Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Wendell Ivan Tyler
1915-2006
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Wendell Ivan Tyler, 91, died Sept. 10 at Plaza Manor in Kansas City, Mo. He was born on June 16, 1915, in St. John to B. Harrison and Mary Strader Tyler, Sr. A resident of Kansas City the last three years, he had previously lived in Hutchinson and Los Angeles, Calif. He attended Winfield College. He married
Alathea E. Stemons on Jan. 16, 1951, in Mexico. She survives. He was a butler. Mr. Tyler was a member of the NAACP and served in the United States Army. Survivors include his wife; four nieces, Marian E. Wilkins of Raytown, Mo., Lynne M. Tyler of Grandview, Mo., and Vera Snowden and Elva Lewis both of Hutchinson; a great-niece and two great-nephews. Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory in Hutchinson. Burial will follow at Penwell-Gabel cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Personal condolences may be left for the family at www.PenwellGabel.com. Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory 300 E. 30th Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67502
Georgine Theresa Wolfe
1920-2006
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Georgine Theresa Wolfe, 85, formerly of Ellis County, died Aug. 26 at the Garden Terrace Alzheimers Center at Seattle, Wash. She was born Dec. 20, 1920, in Victoria, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Wittman) Rajewski. She married
Robert S. Wolfe on Dec. 20, 1967. He died Nov. 5, 2005. She retired from Chevron Corporation where she worked for 30 years in the accounting department. She lived in Seattle for 40 years. Survivors include two brothers, Hubert Rajewski of Hays and Marvin Rajewski of Great Bend. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Vern G. Rajewski and Charles Rajewski; and two sisters, Cecilia Yost and Evelyn Chase. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Vincent.. Inurnment will be at Saint Boniface cemetery. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hays Medical Center or Masses. Cline's Mortuary of Hays and Victoria 1919 E. 22nd Hays, Ks. 67601
Mildred Elizabeth Fischer
1913-2006
Mildred Elizabeth Fischer, 93, of Great Bend, died Sept. 11 at Central Kansas Medical Center. She was born on May 26, 1913, in Quinter, the daughter of Alfred E. and Margaret Jane Chestnut Graham. She married
Wilhelm 'Swede' Fischer on July 14, 1938, in Stafford. He died on Nov. 5, 1992. She attend Sterling College where she received her teacher's certificate. She was a rural school teacher and substituted in Great Bend schools. She was also a nurse's aide at Central Kansas Medical Center and a private caregiver. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1951, coming from Stafford County. Mrs. Fischer was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church of Great Bend where she was very active for many years. She helped organize the Great Bend Gardenettes and was a member from 1954-1996. She started painting china while in her 60's. A display of her many china pieces was shown at the Great Bend Library in December of 2005. Survivors include one daughter, Joy Fischer of Littleton, Colo., and one sister, Ella McElroy of Topeka. She was preceded in death by a son, Jack Fischer; three brothers, Everett, Elmer and Samuel Graham, and one sister, Marie Tice. There will be no visitation or services, as creamation has taken place. Inurnment will be at a later date at Great Bend cemetery. Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Ks
Richard C. Brining
1923-2006
Richard C. Brining, 83, of Great Bend, died Sept. 12 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. He was born Jan. 5, 1923, in Great Bend, the son of John Raymond and Beula Marie Butler Brining. He married
Clarice Ellen Hammond on June 12, 1948, in Great Bend. She survives. He received his master's degree in education from Kansas University. He taught science in Oakley and eighth grade science at Central in Great Bend. He was an elementary school principal at Riley School for one year and principal at Washington School for 18 years, until retiring in 1973. He was a farmer and taught many children farming skills and values. He was a lifetime resident of Great Bend. Mr. Brining was a veteran of World War II, serving with the Army Air Corps where he trained to be a radio operator on B-24's and B-17's. He was also an expert marksman. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Lions Club and Busy Buzzers 4-H Club, all of Great Bend, and served as a Barton County Community College Trustee. He donated over 64 units of blood for the American Red Cross. He loved animals, traveling, children and all sorts of people. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Robert Brining and wife Linda of Aspen, Colo., and Roger Brining and wife Erika of Great Bend; one daughter, Linda Keener and husband Will of Albuquerque, N.M., one brother Raymond Brining of Great Bend; two sisters, Mildred Snyder of Oviedo, Fla., and Wilma Riegel of Lubbock, Texas, and five grandchildren, Andrew Keener, Anna Keener, Rachel Brining, Rebecca Brining and Robert Brining. Burial will be at 3 p.m. on Friday in the Great Bend cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, officiated by Pastorial Assistant Steve Thaden. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Richard Brining Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home or First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530. Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Ks
