Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Harry Friesen
1923-2009
Harry Friesen was born the 11th child of Jacob F. and Margaret (Isaac) Friesen on September 30, 1923 in Meade, Kansas. Four of his older siblings did not survive infancy, so Harry effectively became child number seven, following Margaret, Pete, Lena, Ann, Lee, and Ed. Youngest brother Dwaine was born eight years later.
The family moved to Nebraska when Harry was an infant and settled in the Jansen/Fairbury, area. The entire family pitched in with farming, gardening, and the milking of cows while Harry’s father traveled the country as a used farm implement repairer and salesman. Harry diligently mixed eight years of elementary school attendance in the Fairbury’s District 39 Grandy Grade School with hard work on the farm. He and his older siblings milked 28 cows by hand before breakfast and school, and then did it again after coming home from their studies.
Harry developed a strong work ethic and a sincere faith as a young man. His parents were deeply devoted to the Lord and faithful in the local church. On one occasion, in response to a traveling evangelist’s messages on the grace and salvation God offers us in His Son, Harry opened his heart to trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. Little did anyone know that the Lord was preparing this young person for a special assignment.
The Lord gave Harry a sharp mind and a keen appetite for learning, and he excelled in his studies. Upon graduating from 8th grade, he was awarded the American Legion’s outstanding boy student award for the entire county. Harry went on to graduate from Fairbury High School four years later in 1941 with a deep sense of call to ministry. The call had been cemented into his soul during his junior year when he nearly died from a ruptured appendix. In spite of two surgeries, Harry’s condition only worsened, and doctors finally gave up hope, calling the family in to say their good-bye’s. By the mercy of God and against all odds, and in answer to fervent prayer, Harry was healed. He realized that he’d been given a precious gift and so he offered that life in service to his Savior, never wavering from that commitment.
Harry enrolled as a ministerial student at Tabor College in the fall of 1941 and excelled again in his studies, especially those of the biblical languages. Perhaps his musical ear, his occasionally irritating gift of whistling, and his ability to mimic the sounds of many different animals and birds came in handy in the study of other languages. Extra-curricular involvements included basketball, gymnastics, choir, and reigns as ping pong and pancake eating champion. During his days at Tabor, Harry met, prayed for, courted and won the heart of Mildred Brenner from Woodbine, KS, and they were married
on June 1, 1945 after he graduated.
In July of 1945 Harry enrolled as a student at Dallas Theological Seminary where he completed a Masters of Theology degree in January of 1949. During his seminary years, he and Millie both sensed the Lord calling them to missionary service. Upon applying to the Mennonite Brethren Mission Board, they were assigned to begin a new mission outreach in post-war Japan. After a one year pastorate in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Harry and Millie were commissioned for service in Japan and arrived with daughter, Marilyn, and infant son, Steve, in March of 1951 after a harrowing and stormy voyage.
Plunging enthusiastically into language learning and evangelism, Harry, along with others on the missionary team, started multiple church plants in the Osaka metroplex. Harry was instrumental in setting up radio evangelism, a camp ministry, and a Bible school and seminary, where he invested himself in equipping others to reach out and pastor the growing number of Japan MB churches.
To further prepare for the job of training others, Harry returned to Dallas Theological Seminary for a two and a half year study leave in 1964, graduating in absentia with a Doctor of Theology degree in 1967. He was passionate about preaching and teaching the Word, giving leadership to the MB Seminary while also working as a part-time English faculty member at the University of Osaka near his house. From this strategic involvement, Harry and Millie began an outreach to students in their home, which they called “House for Ishibashi Students” or “HIS.” Out of the many students that Harry and Millie led to Christ and discipled, God called a significant number to serve as leaders in the church body. Student education and evangelism were hallmarks of Harry’s ministry. Evangelistic weekends and ski trips gave Harry a chance at the age of 57 to learn the new skill of snow skiing, something he enjoyed doing for many years into his late sixties.
