Archived Obituaries

Archived Obituaries

JON C. LONDEEN

Jon Carl Londeen, age 81, of Chapman, KS died October 8, 2020, at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan, as the result of a 7-week battle with COVID-19.

 

 He was born on February 17, 1939, in Chapman, the son of Gordon F. and Wilma I. (Coulson) Londeen.

 

 Jon graduated from Chapman High School (DCCHS) in 1957. He then attended Kansas State University and earned his degree in Business Administration in 1961. He received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant from ROTC at Kansas State, and took his basic training at Fort Benning, GA. He married Kathlyn Sue Boles on August 2, 1960, at the Chapman United Methodist Church. They were stationed at Fort Lewis, WA, until his discharge from active duty in 1963 at the rank of 1st Lt. He then served 5 years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Captain.

 

 In the fall of 1963, they returned to Chapman where he and his parents purchased Lorson Hardware, and combined with the furniture store that his father owned to become Londeen Hardware and Furniture. The family owned and operated the hardware and furniture store, and after his father passed away in 1976, he took over the operation of the Londeen Funeral Chapel that was started by his father. 

 

 Jon served as Mayor and on the Chapman City Council for several terms, and was very proud that Indian Hill Golf Course was built during one of his terms as mayor. He thought there was no better place in the world than Chapman, Kansas.

 

 He was a member of the Chapman United Methodist Church his entire life, and was a member of the American Legion Post # 240, Chapman Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Abilene Elks Club, Junction City Eagles Lodge, Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

 

 Jon is survived by his wife Kathlyn “Kay” Londeen; three sons: Jon David “JD”, Kevin Charles (Karen), and Eric Scott (Julie); and four granddaughters: Kirsten, Rachel, Emily and Lauren.

 

 He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jane Schnell.

 

 Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from Noon until 7:00 P.M. Monday, October 12th, at the Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 West 5th Street, Chapman. As the Londeen family grieves the loss of Jon due to COVID-19, please respect our request to wear a mask and social distance. A family graveside service will be held at the Indian Hill Cemetery.

 

 Online condolences may be left for the family through the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

 

 Memorial contributions may be made to Chapman United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.   

Faye Janet Teetzen, 83, of Manhattan, Kansas- formerly of Lyona community in rural Dickinson County KS   died on August 6, 2020 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, KS. She was born September 22, 1936 Chapman, KS. Her parents were Phillip and Dorothy (Oesterrich) Gugler.

Faye attended Carry Creek Grade School and graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in 1954. She then attended Kansas State University majoring in Art before moving to Kansas City where she was employed by Hallmark Cards as an artist.

Faye returned to the Rural Chapman area and on September 1, 1956, was joined in marriage to Walter Eugene (Gene) Teetzen of Tampa, KS. To this union were born 3 children, Deborah, Lisa & Douglas. They made their home in Herington, KS until 1964, when they moved to their farm in the Lyona Community. Faye lived on the farm from 1964 until 2019 when she moved to Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan, KS. 

Faye was a farm wife, mother and in 1972 established Cottonwood Farms, a professional dog breeding and raising kennel - and was owner/operator until retiring in 2017.

Preservation of community and its history was especially important to her – she served her community through being a 4-H Community Leader, was a driving force behind the Land Preservation committee, and served on the Rinehart Township Election Board. She was on the committee that took on the monumental task of producing a community history book for the Lyona United Methodist Church 125th Anniversary.

Faye loved animals, nature and its surroundings, and enjoyed landscaping – she became a Master Gardener through K-State’s Extension Program.

Faye had a wide variety of interests – she enjoyed Reading, Painting, Needlework, Quilting, Dried floral arrangements, just to name a few. She had an artistic eye for photography and enjoyed taking photos of nature and sharing her knowledge and skills with others. She was a long time Fair Superintendent for the Central Kansas Free Fair Photography division and started the Traveling 20 (now known as Top 20) Photo award.

Survivors include her daughters, Deborah (Royce) Swank of Ottawa KS, Lisa Eickholt (the late Bill Eickholt) of Junction City KS, and son Douglas (Jennifer) Teetzen of Payette ID. Grandchildren Samantha (Loran) Lefert, and Great Grand-children Roper and Reatta of Abilene KS, Rachel Teetzen and Great-Grandson Timothy of Fruitland ID, and Tyler Teetzen of Payette ID.  Other survivors include a sister Marjorie (Nolin) Masih of Paynesville MN, brother Clyde (D’Anne) Gugler of Chapman KS, sister-in-law Mildred Albrecht of Emporia KS and 10 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, nephew Greg Albright, son–in-law Bill, and Gene, her beloved husband of 47 years.

Family will receive visitors Wednesday August 12, 2020 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at Lyona United Methodist church. Services will be Thursday August 13, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Lyona Church with burial following at the Rinehart Cemetery (Lyona).

 

Memorials have been designated to the Dickinson County 4-H Foundation and Lyona United Methodist Church. Memorials may be sent in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431. 

While spending time together was important to Faye, her priority was the health and safety of family and friends. So, should you choose to honor her privately, we might suggest a quiet moment outdoors to take in God's nature and its beauty.

Mildred V. Feyerabend, resident of Chapman, Kansas, passed away on June 22, 2020 at Chapman Valley Manor at the age of 103 years.

Mildred was born September 1, 1916, at rural Chapman KS. Her parents were Hayes R. and Kathryn E. (Lyon) Blair. She attended Sanborn and Chapman Grade Schools and graduated from Dickinson County High School in 1935. After graduation, she worked for the Mercantile Company and Sanborn Lumber, both in Chapman. She was married to Wayne E. Feyerabend on June 1, 1943 at Chapman, KS. They moved to Wichita, KS where she worked in the general accounting office at Beech Aircraft. Later, they moved to Herington, KS in 1947, and she worked with her husband in their Western Auto Store for 31 years. After retiring, they moved to Salina in 1984 where she lived with her husband and was neighbor to her sister, Vanda and her husband Irl. After the deaths of their husbands, Mildred and Vanda planned to move back to Chapman. Vanda passed away before the move and Mildred made the move to the Chapman Valley Manor Independent Living duplex along with her poodle Sam, and Vanda’s poodle, Sally. She enjoyed time back in Chapman and loved visits from her neighbors, friends and family. She was a member of the Chapman United Methodist Church.

Mildred loved to cook at home and would not only prepare her meals but also special meals for her poodles, Sam and Sally. During the summer months, she enjoyed radish sandwiches. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors, sharing special items from Sam’s and Russell Stover and early morning telephone calls were favorites as well. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Feyerabend in 1993; sister and brother in law, Vanda and Irl Sheets.

The family has chosen cremation. Funeral service will be held at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran St. at 11:00 a.m., June 30, 2020. Pastor Connie Wooldridge officiating.  We will be taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and use of masks. Please be prepared to sign-in to the service with you name, address and phone number, requested by the Dickinson County Health Department. Burial will follow at the Liberty Cemetery, Upland, KS. Friends and relatives may call at the Chapman United Methodist from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service.

Memorials may be given to Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

 

James “Jimmie” Hugh Lee, 80 years of age, passed away June 9, 2020 at the at the Kansas Neurological Institute, Topeka, KS, where he lived.

He was born March 18, 1940 to Wayne and Hattie(Strauss) Lee. Jimmy’s mother passed away when Jimmy was young and later, his father remarried and Isabel Lee was his stepmother. 

Jimmy loved Tootsie Rolls, Cherry Mashes, monster trucks, cows, and singing Silent Night like Grandma Lee taught him. His disabilities did not overshadow his sweet nature.  He wanted to look good and loved getting compliments . He did not like being told no. He was very social, and wanted his visitors to focus on him. He loved to cuddle up in blankets, and he liked his alone time. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Hattie Lee, stepmother Isabel Lee.

He is survived by many cousins.

A graveside service will be at Indian Hill Cemetery, Chapman, KS – date and time pending. Londeen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Marvin Joseph Dreiling passed away at his home in Chapman, Kansas on June 2, 2020.

Marvin was born on December 19, 1934 at the family farm near Ellis, Kansas to Raymond and Marcella (Walters) Dreiling. 

He attended school in rural Ellis, KS before his family moved to Chapman in 1943. He attended Chapman Elementary Grade School and graduated from Dickinson County Community High School with the class of 1953.

After graduation he joined the US Army and served for 3 years. During his service he was stationed in Korea for 16 months. Upon returning to the states, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Hettenbach, on January 16, 1956. They were then transferred to Fort Hood, TX for one year. After his honorable discharge from the service they moved to Denver, CO where he worked as a diesel mechanic for Well Completions for 7 years. In 1963 he and his family, moved back to Chapman and eventually went to work for Chapman USD 473 and was in charge of school transportation for 28 years. Marvin was a member of St Michaels Catholic Church, American Legion and Abilene Elks.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and boating. Milford Lake was a favorite place to take his family where he, Shirley, his kids and grandkids all enjoyed skiing, tubing, fishing and campfires. He was a great dad, grandpa and great –grandpa and was known for his willingness to help anyone of them at any time with anything they needed.

Marvin is survived by his wife Shirley of 64 years. Two daughters, Debbie Budden and Trudy Sims (Ken), of Chapman; son Ron Dreiling (Kit), Santa Clarita, CA; one sister, Charlene Herman (George), Abilene and brother-in laws, Jerry Schad, Junction City and John Leach Overland Park; eight grandsons, one granddaughter, ten great grandchildren and four step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Norman Dreiling and sister-in-law Shirley Dreiling; sisters, Patsy Schad, Lorraine Leach, Mary Jean Hooper and brother-in-law Darrow Hooper.

The family has chosen cremation. A visitation is planned for Friday, June 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at St Michael Parish Center. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Chapman on Saturday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. with Father John Wolesky officiating. We will be taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with a sign-in sheet during visitation, social distancing and recommending, but not requiring the use of masks. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Chapman, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to St Michael Catholic Church or Hospice of Dickinson County and may be sent in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Daniel L. Corbett, passed away at his residence in Chapman, KS on June 6, 2020 at the age of 59.

Dan was born in Abilene, Kansas on March 24, 1961 to Harold and Agatha (Reinert) Corbett. He grew up in Chapman with his nine brothers and sisters. He attended all 12 grades in Chapman, graduating in 1979. He then attended Vo – Tech in Wichita and was trained in Automotive Technology. He later returned to the area and worked for the Cadillac dealership in Salina. He later worked for the City of Chapman, Riverbend Trailer Court and his last employment was at Footlocker in Junction City, Kansas.

He was described as a “great tinker”. He was curious on how things worked and enjoyed tinkering around the house, rebuilding engines for family and friends, taking computer technician courses and then setting up wireless connections for the computer and sound. Dan also enjoyed collecting model trains and star gazing with his telescopes.

On February 13, 1990, Dan married his childhood friend and sweetheart, Dee Marshall. They were together for over 30 years, working together and raising their family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Agatha (Reinert) Corbett, brother Mark Corbett and sister, Lori Knox.

He is survived by: his wife, Dee (Marshall) Corbett of the home; sons, Jason Marshall and Joshua Marshall both of Chapman; eight older siblings: Mildred (George) Fink, Wayne (Pamela) Corbett, Kearney, MO; Kenneth (Audrey) Corbett, Abilene; Judith Klocke, Ewing, MO; Mary (Charles) Zimmerman, Junction City; Geraldine (Steve) Hall, Spring Hill, FL; Raymond Corbett (Anita), Chapman; Donna (Randall) Bathurst, Talmage; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Vigil and visitation will be at St Michael Parish Center in Chapman, on Thursday, June 11. The Vigil will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by visitation with the family from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. There will be a Rosary for the family following visitation. We will be taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with a sign-in sheet during visitation, social distancing and recommending, but not requiring the use of masks. A graveside service will be held at the Indian Hills Cemetery in Chapman, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 12. Father John Wolesky, officiating.     

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Irish Foundation Alumni Scholarship in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Dennis Lee Baer passed away at his residence in Junction City, KS on May 29th, 2020 at the age of 70.

Dennis was born in Junction City, Kansas on December 13, 1949 to Marvin and Helen (Heller) Baer. He attended Chapman High School and graduated in 1968. He then attended Salina VoTech for one year. He was a member of the National Guard for six years.

He had a long, successful career as an appliance technician. He worked at Sears for 25 years. He later owned his own appliance and repair business and worked for Waters True Value until his retirement. He also moonlighted as an appliance technician for many years. He greatly enjoyed being able to assist customers with their own home repairs while working at Waters.

On June 4th, 1992 he married Ileen Rider in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. During their marriage Dennis and Ileen owned a 67 Nova and 67/68/70 Chevelles. They enjoyed attending various car shows and he received numerous awards for his participation at these shows.  He had a passion for vintage cars and is fondly remembered by his son Shawn for his love of a 64 Nova. He also greatly enjoyed traveling with his wife, hunting and westerns.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Baer and Helen (Heller) Baer; and his sister, Connie Baer.

He is survived by: his wife, Ileen Baer of the home; sons, Shawn (Allie) Baer, Chapman, Kansas and Justin Baer of Junction City, Kansas; daughter, Julie Ayers, Wamego, KS. Eight grandchildren, Kody, Brittany, Rachel, Brynna, Avery, Josie, Jerrigen and Ensley.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held at the Indian Hills Cemetery in Chapman, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. June 5, 2020.  Mark Hatcher, of the Junction City Church of the Nazarene will officiate.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Chapman Scholarship Fund in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Maxine Margaret Horner Marston, age 86 years of Junction City, KS passed away March 12, 2020 at Salina Regional Health Center.

 

She was born in Buckeye Township, Dickinson County, Kansas on June 4, 1933 to Leonard Henry Horner and Margaret C. Erickson. She grew up in Dickinson and Geary counties and attended country schools, graduating from Junction City High School in 1951. Maxine married Milo Marston, Jr. on July 1, 1952 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. They made their home in Junction City after Milo’s return from the Navy and raised their two children, Doris and Wayne. Maxine worked as a secretary for USD 475 until her retirement.

 

She is survived by her children, Doris (Larry) Moreland and Wayne (Iris) Marston; four grandchildren, Todd (Kate) and Kyle (Sarah) Moreland, Gloria Marston and Sharita Smith; great grandchildren Emaline, Amelie, and Samuel Moreland, David, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Serenity Smith.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo, Jr.; her parents; sisters: Grace Meyer, Fern Flynn; brothers Joe Horner and Lewis Horner. 

 

Visitation will be Sunday, March 15th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Londeen Funeral Home, 206 W. 5th, Chapman, KS 67431. Funeral service will be Monday, March 16th at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran, Chapman, KS, Pastor Connie Wooldridge, officiating. Burial will be at Good Hope Cemetery, Chapman, KS.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be made to Alzheimer’s Association in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS, 67431.

Edward “Ed” Lindlar, age 91 years, passed away February 1, 2020 at his home in Chapman, KS.

 

He was born to Aloysius and Elizabeth (Flach) Lindlar on October 21, 1928, at their home in Chapman, KS. He grew up with his brother Ignatius ("Bill") and his sister (Vivian). He attended grade school and then graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in 1947.

 

After graduating, Ed worked on a section of Chapman for Union Pacific Railroad for four years. In 1951, Ed joined the United States Army and was assigned in Construction Engineers and was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Hood, TX and Camp Polk, Louisiana. Ed was honorably discharged in 1953 as a Private First Class. Upon returning to Chapman, he went back to work with Union Pacific Railroad for another four years. He then worked on a farm west of Chapman for Raymond Wood for 14 years and then worked as a night watchman and custodian at Chapman High School until retiring in 1996.

Ed never married but was close to his family. He enjoyed spending time with his sister, Vivian and her family, niece Debbie (VanDaWalker) Pelfrey and great niece Heather and great nephews, J.D and Tommy. Later, he would take his great-great nieces, Harley and Tori, for rides in his truck, to the city park and enjoyed watching Harley ride her bike. He loved the outdoors, fishing, and especially loved taking his family through the country to look for deer, raccoons and other wild animals.

He loved to ride around town in his old pick up and wave to all he passed. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back. He will be long remembered and missed very much by friends and family.

 

Ed was a lifetime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

 

He is survived by his niece, Deb Pelfrey, Chapman; great niece, Heather Pelfrey, Chapman and great nephew, Tommy Pelfrey, Abilene; Great-great nieces Harley and Tori Pelfrey, Chapman, Great-great nephew, Noah Pelfrey, Abilene.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Ignatius; sister Vivian Van Da Walker; and great nephew, J.D. Pelfrey.

 

The rosary and visitation will be Monday, February 3rd with rosary at 6:00 p.m. and visitation until 7:30 p.m. The funeral Mass will be Tuesday, February 4th at 10:30 a.m. All will be at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 210 E. 6th St, Chapman, KS

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dickinson County Home Health and Hospice or St. Michael's Catholic Church in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

 

VIVIAN L. DETRICH, Chapman, passed away January 27, 2020 at Village Manor in Abilene, KS at the age of 97 years.

