mercy Regional Health Center.
She was born on January 16, 1924 in Sheridan County, Kansas, the daughter of Ray G. and Rena F. (Breeden) Corke.
Verna graduated from Sheridan Community High School and attended Fort Hays State University. She worked as a civil service clerk for the Colleges of Psychology and Architecture and Design at Kansas State University. She was a member of First Baptist Church.
She is survived by two brothers, Kenneth Corke and his wife Dolores of Goodland, KS and Perry Corke and his wife Betty of Quinter, KS; four sisters, Frances Corke of Pratt, KS, Paula Koogler and her husband Gale of Debary, FL, Kathryn Morgan and her husband Norm of Smith Center, KS and Lois Kaiser and her husband David of Hartford, SD.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the First Baptist Church with the Revs. Alan and Karen Selig officiating. Interment will be in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Cemetery near Studley, KS on Tuesday, January 23, 2007.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Gideon’s International or First Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Timothy Allan Duncan
Timothy Allan Duncan, 54, passed away on Wednesday January 24, 2007 at his home following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born on January 4, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Jim & Mildred (Sullivan) Duncan. Timothy graduated from East High School in 1972. He was a self employed construction contractor.
On June 5, 1998, he was married to Lori Ann Brumage in Manhattan, Kansas. Timothy worked hard, but he loved his hobbies which included: treasure hunting for artifacts and arrowheads, knife collecting, mushroom hunting and he was an awesome horseshoe player, golfer and baseball player.
Survivors include his wife Lori Ann of the home; 2 sons: Miles S. Duncan and Mitchell J. Duncan, both of Manhattan; 3 step-sons: Joshua A. Brumage, Aaron J. Brumage and Quinton M. Brumage, all of Manhattan, KS; parents: James & Mildred Duncan of Kansas City, MO; one brother: Mike Duncan and his wife Mavis of Kansas City, MO.; 2 sisters: Becky Layher and husband Randy of Nevada, MO., and Sarah Ellis of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. on Monday January 29 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Kansas with Rev. Neil Engle officiating. Cremation will follow the service with inurnment at a later date.
Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Sunday January 28 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Timothy A. Duncan Memorial fund in care of the funeral home.
Diane K. Sanders
Diane K. Sanders, age 56, of Manhattan, died at her residence.
She was born October 26, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Claude R. and Ernestine E. (Ernst) Sanders.
Diane received her bachelors and masters from Kansas State University in Nutrition and was currently working on her doctorate.
She was the produce manager for People’s Grocery in Manhattan.
Survivors include her mother of Westwood, KS; and three siblings: Steven Sanders and his wife Frances of Kansas City, MO, Annie Sanders of Mission, KS, and Martha Hass and her husband Joe of Rathdrum, ID.
Cremation is planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
