Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Brandon Michael McPherson
1987-2004
WEATHERBY LAKE, Mo. - Brandon Michael McPherson, age 16 and 10 months, of Weatherby Lake, Mo., passed away Saturday, April 10. Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW, Highway 9, Kansas City, Mo., at 6 p.m. today. The Boy Scout Mi-co-say Ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Therese Catholic Church. Burial will be at Mt. Moriah cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to Park Hill Education Foundation or Boy Scout Troop 395 Scholarship Fund in Brandon's memory. Brandon was born May 31, 1987, in North Kansas City, Mo. The son of Brit and Denise McPherson, Brandon's passion for life and depth of character is best expressed by one of his favorite quotations: 'I don't think there's anything worse than being ordinary.' Brandon was anything but ordinary; he excelled in sports, school, scouting and civic leadership. Family and friends were a central part of his life. He lived life to its fullest and wanted to give more than he received. Brandon enjoyed SPCAA soccer, Wings WMSL soccer and was the team captain of the Park Hill tennis team. He embraced school for academics, the opportunity for leadership and his wit and charm brought many a smile. He was active in Park Hill High School Debate, Tarkus, Junior Assembly, National Honor Society, Character Council and was the vice president of the junior class. He recently donated 15 inches of his hair to Locks for Love. He was a life scout in Boy Scout Troop 395, earned the Arrow of Light from Cub Scout Pack 441, den chief in Cub Scout Pack 444 and a Hardway Warrior in the tribe of Mi-co-say with a tribal name of Blue Bull Shark. Brandon was a member of St. Therese Catholic parish. He is survived by his parents, Brit and Denise McPherson of Weatherby Lake; his brother and nephew, David and Parker McPherson of Tucson, Ariz.; his sister, Courtney McPherson of Fort Worth, Texas; his grandparents, Brock and Barbara McPherson of Great Bend; and Rosemary Moore of Dickinson, Texas; his great-grandmother, Thelma McPherson of Salina; his aunts and uncles, Brad and Suzanne McPherson of Van Buren, Ark., Blair and Teresa McPherson of Great Bend, Boyd and Lisa McPherson of Wichita, Garry and DaNean Tolle of Valley Center; his cousins, Erik, Alex, Hugh, Baylor, Emily, Melanie, Kelsie, Brice, Trevor and Rachelle. Heritage Funeral Home of Parkville, Mo., is in charge of arrangements. Funeral arrangements provided by Heritage Funeral Home* 401 Main Parkville, MO 64152
Dorothy L. Cavenah
1926-2004
SALINA - Dorothy L. Cavenah, 77, died April 8 at Salina. She was born Dorothy Lucille Finger on Sept. 21, 1926 at Odin. She had owned and operated the Juno Liquor Store in La Crosse. She also worked for Reggies Decorating in McPherson. After moving to Salina, she had worked for Jilka Furniture, until retiring in 1988. She is preceded in death by her first husband, James H. Juno in 1951 and her second husband Glenn Cavenah in 1979; her parents, Francis L. and Clara C. Demel Finger; two stepchildren, Ramona Kincaid and David Cavenah; and one sister, Mildred A. Phillips. She is survived by one son, James F. and wife Tancy Juno of McKinney, Texas; one daughter, Carolyn A. and husband Bob Parbs of Marrero, La.; four stepsons, Kenneth Cavenah of Rapid City, S.D., Charles Cavenah of Tulsa, Okla., Larry Cavenah of Bakersfield, Calif., and Dennis Cavenah of Sapulpa, Okla.; three stepdaughters, Juanita McCoy and Patty Borchert, both of Hutchinson, and Colette Cavenah of Columbia, Mo.; three brothers, Leonard of Larned, Marvin of Rozel and Francis Jr. of Fayetteville, Ark.; three sisters, Catherine A. Kuhlman of Trumbull, Neb., Mary Lou Wheeler of McPherson and Carolyn C. Urban of Salina; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1000 Burr Oak Lane, Salina. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Monday at La Crosse City cemetery. A vigil/rosary service will be 7 p.m. today at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth St., Salina. Memorials are suggested to the church building fund or to the donor's choice, both in care of the funeral home. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Ryan Mortuary* 137 N. Eighth St. Salina, KS 67401
Morris F. Brazda
1929-2004
VINITA, Okla. - Morris F. Brazda, 75, died April 7 at his home. He was born Jan. 16, 1929, at Olmitz, the son of Frank L. and Lillian A. Tuzicka Brazda Calp. He married