After nearly 42 years of service for the Lord in Japan, where they raised their family of six, which expanded beyond Marilyn and Steve, to include Grace, Joyce, Phil, and Debbie, Harry and Millie retired to Kansas in 1992. They became active servants in ministry in the Hillsboro community and at Parkview MB Church. Harry preached, taught, served as elder and part-time visitation pastor for a number of years before his declining health took its toll. Harry was a life-long student of the Word and the times he lived in. He loved prophetic themes and was passionate about living a devoted life of love for Jesus, His church, and the nations.
Harry died peacefully and was ushered into the presence of Jesus last Wednesday evening, January 28th at 10:15 p.m. surrounded by family. “To live is Christ. To die is gain.” Dad believed that and in our grief, so do we his family, which include his dear wife of 63 years, Millie, daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Ken Fast of Sao Paulo, Brazil, son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Bobbie Friesen of Newton, Kansas, daughter and son-in-law, Grace and Eldon Steele of Tyler, Texas, daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Jim Herrington of Krasnodar, Russia, son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Susan Friesen of Concord, California, and daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Bill Phillips of Rowlett, Texas. One son, Billy was born in Japan in December of 1951, lived only two hours and is buried on Japanese soil. Harry also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four surviving siblings, Lena, Ann, Lee and Dwaine.
Robert C. Jost
d. May 6, 2014
Hillsboro – Robert C. Jost, 93, died May 6, 2014 at Parkside Home in Hillsboro. He was born August 12, 1920 to Peter G. and Elizabeth (Funk) Jost in Hillsboro. He married
Irene Ruth Fertig April 27, 1941 at Radium, Kansas. Survivors include: wife, Irene Jost of Hillsboro; son, Lynn A. (Joyce) Jost of Sterling, Colorado; daughters, Robetta Trapp of North Newton, Nancy (Robert) Ozick of Falcon, Colorado; grandchildren, Gretchen Wagner, Rachel Quick, Craig Jost, Darin Jost, Nathan Ozick; 5 great grandchildren; brother Karl Jost of Hillsboro; sister, Katherine Sommerfeld of Lindsborg. Predeceased by his son, Roger L. Jost in 1948 and son in law, Harold Trapp in 2002. Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at The Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church officiated by Pastor Adam Utecht. Memorials to Navigators, Bible Study Fellowship, or Melvin Pike Support in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.
Fern Marie Hein
d. January 16, 2015
Hillsboro – Fern Marie Hein, 94, died January 16, 2015 at Bethesda Home in Goessel. She was born December 31, 1920 at Peabody to William and Mary (Craney) Rollings. She married
Irvin E. Hein in 1938 at Peabody. He predeceased her in 1961. Survivors include: sons, Bill (Janet) of Rural Hillsboro, Don (Jean) of McPherson, James (Sharon) of Great Bend; daughter, Sharon (Pete) Unruh of Rural Newton; 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2015 at The Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church officiated by Pastor Brian Allen and Chaplain Gail Graber. Memorials to Bethesda Home in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, Kansas 67063.
Chester P. Miller
Chester P. Miller, 95, of Hesston, died Dec. 1 at Newton Medical Center.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Miller Funeral Home in Hesston, with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Schowalter Villa Chapel, with the Rev. John Murray officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at EastlawnCemeterynear Hesston.
He was born on Feb. 23, 1909, in Kalona, Iowa, to Jacob P. and Emma (Yoder) Miller. He was a farmer. On June 4, 1933, he married
Lydia Leona in Kalona. She preceded him in death. He was a member of Hesston Mennonite Church.
He lived in Iowa for 62 years, moving to Palmer Lake, Colo., in 1971, where he worked at Frontier Boys Village for four and a half years. He moved to Hesston in 1976.
Survivors include two sons, Laurel of Hesston and Arlen of Grove City, Ohio; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial fund has been established with Mennonite Voluntary Service.
Verla Darlene Redger
d. December 24, 2014
Hillsboro – Verla Darlene Redger. 87, died December 24, 2014 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. She was born October 18, 1927 to Lou and Tina (Smith) Redger North West Marion County. Survivors include: sister in law, Lola Redger of Rural Durham; nephew, Ray D. (Dawn Marie) Redger of Newton; niece, Lisa Redger of Wichita. Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro officiated by Pastor Susan Jantzen. Family will receive guests from 6 to 8 Sunday at Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Memorials to Peace ValleyCemeteryin care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.