 

Vivian was born November 12, 1922 at Talmage, KS, to Benjamin and Rena (Bowyer) Koelling. She attended Talmage Grade School and graduated from Chapman High School. She was married to Paul Gormley on June 29, 1941 in Talmage. They lived their entire married life in the Talmage community. She was preceded death in by her husband, Paul, in 1965. She served as Dickinson County Treasurer for four years. She was married to Robert Detrich on August 20, 1969 at the Chapman United Methodist Church in Chapman, Kansas. They lived south of Chapman on the Detrich family farm until 1990 when they moved into the city of Chapman. They were married for 43 years. She was a member of the Chapman United Methodist Church, the Bernice Huff Circle; and the Chapman American Legion Auxiliary.

 

She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Gormley Bowell of Talmage, two sons, Terry Ralph Gormley, Elk City, Idaho and Ben Gormley of Talmage; one brother, Louis (Mary) Koelling of Olathe, KS; one sister, Alice Jean (Richard) Kingston, Atchison, KS; three grandchildren: Lindsay Bowell Leahew Jones; Don Gormley, Jr., Melanie (David) Banks; and five great-grandchildren: Cosette Leahew, Zachary Leahew, Julia Gormley, Cameron Gormley, Karla Banks Schneider, and many nieces and nephews.

 

She was prcede in death by her husband, Robert Detrich; a son Donald Gormley, Sr.: a daughter, Wava Gormley Buckley; three brothers, Dale Koelling, Herbert Koelling, Alfred Koelling; one sister, Lorna Koelling Owens, and one great –grandchild, Sean Banks.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Chapman United Methodist Church, in Chapman, KS on February 8 at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Ken Trickle officiating. A private burial will be in the Rinhart Cemetery at a later time. The Londeen Funeral Chapel will be open for visitation on February 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Talmage United Methodist Church or the Chapman United Methodist Church in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Marvin D. Mills of Chapman, age 85 years, passed away January 24, 2020 at Geary Community Hospital, Junction City, KS

He was born to Otto and Cora (Apperson) Mills on September 13, 1934 at their family home in Detroit, KS. He grew up on the family farm with his two brothers and one sister. Marvin attended grade school at Enterprise, Kansas until the family moved to the Chapman area in 1944. He then attended Chapman Grade School and High School, graduating from Dickinson County High School in 1952.

He worked on the family farm and like his siblings, he learned to work hard. There was little time for games but there was time for family.

On August 9, 1959, he married Geraldine Taylor at the United Methodist Church in Junction City, Kansas. This marriage was a true partnership. They worked together in the fields and raised cattle for over 30 years until retiring in 1996. They were always there for each other in everything they did.

Marvin always had time to serve his community. He served on various boards throughout the years including the Co-op; Farm Bureau; Central Kansas Free Fair; Rural Fire Board; County Zoning Board; Zoning Board of Appeals; Chapman Valley Manor Care Home. He was a member of the School Alumni Association, and became a Bank Director at Chapman State Bank. He was a Church Trustee and served as Board President at the Chapman United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Chapman Lions Club.

He was honored as County Farm Bureau Man Leader in 1969 and his family was honored as Farm Family of the Year by the American Legion in 1989.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine “Gerry”; brother, Lee Mills; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Wayne Mills and sister, Illene Ansberry.   

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. both at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran, Chapman, KS, Pastors Connie Wooldridge and Kenneth Trickle officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Enterprise, KS following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Chapman United Methodist Church or Dickinson County Home Health & Hospice in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Richard “Dick” Sherraden

Chapman, passed away on January 22, 2020 at Memorial Hospital, Abilene, KS. He was 71 years of age. 

He was born September 1, 1948 to Elwood and Mary (Breen) Sherraden at Geary Community Hospital, Junction City, KS. After graduating from Dickinson County Community High School in 1966 he attended Emporia State University until he was drafted. He then served in Vietnam from August 1969 to August 1970. While in the military, Dick received the Bronze Star; Combat Infantryman Badge; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars; and Vietnam Campaign Medal. After returning, he transferred to the Reserves and was discharged February 24, 1971.

After returning from Vietnam, Dick returned to college and lacked a few credit hours in Business Administration. He was employed by Allerd Engineering of Ellsworth, Federal Civil Service and then USD #473 until retirement. His skills included drafting, painting and building maintenance.

He was also a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dick is survived by his sister, Patricia (Bill) Chamberlin, Chapman; brother, Bill (Vickie) Sherraden, Neosho, MO; five nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood and Mary.

On Saturday, February 1st family will receive visitors from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. prior to the 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Burial of ashes will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Alberta B. Zurmely, age 85 years, passed away January 18, 2020 at Memorial Hospital, Abilene, KS.

She was born March 31, 1934 in Abilene, KS to Albert and Nellie (White) Greenwood. She grew up in Abilene, KS with her three sisters and one brother. She attended school in Abilene, graduating in 1952. 

One evening while at the local skating rink in Abilene, Alberta met George. They were immediately attracted to each other and married on March 4, 1955. They lived in Chapman and raised their six children: Debbi, Frances, Kathern, Susan, Mary and George, Jr.

Alberta held various jobs but the ones that were most meaningful were when she worked at both Dickinson and Geary County Sheriff’s Department and then later when she worked as a Counselor tech with Clarence Thompson at the Dickinson County Council on Alcohol and Drugs.

She was full of life and as much as she loved her various jobs, her favorite was being a mother. She loved her kids and grandkids and they loved her! She loved spending time with them, watching them grow and looked forward to their visits. She loved to bowl, travel, shop, and learn new things but most important to her was family. Through the years, Alberta was active in her community, Al-Anon and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by husband, George, her husband of over 64 years; daughters Debbi (Paul) Fowler, California; Frances Baldwin, Wichita,Kansas; Kathern (Paul) Zoska, Washington; Susan (Troy) Martens, Solomon, KS and Mary Cairns, Abilene, Kansas; son George (Martha) Zurmely, Wakefield, Kansas; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and brother, Charles, Greenwood, Springfield, M).

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Wilma Clepper, Louise Freeman, and Evelyn Sneep.

Rosary will be Wednesday January 22, 2020 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 6 p.m. Visitation will be family will follow.

Funeral services will be Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 10:00m, also at the St Michael’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Chapman, KS

Memorials can be made to the Muscular Dysthrophy Foundation or St. Jude Childrens Hospital in care of Londeen Funeral. PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

DeWain Krinhop, age 82 years, passed away January 13, 2020 at Chapman Valley Manor.

He was born to Elmer and Hazel Krinhop on October 22, 1937 at the Junction City Hospital. He grew up on the family farm north of Chapman with his two brothers and two sisters. He attended grade school and graduating from Dickinson County High School in 1955.

On August 31, 1957, he married Caroline M. Knopp at the Scherer Memorial Lutheran Church in Chapman. Together they worked on the farm, enjoyed auctions, worked at the dry cleaners, worked as school custodians, and raised their two sons, Roger and Brian.

DeWain had many interests, he loved collecting antiques and other unusual items. Many times he obtained items by bartering. He would empty out a shed or tear down a building and end up with a wide variety of unique items like the metal Ford sign, sleigh, or several wooden plows. DeWain was known by many antique dealers and had several sheds of these unique items. For DeWain, there were no strangers and he always had a story or a tease.

He was a member of Scherer Lutheran Church and later Chapman United Methodist Church, board member of Dickinson County Heritage Center, Chapman Senior Center and Alida Co-op, member of Lions Club and 4-H Leader with Chapman Shamrocks.

Even with their busy schedule of work and hobbies, DeWain and Caroline loved to be with their two sons. They would go on fun family vacations and visit various states. But what he and Caroline enjoyed the most was following their sons sporting events. Even after the boys were grown and married, they began attending their grandchildren’s activities.

He is survived by his sons, Roger (Coleen) Krinhop, Chapman and Brian Krinhop, Lindsborg; grandchildren Cole (Mindy) Krinhop, Kayla (Ryan) Herrman and Matt (Bethanie) Krinhop, Brandon (Danielle) Krinhop, Bristen (Jesse) Riggs, Braden(Renee) Krinhop and Breanne Krinhop; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Karyn Ashburn and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline and daughter in law, Brenda Krinhop; his parents, Elmer and Hazel Krinhop; brothers, Kenneth and Harvey Krinhop and sister, Patricia Carlson.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 19 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, January 20 at 10:30 a.m. Both at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran, Chapman, KS, Pastor Connie Wooldridge officiating. Burial will be at Indian Hill Cemetery, Chapman, KS following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Chapman Irish Foundation or Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Charles W. “Bill” Gfeller of rural Junction City passed away on December 30, 2019 at Valley View Senior Life Center at the age of 90 years. 


Bill was born January 18, 1929 to Roy W. and Mary (Johnston) Gfeller, in Junction City, KS. He attended Walla Walla Grade School in Geary County, then graduated from Junction City High School with the class of 1947. He belonged to Blueline 4-H Club for 10 years and it was there that he became interested in the electrical projects and REA that was new in the area. He gave many talks about “Reddy Kilowatt” and the importance of electricity on the farm. He also worked for Geary County Soil Conservation plotting out terrace and waterways.


He married Virginia Peterson on March 15, 1953 and they began their home west of Junction City. It was there that they raised their four children, Doug, Ronald, Ruth and Beth Gfeller.


Bill and his dad owned a Grade A dairy and they also had a farm repair shop. Later he established the Gfeller Farm Service which sold animal waterers, repaired pumps and water lines and also provided electrical work to nearby farms. He belonged to St. John’s UCC of Alida, later known as Alida Cooperative Parish. He served several years on the DS&O electric board and was a lifetime member of what is currently known as Agri Trails.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary Gfeller; a son, Doug Gfeller; a grandson, Caleb Marker; and a sister, Virginia Zumbrunn.


His family includes, Ronald and Linnie Gfeller, Junction City; Ruth and Kevin Compton, Hiawatha; Beth and Mike Marker, Dexter; and Debbie (Gfeller) and Glenn Shank of Abilene. Grandchildren and their families include, Erik and Rachel Gfeller, Isaac, Caroline and Abigail; Anna and Eric Douglass, Zachariah, Nathaniel, Joseph and Caitlyn; Mikael and Stephanie Gfeller, Clayton and Allie; Ashley and Jerod Junghans, Jackson and Kyla; Brooke and Clint Junghans and Caden; Jenna and Riley Sorell, Cope and Kendall; Jill and Isaac Carr and Emily; Tyler and Ashley Marker, Ellie and Blake, Nathan and Kelsey Marker and Arleigh; Joel Marker and Hannah Marker; his brother, Gary Gfeller and his wife Marge from Chapman and many nieces and nephews.


There will be a visitation on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Zion UCC, 1811 McFarland Road in Junction City, KS. A private burial will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2020 and a Celebration of Life service for family and friends at 2:00 pm which will be at Zion UCC. Memorial gifts may be given to Geary County 4-H Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Londeen Funeral Home, Chapman, KS.

Donald Dean Boyd passed away on November 18, 2019 in the place he loved most, his home. Don was born on September 6th, 1930, the baby of 13 children born to parents Melvin and Ethyl Boyd in their Chapman home. He attended school in Chapman and lived in several local homes growing up. Knowing that he would be drafted, he joined the Army with three of his best friends. This allowed these small town boys to attend basic training together. He served during the Korean War and years later enjoyed watching daily reruns of MASH, comparing/contrasting his stay to the comedy-drama television series. 


Following his release from active duty he returned to his home town of Chapman, Kansas. In 1959 he married Barbara Jean Meyer. They built a home in Chapman, borrowing what felt like an enormous amount of money, $12,000. Don always smiled when he talked about breaking ground on his home. His brothers came to town with backhoes and started digging with no plans or building permits. Don and Barbara worked on their home each evening after work, moving into the basement while they continued to build the main level over the next year. Don and Barbara continued to live in this home for the next 60 years having two children, Greg and Mary. Don’s first business venture was the ownership of a Speed Queen coin operated laundry mat which remained open for more than 30 years while simultaneously working as a machinist at Ersham’s in Enterprise. After more than 25 years with Ersham’s, Don retired and become self-employed, purchasing and remodeling the Carroll Brother’s Clothing Store and giving it the name Boyd’s Work and Play Clothes. Neither Don nor Barbara knew anything about retail business but quickly learned and established accounts with Levis, Red Wing, Nike, and Big Smith to name a few. They operated this business for more than 40 years providing services and merchandise to the community. The Boyd’s put many letter jackets, tennis shoes and tuxedoes on the Fighting Irish over the years. Don retired again in early 2019 closing the store, liquidating inventory and selling the building.


Don believed his large family and relationship with his brothers and sisters was a true treasure. He particularly enjoyed the Boyd family gatherings where nearly all of his brothers, sisters and their families would gather for lunch every Sunday, a tradition that lasted for many years. He remembered his family filling the dance hall at the American Legion on Saturday evenings and mountains of fried rabbit at lunch after a big hunt with his brothers. There were also stories about hitchhiking to Abilene as a child as young as 10 to go swimming, possibly stopping for a sandwich on the way if he had an extra dime. 


His family remembers him for his quick wit sense of humor. Don liked to watch the news, staying up to date on approaching weather, watching multiple episodes of Big Bang and other comedy shows. He was fascinated by technology and nearly every morning began with a trivia question or asking about some unknown bit of information, followed by, “just ask your phone”. He enjoyed fishing, both the Smoky Hill River and Milford Lake on a regular basis. With most of Don’s building projects he had no help and developed the ability to move massive items on his own with a simple pipe or two. Don was many things but a traveler he was not, content to stay within a 30 mile radius from home. He was also never a fan of doctors, hospitals or nursing homes and believed a twisted ankle/strained back or any non-open injury could be healed with a simple splash of turpentine. 


Don was preceded in death by all of his siblings as well as his wife. He wished to have a simple military service which will take place at 11 a.m. on November 22nd at Indian Hill Cemetery, Chapman, Kansas. Memorials can be made to Dickinson County Home Health and Hospice or Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431. 

Larry G. Acker, 77, of Chapman, passed away on November 11, 2019 at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.


Larry was born January 31, 1942 at the family home north of Chapman to Lawrence and Katherine (Pierce) Acker. As a young boy he attended Wesley Grade School and later, Dickinson County Community High School.


After graduating he worked construction for several years before getting on with KDOT. He worked with the Kansas Department of Transportation for 31 years. After retiring it wasn’t long before Larry found another job working at Konza as a truck driver. He worked there for 16 years.


On February 16, 1963 Larry married Sandy Morgan. Together they raised three children, Ronald G., Deborah, and Michell.


He wasn’t one to socialize much but did enjoy spending time with his family and friends. He would appear as gruff but instead was a man with a great sense of humor. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion.


Larry is survived by his wife, Sandy of the home. Daughters Deborah (Kenny) Garrison, Chapman and Michell (John) Pfahl, Kaiser, MO; four grandchildren, Erica Smith, Jessica Garrison, Johnny (Heather) Pfahl and Clinton Pfahl; and five great grandchildren, Emma, Emilee, and Travis Osborne, Chelsea and Kody Pfahl.


He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald, his brother Steve Acker, and parents, Lawrence and Katherine Acker.


There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the American Legion Bingo Hall on Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. for family and friends. There will be a private burial of ashes at Good Hope Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.  

Robert “Bob” James Quinn, 74 of rural Chapman, KS, passed away on October 10, 2019 at his home under the care of Dickinson County Hospice.

He was born November 8, 1944 in Clifton, South Carolina to Robert “Ted” F. and Geneva M. (Altom) Quinn. Bob grew up in Clifton, SC and graduated from Cowpens High School. In 1965, at the age of 19 years, he was drafted in the United States Army and served his country for 20 years. He served in Vietnam from 1966 through 1967 and earned two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars among other medals. After returning from his tour in Vietnam, he married Sharon M. Williams on December 30, 1967 in Spartanburg, SC. Bob and Sharon raised their three children, Robert James, II, Jason Timothy, and Samantha S. Quinn. His service took him and his family around the world including multiple bases in the United States and two tours in Germany. Bob served honorably and with distinction as he did with everything else in his life. He retired September 30, 1985 at the rank of Sergeant First Class.

After retirement he settled in Kansas and spent his retirement years hunting, fishing and his hobbies of photography, woodworking, military history, gunsmithing. But what brought him the most enjoyment was time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife, Sharon of the home; sons, Robert James (Jeannie) of Purcellville, VA and Jason Timothy (Annamarie) of Albuquerque, NM; daughter Samantha S. (Shawn Weber) Quinn of Aurora, CO; twelve grandchildren; sisters, Carol Ann White, Lucille Adams, of Inman, SC, Hoyt Loretta Cheatwood and brother, Samuel C. Quinn, both of Boiling Spring, SC. 