Mary I. Kutina Marcotte Aug. 5, 1979, at Great Bend. A resident of Vinita since October 2003, coming from Great Bend, he was retired from Sherman-O'Neal Tank Company. Brazda was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111, American Legion Post 180, Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge, all of Great Bend. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife of the home; four sons, Morris 'Jay' Brazda of Timken, Dennis Brazda of Hays, Dr. Alan Marcotte of Winfield and Dr. John Marcotte of Vinita; five daughters, Sandy Hartman of Lincoln, Neb., Debbie Cochran of Sioux City, S.D., Christina Colombo of Strong City, Cynthia Stamer of Plano, Texas, and Connie Rehberg of Fort Collins, Colo.; three brothers, Alvin Brazda of Las Vegas, Nev., Calvin Calp of Hoisington and Charles Calp of Susank; one sister, Betty Puckett of Gainesville, Texas; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home of Great Bend. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Ted Stoecklein officiating. Burial will be at Great Bend cemetery with full military honors. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, in care of First National Bank & Trust, 102 E. Illinois, Vinita, OK 75301 or Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, 1685 Branham Lane, Suite 227, San Jose, CA 95118. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Lydia Weber
1920-2004
Lydia Weber, 83, of Great Bend, died April 10 at her residence. She was born April 27, 1920, at St. Leo, the daughter of William and Martha Blasi Schwartz. She married
George Weber Aug. 9, 1943, at Great Bend. He died Aug. 9, 1968. A lifetime resident of Great Bend, she was a homemaker and worked in distribution for Fuller Brush Company, retiring in 1986. Mrs. Weber was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society and Eagles Auxiliary, all of Great Bend. Survivors include three sons, George Weber and Eugene Weber, both of Great Bend, and Don Weber of Armona, Calif.; four daughters, Judy Schroeder of Lincoln, Jolene Schridde and Marilyn 'Fuzzy' Chansler, both of Great Bend, and Denise Walton of Stafford; two brothers, Maurice Schwartz of Great Bend and Reinhardt Schwartz of Chase; two sisters, Edie Keeler of Great Bend and Rosie Henning of Willowdale; 33 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and nine stepgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Ed Weber; one daughter, Joyce Moos Pugh; one brother, Arthur Schwartz; two sisters, Sally Gregg and Marcie Suchy; two grandchildren, Mari McCormick and John Weber; and one great-grandchild, Justin Weber. Altar Society rosary will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Vigil will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Ted Stoecklein officiating. Burial will be at Great Bend cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Marion K. Meyer
1923-2004
NEW UNDERWOOD, S.D. - Marion K. Meyer, 80, of New Underwood, S.D., died on March 31 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. The son of Charley and Bertha Otte Meyer of Great Bend, he was born Oct. 8, 1923, in Heizer. He attended Great Bend High School until joining the Navy. Marion served in the Navy from 1943-1946 on the USS Thompson as a machinist mate second class. He participated in the Normandy invasion. He also served in the Air Force from 1951-1974 as a vehicle mechanic, retiring as a master sergeant. He then worked at Ellsworth Air Force Base from 1974-1990, retiring from the Civil Service as a vehicle mechanic. Military service included tours in Japan, Korea, Thailand, France, Germany, California, Florida, Kansas, South Dakota and England. On May 20, 2001, in recognition of military service during World War II, he joined the Great Bend High School graduating class in receiving his high school diploma. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 54 years, Wilma; his father, Charley, of Great Bend; one daughter, Alyn Meyer-Gravatt and husband Jerry of Rapid City, S.D.; one son, Ken and wife Judy of Muscatine, Iowa; five grandchildren, Chase and Carter Gravatt of Rapid City, Kolbe Gravatt of Reno, Nev., Lindsey Herlein and Randyl Meyer of Muscatine; and one sister, Carolyn Meyer of Aurora, Colo. His mother Bertha, preceded him in death. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique John Deere tractors, hunting, traveling to visit family and friends, including the USS Thompson reunions, and working on his family genealogy. Marion's wish was to be cremated. Services were at Black Hills National cemetery on April 5, with Chaplain Moe Griener officiating. Military honors were provided by TREA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Marion's name. Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City was in charge of arrangements. Funeral Arrangements provided by Kirk Funeral Home P.O. Box 2846 Rapid City, S.D.
Ruth Naomi Schrader Stafford
1912-2004
HUTCHINSON - Ruth Naomi Schrader Stafford, 91, died April 7 at Hutchinson Hospital. She was born July 30, 1912, at Hutchinson, the daughter of Abraham Ned and Gertrude Goertzen Schrader. She married
Donald O. Stafford Oct. 28, 1934, at Hutchinson. A resident of Hutchinson, coming from Great Bend, she was a homemaker. She was a former member of United Brethren Church of Hutchinson. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Ron Stafford of Overland Park; two daughters, Linda Shultz of Woodbridge, Va., and Sharon Garey of Sterling; two sisters, Esther Rand of Oroville, Calif., and Mary Spaniol of Wichita; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by one son, Jerry Stafford; two brothers, Harold Schrader and James Schrader; and two sisters, Ruby Base and Minnie Base. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Park cemetery in Hutchinson with the Rev. Harold E. Nelson officiating. The casket will remain closed. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, both at Elliott Mortuary in Hutchinson. Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association or Cancer Council of Reno County, both in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Elliott Mortuary 1219 N. Main St. Hutchinson, KS 67501
Lillian M. Beck
1932-2004
HOISINGTON - Lillian M. Beck, 72, died April 8 at her residence in Hoisington. She was born Feb. 12, 1932, at Loretto, the daughter of Joseph A. and Josephine Pfannenstiel Urban. She married
Gene F. Beck Nov. 27, 1950, at Hoisington. A lifetime resident of Hoisington, she was a homemaker and secretary. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society. Survivors include her husband of the home; three sons, Allan Beck of Claflin, Ron Beck of Mulvane and Randy Beck of Great Bend; one daughter, Marlene Beck of Great Bend; four brothers, Melvin Urban of Ellinwood, Ervin Urban of Garden City, Arsenius Urban of Seward and Joseph Urban Jr. of Dodge City; five sisters, Johanna Brodie of Great Bend, Dolores Harris, Lorraine Wedman and Alberta Klein, all of Wichita, and Twilla Kush of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and eight grandchildren. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. tonight followed by Altar Society Rosary, both at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Liturgy of the Word Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with Father Pascal Klein officiating. Burial will be at St. John cemetery in Hoisington. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or Heartland Cancer Center in Great Bend, both in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home* 415 N. Main St. Hoisington, KS 67544
Marion K. Meyer
1923-2004
NEW UNDERWOOD, S.D. - Marion K. Meyer, 80, of New Underwood, S.D., died on March 31 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. The son of Charley and Bertha Otte Meyer of Great Bend, he was born Oct. 8, 1923, in Heizer. He attended Great Bend High School until joining the Navy. Marion served in the Navy from 1943-1946 on the USS Thompson as a machinist mate second class. He participated in the Normandy invasion. He also served in the Air Force from 1951-1974 as a vehicle mechanic, retiring as a master sergeant. He then worked at Ellsworth Air Force Base from 1974-1990, retiring from the Civil Service as a vehicle mechanic. Military service included tours in Japan, Korea, Thailand, France, Germany, California, Florida, Kansas, South Dakota and England. On May 20, 2001, in recognition of military service during World War II, he joined the Great Bend High School graduating class in receiving his high school diploma. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 54 years, Wilma; his father, Charley, of Great Bend; one daughter, Alyn Meyer-Gravatt and husband Jerry of Rapid City, S.D.; one son, Ken and wife Judy of Muscatine, Iowa; five grandchildren, Chase and Carter Gravatt of Rapid City, Kolbe Gravatt of Reno, Nev., Lindsey Herlein and Randyl Meyer of Muscatine; and one sister, Carolyn Meyer of Aurora, Colo. His mother Bertha, preceded him in death. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique John Deere tractors, hunting, traveling to visit family and friends, including the USS Thompson reunions, and working on his family genealogy. Marion's wish was to be cremated. Services were at Black Hills National cemetery on April 5, with Chaplain Moe Griener officiating. Military honors were provided by TREA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Marion's name. Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City was in charge of arrangements. Funeral Arrangements provided by Kirk Funeral Home* P.O. Box 2846 Rapid City, S.D.
Gladys Ericks-Reed
1930-2004
RAPID CITY, S.D. - Funeral services for Gladys Ericks-Reed, age 73, of Rapid City, S.D., were held Tuesday at South Canyon Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Richard Wells officiating. Burial followed at Mountain View cemetery. Gladys passed away at her home on April 2 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 24, 1930, in Barton County, the daughter of Ruben and Evelyn Neidens. She married
'the boy next door,' Charles Ericks, on June 6, 1948, in Hoisington. They made their home and grew their family for the next 15 years in Great Bend. In 1963, they moved with their four children to Liberal, where she started her 'career' selling shoes. This was a 'good fit' for her. Her family can attest to this by the number of shoes that she has collected over the years. In 1967, they moved to Rapid City where she continued her career, working at Rudolph's Shoes for over 20 years. She and Charles were members of South Canyon Baptist Church. While they served in many capacities, most remember her welcoming smile as the church greeter. Gene Reed remembers being greeted by Gladys and Charles the first time he and his wife, Eleanor, visited the church. Charles passed away on April 10, 1993. After Gene's wife passed away, he and Gladys' friendship deepened. They were married
on Jan. 17, 1996. Their marriage, based on love for one another and their relationship with Jesus Christ, has been an inspiration to their family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Gene Reed, of Rapid City; three sons, Craig and his wife Patti Ericks, Curtis and his wife Patsy Ericks, Clark and his wife Joleen Ericks, all of Rapid City; one daughter, Colette Jackson of Dayton, Ohio; stepchildren Jolee and her husband Rich Joos of Santa Fe, N.M., Kim and his wife Pam of St. Louis, Mo.; two brothers, Clarence and his wife Melva Neidens of Wichita, and Dwayne Neidens of Rapid City. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and special friends Kenn and Karen Martin and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles and one great-grandson, Isaac David England. Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City was in charge of arrangements. Funeral arrangements provided by Kirk Funeral Home* P.O. Box 2846 Rapid City, SD
Cheryl L. Schlochtermeier Nielsen
1975-2004
ELLINWOOD - Cheryl L. Schlochtermeier Nielsen, 28, died April 3 at her home in Ellinwood. She was born Aug. 26, 1975, at Hoisington, the daughter of Roy and Elaine Reif Schlochtermeier. She was a graduate of Ellinwood High School, Barton County Community College and Sterling College. She married
Shawn W. Nielson Aug. 10, 1996, at Ellinwood. A lifelong Barton and Rice county resident, living in Ellinwood and coming from Alden, she was a Title I math teacher at USD 401, Chase and formerly a fifth-grade teacher at St. Rose Catholic School in Great Bend. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Beta Sigma Phi, both of Ellinwood. Survivors include her husband of the home; her parents of Ellinwood; one sister, Angela Campbell of Great Bend; and grandparents, LeRoy and Dolores Reif of Hoisington. Altar Society rosary will be at 3 p.m. today at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. today at the church in Ellinwood. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church with the Revs. John Maes and Bill Stapleton officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery of Ellinwood. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Cheryl Nielsen Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home 113 N. Main St. Ellinwood, KS 67526