Richard Graves
(July 3, 1927 - March 28, 2012)
RICHARD J. GRAVES, 84, died Wednesday (March 28, 2012) at the Aberdeen Village in Olathe, Ks.
He was born on July 13, 1927 in Newton, Ks., the son of Jacob and Mary Quiring Graves. The family moved from Brainerd into Newton when Richard was a child. He graduated from Newton High School in 1945. Richard served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Richard married
Beverly Jean Wallace on September 20, 1953 in Newton. They moved to Wichita where he was an accountant for many years. Beverly died on September 23, 1994. Richard continued to live in Wichita until moving to Olathe five years ago.
Survivors include his son Steven Graves and wife Beth of Parker, Colo.; daughters Cindy Lightle and husband Jon of Hays, Ks., and Susan Kempin and husband Don of Olathe; and nine grandchildren Rebecca Proctor and husband Logan, Cara Lightle, Brett Lightle, Sarah Graves, Annie Graves, Brenna Graves, Nick Kempin, Parker Kempin and Joe Kempin.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother Waldo; and sister Esther Charlton.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday (April 2, 2012) at the Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, Ks. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.
Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday 1pm til 8pm where the family will receive friends between 6 and 7.
A memorial has been established with Aberdeen Village, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
Dustin D. Thiesen
d. April 10, 2014
Goessel – Dustin D. Thiesen, 29, died April 10, 2014 at his residence rural Hillsboro. He was born December 16, 1984 to Duane D. and Donna K. (Janzen) Thiesen in Newton. Survivors include: father, Duane D. Thiesen of Gainsville, Texas; mother, Donna K. Spoonemore of rural Hillsboro; sisters, Jamie Spoonemore of rural Hillsboro, Holly Spoonemore of rural Hillsboro; His Companion dog, Duster. Celebration of life service will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2014 at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church rural Goessel officiated by Pastor Linda Ewert. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 Saturday, with family present from 6 to 8 at the Church. Memorials to Goessel Community Foundation (Junior High and High School Athletic and Music Scholarship) in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, Kansas 67063.
Harold E. Kilgore
(April 13, 1930 - November 1, 2011)
Harold E. Kilgore, 81, of Newton, died Tuesday (Nov. 1, 2011) at the Newton Medical Cetner.
He was born on April 13, 1930 in Mullinville, Kansas, the son of John and Ruth Burnett Kilgore. Harold graduated from high school in Mullinville. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
Harold married
LaVona Mae Schmidt on June 10, 1951 near Mullinville, Ks. He had worked for Northern Natural Gas in Mullinville for 36 years until retiring. The Kilgore’s moved to Newton in 1990. LaVona died on November 2, 1996.
Harold married
Joanne Lewis Hughes on October 9, 2004 at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton.
Harold was an avid square dancer, having been a member of the Kiowa County Kickers Dance Club and Newton Circle 8 Square Dance Club, he was also a member of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, volunteered for Meals on Wheels for several years, and a past member of the Newton Lions Club. Harold enjoyed wood working and was a people person.
Survivors include his wife Joanne of the home in Newton; sons Terry E. Kilgore and wife Laura of Newton, Byron D. Kilgore and wife Linda of Dothan, Ala.; daughter Janean K. Williams of Newton; step-son Steven M. Hughes and wife Jan of Victorville, Calif.; step-daughter Linda L. Khan and husband Ali of Olathe; brothers Quentin D. Kilgore and wife Irena of Sterling, Ks., Robert Kilgore of Greensburg, Ks.; sisters Shirley Brown of Windsor, Colo., Sharon S. Rudd of Bucklin, Ks.; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents; wife LaVona; and sister Velma Kilgore.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday (Nov. 4, 2011) at the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton. Graveside services and interment will be held at 3:30 P.M., Friday at the HillcrestCemeteryin Mullinville, Ks.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday 1pm til 8pm, where the family will receive friends between 5 and 7.
A memorial has been established with Meals On Wheels and Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton
Ray Abrahams
d. April 28, 2015
Hillsboro – Raymond Eldon Abrahams, 89, died April 28, 2015 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. He was born September 27, 1925 at Goessel to Cornelius and Anna (Dalke) Abrahams. He was Assistant Post Master at the Hillsboro Post Office. He married
Sylvia Unruh November 30, 1947 in Hillsboro. Survivors include: wife, Sylvia Abrahams of Hillsboro; sons, Rex (DeVonne) Abrahams of Canton, Kim (Carol) Abrahams of Rural Hillsboro; daughters, Dawn Abrahams of Moundridge, Bev (Darold) Klein of Ft. Collins, Colorado; brother, Charles (Genny) Abrahams of Hillsboro; brother in law, Bill Bartel of Glendale, California; sister in law, Ethel Abrahams of Hesston; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Predeceased by a sister, Verna Koehn and brother, Norman Abrahams. Celebration of Life service will Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro with Pastor Susan Jantzen officiating. Family will receive guests from 5 to 7 Monday at Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Memorials to Parkside Homes or Hillsboro Senior Center in lieu of flowers please in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.
Richard Potter
d. December 26, 2014
Hillsboro – Richard Potter, 66, died December 26, 2014 in Hillsboro. He was born April 13, 1948 in Clarinda, Iowa to Samuel and Inez (Carson) Potter. He was a painter. Survivors include: daughters, Christy (Guy) Potter – Kass of Stockertown, PA, Jennifer Potter of Los Angles, CA; brother, Larry Potter of McPherson; sister, Ruth Land of McPherson. A Time to Gather and Celebrate The Life of Richard Potter will be Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
CDR Donald L. Dahl
d. April 18, 2014
Hillsboro – CDR Donald L. Dahl and former State Representative 69, died April 18, 2014 at Hillsboro, Kansas. He was born March 19, 1945 to Abe and Irma (Franz) Dahl in Hillsboro. He was a Naval Officer. Survivors include: brother, Calvin (Arlene) Dahl of Maple Grove, Minnesota; sisters, Frances Unruh of Reedley, CA, Lillian Falls of Kingsburg, CA, Dorothy Dahl of Hillsboro, Sharon Schroeder of Hillsboro, Beverly (Jim) Boese of Longmont, CO, Barbara (Ted) Braun of Mooresville, N.C. Predeceased by a brother Willard Dahl in 1966. Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church officiated by Pastor Loyal Martin. Family will receive guests from 6 to 8 Thursday at the Church. Memorials to Tabor College in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, Kansas 67063.
Marilyn M. (Boese) McCann, 78
Marilyn M. (Boese) McCann, 78, died Thursday, April 2, 2015, at Newton Medical Center.
She was born Feb. 14, 1937, in Newton to Carl and Vera Mae (Winsky) Ewy.
On March 13, 1957, she married
Dale Boese and he preceded her in death on October 16, 2002.
She later married
Don McCann on June 26, 2006 at Newton. He survives of the home.
Marilyn was a 1955 honors graduate of Newton High School and was a member of the Hillcrest Community Church in Newton. She worked for Southwestern Bell and she and her first husband owned Boese Market from 1971 to 1991. She also worked as a shift manager at the Newton Braums for several years and as a secretary Alumbaugh-Boese and Newton Property Management.
Marilyn was active with the 1st Mennonite Church Jail Visitation Team, Newton Ect Cetera Shop and a member of the Newton Carriage Factory Art Gallery.
She is survived by her husband Don of the home; children: Mitch and his wife Danielle of Newton, Mike and his wife Traci of Tucson, Ariz., Nathan Boese of Newton, Tim and his wife Julie of Halstead, step-children Duane McCann of McPherson, Vicky McCann of Newton, and Becky and her husband Bobby Gillisipie of Newton; brother Victor and his wife Sandra Ewy of Clarion, Penn. and sister-in-law Jami Williams Cassoday. Marilyn is also survived by 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Dale Boese, step-father M.C. Williams and brother David Williams.
A funeral service was held April 7 at Hillcrest Community Church in Newton with Pastors Tony Johnson and Mitch Boese presiding. A visitation was held April 6 at Petersen Funeral Home.
Burial will be in the Restlawn Gardens of Memory Rural Newton.
Memorials are suggested to Hillcrest Community Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