 Visitation will be Monday, October 14 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and funeral service will be Tuesday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m. Both services will be at Lyona UMC, 1850 Wolf Rd, Junction City, KS. Pastors Kris Brinlee and Claudia Bakely officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Dickinson County Hospice or Lyona United Methodist Church in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

William J. “Bill” Taylor, age 70 years, of Junction City, KS, passed away September 30th, 2019 at his home while in the care of Hospice.

 

He was born in Nuremberg, Germany on November 4, 1948 but moved to the States as an infant and spent his early years in the Chicago, Illinois area. In 1961, the family moved to Kansas. He attended school in Junction City and graduated in 1966. After graduation, Bill left the family farm and worked at various jobs including T & J Sheet Metal, McGrew Tire, and 6th Street Alignment. In 1980, he married Debra Taylor and a few years later, returned to farming with his father and raised their children, Dustin and Erin.

 

Bill was a hard worker and family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and in later years, his grandchildren. At one time Bill bowled in eight different leagues. He enjoyed volunteering at the Geary County 4-H fair and would often be found having coffee at Stacy’s in Grandview Plaza.

 

Bill is survived by his wife, Debra of the home and son Dustin, daughter-in-law Ashley, and grandchildren Lucas and Aloria Taylor, all of Olathe, KS. He is also survived by sisters Cindy Taylor of Salina, Karen McQuery of Junction City, and Elizabeth Small of Minneapolis, KS.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Lotte Taylor, and daughter, Erin Taylor.

 

Visitation will be Friday, October 4 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. and Funeral service will be Saturday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. Both will take place at Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 W. 5th, Chapman, KS 67431. Burial will be at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, KS following the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Toys for Tots in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Michael “Mike” Andrew Marts

68 of Junction City, passed away on September 22 at Valley View, Junction City, KS. 

 

He was born March 14, 1951 in Junction City Kansas to Opal Kathryn (Kay) Brooks and Hubert (Hub) Cecil Marts, Jr.  Mike grew up in Milford and attended school in Junction City. After graduating High School, Mike went on to graduate from Manhattan Area Vo-Tech for Diesel Mechanics.

 

Mike worked for Martin Caterpillar in Topeka and water softening in Carbondale, Kansas. It was there he met his wife, Joyce and moved to rural Geary County. During that marriage, Mike was blessed with his son, Travis, November 29, 1980. Later, Mike and Joyce divorced. Mike worked for Walker Stone and eventually took over running the Farnum Creek Plant. He was also co-owner of Devil’s Tail Club. Later he worked at the Transfer Station for Ham until his retirement.

 

He had many hobbies but especially enjoyed hunting and fishing and never gave up the chance to work on all kinds of engines. He was a member of the Eagles where many will remember him and his smile.

 

He is survived by his son, Travis, and brother Jimmy Marts both of Junction City, KS; sister, Joyce Borges, Las Vegas NV and stepdaughter Terri Murphy, Topeka, KS. 

There will be a Memorial service, 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 30 at Londeen Funeral Home in Chapman with Pastor Connie Wooldridge officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Memorial service. Burial will be at Indian Hill Cemetery following the service.

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Junction City Eagles in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Carl Eugene Wick

age 81 years, passed away September 8, 2019 at Enterprise Estates Nursing Home, Enterprise, KS.

He was born to Harold T. and Marie R. (Kugler) Wick in Abilene, Kansas on April 9, 1938. He attended the Chronister school and graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in 1956. After graduation he worked for a bridge crew on I-70 until his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1961. He had an honorable discharge in 1963. After his discharge, Gene worked various jobs in his life for friends and neighbors along with working on the family farm northeast of Abilene. In later years, Gene worked on his own farm. Most of his life was lived near the Buckeye community until his home was destroyed in the 2016 tornado. He then moved to Abilene and lived with his brother, Jim.

He loved his pets. Lucy, a miniature Australian Shepard, and Buddy, his rat terrier. He enjoyed spending time in his garden and especially loved growing his own fresh tomatoes. Gene didn’t know a stranger and enjoyed visiting. His smile and his ornery attitude will never be forgotten.   

Gene is survived by two brothers, James Wick, Enterprise and Dale Wick, Abilene, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Helen (Wick) Stevens.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Brethren in Christ Church, 1005 N. Buckeye Ave, Abilene, KS. Rev. Dale Engle officiating. There will be visitation with family beginning at 9:30 a.m. until time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Community Meal at Brethren in Christ Church, Abilene, KS in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Gary Lee Marshall, 42, of Chapman, passed away on August 26, 2019 of ALS. He had been diagnosed June 1st, 2018. He was in Hospice Care at his home and was surrounded by his family and a long-time friend at the time of his death.

He was born April 3, 1977 in Burbank, CA to Gary A. and Jeanene K. (Haith) Marshall, the second of four children. When Gary was 17, the family moved back to Chapman and Gary entered his senior year. It was a big transition moving from California to Kansas but with Gary’s personality, he made friends, attended his classes and graduated from Chapman High School with the class of 1995. 

After graduating, Gary worked two jobs and took college classes. He worked at jobs such as housekeeping at the nursing home or as a clerk at a motel so that he could work around his class schedule. Education was important to him and he loved to learn. He graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at Chapman Valley Manor working his way up to shift supervisor. Gary had a special gift working with elderly. He was so caring and giving to each of his patients and to their families as well. He later set another goal for himself – to go back to school and become a Registered Nurse. Unfortunately, this was a goal he was not able to obtain because of his health. Even though he did not have the initials “R.N.” behind his name, he provided the best care he could to his special patients.

Outside of work Gary loved listening to music of all genres and periods of time and loved to read and learn. He was a collector of novels written by Stephen King.

Friends and especially family were just as important to Gary. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved following the activities of his nieces and nephews.

Gary L. is survived by his father, Gary A. Marshall; mother and step-father, Jeanene and Stan Arveson; sister, Christina Feliciano; brother, Shawn Marshall; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Marshall in 2003.

There will be a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. on August 31, 2019 at the Chapman United Methodist Church with Connie Wooldridge officiating. Please feel free to dress casual and wear #GMarshall Strong or ALS t-shirt.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Gary Marshall fund or Chapman Valley Manor in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Ernest “Ernie” Hoyle, age 93, passed away peacefully in the loving care of the Chapman Valley Manor on July 18, 2019 in Chapman, KS. He was always dedicated to his family and loyal to his friends. He was a colorful storyteller and a lucky card player. He played the piano by ear, loved big band music, and dancing. He liked to talk politics and he loved his Royals baseball.

 

He was born June 7, 1926 in Dwight, KS to Webster Bundy and Sylvia Maybelle (Stewart). He grew up on the family farm with 8 brothers and sisters – Elizabeth S. (Wafler), Ruby Catherine (Bantam), Charles W., Ralph E., Harold E., Helen L. (Hunter), Lora M. (Montgomery) and Harvey E. He attended a Quaker school and graduated from Dwight Rural High School in 1944. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 830 in Junction City, KS.

 

Ernie married Joan C. (Fulton) on February 18, 1961 in Junction City, KS. Together they raised three children –Carla A (Bud) Tuxhorn, Sylvia K (Will) Hollis, and Bruce Hoyle. Ernie worked Civil Service at Ft. Riley, KS while continuing to run the family farm until 1966, when they moved to Junction City, KS. He retired from Civil Service in 1985 and then as Fleet Services and Building Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Junction City until 1995.

 

He moved to Chapman, Kansas to be near his wife when she resided in Chapman Valley Manor. She preceded him in death. He is survived by his children and their spouses; 8 grandchildren – Beni (James) Porter, Cori Tuxhorn, Clarissa (Harold) Hanson, Chelsea (Nick) Mendez, Cierra VanNahmen, Brittany (James) Jones, Brooke (Michael) Gursky, Bethany (Pete) Husband; 12 great grandchildren – Easton, Payson & Landry Porter, Charli, Eden & Britton Deill, Josephine (Josie) Hanson, Willow Mendez, Wyatt, Bryar & Garrett Gursky and Genevieve (Genny) Husband; and his sister Lora and many nieces and nephews. 

 

Private family graveside services will be followed by a Celebration of Life and pitch card party at 2 PM on Thursday, July 25th at the Chapman Senior Citizen Center in Chapman, KS. Memorial contributions can be made to Chapman Sr. Citizen Center and the birdseed fund at Chapman Valley Manor in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Karl Steven Detrich, age 70, died June 18, 2019, at his home in Chapman.

Karl was born September 29, 1948 in Junction City, Kansas to Neil and Verna (Book) Detrich of Chapman. He grew up in Chapman, graduating from Dickinson County Community High School in 1966. He attended the University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and the Kansas Vo-Tech truck driving school in Dodge City.

For many years, Karl’s was a life in motion. He lived in at least thirty places including a Navajo mission school and an island off the Washington coast, and had over two dozen employers in occupations as varied as residential and commercial electrician, bus driver, police dispatcher, fork lift mechanic, gasoline tanker driver, house parent, church youth director, municipal power plant operator and newspaper editor/photographer.

In June of 1977, Karl married Jean Ortman of rural Marion, South Dakota. Soon they settled in Chapman, where they would raise their daughters, Sarah and Anna, and live happily together for nearly 42 years.

Quick with a joke, Karl loved camping, hunting, bicycling, canoeing, and traveling with his family to mountains, canyons, forests, and oceans across United States. His hobbies included photography, writing poetry, and playing the Native American flute. A dedicated Christian, Karl taught middle school and adult Sunday school classes and contributed to the church newsletter. He was handy with tools and home remodel projects, often providing what he would call an imaginative “nickel fix” for needed repairs.

Karl is survived by his wife, Jean, Chapman; daughter Sarah and her husband Joshua Burton, Raleigh, NC, and their daughters, Dalya and Miridian; daughter Anna and her husband Chad Wastell, Omaha, NE, and their sons, Elijah and Malachi; a brother, Phil, Mt. Shasta, CA; and a sister, Beth, and her husband Leon Morton, Cave Creek, AZ, along with several nieces nephews, and cousins.

Visitation with the family will be 5:30-7:00 p.m., Friday, July 19, at Londeen Funeral Home in Chapman. A celebration of Karl’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20, at Emmanuel Church, 1300 Vine Street in Abilene. Cremation was requested; there will be a private burial at the Indian Hill cemetery in Chapman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salina Rescue Mission or Voice of the Martyrs, in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Lyle E. Diehl, age 85 years of Enterprise, Kansas, passed away July 3, 2019 at Enterprise Estates Nursing Center.

Lyle was born April 4, 1934 to Harvey R. and Lillian A. (Williams) Diehl. He attended Pleasant Hill grade school and graduated from DCHS in 1952. Lyle worked for his uncle Joe Diehl at Diehl Dairy Delivery in Junction City before hiring on with Ersham’s in Enterprise, Kansas. He retired from ABB in 1997 after working 45 years of service in sheet-metal layout, as a machinist and in Quality Control. He is a lifetime member of the Enterprise Baptist Church. He was on the boards of the Enterprise Credit Union and Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Lyle has been a farmer and rancher in Dickinson County his entire life and was active in 4-H.

On December 7, 1953 Lyle married Pauline Alexander and to this union Daniel, Donald and Deborah were born. This marriage ended in divorce. On March 28, 1998 Lyle married Connie L. Stover. Both were avid bowlers and enjoyed traveling. She preceded him in death August 2003. From 2004 to 2015 Lyle was married to Lois Holt Howie.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents and former spouses Connie Stover-Diehl and Pauline Alexander-Wilson.

He is survived by his children Daniel (Karman) Diehl of Chapman, Donald (Linda) Diehl of Abilene and Deborah (Timothy) Nelson of Chapman. Brother Harvey (Jane) Diehl, Jr. of Valley Center, KS and sister Dona (Monte) Myers of Abilene. Granddaughters Marci (Todd) Smith of Enterprise, Nicole Diehl of Abilene, Desiree (Jason) Linsner of Great Bend, KS, Kaitlynn (Marshall) Christiansen of Lacey, WA, and Michelle Diehl of Abilene. Grandsons Michael (Afton) Diehl of Enterprise and Justin (Courtney) Nelson of Chapman and seven great grandchildren. Step-daughters, Candace Flynn of Frankfort, KY, Stephanie Stover-Coello of Kearney, NE and Stacia (Sammy) McCulley of Abilene. Eleven step-grandchildren and 7 step-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life and visitation with the family will be 6:00 – 7:30 p.m, Monday, July 8. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, with Pastor Jack Craig officiating. Visitation and funeral services will be at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran, Chapman, Kansas. Interment will be a Pleasant Hill Cemetery with luncheon following at the Enterprise Baptist Church 1697 2100 Avenue Enterprise, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be given to Pleasant Hill Cemetery in care Londeen’s Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Harold Facklam, 89, formerly of Junction City and at the time of his death Topeka, KS, passed away on May 23, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Harold was born March 3, 1930 at the family home in the Alida community in Geary County. His is survived by his devoted wife of 68 ½ years, Venice Bellman Facklam whom he married on October 8, 1950.

Harold was a school teacher, farmer, and cattleman. After graduating from DCCHS in Chapman in 1947 he attended summer school at Kansas State and that fall, at age 17, started teaching school in a one-room school in rural Geary County. He returned to K-State the next year and then taught in one and two roomed schools in Geary and Dickinson Counties until 1959 when Harold accepted a teaching position in Junction City. He taught 21 years at Morris Hill Elementary on Fort Riley and later taught at Franklin Elementary where all four of his grandchildren attended. In 1984 Harold retired from teaching to focus on his cattle business. From 1990 to 2007, Harold was a livestock market reporter for the USDA and responsible for the weekly livestock sales in Junction City and Salina and occasionally in Pratt. 

Harold earned a Master’s degree in Education from Kansas State University in 1981. He was President of the Junction City Education Association in 1966-67 and awarded Geary County Master Teacher in 1969. Harold served on the Alida-Pearl Co-Op Board, Geary County Extension Council, ASCS Board, Alida School Board and 4-H Leader. As a member of the Zion United Church of Christ, he served in leadership roles.

Harold was a dedicated blood donor and gave 32 gallons over 64 years. In March, 2017 this accomplishment was recognized by being honored with the Kansas Assisted Living Outstanding Citizenship Award.

Harold and Venice enjoyed traveling and were able to visit all 50 states and five countries. In the early years they camped with their daughters in the homemade camper on the back of the pick-up. Later they traveled with family and neighbors and made many friends on their bus and cruise travels.

In 2016, Harold and Venice moved to McCrite Plaza in Topeka. While living there he enjoyed making friends and entertaining residents and staff with his puzzles, contests and skits.

In addition to his wife, Venice, Harold is survived by daughters, Linda (Glen) Smith of Hoyt and Karen (John) Jameson of Junction City. Four grandchildren Shelley (Jeff) Grutsch Maple Hill, Todd (Michelle) Ross Ridgefield, WA, Christine (Matthew) Russell Hoyt, and Brandon (Amy) Jameson Newton, 12 great grandchildren; sister, Wanda Sowell, Aiea, Hawaii, two nephews and four nieces.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Facklam, Sr., and Christine Roediger Facklam, siblings, Albert Facklam and Marjorie Facklam.

A celebration of life memorial service will be 10:30 on July 5 at Zion United Church of Christ, 1811 McFarland Rd Junction City. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Zion UCC or McCrite Plaza, Topeka.

Tena Freeman White

age 87, departed this life on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Heritage Oaks in Arlington, Texas.

Tena was born January 14, 1932 to Napoleon and Addie (Worley) Freeman on the family farm in the Sutphen Mill area near Chapman, KS. She graduated from Dickinson County Community High with the Class of 1950 in Chapman, KS. She married Richard Dean White on June 30, 1957 at the Chapel on McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. 

She is survived by one son Kevin and his wife Marlene White, Coon Rapids, MN, and one daughter Mary Celeste and her husband Michael Dvorak, Arlington, TX; five grandchildren: Eric White, Natasha White, Hailyn White, Nicholas Dvorak and Hannah Dvorak; two great-grandchildren: Elliott Steiner-White and Nathan Alvarado-Dvorak. She was preceded in death by her parents Napoleon and Addie Freeman; two sisters: Dora Rudolph and Esther Burdick; and two brothers: Herman Freeman and Ivan Freeman.

A graveside service and burial will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Sutphen Mill Cemetery, northwest of Chapman, arranged by Londeen Funeral Chapel.

Sharon E. Fann passed away June 24, 2019 at Geary Community Hospital, Junction City, Kansas at the age of 78 years.

She was born on the family farm outside of Mingo, Kansas in Thomas County to Elmer and Ethel (Keck) Fann February 27, 1941. She attended Mingo Grade School and Colby High School in Thomas County. After graduation she attended Denver Business College. After completing the program she returned to Colby and worked as a secretary at the Thomas County Extension Office, and retired after 33 years.

