Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Benjamin 'Ben' Steitz 1909-2003
OTIS - Benjamin 'Ben' Steitz, 93, died July 9 at Sterling House in Great Bend. He was born Sept. 7, 1909, at Otis, the son of Conrad C. and Mary Brack Steitz. He married
Martha V. Wagner June 8, 1930, at Otis. She died March 11, 1980. A lifetime resident of Otis/Bison area, he was a retired farmer. Steitz was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Lions Club, both of Otis. Survivors include one daughter, Judith Kahnk of Elkhorn, Neb.; one sister, Leah Lehmann of Hoisington; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Elmer Steitz; and one sister Esther Yakel. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church with Larry Frank officiating. Burial will be at Lutheran cemetery in Otis. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington and from 9:30 a.m. to service time Friday at the church. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Otis Emergency Medical Service, in care of the funeral home.
Gladys Marie Tackett 1919-2003
GROVE, Okla. - Gladys Marie Tackett, 84, died July 7 at Grove Nursing Center. She was born Jan. 9, 1919, at Arrow Rock, Mo., the daughter of Henry and Agnes Fritz. She married
James Aubrey Tackett April 6, 1941, at Boonville, Mo. He died May 17, 1998. She and Mr. Tackett moved to Grove from Overland Park. She worked for a short time as a secretary at Kemper Military School. Mrs. Tackett was a former member of Sailboat Bridge Association. Survivors include one son, Terry L. Tackett of Olathe; one daughter, Alice Rush of Ellinwood; four grandchildren, Rebecca Dyro, Suzanne Tackett, Wayne Rush and Kathy Rush; and two great-grandchildren, Parker Dyro and Kennedi Dyro. Graveside services were held Wednesday at Olympus cemetery with the Rev. Sam Carper officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or the charity of choice, both in care of Worley Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove.
Billy D. McVey 1955-2003
Billy D. McVey, 47, of Great Bend, died July 8 at Pawhuska, Okla. He was born Aug. 6, 1955, at Garden City, the son of Richard and Donna Holden McVey. He married
Renee Johnson Dec. 26, 1984, at Great Bend. A resident of Great Bend, he was employed in the oilfield service for L.D. Drilling in Great Bend. Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Cynthia Burgamy and Melissa McVey, both of Great Bend; two sisters, Janet Dickey of Pawhuska and Vera Stotts of Dewey, Okla.; his father and stepmother, Richard 'Dick' and Barbara McVey of Pawhuska; mother of Great Bend; and grandmother, Donna Stevens of Lakin. He was preceded in death by twin grandchildren, Lydia Renee Burgamy and Jonathan Austin Burgamy. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with the Rev. David Leroy officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park cemetery north of Great Bend. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, all at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Billy McVey Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home.
Lawrence D. Bevan 1952-2003
MACKSVILLE - Lawrence D. Bevan, 51, died July 7 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born Feb. 29, 1952, at Monte Vista, Colo., the son of Wilbert E. and Phyllis Bevan. He was a 1970 graduate of Macksville High School, a 1972 graduate of Pratt Community College and a 1974 graduate of Emporia State University with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and math. He married
Tacy M. Bevan Oct. 11, 1975, at Macksville. A lifetime resident of rural Macksville, he was a farmer and stockman. Bevan was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men and Cullison Co-op board. Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Corey Dwayne Bevan of Macksville; one daughter, Kamie Michele Gossen of Corn, Okla.; his father of Haviland; one brother, Allen Bernard Bevan of Macksville; and two sisters, Sharon Elizabeth Brack of Modesto, Calif., and Anita Doreen Mahanay of Council Grove. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the church with the Rev. David E. Upp officiating. Burial will be at Hopewell. Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of Minnis Chapel of Macksville.
Darrell R. Philippi 1950-2003
MANHATTAN - Darrell Robert Philippi, 52, died July 7 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born Nov. 26, 1950, at Marysville, the son of Donald and Shirley Philippi. He was a 1973 graduate of Fort Hays State University with a degree in business. He married
Dianna Alden Oct. 10, 1981, at Independence, Mo. A resident of Manhattan, coming from Bushton, he was a manager of Safeway for 14 years and was employed by USD 383 for the past 16 years. Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Cody Philippi of Manhattan; his parents of Bushton; and one brother, Mike Philippi of Manhattan. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Westview Community Church in Manhattan. Burial will be at Sunrise cemetery in Manhattan. Friends may call from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Darrell Philippi Memorial Fund, to be designated at a later date, in care of the funeral home.
Karen Ruth Schlochtermeier 1944-2003
ELLINWOOD - Karen Ruth Schlochtermeier, 58, died July 7 at Hutchinson Hospital. She was born Oct. 3, 1944, at Oklahoma City, Okla., the daughter of Joe and Billie Jones Holl. She married
Ed Schlochtermeier Nov. 13, 1965, in Great Bend. A longtime Ellinwood resident, she was a receptionist for Dr. Davis of Ellinwood and a homemaker. Mrs. Schlochtermeier was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Altar Society, both of Ellinwood, Twilight Stitchers, Birthright and Central Kansas Thread Bender's Quilt Guild, all of Great Bend, and a former part-owner of Special Touches Quilt Shop in Ellinwood. Survivors include her husband of the home; four sons, Scott Edward Schlochtermeier of Hoisington, Michael John Schlochtermeier of Russell, Daniel Alan Schlochtermeier of Westmoreland and Jason Ryan Schlochtermeier of Ellinwood; one sister, Sherrie Siefers of Ellinwood; and 11 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, Neva Ann Disque. Altar Society rosary will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. A wake service will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the church. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. John Maes officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Birthright, St. Joseph's School Endowment or American Cancer Society, all in care of the funeral home.
Lorraine Gunn 1910-2003
Lorraine Gunn, 93, died July 6 at Norman, Okla. She was born April 8, 1910, at Waverly, the daughter of James Nathan and Melissa Belle Ingle Littrell. She married
Roland Edward 'Pete' Gunn in 1937. A resident of Norman, coming from Great Bend and Kansas City, Mo., she was a substitute teacher for Great Bend grade schools. Mrs. Gunn was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Women, and Faculty Wives and Retired Teachers, all of Great Bend. Survivors include two sons, Richard Gunn of Norman and R. Michael Gunn of Kansas City; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Hal Staats officiating. Burial will be at Great Bend cemetery. Friends may call from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m., all at Charter Funeral Chapel in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home.
Gleeman D. Long 1916-2003
STERLING - Gleeman D. Long, 87, died July 7 at Lyons Good Samaritan Center in Lyons. He was born May 12, 1916, at Bronson, the son of Luckey and Bertha Long. He received a masters degree in education and administration from Emporia State University. He married
Jean Scoresby Sept. 9, 1940, at Sterling. A resident of Sterling since 1938, he was a retired lineman for Sterling Telephone Company and a retired elementary and junior high principal for USD 376 in Sterling. Long was a member of American Legion of Sterling. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in World War II. Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Fred S. Long of Kensington, Md., Michael Long of Great Bend and Jefry Long of Mulvane; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sillin Funeral Home in Sterling, with the Rev. Robert Friesen officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community cemetery. Friends may call from 1-5 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Sunflower Diversified Services in Great Bend, in care of the funeral home.
Alice Mae Vlcek 1919-2003
WILSON - Alice Mae Vlcek, 84, died July 6 at Ellsworth County Medical Center. She was born June 29, 1919, at Kanopolis, the daughter of Joe E. and Rose Z. Warta Valenta. She married
Joseph F. Vlcek. A lifetime resident of the Wilson area, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Vlcek was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society, was a scout leader, and a member of ZCBJ Lodge and CSA Lodge. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Douglas Vlcek of Wilson; one daughter, Carole Buehler of Anchorage, Alaska; one sister, Velma Klema of Wilson; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one great-grandchild. Parish vigil will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Foster Mortuary in Wilson. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Jerome Morgan officiating. Burial will be at Wilson Catholic cemetery. Friends may call from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. until service time Thursday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church or Altar Society, all in care of the funeral home.
Donald Weigel 1925-2003
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Donald Weigel, 77, died July 4 at Independence Regional Health Center. He was born Oct. 10, 1925, at Victoria, the son of Joseph and Catherine Paul Weigel. He married
Beverly Wohletz Feb. 9, 1952. A resident of Blue Springs, he retired from Sheffield/Armco Steel in 1981 after 38 years of service. Weigel was a member of St. John LaLande Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 449, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1000 and 40 and 8. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving as a sergeant with the 265th Field Artillery Battalion. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Beverly L. Weigel of the home; three sons, Jim Weigel, John Weigel and wife Cheryl, and Joe Weigel and wife Cindy, all of Blue Springs; one brother, Anthony Weigel of Overland Park; five sisters, Velma Giebler of Hays, Mary Jane Miller, Shirley Weigel and Doris Weigel, all of Victoria, and Leona Kuhn of Great Bend; seven grandchildren, Shawn and wife Jennifer, Brandon, Justin, Angela, Austin, Eric and Kalyn Weigel; two great-grandchildren, Preston and Donald 'Little Duke' Weigel; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Weigel; three brothers, Joseph Weigel, Michael Weigel and Robert Weigel; and one sister, Louise Weigel. Rosary will be at 6 p.m. today at Webb-Freer Funeral Home in Blue Springs. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John LaLande Catholic Church. Burial will be at Blue Springs cemetery. Friends may call from 6:30-8:30 tonight at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home. His love for family and friends will be greatly missed; he was a blessing to all who knew him. He will be in our hearts forever.
