Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Bernice K. Schmidt
1919 - 2004
SEATTLE, Wash. - Bernice Katherine Schmidt, who grew up in Great Bend and Hutchinson and then farmed with her late husband, Paul Howard Schmidt, for many years in the Pawnee Rock area, died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 14, 2004, while at home in Seattle, Wash. She was 85. Bernice was born on July 27, 1919, to Emmett A. Fry and Meldarine K. Pratt Fry of Great Bend. Her great-grand-parents, Edgar Edwin Tyler and Lydia Francis Moseley Tyler, were among the first settlers of Great Bend in the late 1800s. Bernice graduated from Great Bend High School in 1937. On May 25, 1941, she married
Paul H. Schmidt and they farmed northwest of Pawnee Rock, where Bernice later had a ceramics shop on the farm and taught ceramics and china painting. They were also active in the Presbyterian Church of Great Bend. In 1973, Bernice and Paul moved to the state of Washington to be near their adult children. Bernice continued to teach china painting for many years more before retiring. She remained happy, good-humored and full of life until undergoing knee replacement surgery on July 30, 2004, in Seattle. Two days later, she suffered a major stroke and then faced an increasing number of health challenges until her death. Bernice and her family were blessed, though, by the excellent services of the many kind people at West Seattle Swedish Physicians, Providence Hospital, Providence Mount St. Vincent, Park West Care Center, Swedish Hospice and Swedish Home Helpers in Seattle. Her family brought her home for the last 12 days of her life, where she was surrounded with loving attention and affection. Bernice is survived by her son Laurence P. Schmidt and daughter-in-law Shirley A. Schmidt (formerly of Claflin), who reside in Tacoma, Wash.; her daughter Barbara L. Schmidt of Seattle, Wash.; sister-in-law Emily M. Fry of Shady Side, Md.; and many other family members and friends in Kansas, Washington and across the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul H. Schmidt; her son Robert L. Schmidt; and her brothers Max E. Fry and Donald C. Fry. Her brother Robert L. Fry of Great Bend died Nov. 16. Cremation services were provided by Yarington's Funeral Home of Seattle. The family suggests that memorials be made in Bernice's name to Swedish Home Care Services, 5701 Sixth Avenue South, Suite 404, Seattle, WA 98108, or to a good hospice program serving your own community.
George Albert Wegele
1919-2004
OTIS - George Albert Wegele, 85, died Nov. 21, 2004, at Hays Medical Center. He was born March 1, 1919, in Barton County, the son of Jacob and Pauline Bitter Wegele. He married
Ottelia Tillie Maier on May 5, 1940, at Milberger. She preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 2003. He was a farmer, inventor of the Wegele lawn mover and a dowser. He was a resident of Rush County since 1945, moving from Barton County. Wegele was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and Senior Citizens, both of Otis. He was a former member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Milberger. He had served on the Board of Directors of the Galatia Co-op, Otis State Bank and was a former Rush County Commissioner. Survivors include one daughter, VirJean Scheuerman and her husband Dennis of Otis; one brother, Leland Wegele and his wife Joyce of Otis; two sisters-in-law, Edna Wegele of Ness City, and Linda Wegele of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren, Treva Scheuerman of Overland Park, and Tate Scheuerman of Otis; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest Wegele and Paul H. Wegele; a foster brother, Martin Steinert and a foster sister, Ruby Richardson. Prayer service will be at 7 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis, with the Rev. Bruce Adamson officiating. Burial will be at Milberger cemetery in Milberger. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and 11:30 a.m. to service time Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Storm Special Olympic Team in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 N. Main / P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544
Marlin Richard Dunbar
1925-2004
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Marlin Richard Dunbar, 79 of Kirksville, Mo., passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 21, at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Mo. Marlin was born on March 5, 1925, in Burlington, Okla., the son of Howard Vincent and Clara Edna Hinkle Dunbar. He was united in marriage to Lola King. On June 15, 1978, in Kirksville, Mo., Marlin was united in marriage to Ruby Leutung, who survives. Marlin is also survived by one son, Marty Alan Dunbar and wife Terri of Fairfield, Ohio; three daughters, Chonita Simonson of Great Plains, Cheri Ann Smith and husband Kyle of Littlefield, Texas, and Joni A. Wood and husband Larry of Great Bend; one brother, Eugene A. Dunbar of Clearwater; seven grandchildren, Josh and Jessi Simonson, Lindy and Haley Wood, Jason and James Baker, and Greg Dunbar; one great-grandchild; step-mother, Velma Dunbar of Heston; one step-son, Stanley Vogel Leutung and wife Roberta of Kansas City, Mo.; one step-daughter, Cheryl Fleming of Eugene, Ore.; and one step-granddaughter, Kera Murphy and husband Brian. Marlin was preceded in death by his parents and one brother in infancy. Marlin was raised in the Burlington and Kiowa Kansas areas where he attended school. He served in World War II with the U.S. Navy. After he returned from his tour of duty with the Navy he became a salesman for the Auto Club of America. In 1976 he moved to Kirksville, Mo., where he continued as a sales manager with the Auto Club of America until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Kirksville Lodge 105 A.F.&A.M., Kirksville York Rite Bodies, Molia Temple and El Kadir Shrine Club, American Legion Mac Dougall-Lowe Post 20 and the Adair County Democratic Club. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge 1751 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2508. Marlin had served as the director of Bingo at the Shrine Club for 15 years, just recently resigning that position. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. A Masonic Service and Military Rites will be held at the same time. Interment will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the East Lawn cemetery in Salisbury, Mo. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. Those who wish to express their sympathy in the form of a contribution may do so to the American Diabetes Association or the Shriners Children Hospital, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home 2100 East Shepherd Ave. Kirksville, Mo. 63501
Thomas Eugene Myers
1958-2004
OLMITZ - Thomas Eugene Myers, 46, died Nov. 19 as the result of an auto accident. He was born Nov. 16, 1958, at Great Bend, the son of Thomas Richard and Carolyn McMullen Myers. An Olmitz resident for the past 10 years, formerly of Ellinwood, he was a furniture maker for La Crosse Furniture. He also was in retail sales for West Ltd. in Great Bend and Anthony's in Hutchinson. Myers was a member of Golden Belt Pool League 8-Ball Bulldogs. Survivors include longtime companion, Sue Lebbin of the home; two daughters, Nique Brown of Liberal and Whitney Myers of Garden City; mother, Carolyn McMullen Crouse of Radium; three brothers, Gene Pickinpaugh of Toby, Ill., Dick Myers of Ellinwood and Doug Myers of Dodge City; one halfbrother, John Bolander of Osage, Okla.; two sisters, Carolyn Clark of Ellinwood, and Bebbie Borger of Jetmore; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a half-brother. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. today at Calvary Baptist Church in Ellinwood, with the Rev. Roy Savage officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to noon today at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to Beckwith-Wediman Research in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home 113 N. Main Ellinwood, KS 67526
Linda S. Haussler
1938-2004
Linda S. Haussler, 66, Great Bend, died at Central Kansas Medical Center on Nov. 21, 2004. She was born July 17, 1938, in Mena, Ark., the only daughter of William H. and Pearl Blackwell Underwood. The family lived in various towns in Oregon, Oklahoma and Kansas. In 1960, she entered the insurance profession as a property and casualty agent, coming to Great Bend from Ashland in June 1975. She married
Bob Harman in 1960 and they divorced in 1975. On Nov. 1, 1985, she married
Wolfgang Haussler. She and Wolfgang co-owned the Insurance Center of Great Bend Inc., from which they retired in 2004. She enjoyed her profession and customers, providing skilled service. She and Wolfgang were also co-owners of Discount Laundry Inc. in Great Bend. Linda was a past president of the Barton County Independent Insurance Agents, and was on the board of directors. She was also a member and committee person for the Kansas Independent Insurance Agents Association. She completed numerous educational study courses through Kansas State University and other sources. Linda was an avid golfer and a member of the StoneRidge Country Club for over 20 years. She served as president and tournament director of the Ladies Golf Association. She was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend and is now received into the loving arms of her lord. She is survived by her husband of the home, Wolfgang Haussler; her two sons, Darin Harmon of Great Bend, and William and wife Shayna Haussler of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; her two daughters, Kim and husband Stan Hazen of Protection, and Phaedra and husband Howard Link of Corpus Christi, Texas; three brothers, the Rev. William and wife Mary Underwood of Waco, Texas, Jack Underwood of Ashland, and Gary and wife Debbie Underwood of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and five grandchildren, Darci, and Jeremy Hazen, Char and Aimee Harmon, and Brian Link. Her parents and one sister-in-law preceded her in death. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Southern Baptist Church with the Rev. Doyle Smith officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation or Heartland Cancer Center c/o CKMC Foundation, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Thomas Eugene Myers
Thomas Myers, 46, of Olmitz died Nov. 19 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. Funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Calvary Baptist Church in Ellinwood, with Rev. Roy Savage officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Monday and from 9-Noon, Tuesday at the Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood.