Growing up in northwest Kansas, Sharon attended school and church. She and her cousin, Maralee would sing duets at church. As an adult, Sharon became active in the community. She was one of the organizers of the Thomas County 4-H Fair, attended services at the Baptist Church, sang in an Ecumenical choir and taught Sunday School and Bible School. During this time Sharon was also the caretaker for her ailing mother. Each day after work, she would go to the nursing home to be with her mother until bedtime. Even after her mother passed away, Sharon continued as a caretaker for her aunt. In 2003, Sharon and her aunt moved to Chapman to be closer to family. She joined the Chapman United Methodist Church, was a member of the Bernice Huff Circle, and the Lakeside EEU. Sharon continued as the caretaker until her aunt’s death in 2007. 

Sharon spent many years as a caretaker and giving of her time. She ignored her own chronic pain while serving the needs of others. In 2008 Sharon had another life changing event when she was home alone the night of the tornado in Chapman. She lost her home and most of her belongings; but in “Sharon-style”, she was a survivor and persevered because of her faith.

Survivors are her cousins, Maralee (Harold) Bray of Chapman, Darrel (Cindy) Finch, Haysville, KS, Steve (Brenda) Finch, Lindsborg,KS, Jason (Cindy) Bray, Salina, KS, Ronda Reade and Ashleigh (Brendon) Lankfort, Dallas, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ethel Fann and brother, Thurman Fann.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Chapman United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, June 27 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will be Saturday, June 29 at Beulah Cemetery in Colby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Butterfield Trail Housing Complex or Gideons International in care of Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Eugene (Gene) Ray Larson peacefully passed from this life on Tuesday, June 18th in Salina, Kansas surrounded by his wife and four girls. Gene was born in Clay Center, Kansas on September 18, 1947 to Earl and Edna (Koerner) Larson. Gene spent his early years in California before returning to Kansas, living in Industry and rural Dickinson County. Gene lived the majority of his adult life in the Wakefield and Chapman communities.

Gene proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy where he served 2 tours in Vietnam. He enjoyed careers in law enforcement, insurance planning, commercial trucking, and worked in the meat market at the Fort Riley Commissary. Through the years, he acquired many talents. He was skilled at fixing almost anything mechanical. He also enjoyed carpentry and making custom golf clubs. 

Gene’s love for the game of golf was evident to anyone who knew him. Friendships that were made over tee times and during Men’s League lasted well past the days when he could no longer play. As much as he loved golf, his time with his wife, children, and grandchildren was the most meaningful to him. His friends and family could always count on him for words of wisdom or “Gene-isms”, bear hugs, and endless laughter.

He is survived by his wife Genevieve (Jenny); his daughters Amy (Jerry) Ford of Macksville, Tina (Shawn) Tinkel of Hays, Becky (Luke) Racette of Bennington, Valerie Weber of Chapman; his grandchildren Trey Ford, Jacey Ford, Thomas Harman, Hannah Harman, Alex Tinkel, Katie Tinkel, Colton Racette, Mackenzie Racette, Austin Weber; his brother Ronald (Sandy) Larson of Wakefield; his sister Joyce (Bruce) Elsasser of Wakefield; and several nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Janice Torkelson.

Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors Wednesday, June 26th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Londeen Funeral Home, 206 West 5th, Chapman, Kansas. Services to celebrate Gene’s life will be also be held at Londeen Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27th at 10:00 am, followed by interment at the Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, Kansas at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Calvin George McLaughlin passed away on June 19, 2019 at Chapman Valley Manor, Chapman Kansas. He was 87 years of age.

He was born September 28, 1931 to George and Evalyn (Rathbun) McLaughlin in Muskegon, Michigan.  At 18 years of age, he went into the military and made it his career. When he retired from the United States Army, he then went to work for the Post Office.

He married Ann Louise Anderson on February 14, 1953 in Muskegon, Michigan and together they have five children, George, Dale, Carolyn, Anita and Colleen. He enjoyed traveling, meeting new people, telling jokes and going fishing. Many times he took grandkids along on his many trips.   .

Calvin’s military career was two years in the Air Force and 25 years in the Army and National Guard before retiring as a Major. His last duty assignment was with 937th Engineer Battalion at Fort Riley. After retirement he was an active member with the VFW and the American Legion for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Evalyn McLaughlin; son, Dale McLaughlin; daughter in law, Lynette (Barclay) McLaughlin; siblings Millie Witham and Wesley McLaughlin.

He is survived by his wife, Ann of Chapman, Son George (Marcia) McLaughlin, Salina, KS; daughters Carolyn (Larry) Herrs, Abilene, KS, Anita (Chris) Jamison, Neodesha, KS and Colleen Farthing, Shawnee, KS; 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 21 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Funeral service will be Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m. Both services will be at Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran, Chapman, KS with Reverends Connie Wooldridge and Ken Trickle officiating. . Burial will follow at Indian Hill Cemetery, Chapman. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Chapman Valley Manor or Chapman United Methodist Church in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431

Donna Mae Kaufman Jarmer, 84, passed away on May 29, 2019 at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, KS surrounded by her family.

Donna’s grandparents immigrated to the United States from Russia with a Mennonite Group. This group eventually came to settle in Pretty Prairie, Kansas. This group also brought winter wheat to the area. Donna was born to Albert and Anna Kauffman at the family home in Pretty Prairie on July 16, 1934. 

After graduating from Pretty Prairie High School, Donna later met Paul Jarmer. They married June 1, 1956 and moved to Chapman to be close to Paul's employment at Fort Riley. In Chapman they raised their four children, Debbie, Greg, Steve and Sandy.

Her interests and passions show who Donna truly was. Family was first and foremost for Donna. She enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren and was so proud of each of them. Faith was an important part of her life. She was Mennonite but in her adult years she was a member of Chapman United Methodist Church all the years she lived in Chapman. Donna loved working with the elderly and this showed in her 35 years at Chapman Valley Manor. After retiring Donna continued her lifelong friendships with her co-workers and would have weekly breakfast gatherings and also would celebrate birthday's as well.

She is survived by her three children, son Steve Jarmer, Manhattan, KS and daughters Debbie (James) Templeton, Grand Rapids, MI and Sandy (Jeri) Hynek, Manhattan, KS; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; sister Marge Kaufman and brother Vic Kaufman both of Hutchinson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Jarmer; son Greg Jarmer; a granddaughter, her parents and six siblings.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., June 5, 2019 at Londeen Funeral Home, 206 W. 5th, Chapman, KS. Reverend Connie Wooldridge officiating and Reverend Ken Trickle assisting. 

Donna’s finally resting place will be at Indian Hill Cemetery in Chapman, KS.

In lieu of flowers the family suggestions memorials be made to the Chapman Valley Manor or the Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431

Harold Facklam

89, formerly of Junction City and currently McCrite Senior Community in Topeka, passed peacefully into the arms of his savior on May 23, 2019 while surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife for 68 ½ years, Venice, daughters, Linda (Glen) Smith of Hoyt and Karen (John) Jameson of Junction City. The great joy of his life were his 4 grandchildren, Shelley (Jeff) Grutsch Maple Hill, Todd (Michelle) Ross Ridgefield, WA, Christine (Matthew) Russell Hoyt, and Brandon (Amy) Jameson Newton and his 12 great grandchildren. Harold is also survived by his sister, Wanda Sowell, Aiea, Hawaii, two nephews and four nieces.

A celebration of life memorial service will take place at 10:00 on July 5 at Zion United Church of Christ in Junction City.

Cary M. “Bouncer” Gobber, 62 years of age, of Chapman, Kansas passed away at his home under Hospice Care with his family by his side on May 10, 2019.

Cary was born May 1, 1957 in Manhattan, Kansas to Orville and Erma Gobber. He attended school in Manhattan and graduated from Manhattan High School. After graduation he completed vocational training. He then worked at Woolworth’s, City of Chapman and Chapman Valley Manor. He retired from Chapman Valley Manor after almost 22 years as Maintenance Supervisor.

On May 10, 1980, Cary married Jean Grosser. They lived in Manhattan before moving to Chapman in 1981 to raise their two sons, Adam and Andrew. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his sons. Chapman was not only a great place to raise his family but was also an opportunity for Cary to fulfill his childhood dreams of being a policeman and fireman. He served on the Chapman Police Department as a reserve officer and was a volunteer fireman for the Chapman Fire Department for many years. His time with the fire department was especially meaningful to him because of the dedication he saw in his fellow firefighters. 

Cary’s hobbies included hunting and old cars. He attended many Swap meets, car shows, and Farm shows in the area. He loved his cars and the relationships he developed throughout the years with other car guys. He also enjoyed watching his favorite television shows about cars, old westerns, outdoors and the Food Network.

He was also a collector. He collected a variety of things and would often say, “You’ll never know when you might need it.” He had bottles and containers of all sizes for anything and everything.

Survivors include wife, Jean of the home. Sons Adam (Alyssa) Gobber, Oberlin and Andrew Gobber, Chapman; two grandchildren, Ailee and Abel Gobber, Oberlin. His parents: Orville and Erma Gobber, Manhattan; brother Neal (Jan) Gobber, Hutchinson; sisters Beth (Bill) Olson, Lindsborg, Jana (Charles) Goin, Ogden, Kaye (Chuck) Hendricks, Manhattan; and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kent Gobber.

Visitation with the family will be 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, May 13. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2019, with Pastor Connie Wooldridge officiating. Both services will be at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran, Chapman, Kansas. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be given to Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County, Chapman United Methodist Church, or Chapman Labor Day Car Show in care of Londeen’s Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Gloria Jean Moyer, age 66, of Chapman, Kansas, passed away at her home in Hospice Care on April 23rd.

Gloria was born on September 29, 1952 to Chester M. and Pauline M (Baney) Moyer in Junction City, Kansas. Raised in Chapman, she attended Chapman schools and graduated from high school in 1970. While in school, Gloria was active in sports and was a pitcher for the Chapman Girls Softball. After graduation she attended Salina Vo-Tech for Production Art and graduated in 1971. She then moved to Denver where she lived for nine years. Due to family health problems, Gloria moved back to the Chapman area in 1979.

Sports, being outdoors and fostering dogs were some of Gloria’s loves. Gloria described Fostering Dogs as the “best part of my life.” Previous work history included Wood Oil Company for 16 years and 11 years at WalMart.

Survivors include her friend and caretaker, Rachel Owen of the home and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Pauline and brother Steven.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, at Chapman United Methodist Church, with Pastor Connie Wooldridge officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the service time. There will be a private burial at Indian Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Amanda Wise Dog Rescue in Ulysses, KS in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Ira Lester Scales, Sr, passed away on April 13, 2019 at Chapman Valley Manor, Chapman Kansas. He was 83 years of age.

He was born March 29, 1936 in Watertown, New York to Melvin and Florence (Snyder) Scales and was the youngest of 10 children. After school, Ira joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served for over 20 years and retired as a TSGT. One of his last assignments was as Commander of Smoky Hill Bombing Range near Salina, KS.

He married Mary Kathryn and together they had four children, Ira, Jr., James, Wayne and Kathy. After Mary’s death, Ira married Janice Scales and they celebrated 40 years of marriage.

After retiring from the military, Ira went to work at Fort Riley, Kansas as a Boiler Operator and supervisor of his department. He retired with 20 years of service as a civilian.

Ira was an avid outdoors man. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family as well as gardening. For several years he coached Chapman Legion baseball.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Kathryn; parents Melvin and Florence and nine siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Janice of Chapman, daughter, Kathy Jennings and Bruce McAntee of Solomon; sons: Ira L. “Skipper”, Jr.,of Salina, James, of California, Wayne (Marsha), of Abilene and four step-children. Grandchildren Brianna Rose Scales, Amanda Kathryn Scales, Sara Long, Christopher Jennings, Chelsea Jennings, and Alex Fetters; great grandchildren Roen Jennings and Tobin James Scales and several step-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Home, Chapman, KS.  Services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. with Father John Wolesky officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Chapman. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggestions donations may be made to American Cancer Society in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Philip LeRoy Weishaar peacefully passed away from colon cancer on April 7, 2019, at Chapman Valley Manor in Chapman, Kansas, at the age of 72. He was born on July 14, 1946, to Elizabeth “Bess” Weishaar (née Weber) and LeRoy “Pike” Weishaar in Leavenworth, Kansas, and grew up in Nortonville, Kansas. He was the oldest of 3 children. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School and Nortonville High School in Nortonville, graduating in 1964, and then went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education in 1969 and a Master’s of Science in Education in 1971 from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Phil met Marilyn Johnson in 1972 after she moved to Chapman to teach Second Grade. They were married on July 26, 1975. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Melissa.

 

He was hired to teach Physical Education in the fall of 1970 at Chapman High School. Phil found the material limiting, though, so when he had the opportunity to take over the Biology classes he was eager to accept. He began teaching Biology and later Anatomy as well. He enjoyed both since the material was always changing as the fields evolved. He was honored by the Chapman School District as a Kansas Teacher of the Year in 1997 and as a Master Teacher by the Chapman Education Association in 2003.

 

During Phil’s early years in college he struggled to find his direction in life, feeling that The Beatles had written the song “Nowhere Man” about him. It wasn’t until he met then K-State head track coach DeLoss Dodds that he got a kick in the rear and found his passion for athletics, track & field especially. 

 

Phil served as coach in three sports: Assistant Football, Freshman and Assistant Basketball, and Head Boys Track and Field Coach, for 32 years. He continued his teaching and coaching career in Chapman until he retired in 2005. Due to his great efforts to guide and develop the individual talents of Chapman tracksters he was named Kansas Coach of the Year for Boys’ Track in 1992 by the Kansas Coaches Association and Kansas 4A Boys’ Track & Field Coach of the Year in 1990 by the Kansas Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association (KCCTFCA). He coached 22 individuals to State Championships, 6 NCKL Team Titles, 3 State Team Runners-up, and 2 State Team Titles. 

 

After retirement, Phil became very active in the community. He was elected to the Chapman City Council in 2007. A year later an EF3 tornado struck Chapman, destroying numerous homes, businesses, churches, and all three public schools. Phil took on a greater leadership role as the head liaison for discussions with FEMA and other contractors and aid organizations, helping the community recover from the devastation. He was elected Mayor of Chapman in 2010 and served for 6 years. He gave back to the community in many ways, including serving on the board of Chapman Valley Manor from 1982 until present, including 33 as president. He was also active with the Chapman Lions Club, the Butterfield Trail Committee, the Chapman Area Preservation Society, and was a member of the Chapman United Methodist Church. 

 

Throughout the years he stayed active with the Track and Field community through the KCCTFCA and helped develop and organize the annual KCCTFCA Coaches Clinic, held every January for over a decade.

 

In his free time Phil loved golf, playing every day that he could, especially the two days he shot a hole-in-one at the Indian Hill Golf Course. He and Marilyn delighted in traveling around Kansas to judge BBQ contests as a Kansas City Barbeque Society Judge, and he was very passionate about researching and organizing the genealogy of the Weishaar family, meticulously completing 7 generations. He was also a die-hard K-State football and basketball fan, attending games for both in Manhattan, and traveling to several K-State bowl games and NCAA Final Fours.

 

Phil was always full of life and loved keeping in contact with so many people throughout his life, including extended family, high school and college friends, and teaching and coaching colleagues. He was constantly running into people he knew while on the yearly summer vacations that he, Marilyn, and the girls took, so much that it became a running joke between the rest of the family to make bets on how long it would take for him to see someone he knew, regardless of the location. They managed to make it to New York City, Niagara Falls, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Orlando, San Antonio, and Mt Rushmore, all in a car! He and Marilyn also went to Hawaii, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, though those required planes. In addition, he took trips with friends and varying members of the family all around the country (and internationally to Finland) based around going to a track meet.

 

Phil was a husband, father, and friend who was caring, loving, respected, supportive, patient, intelligent, organized, kind-hearted, and very willing to help. He was loved by many and will be missed by many, many more.

 

Survived by wife Marilyn of the home, daughters Jennifer of Lawrence, and Melissa of Shawnee, sister Laura Keirns of Kansas City, Missouri, sisters-in-law Anne Weishaar of Nortonville, Gloria Jacob of Valley Center, and Susan Johnson (Mike Farley) of Lawrence, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and brother David Weishaar (2012).

 

Visitation with the family will be Friday, April 12 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, April 13. Both services will be held at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran St, Chapman KS 67431. Burial will be at the Indian Hill Cemetery in Chapman immediately following the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, Phil wished memorials be made to the Chapman National Historic Site Committee or Chapman High School Athletic Department, in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman KS 67431.

