Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
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 was retired from Sheffield/Armco Steel. 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 with the 265th Field Artilllery Battalion. Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Jim Weigel, John Weigel and Joe Weigel, 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; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 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. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the 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.
Esther H. Stout 1910-2003
LARNED - Esther H. Stout, 93, died July 3 at St. Joseph Memorial Nursing Home in Larned. She was born April 27, 1910, ata La Crosse, the daughter of Henry and Anna Appl Wiechen. She married
Frank Russell Dec. 2, 1942, at Wamego. He died Dec. 10, 1951. She married
Bert Stout Oct. 24, 1958, at Larned. He died July 31, 1988. A resident of Larned since 1958, she was a retired dietecian for Larned State Hospital. Mrs. Stout was of the Christian faith. Survivors include two step-sons, Donald Stout of Larned and Roy Stout of Nowata, Okla.; three step-daughters, Martha benefield of Wynne, Ark., Doris Moore of Larned and Brenda Evans of Hays; 17 step-grandchildren; 30 step-great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three step-sons, Bert Stout Jr., Edward Lamar and James Earl Stout; three brothers, Charlie Wiechen, Walter Wiechen and Edward Wiechen; and one sister, Rose Robinson. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Larned cemetery with the Rev. Brian L. Norvell officiating. Friends may call from noon until 8 p.m. today and Sunday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Memorials are suggested to donors choice in care of the funeral home.
William Ross Spears 1947-2003
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - William Ross Spears, 56, died June 11 at Vanderbilt Hospital. He was born Jan. 16, l947 at Greeneville, Tenn., the son James L. and Lucille Bullen Spears. He graduated from the University of Tennessee. He was the executive vice president of Technical Resource Group and president of JobMaster, Inc., of Nashville. Spears was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Survivors include his wife, Ann P. Kaiser of Nashville; his mother of Johnson City, Tenn.; one brother, James L. Spears Jr. of Tiverton, R.I. Private services were held in Nashville and Johnson City. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Integrative Healthcare Center, 1711 19th Ave. South, Nashville.
Esther H. Stout 1910-2003
LARNED - Esther H. Stout, 93, died July 3 at St. Joseph Memorial Nursing Home in Larned. She was born April 27, 1910, at La Crosse, the daughter of Henry and Anna Appl Wiechen. She married
Frank Russell Dec. 2, 1942, at Wamego. He died Dec. 10, 1951. She married
Bert Stout Oct. 24, 1958, at Larned. He died July 31, 1988. A resident of Larned since 1958, she was a retired dietician for Larned State Hospital. Mrs. Stout was of the Christian faith. Survivors include two step-sons, Donald Stout of Larned and Roy Stout of Nowata, Okla.; three step-daughters, Martha Benefield of Wynne, Ark., Doris Moore of Larned and Brenda Evans of Hays; 17 step-grandchildren; 30 step-great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three step-sons, Bert Stout Jr., Edward Lamar and James Earl Stout; three brothers, Charlie Wiechen, Walter Wiechen and Edward Wiechen; and one sister, Rose Robinson. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Larned cemetery with the Rev. Brian L. Norvell officiating. Friends may call from noon until 8 p.m. today and Sunday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Memorials are suggested to donors choice in care of the funeral home.
Marie M. Komarek 1916-2003
ELLINWOOD - Marie M. Komarek, 87, died July 2 at Ellinwood District Hospital. She was born May 15, 1916, in rural Ellinwood, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Wenke Oberle. She married
Gerald E. Komarek April 21, 1936, in rural Ellinwood. He died July 4, 2000. A lifetime resident of Ellinwood and seasonal resident of Yankee Run at Kanopolis Lake, she was a part owner of Classic Lanes Bowling Alley in Ellinwood for more than 15 years. Mrs. Komarek was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Altar Society, both of Ellinwood. Survivors include five sons, Jerry Komarek and Tom Komarek, both of Ellinwood, Henry Komarek of Salina, Jim Komarek of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Steve Komarek of Hutchinson; three daughters, Evelyn Duke of Buckeye, Ariz., Ruth Ann Komarek of Alexandria, Va., and Mary Standlee of Ellinwood; one sister, Cecelia Komarek of Great Bend; 21 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six brothers, Joe Oberle, Herman Oberle, Pete Oberle, George Oberle, John Oberle and Leonard Oberle; one sister, Frances Stellflug; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter. Altar Society rosary will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, both at Kimple Inc. Funeral Home of Ellinwood. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. John Maes officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 1-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, both at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph's School Endowment Fund or St. Joseph Altar Society, both in care of the funeral home.
