Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Rudolph Claassen
(May 16, 1916 - December 31, 2014)
Rudolph (“Ruddie”) Christopher Claassen, also known as “Pop,” was born on May 11, 1916, to Rudolph R. and Allie H. Claassen in Newton. He married
Velma Schmidt on August 22, 1940. They had been married
for 70 years when Velma passed away in 2010. Ruddie met the Lord on December 31, 2014, at the age of 98.
Ruddie was baptized and was a member of First Presbyterian Church until his marriage to Velma in 1940, when he joined First Mennonite Church in Newton. His faith and family were very important to him.
He attended the German School and Kellas Country School. He graduated from Newton High School in 1936. His favorite teacher was Mr. Karns, his vocational agriculture teacher, who later taught his two sons, Stan and Dwight.
Farming was Ruddie’s calling in life. He was born and raised on the Claassen farm east of Newton. He took over farming in 1939 and lived there until 1995 when Dwight and Connie moved into the home place. He loved caring for the land and his animals; he was especially fond of raking hay with his mules, Kate and Jenny. He would often say, “There’s nothing prettier than a clean alfalfa field,” and he loved a nice rain after the hay had been baled, picked up, and put away in the barn.
His love of the land, of farming, and of hard work was passed on through the generations; he spent extensive time with his grandsons on the farm in the summers. Ruddie eventually moved off the farm but he never stopped farming. He was overjoyed when Jed, one of Dwight’s sons, moved home in 2010 to carry on the tradition of farming the centennial family farm.
Although the farm kept him busy, he and Velma made time to travel the world. They traveled to Africa three times, to visit his son, Stan, and his family in Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as his sister Abbie and her family in the Congo. They also visited friends in Holland and toured Italy, and enjoyed taking bus tours around the United States.
Ruddie never knew a stranger. He would visit with anyone and he loved to talk about farming. He would offer anyone a job if they would work, and would eventually help raise two boys who came to work for him in the field, Ralph Bruner and John Caffrey. John remains an important part of the Claassen family to this day.
Until he stopped driving in 2009, Ruddie would often be found driving around the farm making sure the boys were keeping up with the farm work. Velma would always have dinner waiting for him when he got home, regardless of the hour.
After Velma passed away in 2010, his youngest daughter, Ginger, and her husband, John, invited him into their home. For the last four and a half years of his life, Ruddie was cared for and loved by Ginger and all of his family in Ginger’s home.
Every day when he woke up he would ask, “What’s it doing outside?” and “Wonder what the boys are doing today?” He always wished he could do something on the farm, be it get on the tractor and pick up bales from the field, load manure from the corral or drive the loader while his grandsons picked up rocks in the field. In his later years, his children and grandchildren would often drive him to the home place so he could check on the farm.
On December 27, 2014, forty-seven members of the Claassen family gathered at Ginger’s home where Ruddie gave a special Christmas present to each of his children and grandchildren and spent one final evening with everyone. He was in great spirits and the evening together is a wonderful, lasting memory.
On December 31, 2014, Ruddie peacefully met the Lord with his daughters Ginger, Eileen and granddaughter, Katie, by his side. He passed away in his own bed, covered with his own quilt, and surrounded by pictures of his wife and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma, siblings Emil, Abbie, and Wilhelmina, and one great-granddaughter Hayden Rose King.
Ruddie is survived by his five children: Stan and Jan Claassen of Newton, Eileen and Ken Umholtz of Burrton, Dwight and Connie Claassen of Newton, Rogene and Jerry Shank of Quarryville, Pennsylvania, and Ginger and John King of Moundridge. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday (Jan. 4, 2015) between noon and 6pm, where the family will receive friends between 1 and 3.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday (Jan. 5, 2015) at the First Mennonite Church in Newton. Interment will be in the GreenwoodCemeteryin Newton at 2:30 P.M.
A memorial has been established with First Mennonite Church, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
Kenneth Wiebe
d. May 17, 2013
Hillsboro, Formerly of Durham – Kenneth Wiebe, 77, died May 17, 2013 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita. He was born November 22, 1935 to Isaac and Gladys (Redger) Wiebe in Hillsboro. He married
Sandy Mininger on October 2, 1987 at Almena, Wisconsin. He was a Farmer and Dairy man. Survivors include: wife Sandy Wiebe of Hillsboro; sons, Doyle (Karalee) Wiebe of Durham, Arden (Judy) of Gruver, Texas; daughter, Teresa Wiebe of Durham; brothers, Ransom of Durham, Clayton of Durham, Richard of Tampa; sisters, Lucille Mininger of Almena, Wisconsin, Christine Friesen of Muleshoe, Texas; 9 grandchildren. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2013 at Morning Star Mennonite Church rural Tampa, Kansas. Family receive guests from 6 to 8 Sunday at the Church.
Orville R. Stutzman, 91
Orville R. Stutzman, 91, passed away on Oct. 6, 2017, at Newton Medical Center.
He was born June 13, 1926, to Fred and Susie Roth Stutzman in East Lynne, Missouri.