Fern B. Thompson
1916-2006
HOISINGTON - Fern B. Thompson, 90, died Sept. 9 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood. She was born on Aug. 29, 1916, in Iola to Katie Latimer. She married
Benjamin Thompson on March 10, 1934, at Garnett. He died on March 26, 1989. She had lived in Hoisington since 1944, coming from Salina and southeastern Kansas. She worked as a clerk at Rice Drug Store and the Cardinal Plaza Drug Store and later as a checker at Town and Country Grocery and CO Mammels, all in Hoisington. Mrs. Thompson was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, both of Hoisington. Survivors include one son, Benny Thompson of Hoisington; one daughter, Shirley Valerius of Woodward. Okla.; one brother, Earl Watson of Emporia; three sisters, Wilma Fields of Doniphan, Mo., Georgia Gumfroy of Emporia and Kathleen Hufferd of Chanute; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Thompson. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with the Rev. Gary Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Hoisington cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday. Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia Society of America in care of the funeral home. Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 N. Main, P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67530
Jean Foelgner
1927-2006
Jean Foelgner, 79, of Great Bend, died Sept. 8 in Great Bend. She was born on May 26, 1927, in Clinton, Mo., to Garland and Freda Baker McQueen, Sr. She was a resident of Great Bend for most of her life, coming from Clinton, Mo. She was a district manager for Central Kansas Electric Cooperative for 39 years, retiring in 1987. Jean was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Auxiliaries, Town and Country Racquet Club, Elks Club and Petroleum Club. Survivors include two daughters, Beverly Jean Anderson Mitchell of Helena, Mont., and Tonya Kay Foelgner Day of Las Vegas, Nev.; two brothers, Garland Clay McQueen Jr., of Linda, Calif., and Steve Ray McQueen of Kingman; three sisters, Wilma Beck, Clayta Jones and Mary Sowers, all of Kingman; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth D. McQueen; and two sisters, Olive Garlene Page and Sharon Flickner. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Great Bend with the Rev. Diana Coberly officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Great Bend cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral home with the family receiving friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Kans for Kids in care of the funeral home. Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Dorothy Virginia Younkin
1924-2006
EDMONDS, Wash. - Dorothy Virginia Younkin, 82, passed away Sept. 8, 2006, at her home in Edmonds, Wash., surrounded by her loving family. She was born Feb. 11, 1924, in McPherson to Fred and Lorraine Kerbs. They lived in Tampa, Kan. She graduated from Tampa High School in 1942 with honors as valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation Dorothy moved to Wichita where she was employed by the Boeing Airplane Company in the production of B-17 and B-29 bombers until the end of World War II. At the end of the war she returned home to live with her parents, who had moved to Great Bend. As the war boiled down, servicemen were returning home, taking up where they had left off before the war. Patricia Younkin Baxter was a good friend of Dorothy's and wanted Dorothy to meet her brother Merrill, who had just finished his service with the U.S. Navy. That introduction, in the spring of 1946, was the beginning of a lifelong journey for the two of them. Merrill and Dorothy were married
on Dec. 22, 1946. After a short honeymoon they moved to Wichita where Merrill had been attending college. Dorothy took a position as a teller for the First National Bank. Her working made it possible for Merrill to continue his education. After Merrill finished school, he obtained a job at Boeing Airplane Company as an industrial engineer. Dorothy continued to work for the First National Bank until 1953 when she took time off to have her children, a son Keith and a daughter Jayne. The family was now her focus and she spent her time supporting Boy and Girl Scout programs, youth church programs and school activities. Some of this she had missed as a young girl in the small town of Tampa and she wanted her children to have these good experiences. In 1968 Merrill was offered a position