Romeyn Thyra Mae Brocher 1916-2003
Romeyn Thyra Mae Lundquist Brocher, 86, of Great Bend, died July 6 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born Nov. 29, 1916, at Lindsborg, the daughter of Albert N. and Mabel V. Sundgren Lundquist. She married
Ernest E. Brocher Jan. 12, 1934, at McPherson. He died July 1, 2003. A resident of Great Bend since 1951, coming from McPherson, Elyria, Lindsborg, Scott City and Dighton, she was a former housekeeper of Central Kansas Medical Center and Phinney's Garden Center. Mrs. Brocher was a member of First Church of the Nazarene of Great Bend, a church pianist and a member of the church choir. Survivors include one son, Richard 'Bud' Brocher of Great Bend; three daughters, Donna Reed and Mary L. Smith, both of Great Bend, and Jan Reames of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one sister, Joan VanArsdel of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Howard D. Brocher; two daughters, Patricia Brocher and Diana O'Brien; one brother, Verome L. Lundquist; and two sisters, Lenore K. Dildine and Marjorie C. Train. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with the Rev. Mark Pennington officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Elmwood cemetery in Lindsborg. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m., all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church or Cheyenne Meadows Living Center, in care of the funeral home.
Thelma Lou Haines 1908-2003
HUDSON - Thelma Haines, 94, longtime resident of Hudson, was promoted to heaven from the home of her dearly loved nephew and niece, Bob and Sharon Bliss in El Cajon, Calif., July 1, 2003. She had moved there in November 2001 in order to allow them to assist in her care. Thelma was born to Edward and Lula Wollam in Van Buren County, Iowa, July 4, 1908. She graduated from Logan County High School, Fleming, Colo., in 1928, and married
Wiley P. Haines at McPherson Feb. 21, 1940. They had no children from their marriage. 'Aunt Thelma,' as she was affectionately known by her many friends in California, suffered a stroke on June 20 and never recovered. Her beloved husband of 32 years, Wiley; a stepson, Kenneth; and many family and friends preceded her in death. She leaves behind three cousins, Helen Dickerson of De Land, Fla., Maurine Gould of Earlville, Ill., and Anna Morton of Cleburne, Texas. She also left behind many nieces, nephews and other relatives in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, California and other states. Her funeral was held Saturday at El Cajon Mortuary. Her body will be buried in the family plot in Hominy, Okla., July 10. A short graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. in Hominy cemetery. Her nephew, Pastor Robert Bliss, will have preached at both services. 'Aunt Thelma' was saved and loved the Lord Jesus Christ. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Hudson. She loved to travel, having been to Spain, Africa and New York. One of her greatest travel experiences was having been able to see the Rock of Gilbraltar, since that had been one of her nicknames used by family and friends during her youth. During her time in California she had been able to travel with the Blisses in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Texas. She loved reading, especially reading her Bible. She thoroughly enjoyed attending church and was very faithful as long as her health allowed. She also loved her special ladies clubs and was a longtime member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of World War I in Kansas. 'Aunt Thelma' will be missed by all of us, but we know that this is just a short time of separation. We are so thankful for the assurance of her salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. El Cajon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Dora B. Blue 1916-2003
RAYMOND - Dora B. Blue, 86, died July 5 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood. She was born July 26, 1916, at Anthony, the daughter of Alfred Manley and Julia Jane Pigg Hughbanks. She married
Clarence Orville Messick Oct. 11, 1933. He died July 18, 1962. She married
Byron Blue. He died Aug. 18, 1987. A resident Raymond for more than 65 years before moving to IHS Woodhaven in Ellinwood, she was owner and operator of Raymond Cafe for 18 years. Mrs. Blue was a member of Raymond Baptist Church, Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary of Lyons, Silver Threads of Sterling, FCE of Lyons, and a 25-year member of Carnation Chapter OES of Lyons. Survivors include two sons, Jack L. Messick of Great Bend and Bud R. Messick of Kingman; two daughters, Bobbie Shultz of Raymond and Kay Fore of South Hutchinson; two stepsons, Byron Blue Jr. of Wichita and Wayne Blue of Arlington; two stepdaughters, Wilda Enoch of Arizona and Joan Knight of Hutchinson; two sisters, Oral Hodges of South Hutchinson and Ruth Butler of Topeka; 24 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Bob Bethel officiating. Burial will be at Hilltop cemetery in Raymond. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home.
Elsie Madge Blankenship 1918-2003
CATAULA, Ga. - Elsie Madge Blankenship, 94, died July 4 at Muscogee Manor Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Ga. She was born Nov. 22, 1918, at Gateway, Mont., the daughter of Charles and Lucindia Earnest Russom. She married
James O. Blankenship. She was a homemaker. Survivors include three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. McMullen Funeral Home in Columbus, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.