He worked for Hesston Corporation for 25 years before retiring and for 35 years he owned and operated Stutzman Accounting Service. He was a member of Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston.
On March 19, 1953, he married
Ilea Voth. She passed on June 22, 1958.
He married
Myrtle L. Loucks on Feb. 12, 1959, at Canton. She passed on July 21, 2014.
He is also preceded in death by two sisters, Lela Gudde and Freda Hochstetler and a brother, Wayne.
He is survived by his children Twila Chaloupek of Wichita, Bonita (Gene) Stoddard of West Chicago, Illinois, Carol (George) Donovan of Grantville, Kent Stutzman of Newton; sisters, Doris McKee of Harrisonville, Missouri, Betty Honaker of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Dorothy Schindler of Liberty, Missouri, and seven grandchildren.
Graveside services were held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, at Eastlawn Cemetery, Hesston with a memorial service following at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston.
Family greeted friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at Schowalter Villa Chapel, Hesston.
Memorials may be sent to either the Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Fund or Gideon’s International in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston.
Jay L. Ferguson
(March 28, 1936 - October 30, 2014)
Jay Lee Ferguson, 78, of Newton, KS was killed in a tragic accident at Flight Safety International, Wichita, KS on Thursday, October 30, 2014.
He was born on March 28, 1936 in Monett, MO, the son of James Roy and Selena Itrice Ferguson. Jay attended public schools in Monett and Tulsa, graduating from Will Rogers High School, Tulsa, OK in 1954. He earned his BA in 1963, MA in 1968 and a PHD in 1971, all from the University of Iowa.
Jay taught Biology: at Bethel College in North Newton, KS from 1970-1972; at Coleman Junior High School in Wichita, KS from 1972-1974; at Newton High School from 1975-1979; and at Wichita North High School 1982-1998. In 1997, Jay earned his RN diploma and license through Hutchinson Community College and was a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita from 1997-2000. Jay's love of flying began in Iowa City, IA where he soloed in 1960. He later obtained his private pilot's license, ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) License with single and multi-engine ratings, plus CFII (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument). Over the years, Jay worked evenings and weekends as a self-employed flight instructor and charter pilot. He was chief charter pilot at Yingling Aviation, Wichita from 1978-1981. He was Company Pilot for Universal Products in Goddard, KS from 2000-2008. Jay worked at Flight Safety for 29 years; part-time from 1985-2009 and full-time starting in 2010.
In November 2013, Jay was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This award is presented to pilots that have been associated with Aviation for 50 or more years, flying accident free since their first solo flight. Co-workers described him as being an excellent instructor with an eye for detail, having unbelievable energy, a fun guy with a big heart who was always happy to help others… a wonderful human being. He loved spending time with family and video-taping all his grandkids' activities.
Jay is survived by his wife of 52 years, Thea Ferguson of the home; three daughters, Cathy Woodward of Newton, Jane Sanders and husband Danny of Sterling, CO, and Jill Jantz and husband Ashton of North Newton; two brothers, Gaylon Ferguson and Terry Foster and one sister, Janet Brown all of Tulsa, OK; also by four grandchildren, Lance and Caleb Woodward of Newton and Kyla and Erik Jantz of North Newton.
Jay was preceded in death by his father Roy Ferguson, mother Selena Itrice Ferguson Foster, stepfather Bill Foster and an infant son Paul Kevin Ferguson.
Jay was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Newton, KS where he had served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, Vestry member and Junior Warden.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation with the family will be at the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Newton from 6:30-8:00 pm on Saturday, November 8.
His memorial service will be Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 2:00 pm at St. Matthew's Church with a reception at the church to follow the service. Those attending the service are asked to wear bright colors as we celebrate Jay's life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to ORBIS, which operates a flying eye hospital. This plane, staffed by volunteers and equipped with an operating room, brings eye surgery to 3rd world countries. Contributions may be sent Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 East Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
Pamela K. Hostetler, 59
Pamela K. Hostetler, 59, passed away on Sept. 30, 2017, at her home in Hesston.
She was born Sept. 9, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Leo and Edna Dirks Willems.
She had owned and operated a daycare in her home for many years then worked at the Hesston High School as a registrar.
She was a member of the Hesston Mennonite Church and very active with the MCC Quilters Corner.
On March 10, 1979, she married
Donnie Hostetler at Hesston.
She is survived by her husband Donnie of Hesston; her children, Charissa (Chad) Robertson of Lawrence, Ryan Hostetler of Roeland Park; her mother, Edna Willems of Hesston; two grandchildren; two sisters, Sharon (Greg) Fast of Littleton, Colorado, and Lori (Paul) Westhoff of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her father, and a niece, Abby Fast. A visitation was held Oct. 4, at Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston. A funeral service was held Oct. 5, at Hesston Mennonite Church. Burial followed at Eastlawn Cemetery, rural Hesston.
Memorials may be sent to the Susan G. Komen Fund in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston.