David Lee Sheets, age 79 years of Chapman, Kansas, passed away at Geary Community Hospital, Junction City, KS on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

David was born April 6, 1939 at Abilene Memorial Hospital, Abilene, Kansas to Harold M. and Pearle M. Sheets. He attended Rural Center Elementary School and graduated from DCCHS in 1957. After graduation he worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation in August until retirement in 1994. His work ethic is credited to his mother. She raised her sons and taught them the importance of hard work. Early in his career with the department, David spent many hours working on the construction of Interstate 70 - a job he was very proud of. As a result of his hard work he was requested to move to Olathe and help with the construction of I-70 and I-35. He was Project Inspector of bridges on Kansas City Interstates and received the Inspector Merit Award at both the State and National level for his work on the intersection of I-35 and I-435. After retirement from the State, David worked as a Senior Engineer Technician with Kaw Valley Engineering from 1993 until 2009. All of these accomplishments were with his high school diploma and hard work. In addition to his skill as an Engineering Technician, David loved to mentor younger employees in the field. He was revered by his co-workers and was the “Granddaddy” to them all!

David married Karen Koland in 1961 and they raised three children, Michael “Mickey”, Marne and Marce. Later, he married Audrey Zeigler in 1984 and the blended family grew with the addition of Julia, Laura and Sara Zeigler.

Working full time, newly married and soon to start a family, David also joined the National Guard and served his country for six years and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion Post 240 and the Elks Lodge. He was active in Sutphen Mill Christian Church serving as a Deacon and mentor. He also served as Trustee for Sherman township.

He was an avid sports fan of ALL Kansas teams – Kansas State, Kansas University, Wichita State. He loved all sports and his all-time favorite was the New York Yankees. He was such a fan, he nicknamed his son Michael (Mickey) after Mickey Mantle. He was also a competitive, hot shot card player whether it was pitch, rummy or bridge!

David loved having a good time whether it was through sports, cards, visiting or spending time with his family. He loved to talk and visit and some would say he had the “gift of gab” but it was more than that with Dave. Dave had a sincerity that few others have. He truly enjoyed people and life.

Survivors include wife, Audrey of the home. Son Michael “Mickey” Sheets of Chapman; Daughters Marne (Dana) Gaither, Chapman, Marce Sheets, Olathe, Laura (Randy) Rikoric, Chapman and Sara Zeigler, Dallas, Texas. Brothers John Sheets, Chapman, and Ray Sheets, Shell Knob, Missouri. Also, 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julia Schaefer and two great granddaughters.

Visitation with the family will be Friday, April 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Home, 206 W. 5th St, Chapman, KS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 6th at 10:00 a.m. at the Sutphen Mill Church, 3117 Paint Rd, Chapman, KS. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be given to the Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund or the Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen’s Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Virginia A. “Ginny” Zumbrunn

86, passed away on March 26, 2019 at her home in Chapman, Kansas. 

She was born April 23, 1932 in Junction City, Kansas, daughter of Roy and Mary Gfeller. She graduated from Junction City High School. On May 9, 1953, Ginny married the love of her life, Bob Zumbrunn. They were married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Chapman. Together they worked on the farm and raised their family of four children, Sue, Dennis, Carolyn and Cindy. 

Ginny loved her life as a farm wife and mother. Her life centered on her family. She loved her kids, grandkids, and great granddaughters and was always there for them. When Bob’s illness required him to be in the nursing home, Ginny moved to Chapman also so that she could be close. It was an adjustment to move from her farm home to her new home in Chapman, but it was not a sacrifice because family came first.  In her leisure she enjoyed watching car races, game shows, reading and crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her four children, son Dennis (Cheryl) Zumbrunn, Chapman Kansas; daughters Sue (Rich) Hite of Chapman, Kansas; Carolyn Gil, of Lawrence, Kansas and and Cindy Zumbrunn of Abilene, KS; grandchildren Chad, Robby (Tanya), Keely (Luke), Kellen, Joel, Alicia (Chris) and Hartley; great grandchildren Triss and Burke. Brothers, Bill (Virginia) Gfeller, Junction City and Gary (Marge) Gfeller Chapman, Kansas. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Zumbrunn and her parents, Roy and Mary Gfeller. 

Ginny’s final resting place will be at Sutphen Mill Cemetery next to Bob. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, April 2nd at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Dickinson County Home Health and Hospice in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431. 

Rodger Roland Jacquet

79, of Chapman, passed away Monday, March 26 at University of Kansas Medical Center.

 

Rodger Roland Jacquet was born the eldest of 2 sons to Roland and Anne Jacquet, strong Roman Catholics, on Friday the 13th, June, 1939, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. His brother, Jim, is five years junior. Rodger would forever after consider Friday the 13th to be his lucky day, and his dry sense of humor about his birthdate illustrates what most know about him—he was very funny. 

 

Rodger had a flair for the mechanical, and though marriage changed him from a hot-rod driver to a station-wagon/van driver, he maintained a substantial model train collection. He finally had the space in his current house to build out the train boards, taking up a substantial amount of space in the basement, to include passing through walls.

 

Beyond his personal hobbies and his stalwart support, which included being a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers, Rodger’s faith defined him. He attended Catholic grade school and college at Saint Norbert’s College, in De Pere, Wisconsin. He attended Mass at least weekly, and was a pillar of almost every veteran and church organization in Chapman Kansas.

 

Rodger spent 33 years in uniform with the United States Army and the South Dakota Army National Guard. Upon graduation from St. Norbert’s in 1961, Rodger was commissioned in the US Army Transportation Corps as a second lieutenant. After his initial officer schooling at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Rodger was posted to a transportation truck company in Fort Riley, Kansas, in late 1961.

 

1962 was a significant year for the world as well as for Rodger and his unit. He found himself deploying his unit in the Winter of 1962 from Kansas to a very icy and cold Berlin, Germany, in January, to build up the European defenses in response to the Cuban Crisis that October. 

 

Rodger returned sometime later to Fort Riley, and met Mary Lohkamp, the love of his life, on a blind date with friend, George Anderton and his girlfriend, Ellen Cregan who was Mary’s classmate from Marymount College in Salina in 1963. Rodger knew then that she was the woman he wanted to marry, and marry her he did, on June 20, 1964. Mary and Rodger would then soon have babies in various places around the world for the next 7 years, in Heidelberg, Germany (then West Germany), with Jeanne in 1965, Fort Riley again, with Joan, in 1967. They traveled to Fort Eustis, Virginia, and had Paul in 1969, and then had Carl, in Monett, Missouri, in 1971.

 

Rodger spent 1968 in La Trang, Vietnam, working emergency resupply for Special Forces Camps near the North Vietnam border—many times taking him into harm’s way. He was present for the Tet Offensive that year, and carried a Thompson sub-machine gun with him places afterwards on his journeys around Vietnam—a take-away from the event. In 1970, Rodger deployed to Utapao, Thailand, a major Air Base in the South of Thailand, to manage ammunition supplies for the US Bombers stationed there (The Army manages theater ammunition for the other services). 

 

Following that Deployment, Rodger was soon posted to be an Army advisor to the South Dakota National Guard, where soon afterward, in 1973, the Active Army rebounded from the build-up from Vietnam, and Rodger, who turned down a regular army commission, opting for a reserve commission, was pushed back into the inactive reserve. Rodger looked at options, and eventually took a position with the South Dakota unit he was advising, making the family “South Dakotans” for the next two decades. Roger served briefly in Brookings, South Dakota, and then eventually took a position as the General Foreman for the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Mitchell, South Dakota, and on the drill weekends and activations, served as the State Mobilization Officer, responsible for transitioning the units from normal training, to wartime deployment. He would hold that position for the better part of 20 years, finally retiring from the Guard in 1994. 

 

Rodger volunteered heavily in organizations wherever he was, and as he retired, increased his volunteer activities to where he was in a leadership position of many different service and religious organizations simultaneously. As a child, Rodger was a Boy Scout and Explorer. His Explorer shirt still hangs in his closet. In South Dakota, Rodger was a leader in the local Exchange Club, a national US patriotic organization which built collections of national historic document replicas at schools and public places throughout the country. In Chapman, Rodger led the Knights of Columbus in various positions, to include Grand Knight, Treasurer, and District Deputy; was the President of the Economic Development Committee; was a member of the American Legion, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Rodger had a direct hand in maintenance of the local church, St. Michael's, and in the running of the parish. 

 

Rodger was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Margaret Josephine; daughter in law, Jill; great grandchild, Zachariah; and brother, Jim.

 

He is survived by his four children, Jeanne of Wichita, Joan of Chapman, Paul, Saudi Arabia, and Carl (Lisa) of Honolulu, Hawaii. Six grandchildren, Andrea, James, Ben, Vivian, Harrison, and Elijah and four great grandchildren, Peter, King, Ivory, and Kinslee.

 

Visitation will be at St. Michael Catholic Church on Friday, March 29 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., with Rosary at 6:30. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m. at St Michael Catholic Church, with Father John Wolesky officiating. Burial will follow and will be at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Chapman, Kansas.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Dorothy Mae Gustason

96, formerly of White City, KS passed away at her residence at the Valley View Senior Life Center in Junction City, KS on March 16, 2019. 

Dorothy Mae was born February 18, 1923 in Junction City, KS to Alfred Fred Walton and Agatha Elizabeth (Friess) Walton. She attended St. Xavier’s School, graduating in 1942. She was employed as a stenographer during World War II at Patton Hall, Fort Riley, KS and continued to live in Junction City until her marriage. On May 16, 1948, she married LaVern Gustason from White City. The couple made their home on the family farm north of White City and raised two daughters, Patricia and Barbara and a son, Richard.

Dorothy was a farm wife, homemaker, and gardener, canning most everything she grew to feed her family. Her talents included sewing, painting and yard work. She was a member of many organizations: The St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Circle III of the Altar Society, singing in the church choir for many years; was an organizer and former member of Beta Kappa Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority of Junction City; a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Study Club of Dwight, the White City Christmas Club, Fidelami Club, the San Souci Club, and KSU Extension Service in both Geary and Morris Counties. She enjoyed her coffee groups in White City and Junction City.

Dorothy was a wonderful cook and always had extra prepared in case anyone stopped by during mealtime. No one left hungry from her table. After she and LaVern moved to White City in 1978, she continued to entertain their card club members, her gardening and took immense pride in her lawn and flowers.

She also spent years gathering the history of ancestors on both her and LaVern’s families. Dorothy served as a 4-H Leader for her own children and also enjoyed helping her grandchildren with their 4-H and Boy Scout projects. She also spent many hours putting together scrapbooks for each of the grandchildren of their special events. Dorothy was a care-giver. She took care of elderly family members and her grandchildren whenever she was called upon. She would drop everything at a moment’s notice, as family came first to her.

Surviving relatives include two daughters, Patricia Hall of Manhattan, KS, Barbara Kurtenbach of Herington, KS and Richard (Jan) Gustason of White City. Grandchildren: Ryan (Melissa) Kurtenbach of Emporia, KS: Scott Kurtenbach, Herington; Aaron (Kristin) Hall of New Canaan, CT; Kandice (Deshon) Orr, Ardmore, OK; Michael Gustason, Manhattan, KS and five great-grandchildren, Tristyn Kurtenbach, Brady Kurtenbach, Avery Orr, Abigail Hall, Theodore Hugo Hall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, George (PeeWee) Walton, her husband LaVern and son-in-law Glenn Kurtenbach.

Visitation will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, KS on Sunday, March 24 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., with Rosary at 6:30. Funeral Mass will be Monday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier, with Father Kerry Ninemire officiating.  There will be a private burial of ashes at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name to the White City Public Library at 111 E. Mackenzie, White City, KS 66872 or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Junction City, KS in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Edna Ruth Johnson Blackwell, 89, passed away on December 27, 2018 at Chapman Valley Manor in Chapman, Kansas.

Edna was born May 2, 1929 in Mammoth Springs Arkansas, daughter of Frank and Emma Johnson. At the age of 18 she moved to Wichita Kansas with two of her cousins, where she met James Lloyd Blackwell. They married April 17, 1950. Together they raised four children, Jack, Jim, Jeff and Janet.

Her interests and passions show who Edna truly was. Family was first and foremost for Edna. She enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren and was so proud of each of them. She also had a love of animals and always had several pets. Another of Edna’s passion was working with the elderly. Her work career included working in nursing homes in the Salina area, Abilene and finally finishing her career at Chapman Valley Manor.

She is survived by her four children, sons Jim Blackwell, Salina, Kansas, Jack Blackwell, Enterprise, Kansas and Jeff Blackwell, Frankston, Texas; daughter Janet Eckert, Effingham, Kansas; a brother Leon Johnson of Wichita Kansas, nine grandchildren and several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins from Kansas to Arkansas and West Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Blackwell; parents Frank and Emma Johnson; sister Edith and brother Leroy.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Home, 206 W. 5th, Chapman, KS. Funeral services will be Thursday January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. also at Londeen’s Funeral Home. Reverend Connie Wooldridge officiating. 

Edna’s final resting place will be the Mount Hope Cemetery in Enterprise, next to James Lloyd who preceded her in death in 1998.

In lieu of flowers the family suggestions memorials be made to the local Humane Society or American Cancer Society in care of Londeens Funeral Home.

Orella Lee Gfeller, age 93, previously of Junction City, passed away December 15, 2018 at the Leonardville Nursing Home, Leonardville, KS.

 

Orella was born on February 1, 1925 at Alta Vista, KS. Her parents were Homer Lee and Bertha Ellen Davis McDiffett. She attended Beman Grade School, Alta Vista Grade School and graduated from Alta Vista High School with the class of 1942. After her graduation, she worked for several businesses in Junction City. She married Clinton Paul Gfeller on March 22, 1943 in Washington, KS. They lived and farmed at rural Junction City where their home was destroyed by fire. They moved to another farm, and in 1963 when Milford Dam was built, they moved to rural Chapman, KS where they lived and farmed until 1986 when they moved into the city of Junction City. She had been a resident at Leonardville Nursing Home since 2014. She was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Junction City, KS.

 

She is survived by three daughters: Judy Montgomery of Dallas, TX; Vicki (Daryl) Beemer of Chapman, KS, and Pamela (Lanny) Wolf of Junction City, KS; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton; her parents Homer and Bertha McDiffett; sister Alice Hilbish and brothers, Willis McDiffett and Kenneth McDiffett and son-in-law, Charlie Montgomery.

 

A Memorial Service will be held at Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 W. 5th, Chapman, Kansas on Friday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m. Family friend, Connie Peck will officiate. There will be a private burial of ashes by the immediate family at St. John’s Cemetery, Junction City, KS. 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Friends of Animals, Junction City, KS or Leonardville Nursing Home, Leonardville, KS in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431

Inge Stillwagon-Auer, age 84, of Frickenhausen Germany, formerly of Junction City, KS, passed away on 10 September 2018, at the Nürtingen Hospital in Nürtingen, Germany.

Inge was born to Karl and Liselotte Grossmann on 25 October 1933, in Wolfen, Germany. The oldest child of four, she moved to the United States when she was 28 years old. Inge loved to travel. Most of all though, she loved to spend time with her family and friends, and her grandchildren meant the world to her.     

Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Heinz Auer of the home; daughters, Heidi (Steve) Edwards of Hollis, NH and Helga Lowery of MS; step-son Martin (Petra) Auer of Frickenhausen, Germany; along with granddaughters Heather of Charlotte, NC and Gretchen of Hollis, NH; grandsons Christopher of Hollis, NH, Felix of Aichtal, Germany and Mika of Frickenhausen, Germany; great grandson, Dylan of Charlotte, NC; brother, Karl (Annegret) Grossmann of Hamburg Germany; and sister, Hanne (Herman) Meijers of Leusden, Netherlands. 

Inge was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert L. Stillwagon, and her brother, Günther Grossmann.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, 3 November 2018, at 11:00 AM at Londeen’s Funeral Home, 206 W. 5th Street, Chapman, KS followed by burial at Bethal Cemetery, Moonlight, KS.

Naola Vahsholtz

formerly of White City, passed away Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Pratt Health and Rehab, Pratt, KS. She was born August 26, 1920 to William and Lucy Jane (Haun) Herpich. She attended the Baxter District Ten School and was a graduate of White City High School. While in high school, Naola completed a Normal Training Course and received a Life Certificate from the State of Kansas to teach. Later she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Fort Hays State University and a Master’s in Education from Emporia State University. She began teaching in one room schools and retired from her teaching career in 1983 in the Chapman School District.

On August 8, 1952, Naola married Norwood Vahsholtz in Paradise, Kansas. They lived on the farm north of White City for over 50 years. In addition to spending time with her family and teaching, Naola enjoyed being outdoors and working in her large garden.

She is survived by her son Max (Carrie) Vahsholtz, Pratt, KS; daughters Kim (Phil) Wheeler, Holiday Island, AR and Candi (David) Taliaferro, Wichita, KS; her grandchildren; Lane and Wesley Vahsholtz, Tyson (Danica) Wheeler, Leah and Jack Taliaferro; step grandchildren Courtney (Brad) Emery, Erica (Jon) Perron, Kelsie (Ben) Rose, Krystal Eck; six step great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Norwood; sister Vanita Herpich; brothers K.W., Dale and Lowell Herpich.

