Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Helen A. Hoener Hester
1913 - 2006
HUTCHINSON - Helen A. Hoener Hester, 92, died Jan. 4 at Oliver and Helen Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers. She was born Dec. 21, 1913, at Blue Rapids, the daughter of Joseph H. and Rebecca Billingsley Elliott. She was a Hutchinson resident since 1970 moving from Great Bend. She was a graduate of Stafford High School. She had taught at a country school in the Stafford area and had been employed by the Central Kansas Library Book Processing Center in Great Bend. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, where she was a member of the Together Sunday School Class. She had been a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and Superintendent of the Primary Department at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend. She was a 50 year member P.E.O., Chapter B.Y. She and her husband Oliver were great supporters of Hutchinson, through the Hutchinson Community Foundation, and were avid World travelers, including such destinations as Athens, Tahiti and the Canary Islands. She married
Grant L. Hoener on Aug. 18, 1936, at Stafford. He died April 9, 1967. She later married
Oliver R. Hester on March 28, 1970, at Hutchinson. He died Dec. 1, 1997. Survivors include one son, Joseph E. Hoener and wife Janet of Hutchinson; one daughter, Sarah E. Shirer and husband Brad of Great Bend; one brother, Roland Elliot of Hutchinson; one sister, Elizabeth Smith of Huntsville, Texas; grandchildren, Susan Robertson, William Sowles, Samuel Hoener, Augusta Hoener, Cpl. Anthony Dart III USMC and Mary Dart; and great-grandchildren, Aaron Robertson, Nathan Robertson, Logan Robertson, Cody Robertson, David Sowles, Conner Sowles, and Alyssa Sowles. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Franklin and Samuel Elliott; and son-in-law, Bill Sowles. The Funeral was at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Nick Warner officiating. Burial was at the Stafford cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist or Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center or Wesley Towers in care of Elliott Mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Elliott Mortuary 1219 N. Main Hutchinson, KS 67501
Theresa Stadler
TOPEKA - Theresa Stadler, 78, died Jan. 6, Topeka, Kan. Survivors include her children, Mary Albright, Great Bend, Ruth Holmes, Albany Ore, Theresa Huslig and Paul Stadler II, both of Wichita, Gina Scott, Manhattan, Margaret McDonald, Berryton, and Barb Hilger, Inola Okla., one sister, Kathleen Browne and one brother, Florian Browne, both of Topeka, and 27 grandchildren. Mrs. Stadler will lie in state from 3-7 p.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka. A rosary will be at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart Church and Hayden High School, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home. Funeral Arrangements provided by Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home 2801 S W Urish Rd Topeka, KS 66614
Edna B. Oberle
1919 - 2006
GREAT BEND - Edna B. Oberle, 86, died Jan. 6 at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood. born September 19, 1919 to Edward and Bertha (Kratky) Blazek. She was a resident of Great Bend, a member of the Catholic community of Great Bend St. Rose and St. Rose Altar Society. She married
George B. Oberle on April 20, 1937 at St. Peter and Paul Church, Ellinwood. He died Nov. 4, 1998. She worked as a homemaker Survivors include one son, Larry Oberle, Ellinwood, daughter Marlene Schwartz, Houston, Texas, three brothers, Ernie Blazek, Great Bend, Richard Blazek, Great Bend, Eddie Blazek, Mission, Texas, one sister, Leonan Kaiser, Ellinwood, eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Robert G. Oberle, and one sister, LaVerne Gardner. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, Father Reginald A Urban presiding. Interment at Great Bend Cemetary. Visitation Sunday Jan, 8 from 3-9 p.m. and Monday from 9-9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Belt Home and Hospice or The Family in care of the funeral home. Funeral Arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Rd Great Bend, KS 67530
Ralph E. Richardson
1940 - 2006
HOISINGTON - Ralph E. Richardson, 65, died Jan. 7, at Medicalodge of Douglas, Douglas, Kan. born Oct. 8, 1940 at Huron S.D. to J. Harold Richardson and Neva L. (Hill) Richardson. He was a graduate of Hoisington High School in 1959, attended South Dakota State University and Sterling College, Sterling, Kan. He was a longtime resident of Hoisington, and employee of the Hoisington Cheese Plant. Richardson attended the former Vine United Methodist Church of Hoisington, and was a member of the Great Bend Racquet Club. Survivors include his sister Joyce Richardson, Hoisington and several cousins. Visitation will be 1-8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. until the time of services. Funeral services will be Monday, 1:30 p.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Rev. Wayne Flanders officiating. Burial will be at the Hoisington cemetery. Memorials are donors choice in care of the funeral home. Funeral Arrangements provided by Nichloson-Ricke Funeral Home P.O. Box 146 415 North Main Hoisington, KS 67544