Julitta Basgall 1911-2003
HUTCHINSON - Julitta Basgall, 91, died July 1 at Hester Care Center in Hutchinson. She was born Aug. 27, 1911, in Victoria, the daughter of Anton J. and Rosa Younger Kuhn. She married
Wendelin E. Basgall Nov. 27, 1933, in Pfeifer. He died March 13, 1982. A resident of Hutchinson since 1987, coming from Hays, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Basgall was a member of Church of Holy Cross of Hutchinson and former member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays. Survivors include one daughter, Rita Birzer of Hutchinson; two brothers, John Kuhn of Emporia and Tony Kuhn of Overgaard, Ariz.; eight sisters, Mary Bollig of Ellis, Minnie Dipman of Pratt, Leona Keller of Great Bend, Ann De Rosier of Milwaukee, Wis., Laura Frogge of Riverside, Calif., Elizabeth Fontaine of Hampton, Ga., Agnes Zwenger of Hays and Rosalie Porter of Overgaard; three grandchildren, Kevin Birzer of Leawood, Todd Birzer of Sydney, Australia, and Brad Birzer of Jonesville, Mich.; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Richard Kuhn, Fred Kuhn, Adolph Kuhn, William Kuhn and Ralph Kuhn; and one sister, Leona. Rosary will be at 7 tonight at Elliott Chapel in Hutchinson. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Holy Cross in Hutchinson, with the Rev. Joseph Eckberg officiating. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph cemetery in Hays. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 9 tonight and from 2-9 p.m. Friday, all at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic School, in care of the mortuary.
Eunice Ailene Dobratz 1921-2003
COUNCIL GROVE - Eunice Ailene Dobratz, 81, died July 1 at Council Grove Healthcare Center. She was born July 21, 1921, in Cassoday, the daughter of Everett Norton and Alma Elizabeth Harmon Hamilton. She married
Lloyd Edmond Dobratz July 26, 1946, in Council Grove. He preceded her in death. A resident of Council Grove, she was an licensed practical nurse at the local nursing facility as well as Morris County Hospital and In Home Health Care. She had worked in the clerk of the district court office, was desk clerk at Cottage House and had been hostess at Hays House. Mrs. Dobratz was a member of Council Grove Christian Church, American Legion Auxiliary and Polar Bears Swim Club. Survivors include three sons, Lloyd Benjamin Dobratz and David E. Dobratz, both of Council Grove, and Donald W. Dobratz of Dodge City; one brother, Earl B. Hamilton of Eugene, Okla.; one sister, Renetta Friesen of High Rolls, N.M.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille Bell Hamilton and Beth Sanders. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood cemetery in Council Grove. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 8 tonight and from noon until 6 p.m. Friday, all at Memorial Chapel of the Flint Hills in Council Grove. Family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Inc., in care of the funeral home.
Genevieve 'Jean' S. Riffel 1918-2003
OLATHE - Genevieve 'Jean' S. Riffel, 84, died July 1 at Villa St. Francis in Olathe. She was born Aug. 8, 1918, at Dubuque, the daughter of Alexander and Frances Hitschman Woydziak. She attended grade school at St. Catherine's in Dubuque, high school in Dorrance and graduated from Great Bend High School. She married
Russell Foelgner in 1936. She married
Emanuel Kutz Riffel Nov. 4, 1961, at Russell. He died Oct. 5, 1985. A longtime Ellinwood resident, she was a beautician in Great Bend and Ellinwood for over 50 years. Mrs. Riffel was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ellinwood, Altar Society, Grandfriends program at St. Joseph School and a reading helper at Ellinwood Elementary School. Survivors include one son, David Riffel of Mission; four daughters, Mary Komarek of Topeka and Linda Pearson and husband Clayton of Great Bend, Rob Walker and husband Jim of Topeka and Connie Lewis of Longmont, Colo.; one sister, Betty Schroeder of Great Bend; seven grandchildren, Russ Reeves, Spencer Reeves, Lacy Matthews, Kip Walker, Kelly L. Kelley, Katie Komarek and Jessica Pearson; and five great-grandchildren. Altar Society rosary will be at 3 p.m. today followed by a wake service at 3:30 p.m., both at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. John Maes officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Villa St. Francis Special Care Unit of Olathe, in care of the funeral home.
Wanda Lou Henderson 1933-2003
LARNED - Wanda Lou Henderson, 69, died July 1 at her home in Larned. She was born Aug. 9, 1933, at Russellville, Ark., the daughter of Blynn and Maxine Bowen Howell. She married
Glen Henderson March 22, 1952, at Russellville. A resident of Larned, coming from Centerville, Ark., she was a homemaker. Mrs. Henderson was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend. Survivors include her husband of the home; two sons, Dr. Rusty Henderson of Ft. Smith, Ark., and Kevin Henderson of Great Bend; one sister, LaDonna Helms of Russellville; and three grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church with the Revs. Dwight Dozier and J.P. McCamey officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Resthaven cemetery in Russellville. Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home.