Vistation will be 9:00 a.m to 10:00 a.m. on Monday October 22. Funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. at White City United Methodist Church, Reverend John R. Wright officiating. Following the funeral service will be burial at Parkerville Cemetery, in Parkerville, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Chapman Irish Foundation or White City Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Dennis Lee Nicholson peacefully passed away at his home in Chapman, Kansas on July 3, 2018, at the age of 61.

He was born June 3, 1957 in La Plata, Maryland to William and Mary Nicholson. He attended school in Indian Head, Maryland where he lived with his parents, brother, Bill and sister, Debbie. He graduated from high school in 1975. Dennis went on to graduate with an Associate degree in Art from Charles County Community College, La Plata MD, 1978.

Dennis was married to Judy (Oswald) Gerber and they had two daughters, Ashley Diane Nicholson (Price) and Erica Leigh Nicholson. 

Dennis joined the United States Army in May 1983. He was stationed at several locations stateside, as well as Germany. He served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from 1990-1991. He then returned to the United States in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky where he retired as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) from Ft. Riley, Kansas in May 2003. 

Dennis later married Katherine Haupt and they had a daughter Brittney Marie Nicholson. At the time of his death, he was engaged to Maria Espinal.

After retiring from the military, he continued to work at Fort Riley, Kansas and was employed at the base commissary. 

Dennis was always joking and quick with a smile. While he loved to talk about pretty much any sport, his favorite teams were the Washington Redskins and the Kansas City Royals. He loved spending time with Brittney and enjoyed taking her to several Royals games. He loved going to the movies with Maria, taking his dog, London for walks and watching games at the ball fields in Chapman.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, William Edwin Nicholson and Mary Ida (Ruffner) Nicholson. He is survived by his brother, Bill Nicholson, Indian Head, Maryland, sister, Debbie (Denny) Goode, Virginia, Fiancée, Maria Espinal, and his three daughters Ashley Diane (Nathan) Price of Brandywine, Maryland, Erica Leigh Nicholson of Massanuttan, Virginia, and Brittney Nicholson of Topeka, Kansas.

Dennis will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He made a big impression and will not be forgotten by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday July 11, 2018 from 5-7 pm at the Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran St, Chapman, KS 67431. Services will be held at the Methodist Church in Chapman, Kansas Thursday July 12, 2018 at 10 am with Pastor Connie Wooldridge officiating.   There will be a military ceremony for Dennis immediately following the service at the bridge south of Chapman. 

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dennis Nicholson Memorial Fund or to Friends of Animals, Inc., Junction City, Kansas in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Siglinde “Linda” Bellomy, age 75, of Chapman, Kansas, passed away on June 30, 2018 at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City, Kansas.

Linda, as she was called, was born on September 27, 1942 in Kirchanschoring, Germany to Gerhard and Anna (Vondermayer) Strobl.

She grew up in Kirchanschoring and attended school there obtaining the equivalent of a high school diploma. In 1962, she moved to Weisbaden Germany and met David Bellomy. Later that same year they were married. They moved to several duty stations and then in 1980, they moved to Chapman Kansas and raised their family.

Linda enjoyed quilting, gardening, collecting antiques, attended her children’s activities and then later, spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her sons Ronnie (Cynthia) Bellomy of Chapman, Kansas and Mark (Ginger) Bellomy of Junction City, Kansas; daughter Sandi (William) Merkle of Salina, Kansas; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Other relatives include her siblings in Germany. Brothers Gerhard, Seph, and Otto along with sister, Christa Strobl.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gerhard and Anna Strobl, husband David Bellomy, and siblings Stephan and Anna Strobl.

There will be a graveside service on July 9, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s Cemetery, Manhattan, Kansas. Pastor Connie Wooldridge, Chapman United Methodist Church officiating.

Memorials can be made to the Legion Auxiliary in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Margie Clowe, age 91, formerly of Junction City, passed away on July 3, 2018 two days shy of her 92nd birthday.

Margie was born July 5, 1926 in Junction City, Kansas and was the daughter of May (Wells) Stiers and John Stiers. Margie attended school in Junction City and graduated from Junction City High School in 1944. She married Robert Wayne Clowe on September 19th, 1945.

She was a homemaker and was active in Scouting. She was a member of the First Christian Church where she served for 21 years as kitchen chairman, taught Sunday school classes and Vacation Bible School. She was involved with Ladies Reading Club since 1965 and served as its President. She was also active in Lincoln School PTA and served as President and Room Mother. She was a member of the Knife and Fork Club. Bob and Margie worked for many years to help restore the C. L. Hoover Opera House.

She is survived by her son Kim Clowe and wife Susan of Mesquite, Texas; her daughter Ginger (Clowe) Workman and her husband Stuart of Enterprise, Kansas; her grandchildren Megan (Clowe) Nasser and her husband Abu of Garland, Texas; Jeremy and wife Adriana Clowe and grandson Miles, Tate and Quinn. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Margie Stiers of Fayetteville, Arkansas along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents John and May Stiers, her brother Robert Stiers of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and nephews Terry Stiers of Junction City, and Rick Stiers of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

A memorial service and burial will be held at the Highland Cemetery, Junction City, Kansas on Monday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m.

 Memorials can be made to C.L. Hoover Opera House or Friends of the Animals in Junction City, Kansas in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas, 67431.

Colin Matthew Henderson of Junction City passed away at the age of 17 years on Monday, May 14, 2018 in an accident.

 

Colin was born on October 11, 2000 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska to Matthew and Shilo Henderson. He attended school at Chapman and graduated May 13 with the class of 2018.

 

Colin, his name literally means young pup/forever young. As we now age through life this son, this brother, this friend, this coach will remain forever young. Some people are blessed with the ability to leave a lasting impression in a short amount of time. Colin was exactly this and his abilities and his friendships spanned all ages. He was a champion to his mother, father, brothers, friends and the boys and girls that he reached out to in his coaching, swim lessons and events he gladly attended to make that child feel special. His giving selflessly continues as an organ donor, helping over 50 individuals have a better chance of life.

 

What he leaves behind: He has not left us, Colin is forever with us within the love and compassion for helping others. His light he shared with his smile, his quirky attitude, his snappy comebacks, his athleticism, his drive and most of all his dedication to the youth that he was drawn to inspire.

 

The young man, who listened to “Just Call Me Angel in the Morning” (Juice Newton) as he prepped for his wrestling matches, will forever be in the hearts of us, his family: Matthew and Shilo Henderson; brothers, Clinton, Jordon and Justin; grandparents, John and Sandy Henderson, Barry Slater, Shelley Slater; aunts and uncles, Samantha and Adam Kinstler, Robert and Tami Slater, Susan and Alan Garside and many cousins.

 

On May, Tuesday, May 22, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the family invites friends and family to celebrate the life of Colin M. Henderson at the Chapman Naz, 317 W. 5th St, Chapman, Kansas. 

 

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor Colin with the request that memorials be made to the Colin Henderson Memorial Fund for the Chapman Community through the Astra Bank, Chapman, Kansas or in care of Londeen Funeral Home, PO Box 479, Chapman, Kansas.

Ralph C. Settgast

age 87, passed away Monday, April 30, 2018 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Manhattan, Kansas. Ralph was born in Junction City, Kansas on March 31, 1931 to Ralph F. and Beulah Mildred (Lake) Settgast. Ralph’s mother passed away and later his father married Clara Miles. Clara helped raised Ralph and his siblings.

He was raised in the Junction City area, where he attended grade school and graduated from Junction City High School with the class of 1949.

On November 18, 1961, he was united in marriage to Ella May Olson. The couple lived in the Junction City area until 1967 when they moved to the Chapman community where Ralph worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator and especially enjoyed his 966 Caterpillar. He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending school activities, riding around looking at the scenery with his dogs, Little Bit. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Church and was proud of his 34 years of sobriety.

Survivors: sons, Frank (Shari) Prescher, Chapman, KS, Mike (Kathy) Prescher, Abilene, KS, John (Jenn) Settgast, Salina, KS; daughters, Linda (Rick) Depler, Fort Worth, TX, Patty (Jay) Montgomery, Abilene, KS; Vikki (Tracey) Coplen, Crowley, TX. Twenty-three grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. One brother: Richard Settgast, Watauga, TX and three sisters Marjorie Voight: Navarre, KS; Sharon Russell, Greenback, TN; and Karen Metcalf, Watauga, TX.

Preceded in death by: his parents, Ralph F. and Beulah M. Settgast; step mother, Clara Settgast, his wife, Ella May; daughter Connie Adee; brothers: Fred Settgast, Raymond Settgast and Keith Settgast; sisters: Muriel Glassner and Lois Stoneberger.

Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. May 18, 2018 at Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 W. 5th, Chapman, KS.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m., May 19, 2018 at Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Bryan Reeves, officiating. The family will have a private burial of the ashes at Fairview Cemetery, Grandview Plaza, Kansas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family request memorials be given to the Grace Baptist Church or Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas.

Judith Fells

passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018 at Salina Regional Medical Center, Salina, Kansas at the age of 79 years. 

Judith was born on March 26, 1939 to Harold John and Margaret Merting (Murphy) Connet in Manhattan, Kansas.  She attended school in Abilene and Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Abilene High School in the class of 1957.

On November 22, 1969, Judith married Eugene Fells and had two sons, Brad and Brian Warnica from a previous marriage.

Judith had many friends with whom she enjoyed visiting and she loved playing pitch with her card club. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, and especially her Great Grandchildren. She worked at Vacu Blast, and later owned and operated the Woodbine Grocery Store and Herington Ceramic Cottage.   

She is survived by her husband, Eugene Fells, Herington, and son Brad Warnica (Dee) of Herington. Granddaughters: Jennifer Koehn, Independence, MO and Jouanna Cain, Woodbine, KS; two great grandchildren, Wesley Warnica and Ravyn-Mae Cain; and a sister, Genny Dawson, Abilene, KS.

She was preceded in death by her son Brian Warnica; her parents, Harold and Margaret Connet; brothers Gerald and Merle Connet. 

Service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, 206 W. 5th St., Chapman, Kansas. Jim Fells, Judith’s brother-in-law, will officiate.

Lunch and family visitation will be at Woodbine Methodist Fellowship Hall at noon following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the John Cancer Research Center, Kansas State University in care of Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Carol Jean (Graves) Kirkbride

age 78, of Chapman, Kansas passed away on April 17, 2018 at Via Christi Hospital, Manhattan, Kansas.

Carol was born December 7, 1939 at Fort Riley, Kansas to Herbert R. Graves and Viola McCarty. She grew up on the family farm north of Chapman. She started grade school at Fragrant Hill and later attended Kellogg Grade School. She then attended Dickinson County Community High School and graduated with the Class of 1957.

On August 5, 1961, Carol married Stephen Kirkbride at the Chapman United Methodist Church. They began their family and raised two girls and three boys, and granddaughter, Nicole. For 38 years, Carol drove a school bus for USD 473. She was even interviewed for a special nationally televised program and beamed when talking about “her kids” that road her bus.

Spending time with her family was Carol’s Number One priority. She also enjoyed staying in touch with those who rode her bus and serving her community through the American Legion Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler, loved fishing with family and friends, going to garage sales, Bingo and joyrides counting deer and spotting wildlife. She had a wonderful gift of making everyone feel special.

Carol is survived by her husband, Stephen Kirkbride, of the home; sons Stephen Kirkbride, Jr (Tina) of Chapman, Kansas; James (Shannon) Kirkbride of El Dorado; daughter Kathy (Chris) Holliman of Chapman, Kansas and nineteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren; her sister Nancy Rhodes of Abilene and brother Herbert Graves, Jr of Chapman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert R. and Viola Graves; daughter Pamela Onstott; son, Jeff Kirkbride; sister Barbara Steppe and brothers Tom and David Graves.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran Street in Chapman. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Connie Wooldridge officiating.

The family will have a private burial at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Carol’s name to Irish Foundation in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas 67431.

Nadine Maxine (Altwegg) Riekeman

86, of Chapman, Kansas passed away on April 11, 2018 at Chapman Valley Manor.

 

Nadine was born April 13, 1931 in Chapman, Kansas to Edward and Bernice (Long) Altwegg. She attended Spring Valley Grade School and Dickinson County Community High School, where she enjoyed being a drum majorette. She graduated with the class of 1949.

 

Nadine married Dwayne Riekeman on May 14, 1950 at St. John’s Church, Alida. She worked at the Kansas Power and Light Company until her retirement. She loved to cook and bake and was always canning and giving produce from her garden to friends and neighbors.

 

She enjoyed swimming, bowling, and going to the casino until her health would not allow her to do them anymore. Being involved with the community and church was important to Nadine. She was active in her church with the Ladies AUPW group serving as secretary-treasurer and served on the food committee. When her health was good, she enjoyed going to the nursing home and fixing the resident’s hair. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for over 25 years and a member of the YMCA.

 

Nadine is survived by her children, Terry Miller of Chapman and Gary Riekeman of rural Abilene, Kansas. Granddaughters Shannon (Dan) Demory, Platte City, Missouri; Lindy Stroda, Kansas City, Missouri, Hillary (Matt) Erickson, El Dorado Hills, California. Great grandchildren Braedon and Braxton Stroda; Reese, Hudson and Leighton Demory; Lincoln and Kerrington Erickson and her sister, Imogene Caughron.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband Dwayne, her parents Edward and Bernice Altwegg, grandson Brandon Stroda and son-in-law, Steve Miller.     

 

Visitation will be on Monday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alida Church. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. and burial at St. John Cemetery. Reverend Connie Wooldridge officiating.

 

Memorials can be made to Chapman Valley Manor or Alida Upland Cooperative Parish.

Robert D. Stillwagon

age 75, of Chapman, Kansas passed away on January 20, 2018 at Chapman Valley Manor in Chapman, Kansas.

Robert “Bob” was born to Robert L. and Margaret D. (Have) Stillwagon on August 31, 1942 at Fort Riley, Kansas. Bob attended schools at Chapman and graduated in 1960. Following graduation he enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps. He received an Honorable discharge from military service in 1964. He was employed at Wood Construction and Gulf State Construction in Abilene, Kansas building houses, commercial buildings and finishing cabinets. He went to work at Fort Riley in 1966 and retired in 1995. As a civil servant he worked in supply, computerized records and as a supervisor in Electronic Integrated Systems Mechanic. For many years he also was self-employed building houses, garages and other remodeling jobs during the evenings and weekends.

On August 16, 1963 while stationed at Camp LeJuene, NC, Bob married Darlene M. Beye. They returned to the Chapman area to raise their family. 

Bob loved to read, travel, and attend sporting events, but his favorite activity was being Papa and attending his grandkids’ activities. He was the local handyman building several houses, garages and remodeling for family and friends and was nicknamed, Bob the Builder by his family. 

Survivors include his wife, Darlene M. Stillwagon of the home, sons Richard A. (Beverly) of St. George, Kansas, Ronald L. Stillwagon, Manhattan, Kansas, Robert J. Stillwagon, Abilene, Kansas and daughter, Debra R. Roth (Brian), Abilene, KS; along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister, Peg Williamson, Justice, IL and brother, Larry D. Stillwagon (Connie), Chapman, Kansas.             

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Margaret D. Stillwagon, sisters Ruth Ann Von Elling and Donna Jean Bowling.                                                                                                         .

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 24 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Chapman United Methodist Church, 426 Sheeran, Chapman, Kansas. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapman United Methodist Church.

 Memorial contributions may be made to the Chapman Valley Manor, Chapman United Methodist Church or Chapman Library in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas 67431.

Verna Lucille (Book) Detrich

of Chapman died January 3, 2018, at Abilene Memorial Hospital in Abilene, Kansas. She was 95 years old. 

           Verna was born March 19, 1922, at Pearl, Kansas, the daughter of Herbert E. and Dorothy (Galbreath) Book. She grew up in Chapman, where she attended elementary school, and graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in 1940. She was an excellent pianist, often accompanying high school choruses. She attended Kansas State University for two years, studying Home Economics. When her schooling was interrupted by World War II, she went to work as a seamstress, performing mending and alterations for the McIntosh dry cleaners in Chapman and for troops at Fort Riley. She married Neil Detrich on April 6, 1944 and lived in Wichita, working as a seamstress while Neil served in the Army Air Force in Panama. Verna later joined Neil in Panama, where they lived for about a year until the end of WWII. They made their home in Chapman for the remainder of their lives.

           Verna had many varied interests. She taught fifth and sixth grade Sunday School at the Chapman United Methodist Church. She was a Cub Scout leader for three years and, as a Girl Scout leader for 17 years, taught outdoor skills to many local girls. She also served as a Girl Scout leadership trainer. Verna was a strong believer in women's rights, and encouraged young women to pursue advanced education and careers.

           Verna was a licensed bird bander for 11 years, capturing and banding songbirds in her yard as a part of national studies of bird migration. In 1964-65 she and her family hosted Carlos Becerra Rodriguez, the first American Field Service (AFS) foreign exchange student to be placed at DCCHS. Following their hosting experience, she was an AFS family liaison for 12 years.