supporting the new Boeing 747 airplane program. The plane was to be built in Seattle. They accepted the opportunity and moved to Edmonds, Wash. After the children completed their schooling, Dorothy returned to the business of banking as a teller for the Seattle First National Bank/Bank of America until she retired. One of her main enjoyments was being a member of an organization know as Germans from Russia. Through this organization she was able to trace her family roots back to the 1700s. Her parents had lived in the small German village of Galka in Russia and immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. As a result of her endeavors of tracing her family roots, she became a coordinator for the village of Galka, Russia, providing her genealogy knowledge and experience to others who had a similar interest. She was a member of the Edmonds Lutheran Church, and a lifelong member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She gave much of herself and time to numerous charitable organizations. She and Merrill were also members of the Elks Travel Club and spent many outings in their motor home with enjoyment of many new friends. In recent years, after their retirement, they enjoyed traveling throughout the country, some of which was in their motor home. Each year they traveled to Palm Springs, Calif., to soak up some sunshine and to spend time visiting friends and relatives. Dorothy will always be remembered for her joy of life, her compassion and her great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives and hearts she touched in so many ways. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Merrill, her son Keith of Edmonds and her daughter Jayne of Edmonds. A memorial service will be held Sept. 16 at Edmonds Lutheran Church at 23525 84th Ave. West, Edmonds, Wash. Memorials may be given to the Edmonds Fire Department Donation Fund, 121-5th Ave. N., Edmonds, WA 98020.
Robert D. Burhenn
1944 - 2006
Robert D. Burhenn, 62, of Great Bend, died Sept. 8 at his home. He was born May 30, 1944, at Great Bend, the son of Ralph and Esther Kasselman Burhenn. He married
Marcia Riggs Earp on March 22, 1986, in Great Bend. A lifetime resident of Great Bend, he was a pump truck driver for Allied Cementing. Burhenn was a member of Community Christian Church, Great Bend. Survivors include his wife, Marcia Burhenn, of the home; step-son Josh Earp, of the home; mother Esther Burhenn, Great Bend; sister Connie Sager, Great Bend; three nephews and one niece. Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with Pastor Cecil Burhenn and Pastor Jack Sweany officiating. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Great Bend. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Feed the Children, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Elizabeth A. (Betty) Gerritzen
1916 - 2006
Elizabeth A. (Betty) Gerritzen, 90, of Great Bend, died Sept. 7 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. She was born May 30, 1916, at Windhorst, the daughter of Frank and Clara Fredelake Ackerman. She married
A.F. 'Louie' Gerritzen on Aug. 29, 1939, at Windhorst. He died on Aug. 7, 2001. A homemaker, she lived in Claflin from 1939 until she moved to Great Bend in 1995. Mrs. Gerritzen was a former member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Claflin, and was a member of the Catholic Community of Great Bend at St. Patrick and its Altar Society. Survivors include four daughters: Sharlene Reichard, Great Bend, Carol Davis, Dodge City, Marilyn Post and husband Gerald, Hutchinson, and Janet Weselch and husband Don, Sylvan Grove; one sister, Rose Downey, Stratton, Colo., six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Joanne Hamm; three sons-in-law, Leon Hamm, Art Reichard and Floyd Davis; and five brothers, Albert, Ed, Mike, Hank and Ray Ackerman. Altar Society rosary will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, followed by vigil service at 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Wesley Schawe officiating. Burial will be at Claflin cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Claflin Ambulance, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Brett A. White
2006
Brett A. White died on April 29 at his home in West Los Angeles, Calif. He was born in Russell, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Fagen N. White. He graduated from Russell High School in 1964 and from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., in 1968. He was employed by ABC in the Standards and Practices Department where he served as a manager and director in New York and Los Angeles. White was promoted to Vice President Broadcast Standards and Practices West Coast, and then promoted to Vice President for Broadcast Standards for Capital Cities/ABC, responsible for all program standards for entertainment programs broadcast by the ABC Television Network, including daytime, children's programming and prime time. He was also responsible for the administration of the West Coast Department of Broadcast Standards and Practices, from which he retired for health reasons. Following college, White served in the U.S. Army for three years, and was awarded the Bronze Star during his tour of duty in South Vietnam. White was a member of the debate squad, performed in various theatrical roles in school plays and was a member of Demolay in high school. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts. Survivors include two brothers, Dan White of Houston, Texas, and Ward White of Washington, D.C. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Russell City cemetery, with the Rev. Warren Hett officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Russell Regional Hospital and the American Lung Association, in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary 610 N. Maple Russell, Ks. 67665 ,
Viola M. Wolfe
1915 - 2006
NESS CITY - Viola M. Wolfe, 91, died Sept. 5 at the Ness County Long Term Care in Ness City. She was born July 26, 1915, on a farm in rural Ness County, the daughter of Henry and Lydia Brehem Stieben. She married
Harry W. Wolfe on March 22, 1934, at Bazine. He preceded her in death. She was a cook at Ness City High School for many years. Mrs. Wolfe was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Naomi Circle, and was a Thrift Shop volunteer, all in Ness City. Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn Griffiths, Topeka; a brother, Carl Stieben, Bazine; two sisters, Elnora Yaeger, Ness City, and LaVone Schweitzer Erb, Boulder, Colo.; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by sons Valoris Dean and Loren Keith Wolfe, two brothers, Bill Stieben and Lloyd Stieben; and three sisters, Clara Rein, Alma Byfield and Leona Schlegel. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Harlan Nonhoff officiating. Burial will be in the Bazine cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City, and from 10 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Women, Ness City. Funeral arrangements provided by Fitzgerald Funeral Home Inc. P.O. Box 96, 207 N. Pennsylvania Ness City, KS 67560 785-798-3243
James Douglas "Doug" Ritter
2006
WICHITA - James Douglas '˜Doug' Ritter, 49, Boeing Wichita engineering manager for 27 years, passed away Sept. 5, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Watson's Garden Chapel, with the Service of Life and Resurrection scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Rd., in Wichita. Interment will immediately follow at Watson's Reflection Pointe cemetery, 3201 S. Webb Rd., in Wichita. Doug was a graduate of the University of Kansas and Embry Riddle University. While having numerous assignments at Boeing, Doug was most proud of his work with advanced composite structures, where he received two U.S. patents for innovations he developed, his work on the 777 aircraft, and most recently, the Air borne Laser program. preceded in death by his father Lugene, Doug is survived by his wife and best friend of over 30 years, Karen and his daughters Kathryn and Emily, all of the home; his mother Barbara of Great Bend; his brothers Randy of Great Bend, Ben of Yuciapa, Calif., and Bob of Lane; his in-laws James and Karol Ritchie of Wichita; his brother-in-law and wife Mark Ritchie and Leah Hardy of Laramie, Wyo.; four nieces and two nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to remember Doug with memorials to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218, or the Sarcoma Foundation of America, 9884 Main St., P. O. Box 458, Damascus, Md., 20872. Watson Funeral Home 3201 S. Webb Rd. Wichita, KS 67210
Audrey Jean Lathrop
1931-2006
PRATT - Audrey Jean Lathrop, 75, died Sept. 3 at the Pratt Regional Medical Center. She was born on March 27, 1931, in Plains, the daughter of Johncy and Violet I. (Fairchild) Ramsey. As a young girl, she attended the Plains school system, graduating from Plains High School. She married
Harrison Dale Lathrop on March 11, 1949, in Plains. He survives. A resident of Pratt, having lived in Plains and Meade, she was a nurses aide and caregiver. She was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Meade and enjoyed sewing, cooking and singing for her children and grandchildren. Survivors include two sons, Robert 'Robb' D. Lathrop and wife Becky of Pratt and Rick L. Lathrop and wife, Glenda of Enterprise; three daughters, Pam Ramey and husband Steve of Hornlake, Miss., Tami Morse and husband Scott of Pratt, and Lonna Henderson and husband Kevin of Great Bend; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Craig Ramsey and D.E. Ramsey and one sister Oliva 'June' Suppes. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Meade with the Rev. Harry Fink presiding. Friends may call from 9 to 11:30 a.m. with family present from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary in Meade. Burial will be in the Plains cemetery in Plains. Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association in care of the funeral home. Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary 212 S. Fowler Meade, Ks. 67864