Ernest Edward Brocher 1913-2003
Ernest Edward Brocher, 89, of Great Bend, died July 1 at Cheyenne Meadows Nursing Home in Hoisington. He was born Aug. 2, 1913, at Beeler, the son of Aubrey Climer and Janie Thompson Brocher. He married
Romeyn Thyra Mae Lundquist Jan. 12, 1934, at McPherson. A resident of Great Bend since 1951, coming from McPherson, he was owner/operator of Ernie's Truck Repair in Great Bend, retiring in 1985. Brocher was a member of First Church of the Nazarene of Great Bend and Shrine Club. Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Richard 'Bud' Brocher of Great Bend; three daughters, Donna Reed and Mary Smith, both of Great Bend, and Jan Reames of Oklahoma City, Okla.; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchidlren. He was preceded in death by one son, Howard D. Brocher; two daughters, Patricia Brocher and Diana O'Brien; two brothers, Leslie E. Brocher and Francis Brocher; eight sisters, Ethel Brocher, Florence Brown, Helen Anderson, Edith Johnston, Louetta Kidwell, Beulah Rodgers, Georgia Bates and Bertha Brocher. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with the Rev. Mark Pennington officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Elmwood cemetery in Lindsborg. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, with the family receiving friends on Friday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Cheyenne Meadows Nursing Home or American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home.
Alverna M. Holopirek 1925-2003
LA CROSSE - Alverna M. Holopirek, 78, died July 1 at Rush County Nursing Home in La Crosse. She was born Jan. 29, 1925, in rural Barton County, the daughter of John Edward and Lena Kazamier Jurgensen. She married
Arthur 'Bud' Holopirek Aug. 27, 1948, at Hoisington. A resident of La Crosse since 1956, coming from Rush Center, she was a homemaker and former owner and operator of Sale Barn Cafe. Mrs. Holopirek was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary of La Crosse. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Rudy Holopirek of Hesston; two daughters, Sherri Stevens of La Crosse and Sherleen Shannon of Ellis; two brothers, Edward Jurgensen of Wichita and Merle Jurgensen of Great Bend; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Stephanie Shannon; three brothers, Donald 'Donnie' Jurgensen, Leonard Jurgensen and Maurice Jurgensen; and three sisters, Edna Orebaugh, Lois A. Jurgensen and Loretta M. Jurgensen. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at United Methodist Church of La Crosse with the Rev. Marilyn Christmore officiating. Burial will be at La Crosse City cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. today at Janousek Funeral Home in La Crosse with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m., and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Thursday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Central Rush County Emergency Medical Service or Rush County Nursing Home, both in care of the funeral home.
Inez B. Lewis 1900-2003
HUTCHINSON - Inez B. Lewis, 102, died June 28 at Hutchinson Good Samaritan Village. She was born Aug. 6, 1900, at Marshall, Mo., the daughter of Taylor and Melinda Meade Slaughter. She married
Grady Bristow in September 1930 at Wichita. He died Jan. 18, 1949. She married
Andrew C. Lewis on Oct. 30, 1954, at Clovis, N.M. He died July 1987. A resident of Hutchinson since 1982, coming from Pratt, she was a housekeeper for Dr. Pittman's office of Pratt. Mrs. Lewis was a member of the Bethel AME Church and Order of the Eastern Star No. 48, both of Hutchinson. Survivors include three nieces, Alfreda Micheaux of Wichita, Mildred Lewis of Creedmoor, N.C., and Alice Hall of Hutchinson; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Johnson and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with the Rev. Betty Hanna-Witherspoon officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Greenlawn cemetery at Pratt. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today and Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church or American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home.
Forrest Hayden 'Fergy' Ferguson 1938-2003
TUMBLING SHOALS, Ark. - Forrest Hayden 'Fergy' Ferguson, 65, died June 27 at McClelland Veterans Administration Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. He was born April 29, 1938, in Hardy, Ark., the son of Forrest R. and Doris L. Richardson Ferguson. He was a graduate of Hoisington High School. He was a resident of Arkansas since 1979, coming from Hoisington. Ferguson attended Chastain Chapel General Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy 'Dot' Ferguson, of the home; one son, Steven Ferguson of Tumbling Shoals; one daughter, Cindy King of Hoisington; his mother, Doris Kisner of Great Bend; two brothers, Donald Gene Ferguson of Great Bend and Dale Wayne Ferguson of Hoisington; three sisters, Shirley Detter of Hoisington, Debra Grimes and Carolyn Abercrombie of Great Bend; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Ray Ferguson. Funeral was Monday at the church with the Revs. Jim French and Terry Mote officiating. Burial was at Turkey Pen cemetery near Hardy. Memorials are suggested to Cancer Research or the church, in care of Heber Springs Funeral Home of Heber Springs, Ark.
Michael E. Sheil 1930-2003
Michael E. Sheil, 72, of Great Bend, died June 28 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend. He was born Sept. 9, 1930, at Cherryvale, the son of Edward and Pauline Grant Sheil. A resident of Great Bend, coming from Denver, Colo., he was a foreign language teacher in the Denver public school system. Sheil was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church of Great Bend. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in the Korean War. Survivors include two sisters, Nita Jensen of Spokane, Wash., and Ruth Murray of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Sheil and John Sheil; and one sister, Teresa Haag. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Great Bend cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Great Bend Public Library, in care of Bryant Funeral Home of Great Bend.