Minnie A Schenk
1910 - 2006
LACROSSE - Minnie A Schenk, 95, died Jan. 6 at Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, La Crosse, Kan. born March 2, 1910 at Olmitz, Kan to John Schenk and Lucy (Kittel) Schenk. She was a Barton County resident before moving to La Crosse in 1985. Miss Schenk was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Olmitz, and St. Michael's Catholic Church in LaCrosse. Survivors include two sisters, Theresa Riedi, Wichita, and Anna Schenk, La Crosse. She was preceded in death by one brother, Herman Schenk. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-6 p.m. at the Janousek Funeral Home in La Crosse, with the family receiving friends from 4 - 4:30 p.m. A vigil service and rosary will be at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, LaCrosse, Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Interment will be at La Crosse City cemetery. Memorials may be made to Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, or the Alzheimer's Association. Funeral Arrangements provided by Janousek Funeral Home 719 Pine P.O. Box 550 La Crosse, KS 67548
Marjorie Ann Wildgen
LAWRENCE - Marjorie Ann Wildgen, 90, was born July 6, 1915, in Greeley, the daughter of Chris and Mariee (Rees) Wustefeld. She was a graduate of Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison with a B.S. in Music. She married
Henry C. Wildgen on Jan. 17, 1945, in Greeley. He died in 1970. She taught school in Greeley High School and St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Hoisington and retired in 1988. Wildgen was a former member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington and Lawrence. Survivors include four sons, Mike of Lawrence, Maurice of Rockville, Md., Paul of Overland Park and Brother Patrick Wildgen of Baltimore, Md.; one sister, LoRess Wallman of Minnetonka, Minn.; and grandchildren. A rosary service will be at 6:45 p.m. today with the family greeting friends following at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic cemetery in Hoisington. The family suggests memorials to St. John Campus Library/Technology Fund or Benedictine College Endowment Fund in Atchison in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Warren-McElwain 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044
Alberta Mae Cravens
1929 - 2006
ST. JOHN - Alberta Mae Cravens, 76, died Jan. 4 at Cherry Creek Care Home in Wichita. She was born Feb. 21, 1929, near Butler, Okla., the daughter of John Valentine and Cora Rachel (Willis) Ramsey. She was a homemaker, housekeeper, nurses aide and licensed psychiatric nurse. She was a past resident of Anthony, St. John, Medicine Lodge and currently of Wichita. Survivors include four sons, Russ Cravens of Helena, Mont., Dan Cravens of Harlingen, Texas, Rex Cravens of Yukon, Okla., and Fred Cravens of Rockaway Beach, Mo.; two daughters, Sheila Haase of Wichita, and Hope Budge of Pretty Prairie; two brothers, John Ramsey, Jr. of Watonga, Okla., and Don Ramsey of Mulvane; three sisters, Evylene Ray of Clinton, Okla., Louise Stratton of Bakersfield, Calif., and June Shaull of Dayton, Nev.; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Minnis Chapel in St. John with the Rev. David Ford officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Park in St. John. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to USD 350, St. John/Hudson Education Foundation. Funeral arrangements provided by Minnis Chapel, Inc. 526 E. 4th St. John, KS 67576
Helen A. Hoener Hester
1913 - 2006
HUTCHINSON - Helen A. Hoener Hester, 92, died Jan. 4 at Oliver and Helen Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers. She was born Dec. 21, 1913, at Blue Rapids, the daughter of Joseph H. and Rebecca Billingsley Elliott. She was a Hutchinson resident since 1970 moving from Great Bend. She was a graduate of Stafford High School. She had taught at a country school in the Stafford area and had been employed by the Central Kansas Library Book Processing Center in Great Bend. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, where she was a member of the Together Sunday School Class. She had been a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and Superintendent of the Primary Department at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend. She was a 50 year member P.E.O., Chapter B.Y. She and her husband Oliver were great supporters of Hutchinson, through the Hutchinson Community Foundation, and were avid World travelers, including such destinations as Athens, Tahiti and the Canary Islands. She married
Grant L. Hoener on Aug. 18, 1936, at Stafford. He died April 9, 1967. She later married
Oliver R. Hester on March 28, 1970, at Hutchinson. He died Dec. 1, 1997. Survivors include one son, Joseph E. Hoener and wife Janet of Hutchinson; one daughter, Sarah E. Shirer and husband Brad of Great Bend; one brother, Roland Elliot of Hutchinson; one sister, Betty Elizabeth Smith of Huntsville, Texas; grandchildren, Susan Robertson, William Sowles, Samuel Hoener, Augusta Hoener, Cpl. Anthony Dart III USMC and Mary Dart; and great-grandchildren, Aaron Robertson, Nathan Robertson, Logan Robertson, Cody Robertson, David Sowles, Conner Sowles, and Alyssa Sowles. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Franklin and Samuel Elliott. Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Nick Warner officiating. Burial will be at the Stafford cemetery. Friends may call today from 5-9 p.m. and Friday 9-9 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist or Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center or Wesley Towers in care of Elliott Mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Elliott Mortuary 1219 N. Main Hutchinson, KS 67501