Dena Meyer
1903 - 2004
ELLINWOOD - Dena Meyer, 101, died Nov. 18, 2004, at Leisure Homestead in St. John. She was born April 24, 1903, in Leer, Germany, the daughter of Henry and Geske Siefkes. She married
Fred Meyer on Sept. 12, 1923. He died Nov. 5, 1949. A United States resident since 1922, living most of her life in Ellinwood and St. John., she was a cook at Ellinwood Hospital for 20 years, retiring at age 80. She also was a cook in Ellinwood Public Schools. Meyer was a member of First Baptist Church in Ellinwood, and former member of Comanche E.H.U. Survivors include five sons, Fred and Wanda Meyer of Great Bend, Milton and Joyce Meyer of Ellinwood, Donald and Donna Meyer, Robert and Marilyn Meyer, both of Garden City, and Richard and Jean Meyer of St. John; one son-in-law, Harold Pauls of Hutchinson; 24 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and 29 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Mildred Pauls; and one grandson, Doug Meyer. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Ellinwood, with the Rev. George Redington officiating. Burial will be at LakinComanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church or donor's choice. Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home 113 North Main Ellinwood, KS 67526
Evelyn W. Deines
1918 - 2004
GALATIA - Evelyn W. Deines, 86, died Nov. 17 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend. She was born July 9, 1918, at Otis, the daughter of Dan E. and Lydia Muth Brack. She married
Lawrence L. Deines on Jan. 23, 1937, at Great Bend. He died Oct. 28, 2003. A longtime resident of the Galatia and Otis area, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Deines was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Women of St. Paul, E.L.C.A. and St. Paul church choir, all of Galatia. Survivors include two sons, Jerry Deines of Russell, and Larry Deines of Galatia; three daughters, Karen Keil of Edmond, Okla., Gloria Myers of Ellinwood, Denise Schulte of Claflin; three brothers, Dan E. Brack Jr. and Wilbur Brack, both of Farmington, N.M., and Tom Brack of Great Bend; three sisters, Marilyn White of Royce City, Texas, Wilma Cody of Welaka, Fla., and DeAnna Robinson of Broken Arrow, Okla.; 13 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Orville Brack, and two sisters, Delores Fricks and Bonnie Flower. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, in Galatia, with the Rev. Bruce Adamson officiating. Burial will be at Fairview cemetery in Galatia. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, with the family receiving friends 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the church or Alzheimer and Related Disorders Association, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 North Main / P.O. Box 145 Hoisington, KS 67544
Fred L. Wilson
1938 - 2004
LARNED - Fred L. Wilson, 66, died Nov. 16 at the Hutchinson Hospital, in Hutchinson. He was born March 5, 1938, at Larned, the son of Frank L. and Mertie Smith Wilson. On Sept. 3, 1982, he married
Marilyn Huff at Larned. A lifetime area resident, he was in sales. Wilson was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and Noon Lions Club, both of Larned, the Larned Fire Department for over 20 years, Larned Booster Club and was town Santa for years, and coached baseball. Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Troy Wilson of Great Bend, Kendall Wilson of Wichita, and Bill Huff of Larned; three daughters, Amy Hofeling of Great Bend, Michelle Huff of Wichita, and Kim Donovan of Larned; and nine grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned, with the Rev. Joseph Popelka officiating. Burial will be at the St. Ann's cemetery in Olmitz. Friends may call until service time today at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to Rosewood Services in Great Bend, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Beckwith Mortuary, Inc. P.O. Box 477 Larned, KS 67550
Robert L. 'Bob' Fry
1924-2004
Robert L. 'Bob' Fry, 80, of Great Bend, died Nov. 16 at Central Kansas Medical Center. He was born Sept. 7, 1924, in Hutchinson, the son of Emmitt L. and Meldarine K. Pratt Frye. He married
Hazel M. Preston on March 18, 1951, at Great Bend. A resident of Great Bend most of his life, he was a heavy equipment operator for Stone Sand Company and Moos Sand Company, and was a truck driver for Marlette Coach Company. Fry was a member of the Eagles Lodge, a lifetime member of the American Legion, the 7th Armour Division Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart and lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27 of Great Bend, where he served as treasurer for many years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II serving with the 7th Armour Division. Survivors include two sons, Brian K. Fry of Great Bend and Harold P. Fry of Pensacola, Fla.; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Max Fry and Donald Fry; and one sister, Bernice Schmidt. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with the Rev. Curtis Reinhardt officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend cemetery with military committal rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the D.A.V. Chapter 27. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