           With a lifelong interest in anthropology and archeology, Verna earned credits in anthropology and women’s studies at Washburn University, Topeka, during the 1970s. She was a founding member of the Mud Creek chapter of the Kansas Archeological Association (KAA) in the Abilene area, serving first as temporary chairman of the chapter, then as vice president in 1975, president in 1976 and treasurer in 1977. She joined the KAA state organization in 1975 and became a life member, holding the office of second vice president in 1978 and 1979, state president from 1980 to 1983, and treasurer from 1984 to 1991. She also wrote several articles published in the Journal of the Kansas Anthropological Association, later renamed The Kansas Anthropologist, for which she served as associate editor.

           Beginning in 1977, Verna first volunteered for, and then was employed by, the Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS) in Topeka, participating in many archeological excavations, or “digs,” around the state. She worked in the KSHS artifact lab and took over management of the field school lab from 1989 until 1999, when she retired at the age of 77.

           Locally, Verna recorded and reported dozens of archeological sites, collecting and cataloging many artifacts of early native American habitation in the Chapman area. Her archeological collections and records were donated to the KSHS. She was also involved in the founding and development of the Chapman Area Preservation Society, or CAPS, and she served on the board of the Emma Balsiger Foundation, a charitable trust.

           Aside from her personal and career achievements, her children and grandchildren remember Verna and Neil's Chapman home as a place of books and bird feeders, artifacts and rainbows, music, laughter, and encouragement.

           Verna is survived by her children, Phillip Detrich of Mt. Shasta, California, Karl (Jean) Detrich of Chapman, and Elizabeth (Leon) Morton of Cave Creek, Arizona. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Neil Detrich in 2006; by a brother, Herbert “Gene” Book in 1992; and by two sisters, Ruth Book in 1929, and Mary (Book) Klein in 2017.

           Her children, Phil, Karl, and Beth, will host an informal visitation and time of remembrance at the Londeen Funeral Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2017, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. A private burial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Chapman Area Preservation Society or the Chapman Senior Center, in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman KS 67431.

Janice Fern (Janke) Whaley

lifetime resident of Junction City, Kansas, passed away at her home on January 2, 2018 and joins her beloved parents in heaven.

On October 13, 1952, Janice was the youngest of three children born to Robert G. Janke and Julia Mae (Friedholm) Janke. She attended Chapman High School. She then worked as an Equipment Operator Sr for KDOT at the Junction City Sub Station for over 16 years. She then joined the Kansas State Family as a Painter Sr. in the Dyksta Hall Paint Shop. She retired on November 1, 2017.

She is a two-time survivor of both lung and breast cancer. She loved walks on the beach, hunting for sea shells, shopping for knick-knacks. She was an avid toy collector, loved socializing, bowling, fishing and good food. She was a great first baseman and an avid bingo player. Like her father before her, she was always the prankster. Her beautiful smile always lit up the room and lifted the spirits of everyone around her. She was a member of Lyona United Methodist Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #830

Survivors include her Life Partner of 28 years, Renee Leask, son, Keith B. Whaley and his spouse, Billie ReCar of Kansas City, Missouri, two brothers, Philip Janke of Junction City, and Wendell Janke and his wife, Melva of Topeka, Kansas, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and her beloved “babies” Sassy and Sugar.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert G. & Julia Mae Janke, and husband, Gary Whaley.

There will be a viewing for family and friends at Lyona United Methodist Church January 6 2018 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., following by a graveside service at 2 p.m. at the Lyona Cemetery, Junction City, Kansas.

Memorial donations in memory of Janice can be given to Parkinson’s Dementia Association or the Cancer Centers of Kansas in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas 67431.

Harold L. Weller

age 92, of Chapman, Kansas, passed away on January 1, 2018 at Geary Community Hospital, Junction City, Kansas.

Harold was born on November 25, 1925 to Howard V. and Esther F. (Schwab) Weller. He attended local schools and graduated from DCCHS in Chapman. 

Shortly after graduating, Harold served his country in World War II as part of the 9th Armored Division of the Army. He left home for war on Christmas Eve in 1944. The first battle he fought in was the infamous Battle of the Bulge. His division was also the first to cross the Rhine at Remagen where they created a bridgehead, which allowed hundreds of thousands of Allied troops to cross. They hung a sign that said, "Cross the Rhine with dry feet - courtesy of the 9th Armored Division." The 9th's feat in creating the bridgehead saved a minimum of 5,000 American dead and 10,000 wounded. A few weeks later he was wounded in battle, earning him the Purple Heart. He returned to action after a week or two and fought until August of 1945 when he was shipped home for a 30-day leave, after which he was to be sent to the South Pacific. When he got off the train in Abilene, a large crowd had gathered celebrating the surrender of Japan. He was able to finish out his term in the States and did not have to return overseas. In addition to the Purple Heart, Harold received the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and the European Theater Medal with three Bronze Stars.

After serving in the military Harold returned home to the family farm. He married Phyllis McCosh on September 14, 1947.  Harold worked on the family farm until the early 70’s.  He then moved to Hutchison where he worked for the Cessna Fluid Division and Collins Manufacturing. After retiring, he returned home to Chapman to be closer to his family and friends. After Phyllis’ death, he later married Eloise McIntire Caughron. He was active in his community and was involved with the American Legion, Lions Club, Elks, and the Eagles. In his later years he enjoyed his time at the Senior Center socializing and playing cards and bingo. Harold also had a special place in his heart for his four-legged friends.

 Survivors include his son, Greg Weller and his wife Cecilia of Chapman, Kansas, son Terry Weller; daughter Wendy Weller and husband Paul Van Ryn; stepson Jay Caughron; grandson Chad Weller, of Chapman, Kansas and granddaughter, Amy Liebau and her husband Judd, of Chapman, Kansas, and grandsons Kyle and Wesley Weller. In addition he had four great grandchildren, Megan Weller, Chance and Camden Liebau and Colton Bell all of Chapman, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Esther Weller, wife Phyllis (McCosh) Weller, wife Eloise McIntire Caughron and stepdaughter Gilda Marshall.

There will be a visitation on Sunday, January 7 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 W. 5th St, Chapman, KS. Funeral service will be Monday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alida-Upland Cooperative Church, Junction City, KS, followed by burial at the Liberty Cemetery west of Upland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alida-Upland Cooperative Church or the Disabled American Veterans in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas 67431.

Bruce V. Collins

age 83, of Junction City, Kansas passed away on December 29, 2017 at Valley View Senior Life Center in Junction City, Kansas.

Bruce was born to former United States Marshall Vance and Katherine “Kay” (Jones) Collins on July 28, 1934. Bruce graduated from Junction City High School in 1952. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University in 1968.

Bruce practiced as a civil and structural engineer. He retired from Kaw Valley Engineering and continued with his own structural engineering consulting practice afterward. He married Carol Rush in 1953 and had three children – Jeff L. Collins, Scott B. Collins and Alan M. Collins. Carol and Bruce divorced in 1981. In 1982, Bruce married Helen (Peters) Olson.

In his youth Bruce was active in 4-H. He enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing, hiking, and camping in Colorado with his sons. In 1977 he started flying and recently built an experimental airplane. The FAA issued an Airworthiness certificate in December 2017. He was a member of the Junction City school board for 12 years until 1981, serving the last four years as board president. He was an avid golfer with 2 holes-in-one. He and Helen enjoyed cruises, winter trips to southern Texas and RV trips all over including Alaska. 

Survivors include his wife, Helen Collins, sons Scott Collins of Seattle WA, Alan Collins and his wife Tracea of Montrose CO, stepson Mike Olson and his wife Cheri, stepdaughters Julie Lilly and her husband Dennis of Junction City, KS and Janette Blaise and her husband Robert of Hartville, WY., as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vance and Kay Collins, son Jeff L. Collins and sister Ruth Ann Caspar.

Burial will be in Wreford Cemetery in Geary County following a private family service. A gathering of friends will take place at Freeman Field (Junction City airport) in springtime at a date to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or donor’s choice in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas 67431.

Alfred H. Gfeller, “Junior”, age 81, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas from injuries received in a farm accident. Junior was born in Junction City, Kansas on February 19, 1936 to Alfred “Fritz”, Sr. and Helen K. (Frohardt) Gfeller. 

Junior attended schools in the Upland Community and in Chapman and graduated from DCCHS with the class of 1954. 

Junior and Joyce met while in high school. They were united in marriage on June 10, 1954 at the United Methodist Church in Industry, Kansas.

For Junior, work was his hobby. He loved farming and doing soil conservation work. Since 1954, he owned and operated a bulldozer and had just recently retired from soil work and was still farming . Junior was a member of the St. John’s United Church of Christ, Dickinson County Soil Conservation Contractors and the Agri –Trail Coop in Chapman, Ks. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of 61 years, three children: Janean (Don) Gilmore, Chapman, Kansas; Connie (Dale) Dugan, Chapman, Kansas; Cathy Osbourn , Solomon, Kansas. Grand children are Chris Gilmore, Clint Gilmore, Casey (Danyel) Gilmore, Cory Dugan, Jodie Dugan, Nick Osbourn and Andrew Osbourn. And one Great Grandchild Gus Gilmore. Also, sister in laws Raylene Alvarez, Carol Beadleston and Debbi (Don) Fultz and other nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred “Fritz” and Helen K. Gfeller and in-laws, Ralph and Grace Beadleston, brother in law Larry Beadleston, niece Brenda Krinhop and other infant nieces.

Visitation will be Friday, December 29, 2017 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 W. 5th, Chapman, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alida-Upland Cooperative Church with Reverend Hyeayoun Kim officiating.

In lieu of flowers, family request memorials be given to Alida-Upland Cooperative Church, St. Judes Childrens Hospital, and Shriners Hospital for Children in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas.

Jerrald E. Smith

age 77, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017 at Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan, Kansas. Jerry was born in Kansas City, Missouri, April 30, 1940 to Ralph and Flora (Murrison) Smith.

He moved to Chapman, Kansas at the age of three and attended Chapman Elementary School. He and his family moved to Junction City, Kansas, in 1949. He graduated from Junction City High School where he was active in all sports. In 1959, Jerry was honored by the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) of the United States by being named the High School All American for his record setting 1958 Javelin Throw. He continues to hold the javelin record at Junction City High School.

While attending Kansas Wesleyan in 1960 he met Beverly A. Kernohan. They were married on December 3, 1960 in Junction City, KS.

In December 1961, Jerry joined the Junction City Police Department. He and his family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas in 1968 when he accepted the position of Chief of Police. In 1979, Jerry and his family returned to Junction City when he accepted the position of Chief of Police. He retired in 1992.

He served as president of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and was named Kansas Police Officer of the year in 1981. Jerry was a lifetime member of the Kansas Chiefs of Police Association as well as a member of the Kansas Peace Officers Association. He was also a member of Chapman Sons of the American Legion and a member of St. Xavier’s Catholic Church.

After retiring he and his wife moved to Chapman, Kansas where he started farming. Jerry also enjoyed hunting, fishing and all sports.

He is survived by his wife Beverly of 57 years, three children Tammi Rinkenbaugh (Robert) of Wichita, Kansas, Tina Barker (Steve) of Junction City, Kansas and son, K.C. Smith (Barbara) of Manhattan, Kansas, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild, sister Terri Upham (Billy) of Junction City, Kansas, and brother Gary Smith (Lois) of Wichita, Kansas.

Visitation with the family followed by a Rosary will be Sunday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Xavier Catholic Church, Junction City, Kansas. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be given to St. Xavier Catholic Church or Good Shepherd Hospice House in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas.

R. Jeanette “Toots” Fansler

died November 8, 217 at Chapman Valley Manor, Chapman, Kansas.

Jeanette or “Toots”, as so many called her, was born on May 10, 1936 in Junction City, Kansas to John and Roma (Hill) Wahl. “Toots” grew up on the family farm in western Geary County, Kansas. She loved the farm, especially at harvest time. She attended the local schools and graduated from Junction City High School in 1954. She attended a year of college at Kansas University. She returned to the farm and worked at the Geary County Courthouse until May of 1957 when she married Roy Frederick Fansler, stone mason and farmer. They had two sons, Steve and John.

 

Toots absolutely loved to listen to music on her home stereo and in her car. She played piano and enjoyed bowling, riding motorcycles, playing card games with her family, fishing, camping and visiting with anyone, anywhere. She was a housewife until the death of her husband Fred in 1991. 

 

After Fred’s death she confronted her lifelong fear of the water and became a water exercise instructor at the YMCA in Junction City. She exercised at local gyms regularly starting in the ‘90s and participated in “The Walk across Kansas” several times.

 

A big part of her life were her 5 grandsons; Kyle, Cody, Brandon, Justin and Ryan. She was so proud of them and loved to attend their school events. She looked forward to Holidays with all of them together at her home. Her later years were spent dedicated to caring for her mother.

 

Jeanette is survived by two sons; Stephen Frederick Fansler and wife Shelly, Las Vegas and John David Fansler and wife Roxanne, Junction City along with five grandson: Kyle Kolker, Merrill, Iowa, Cody Fansler, Junction City, Kansas, Brandon Fansler, Las Vegas, Nevada, Justin Fansler, Junction City, Kansas, and Ryan Fansler, Junction City, Kansas.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roma and John Wahle and brothers, Courtney and Charles Wahle.

 

There will be a graveside service on 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 15. Pastor Todd Britt officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Chapman Valley Manor in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas, 67431

Mary Louise Klein

of Chapman died after a brief illness on October 29th, 2017 at Memorial Hospital in Abilene, Kansas.

Mrs. Klein was born in Chapman November 23rd, 1930, the daughter of Herbert E. and Dorothy (Galbreath) Book. Her maternal great grandparents homesteaded south of Chapman around 1870.

She attended the local grade school and graduated from the Chapman High School in 1948.

She was married to Nicholas Klein of Junction City on June 1st, 1952 until their divorce in the 1980s. She lived most of her adult life in Wichita, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. She taught English Composition and Creative Writing at Wichita State University and other local universities until her retirement in the late 1990s.

She had an enduring affection for her home town, so in 1999 she returned to Chapman to live, where she became a faithful volunteer at the local museum. She was a serious reader and a student of local and family history. She maintained a wide correspondence with distant relatives and friends. She was a member of the Chapman Area Preservation Society and was honored to have their Volunteer of the Year Award named after her as its inaugural recipient in 2014. She was also a member of the Dickinson County Genealogical Researchers and the Dickinson County Historical Society.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas Klein of Wichita and Eric Klein of Chapman and by a sister, Verna Detrich of Chapman. She was preceded in death by two sons, Steven who died in 1960 and Dennis who died in 1984. She was also preceded by a sister Ruth who died in 1929 and by a brother, Herbert "Gene" Book in 1992.

A celebration of life service will be held on November 11th, 2017 at 2 PM at the Londeen Funeral Chapel 206 W. 5th Street, Chapman Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Chapman Area Preservation Society or the Chapman Public Library in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas, 67431

Marie Clarisse (Boyer) Hanson

91, Junction City passed away on October 20, 2017 at Valley View Senior Life in Junction City, Kansas. Marie was born on the farm in Rice County Kansas on June 7, 1926 to Frank H. Boyer and Marie Clarisse (Hamel) Boyer.

She grew up on the family farm and on September 12, 1942, married Merrill (Shorty) Hanson. She was a housewife and very active in her community. There were no strangers and each person she met became a friend. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and served at State President from 1955-56. She was on the Geary County Election Board and a member of the Geary Landlord’s Association. She had many rentals in the Junction City area and each renter became like a family member to Marie. She supported those in the military and would personally thank them for their service. She was a member of St. Xavier’s Catholic Church in Junction City and was part of the Kansas Quilters group. She loved helping the parish priests and in the early years, the Sisters of Saint Joseph. With her family she organized the Hamel Reunions, was interested in everything her family was involved with and loved to keep up with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marie is survived by her sons Duane F. Hanson (Linda), and Larry G. Hanson (Beverly) both of Wichita, Kansas and daughter, Shirley A. Schubert (Michael), Clayton, Ohio. Seven grandchildren: Mike (Amanda) Schubert, Aaron (Amanda I.) Schubert; Amanda E. (Peter) Qumsiyeh; Greg (Lindsey) Hanson, Chad (Aundrea) Hanson, Theresa Shurley (Jeremy Hall); Melissa Hanson (Adam Farlow). Also fourteen great grandchildren: Bradon Hanson, Claire Hanson, Carson Hanson, Isabel Hanson, Sophie Hanson, Bailey Schubert, Cohen Schubert, Max Qumsiyeh, Madeline Shurley, Aubrey Shurley, London Hall, Matthew Garrigus, Maddox Farlow, Ember Farlow. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and thousands of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merrill (Shorty) Hanson, parents Frank and Marie Clarisse Boyer, sister, Helen Baird and brother, Philip Boyer.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City on Saturday, October 28 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be Friday, October 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 W. 5th Street, Chapman, Kansas.