Marjorie Ann Wildgen
LAWRENCE - Marjorie Ann Wildgen, 90, was born July 6, 1915, in Greeley, the daughter of Chris and Mariee (Rees) Wustefeld. She was a graduate of Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison with a B.S. in Music. She married
Henry C. Wildgen on Jan. 17, 1945, in Greeley. He died in 1970. She taught school in Greeley High School and St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Hoisington and retired in 1988. Wildgen was a former member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington and Lawrence. Survivors include four sons, Mike, Lawrence and Maurice, all of Rockville, Md., Paul of Overland Park; one brother, Patrick Wildgen of Baltimore, Md.; one sister, LoRess Wallman of Minnetonka, Minn.; and grandchildren. A rosary service will be at 6:45 p.m. today with the family greeting friends following at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family suggests memorials to St. John Campus Library/Technology Fund or Benedictine College Endowment Fund in Atchison in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Warren-McElwain 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044
Lona (Harmon) Downing
1932 - 2006
RAYTOWN, Mo. - Lona (Harmon) Downing, 73, passed away Jan. 1 at her home in Raytown, Mo. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. today at Missouri Funeral Care in Raytown, Mo. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park cemetery in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Temple Heights Manor II. Lona was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Perryton, Texas, to Forest Neal Harmon and Mary Alice (Deal). She attended Ft. Collins, Colo. Lona owned and operated Book Nook bookstores in Manhattan and Topeka until she retired in 1990 afer the death of her husband, Orlin Arlo Downing. Her great-grandchildren, Jessica and Jordan Nelson, also preceded Lona in death. She is survived by her son, Michael Downing and wife Joyce of Raytown, Mo.; daughters, Michele Blanton and husband Jim of Manhattan, and Sue Korthanke of Hiawathe; grandchildren, Jason Nelson of Ulysses, Crystal Martin of Maize and Heather Ebert of Manhattan; and great-grandchildren, Brittany Martin, Liberty Nelson, Blake Martin, and Brynn Ebert. Funeral arrangements provided by Missouri Funeral Care 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytwon, MO 64133
Joanne C. Estes
1945 - 2006
Joanne C. Estes, 60, died Jan. 2 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. She was born May 5, 1945, at Clay Center, the daughter of Clarence and Emma D. Grote Fajen. She was an associate with John Jaco Incorporated. She was a resident of Great Bend for 40 years coming from Abilene. She was a licensed real estate agent, a member of Kansas Society of Insurance Women where she served as president, vice president, Chairman of Education Bulletin Committee, Editor of Isurabelles, and was Girl of the Month. She was a Chamber Diplomat, Secretary Treasurer of Barton County Independent Agents for 25 years, member of the Great Bend Board of Realtors where she served as tresurer and budget chairman and worked for the 3I Show for several years. Jo was a long time supporter of Great Bend Community Theater. In addition to serving as secretary and treasurer for many years, her talents spanned a wide range of volunteer tasks including directing, performing, costuming, set decoration and graphics design. In recent years many hours were spent at her computer keeping records for the theater and developing a community theater website. She bowled on a Kansas State Championship team sponsored by John Jaco, Inc. Survivors include his sister, Dixie Koepsel and husband Leland of Clay Center; one brother, Lyle Fajen and wife Viola of Scottsdale, Ariz.; three nephews; two nieces; and six great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence in 1969 and Emma in 1993. Funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with the Rev. James A. Strasen officiating. Interment will be at 2 p.m. at Greenwood cemetery in Clay Center with the Rev. Arno Meyer officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Great Bend Community Theater or Gold Belt Home Health and Hospice in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Rd. Great Bend, KS 67530
Charles Alfred Mog
1913 - 2006
MCPHERSON - Charles Alfred Mog, 92, died Jan. 3 at Memorial Hospital in McPherson. He was born May 19, 1913, in Ellsworth County, the son of Edward and Mary (Kodyek) Mog. He attended Blackwolf schools in Blackwolf. He married
Viola Clara Panzer on June 5, 1937, at Ellsworth. She died on Nov. 3, 2000. He start working for Boeing of Wichita as a machinist during World War II. He then started Mog Construction Company in Great Bend until he sold his business and moved his family to California. He then began working for Mendelson/McCarthy Company doing machine work. He later worked for North American Aviation as a quality control inspector until his retirement in 1974. Mog was a member of Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bellflower, Calif., and Masonic Lodge in Great Bend and in California. Survivors include three daughters, Delores Harrison of Norwalk, Calif., Shirley Corbus of McPherson, and Barbara Mog of McPherson; two sisters, Evelyn Grubb of Hays, and Beatrice Thompson of Bolivar, Mo.; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; four brothers, Earl, Edward, Ben and Jon Mog; three sisters, Pearl Janousek, Blance Sullivan and Caroline Vickers; and one grandson, David Corbus. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Countryside Covenant Church in McPherson with Tim Holgerson officiating. Burial will be at the McPherson cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 1-5 p.m. with the family present from 3-5 p.m. at GliddenEdiger Chapel. Memorials are suggested to McPherson Shrine Childrens Fund in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home 222 West Euclid St. McPherson, KS 67460
Ronn D. Heise
1961 - 2006
RUSSELL - Ronn D. Heise, age 44, of Russell, passed away on Monday, Jan.2 at Hays Medical Center. Ronn was born on July 5, 1961, at Westmoreland, the son of Harold and Theresa (Navinskey) Heise. He was baptized into the Catholic Church on July 9, 1961. He grew up in El Dorado and was a 1979 graduate of El Dorado High School. He continued his education at Butler County Community College and graduated with a Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 1981. He started his career in the funeral business at the age of fourteen, at the Kirby-Morris Funeral Home in El Dorado. Ronn continued to work in El Dorado after he received his degree until he joined the Lamb-Roberts Funeral Homes of Ottawa, Baldwin City and Overbrook, Kansas in 1989. He owned these businesses from 1990 until purchasing the Pohlman-Heise Mortuary & Monuments located in Russell and Natoma, Kansas in 2003. The most important things in Ronn's life were God, his family and his work. Ronn's passion was in hunting with his boys, his high school buddies and his dogs. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children on ski trips, watching Ashley's dances and softball games, Kyle in his baseball games and golf tournaments, Brad in his football games and helping coach Alexis in t-ball and duck-calling. Ronn and Ty, enjoyed praying, working, traveling and raising their family together. Ronn was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus in Russell. In Ottawa, he was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a former member of the Ottawa Library Board; the Ottawa Elks Lodge; the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 2700; the Ottawa-Franklin County Economic Development Board; and the Knights of Columbus. In both Ottawa and Russell; Ronn was active in Ducks Unlimited and was responsible for helping to raise thousands of dollars for the creation & sustaining of habitat for waterfowl in both areas. He was a member and past president of the Ottawa Rotary Club and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. In Russell, he was a member of the Russell Rotary Club and the Russell Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and was serving as Vice President on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association. He had also served KFDA as the Chairman of the Medical Liaison Committee. Ronn is survived by his family; his wife, Ty R. Heise of the home; two daughters, Ashley Heise of Manhattan, and Alexis Heise of the home; two sons, Bradley Heise of the home and Kyle Fetters of Manhattan; his parents, Harold and Theresa Heise of El Dorado; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Jane Heise of Augusta; serveral nieces and nephews and numerous family member of Ty's from St. Joseph, Mo. Ronn is preceded in death by his first wife Paula (Wise) Heise, maternal grandparents John & Lucille Navinksy, paternal grandparents Edward and Georgianna Heise, sister-in-law Kathe (Wise) Justice, and former father-in-law Raymond Dale Wise. Ronn will lie in state from 1-8 p.m. today at the Pohlman-Heise Mortuary in Russell. A vigil & Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. followed by a service of Memorial tributes lead by Rev. Kevin Hopkins. On Friday, Jan. 6, Ronn will lie in state from 3-8 p.m. at the Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home in Ottawa. A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. followed by a service of Memorial tributes and sharing stories of time spent with Ronn led by Rev. Henry Roberts. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Highland cemetery in Ottawa. The family suggests memorials in his name to the Children's Education Fund; Baptismal Fount at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Russell or the Sacred Heart School in Ottawa, and may be sent in care of the Pohlman-Heise Mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Pohlman-Heise Funeral Home 610 North Maple Street Russell, KS 67665