David H. Krause
d. April 9, 2013
Hillsboro – David H. Krause, 99, passed away April 9, 2013 at Parkside homes in Hillsboro. He was born February 13, 1914 in Hillsboro, Kansas to Henry Cornelius and Kathrine Krause. He was a janitor for the public schools. Graveside service will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at GnadenauCemetery2 miles West of Hillsboro. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Roland Funk
(February 19, 1932 - September 28, 2013)
Roland "Rollie" D. Funk, 81, passed away Saturday, September 28, at Bethesda Home in Goessel, KS, where he had resided since June.
Roland was born February 19, 1932 in Goessel, KS, the only son of George and Marie Hiebert Funk. He had two older sisters, Luella and Francis, and one younger sister, Phyllis. He graduated from Goessel High School in 1950.
Roland married
Vernetta Reimer on November 27, 1952 at Goessel Mennonite Church. To this union, three sons were born: Rodney in 1954; Bruce in 1957, and Clifton in 1961.
Roland was preceeded in death by his parents, sisters Luella and Francis, and son Rod.
He is survived by his wife, Vernetta of Goessel, son Bruce and wife Nancy of North Newton, son Clifton and wife Susan of Hutchinson; grandchildren Michael Funk and wife Sara of Salt Lake City, UT, Gina Dreher and husband Adam of Wichita, KS, Rachel Funk of Wichita, KS, Hannah Funk and Faith Funk, both of Hutchinson, KS; one great grandchild Sutton Dreher (and two more great grandchildren on the way). He is also survived by sister Phyllis Goertzen and husband Leroy of rural Newton.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 2, at Grace Community Church, Newton, KS with private burial preceeding the service.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening between 6 and 8.
Memorials may be made to the Rod Funk Memorial Marching Band Scholarship Fund, c/o Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 East Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
Matilda "Tillie" Ekeland
(September 13, 1930 - September 24, 2013)
Matilda (Tillie) Ekeland, 83, died on September 24, 2013 at the Newton Medical Center in Newton, Kansas. She was born on September 13, 1930 to Katie(Koehn) and Cornelius B. Unruh in Enid, OK. On September 9, 1956, she married
Joseph (Joe) Ekeland in Wichita, KS. He died on April 4, 1986. Tillie graduated from Grace Bible Institute and also earned her Registered Nurse degree. She worked in the medical field, training at Wesley Hospital in Wichita, until her and Joe started a family. Tillie then stayed home to raise their three children, Mark, Marcia and Brian. Tillie held a membership with Grace Community Church. She spent many years volunteering for the Source of Light in Newton, KS. She enjoyed writing , and had several publications within the Source of Light literature. When Tillie moved to Newton on July 4, 1997 she stayed active with leading ladies ministries as well as teaching Ladies Bible Study groups. Tillie was preceded in death by her parents and her spouse, Joe; siblings, Deena Koehn, Mary Koehn, Lena Koehn, Lizzy Becker, Mabel Kauffman and Dan Unruh. Survivors include her 3 children and spouses and grandchildren and spouses; Mark (Bonnie) Ekeland, Sedgwick, Grandson , Jason (Leah), great-grandchildren, Daniel and Matthew, Burrton,KS , Justin (Sarah), great=grandchildren, Judah and Alexis, Newton, Jeremy (Jennalee) great grandchildren, Julia and Jaxon,Newton; daughter, Marcia (John) Nicholls, Fleming Island, FL, Grandson, Tyler (Devyn), Lakeland, FL, Grandson, Kyle Nicholls, Orlando, FL, Granddaughter, Charissa Nicholls, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Granddaughter, Melanie Nicholls, Orlando, FL and Grandson, Ryan Nicholls, Fleming Island, FL; son Brian (Melissa) Ekeland, Merriam, KS,Grandchildren, Cory, Ryan, Brianne, Alex and Lindsey Ekeland, Merriam, KS; sister, Susie Neufeld, 3 brothers, Walt Unruh, Paul Unruh and Leo Unruh. A book signing will be available to visitors on Friday, September 27, 2013, at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Memorial Services will be on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at the Grace Community Church, Newton, KS . Reverend Dave Reimer and Steve Friesen will be presiding. There will be a private family burial held in Meno, OK. Memorials may be made to the Source of Light Kansas, in care of the funeral home at 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114
Rex Heald
(September 9, 1926 - September 9, 2013)
Rex E. Heald, 87, died Monday (September 9, 2013) at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice center of Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus in Wichita.
He was born on September 9, 1926 on the family farm in Ottawa County, Kansas, the son of Harry and Glenna Windhorst Heald. Rex graduated from high school in Minneapolis, Kansas and later attended Kansas State University.
Rex served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked for a short while in Wichita at Boeing Aircraft before moving to a farm near Bentley, Ks. where he lived til the early 80’s when he moved with his parents to Wells, Ks. Rex moved to Hesston in 1994.
Rex was a member of the Hesston United Methodist Church, delivered Meals on Wheels, was active at the Hesston Area Sr. Center and Prairie Land Foods. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge.
Rex is survived by his sister Carolyn Holmes and her husband Leo of Hesston.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday (September 14, 2013) at the Hesston United Methodist Church.
A memorial has been established with the Hesston United Methodist Church, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening between 7 and 830.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