Patricia “Shelley” Michelle Hohman Humes

passed away October 10, 2017 at her home in Enterprise, Kansas.

 “Shelley” was born on February 20, 1969 to Ed & Gloria Hohman in Junction City, KS. In her childhood years that followed, Shelley grew to be a caring and compassionate person that would put others ahead of herself. She managed and taught lessons at the swimming pool in Wakefield as a teenager, later worked as a nanny, and was studying towards becoming an elementary level educator before finding her niche in healthcare. Shelley worked as a CNA at the nursing home in Wakefield while she studied and obtained her LPN license, caring for the residents as if they were her own family. In 1996, Shelley began working at the hospital in Junction City where she touched countless more lives. On April 26, 1997, Shelley married Michael Humes and they had two children, Christopher and Cassandra. She continued to work at the hospital until an extensive illness left her disabled in 2011. Shelley was called home to heaven on October 10, 2017.

Shelley brought joy to numerous people during her days here with us on earth. She is survived by her husband Michael, son Christopher and daughter Cassandra, parents Ed and Gloria Hohman, a sister Denise (Leland) Jackson of Enterprise, a brother Tony (Angie) Hohman of Harveyville, and many in-laws as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.

There will be a celebration of life on October 21st at 11 a.m. at the Wakefield First United Methodist Church, 406 6th Street, Wakefield, Kansas, Pastor Todd Britt officiating.

Erin Lea Taylor

age 36, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS. Erin was born November 16, 1980 at Asbury Hospital, Salina, Kansas. She attended schools in Chapman and graduated with the Class of 1999. She attended Emporia State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2003. In 2014 she completed her Master’s degree in Education.

Erin was active in 4-H and enjoyed baking. She was an avid Kansas State Wildcat fan and Chicago Bears fan. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being an aunt to Lucas and Aloria and loved teaching her 5th grade Wear Bears.

Erin is survived by her parents, Bill and Debra Taylor, brother Dustin Taylor and wife Ashley, nephew Lucas Mojo Taylor and niece Aloria Moxie Taylor. 

Visitation will be Sunday, October 15 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Chapel 206 W. 5th, Chapman, Kansas. Funeral service will be Monday, October 16 at 1:30 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Chapel followed by a private graveside service at 3:30 p.m. in Salina, Kansas. Pastor Sara Anne Hayden will officiate.

Students and special friends may donate a book in Erin’s memory at Londeen Funeral Chapel.

Memorials can be made to Geary County 4-H Foundation or Ware Elementary Ware Bears, Fort Riley, Kansas in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, Kansas, 67431.

WAYNE O. MILLS

 a resident of rural Abilene, passed away Monday, October 2, 2017 at the

Abilene Memorial Hospital in Abilene, KS at the age of 89.

 

Visitation will be Thursday, October 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Londeen Funeral Chapel.

Funeral will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 6 at the Londeen Funeral Chapel, Chapman, KS. 

Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Enterprise, KS. 

Charles L. Adams III, went Home to be at rest with his Savior Jesus on September 19, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in Topeka, after battling lung disease & infections. Chuck was born July 9, 1955 in Bellaire, OH to Donna and the late Charles Adams Jr. (1935-1986). He graduated Bellaire High School May 1974. He was married August 16, 1975 in Powhatan Point, OH to Cindy Baker. He worked for Y & O Coal Comp. 1975-1976, North American Coal Corp from 1976-1979 and Quarto Mining Co. 1980-1982. He joined the US Army in 1986, attended Basic Training at Ft. Sill, OK; was stationed in Giessen, Germany (1987-1990: 3/5 Field Artillery, 1992-1994: DENTAC/Kirchgoens), Ft Polk, LA (Field Artillery 1990-1992), and Ft. Riley, KS (DENTAC) where he left the service due to health reasons in 1999.

He was a beloved husband, father, son, “Papa,” and friend to many. He enjoyed tinkering with woodworking, home and lawn improvement, spending time with his family, riding his motorcycle, and was an Ohio State fan. He was also a member of the American Legion. He never knew a stranger. He was fun loving, and self-sacrificing. Our hearts and lives are forever changed with his passing.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Cindy Adams, Chapman, KS ; his mother Donna Pissos & stepfather Tony Pissos, Wheeling WV; daughters Katrina Adams (Randy Dykstra), Junction City, KS, and Krista Mendiola (Carlos), Chapman, KS; siblings Lisa Stupak (Ted), Shadyside, OH, Donald Adams, Wheeling WV, Sherry Namack (Tom), Wheeling WV, and Lori Andrews (Jeremy), Bethlehem WV; grandchildren Alex Adams (Kathleen Wilson), Leawood, KS, Brianna Adams, Emporia, KS, Blake McDermott, Angel Riley-Mendiola, Selena Mendiola, and Alyssa Clark, Chapman, KS; and many nieces and nephews, and his beloved Siberian Husky Koda.

There will be a graveside service only at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Manhattan, KS Friday, Sept. 29 at 10am. The family requests that you wear Ohio State or gray/red/black casual wear if possible. If you would like to join the processional on your motorcycle, we would love to have you join us at Chapman Naz Church at 9am to ride out to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the St. Judes Children Hospital or Children’s Mercy in care of Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS, 67431.

Paul William “Bill” Stewart, Jr

81, passed away Friday, September 15, 2017 at Autumn Hills, Riley, KS.

Rosary will be Monday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Londeen Funeral Chapel, 206 W. Fifth, Chapman, KS  followed by reflections and family visitation until 7:30 p.m.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, September 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Londeen Funeral Chapel.

 Burial will be at Bala Cemetery, Riley, KS.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the American Legion Scholarship in care of Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS, 67431.

David R. Sites

67, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Valley View Senior Life.

Dave was born September 12, 1949 at Findlay, Ohio to Robert and Helen (Dickinson) Sites. He went through elementary school and junior high in Houston, TX and attended Newfane High School in Newfane, NY for his senior year. He graduated with the class of 1967. He then enlisted in the Army. He spent one year in Vietnam and returned home to continue his service for his country for 23 years. Before he was shipped out he asked Elizabeth Marino to marry him. She waited for him and they were married May 10, 1969 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, Newfane, NY. After retiring from the Army in April of 1990, David then worked for the truck stop in Solomon, KS. In 1993 he began working for the Dickinson County Road Crew and then in 1995 Highway County Administration. He also worked for Fort Riley in the Preventive Medicine Facility. He converted to Catholicism in 1986 and was an active member of St. Michael Church.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Sites of the home; Children Steven Sites (Angie) of Spearville, KS; Alan Sites (Kozue) of Dodge City, KS; Dina Sites of Abilene, KS; Miki Sites of Chapman, KS; Grandchildren: Hannah Sites, Bailey Sites, Ashly Sites, Regen Sites and Layton Sites.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Helen Sites and daughter Shannon Sites.

Rosary will be on Sunday September 10, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church followed by visitation at St. Michael Parish Center at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on September 11, 2017 at St. Michael Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the St. Michael Catholic Church in care of Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS, 67431.

Earline LaRose Jensen, 90, of Chapman, KS, died on August 28, 2017, at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City, KS, following a short illness.

Earline was born to Earl & Myrtle Wilkins on October 5, 1926, in Joplin, MO. She graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1944. She had a long career as a bookkeeper for Kansas City area construction firms, the Balls Food Stores, and Bannister Mall Customer Service.

In 2001 following retirement, Earline and husband Jim moved to Chapman, Kansas. They were one of the first residents of the Killarney Apartments at Chapman Valley Manor. Earline then enjoyed 10 years of volunteer work in her daughter, Sally Schuler’s, 2nd grade classroom at Enterprise Elementary School in the Chapman School District.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Marilee Dill.

Survivors include husband Niels “Jim” Jensen of the home, son Stephen (Diane) Turek, daughter Sally (Steve) Schuler, grandchildren Stephanie (Kyle) Winright and Whitney (Kevin) Neary and four great-grandchildren.

Survivors by marriage include Scott (Lynda) Jensen and Russ (Laura) Jensen.

Other survivors include her sister, Anita Charbonneau, and nieces.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, September 10, at Londeen Funeral Chapel in Chapman, KS. Burial will be Monday September 11, at 10 a.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS. Arrangements are being made through Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, 206 W. Fifth St. (www.londeenfuneralchapel.com).

Memorial contributions may be made locally to Enterprise Elementary. Contributions can be left or mailed to Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, P. O. Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Steven R. Miller, 66, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at his home, in Chapman, after a two year battle with glioblastoma. 

Steven was born on March 14, 1951 at Hutchinson, Kansas to William and Betty (Burk) Miller. He was the third of six children. He attended local schools, participated in sports and graduated from Chapman High School in 1969. After graduation from high school he attended Kansas State University majoring in science and physical education and graduated in 1973. His first teaching job was at Seven Dolars Catholic School in Manhattan, soon after he came back home to Chapman to teach at his alma mater. He taught Science and Physical Education at Chapman Middle School. He loved his students and always wanted them to perform to the best of their ability.  Over the years Steve coached basketball, football, wrestling, track and cross country at both the middle school and high school levels. Even though he received his Master’s degree in Administration in 1987, he decided that his love of coaching and teaching was too great to become an administrator.  On July 17, 1993 he married Terry Riekeman at St. Michael Catholic Church in Chapman, KS.

He is survived by his wife, Terry Miller of the home; Children Amy Miller, Luke Miller (Molly), Terrah Stroda, (daughter-in-law), Shannon Demory (Dan), Lindy Stroda, Hillary Erickson (Matt); Grandchildren: Madyson Jones, Austin Jones, Eve Quinton, Braedon and Braxton Stroda, Reese, Hudson and Leighton Demory, Lincoln and Kerrington Erickson. His father William Miller and siblings Carole Skibbe (John), Chris Miller, Tim Miller (Karin), Jeanne Murray (Dan).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Miller, brother Larry Miller and son, Brandon Stroda.

There will be a rosary and vigil service on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church followed by visitation at St. Michael Parish Center at 6:30 p.m. Please feel free to dress casually and wear any K-State or Chapman Irish attire on Friday evening. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on August 5, 2017 at St. Michael Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Irish Foundation for the establishment of a scholarship for a Track or Cross Country athlete graduating from Chapman High School in care of Londeen’s Funeral Chapel, PO Box 429, Chapman, KS, 67431.

Shirley A. (Hollinger) Shippy

81, Salina, passed away on Saturday July 22, 2017 at Brookdale Senior Living, Salina, Ks.

Shirley was born September 9, 1935 in rural Dickinson County to James and Roxie (Gillette) Hollinger. She grew up helping on the Aberdeen Angus Wheatland farm. She took great pride in showing cattle with her dad and brother near Chapman.

Shirley attended local schools and graduated from Dickinson County High School class of 1954, in Chapman, KS. She attended Emporia State University. In 1958 she married Eldon L. Shippy. Most of their married life was spent in the Navarre community. She worked as a homemaker that was known for her homemade bread and rolls.

She is survived by her five children, Debra Brubaker and husband Ron, of Delphos, KS, Larry Shippy of Hope, KS, Robert Shippy of Marion, KS, Diane Lister and her husband Dwight of Chapman, KS and Dennis Shippy of Hope, KS. Eight grandchildren, Mckayla, Sheena and Trenton Brubaker of Delphos, KS, Troy Shippy of Salina, KS, Nichole Reiff of Abilene, KS, Jessica Grimm of California, Dustin and Danielle Lister of Chapman, KS. Two great grandchildren Morgan Reiff of Abilene, KS and Angelina Grimm of California.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eldon L. Shippy, parents James and Roxie Hollinger and brother Max Hollinger.

Funeral services will be held at the Chapman United Methodist Church, Chapman, KS on July 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Lyon Creek South Baptist Cemetery, South of Woodbine following the service. Visitation will be held at the Chapman United Methodist Church, on July 25, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Chapman United Methodist Church in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Barbara Jean Boyd (Bobbie) died July 3, 2017. Barbara had a lot of routines and traditions but never wanted anything to be “standard” and you will find this obituary to be the same. She wrote most of it herself a few weeks prior to her death and her family added a few embellishments.

 Barbara was the daughter of Dr. John Sr. and Kate Meyer. She was born May 16, 1932 at Geary Community Hospital. She spent all of her younger years in Chapman. She obtained a degree from Kansas State University in Home Economics. She loved going to college and said she could have just gone to school forever. However, her father died when she was young so she thought she better wrap that up by obtaining a degree in nursing from the University of Kansas. She was an amazing nurse, quickly becoming a leader as head nurse of Pediatrics at Irwin Army Hospital, Ft. Riley. She was the first civilian nurse at Fort Riley and wrote the Occupational Health Program under the direction of OSHA. She married Donald Boyd in 1959 and they built their home on Stone Lane. Barbara was at the peak of her career when she suffered a massive stroke after the repair of a brain aneurysm which forced her to retire. She was left with 35 years of disability having difficulty walking, seeing, and no use of her right arm but that did not keep her down. She never complained and always made the best of every situation. She saw the best in everyone, frequently saying “They are doing the best they can”. She walked up to 10 miles a day during her rehab years and participated in Walk Across Kansas numerous times. Barbara and Don purchased the Carroll business in 1978, becoming Boyd’s Clothing where she continued to work six days a week up until her death.  She liked to stay busy and spent the remainder of her free time buying and remodeling homes in Chapman.

 She was a devout Catholic but will not be having a funeral service, ashes will be scattered in an area where many hours of family fun and laughter were spent. She often said, “It is not what you do at the end that matters. It is what you do before the end that counts.”

She requested that her 4th grade picture be used for her obituary but her family also wanted to include her nursing picture.

She thought it was ridiculous to list those who had preceded someone in death and those who were still living. Therefore, that will not be included here. 

In her memory, she would like everyone who is able to walk a mile and say a prayer. Not a prayer for her, just any prayer that you enjoy.

Kenneth R. Root

A life-long resident of Chapman, Kansas, Kenneth Raymond Root passed away June 3, 2017, surrounded by his family. 

Kenneth was the third child in a family of seven siblings. He was born in Chapman April 9, 1927 to Ray Root and Margaret (Phillips) Root. Kenneth married Audrey Sommers in 1951 at the First United Methodist Church, Salina, Kansas. She predeceased him in death. He was also predeceased in death by two sisters, three brothers, and one great grandson, Jack Vowiell.

Survivors are his children Gregg Root and wife, Sherrie (Abilene, KS); Rodney Root and wife, Mari (Ashville, AL); Bradley Root and wife, Kammi (Winfield, KS); and Ann Root (Lawrence, KS); grandchildren, David Vowiell (KC, MO); Bryan Root (Winfield, KS); Philip Root (Boca Raton, FL); Kristina Carranza (Marianna, AR); Angela Root (Winfield, KS); and Scott Root (LA, CA); and three great-grandchildren and one brother Ron Root (Austin, TX).

He graduated from Dickinson County High School in Chapman in 1945, at which time he joined the U.S. Navy. Following his service in the U.S. Navy he graduated from Kansas Weslyan in 1950, and received his Masters from KSU in 1957.

He was a member of the Chapman United Methodist Church, Chapman Lions Club for 64 years, Indian Hills Cemetery Board, the Chapman City Council, and a director of the local bank. He was inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame in 1992.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, June 23, 2017, 10:30a, at the Chapman United Methodist Church with Reverend Kenneth Trickle officiating. Burial of the ashes will be in the Indian Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00p to 8:00p on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Londeen Funeral Home, Chapman, Kansas. Memorials are to the City of Chapman for beautification of Chapman or the Irish Foundation of Chapman, Kansas.

Evelyn M. Avery, a resident of Chapman, KS, passed away June 1, 2017 at the age of 87.

Evelyn was born December 14, 1929 southwest of Wakefield, KS. Her parents were Fred and Clara Otto Yenni. She attended school at Victor 100 and went on to graduate from Wakefield High School in 1947. After graduation, she went on to Brown Mackie College in Salina. Once she left the collage she worked for the Wassberg Hardware Store until she married Robert Avery on March 25, 1950. Evelyn and Robert were blessed with three children. Evelyn worked for the county treasurer until her retirement. She enjoyed square dancing, bus travel trips, cooking for family and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. In later years, she enjoyed the Chapman Senior Center and spent a lot of her free time with the other seniors.

She is survived by one son Larry Avery (Patricia), Chapman, KS; daughter Sharon Wine (David) Lenexa, KS; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. One sister Ruby Sylvester, Riley, KS and a brother Vernon Yenni, Wakefield, KS. She is preceded in death by husband Robert, son Gailen and brother-in-law Charles Avery.

Funeral services will be held at the Alida Cooperative Parish, northeast of Chapman, KS on June 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Alida Zion Evangelical Cemetery, north of the Church. Visitation will be held at Londeen Funeral Chapel in Chapman, KS on June 5, 2017 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Alida Cooperative Church or the Chapman Senior Center in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.

Share by: