Joan Torke Beem (Posted 6/10/2026)
Joan Torke Beem died on Tuesday June 9, 2026.
She was born in Wisconsin, one of eleven children of Eda Monette and Ralph Torke.
As a young girl, the family moved to Green Lake, Wisconsin and later on to Denver, Colorado where she attended the University of Denver.
In 1952 she married and moved to Manhattan, Kansas where she worked at Kansas State University for 32 years.
Joan is survived by her three sons: Tom of Wamego, Kansas, Pat (LuAnn) of Waterloo, Illinois, and Tim of Bel Aire, Kansas; four grandchildren also survive: Brett, Kelly, Kimberly, and Michael, and five great-grand kids: Nora, Levi, Hayes, Hawkins, and Adeline.
Arrangements are private at our Mother’s request.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com
Kermit H. Riekenberg (Posted 6/9/2026)
Kermit H. Riekenberg, 84, of Hanover, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas.
Kermit was born on November 18, 1941, the youngest son of Alphons and Clara Riekenberg. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bremen, Kansas. He attended grade school locally and graduated from Hanover High School.
After high school, Kermit worked driving a route truck, picking up cream and eggs. In August of 1964, at the age of 22, he purchased the old Smitty’s Café and proudly renamed it Ricky’s Café. Shortly after purchasing the restaurant, Kermit was drafted into the Vietnam War, where he served for a year and a half. Upon returning home, he resumed running the café.
For more than 60 years, “Kermy” was the heart and soul of his hometown café—cooking breakfast, waiting tables, and flipping burgers while building lasting friendships with generations of loyal customers.
Kermy was proud to employ many local residents over the years. His employees, many of whom worked with him for decades, became like family and were truly the heart and soul behind the café’s enduring success and welcoming atmosphere.
On September 24, 1967, he married Rose Brown, who preceded him in death in 2009. To this union, Kermit was blessed with three children: John and James, who also preceded him in death, and Pamela, who survives.
Outside of the café, Kermy was a well-known pitcher for the local men’s fast-pitch softball team. He also enjoyed spending time cruising with his beloved dogs, Pierre and Prince, who preceded him in death.
Kermit was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose; his infant son, James; his son, John; his brothers; Milton, DeVere (and sister-in-law Verna), and his sister, Geraldine (and brother-in-law Merlin Stohs).
He is survived by his daughter, Pamela and husband Fred Bergman; his daughter-in-law, Cheri Flear, and her partner, Ron Luhring; grandchildren; Jamie (Mark) Vande Brake, Jenifer Davenport, Derek Flear, Amanda (Kacy) Tibbetts, Brandon (Morgan) Flear, and Jason Flear. Great-grandchildren; Alex, Jacob, Beckham, Briar, Amiya, Gabe, Paisley, Keegan, Logan, John, and Blake. Along with many nieces, nephews, countless friends, employees, and loyal patrons of the café.
A visitation will be held on Friday June 19, 2026, at the Hanover Mortuary in Hanover, Kansas from 1:00 until 8:00p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5:30 until 7: 00p.m at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Saturday June 20, 2026, at the Hanover Community Building in Hanover, with Rev. Norbert Tegtmeier officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Hanover City Cemetery in Hanover.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Kermy are suggested to the Hanover Hospital ISB or the Hanover American Legion Post 306. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfunerahome.com
Janice Faye “Jan” Michaelis (Posted 6/4/2026)
Janice Faye “Jan”, Michaelis, 70, of Alma, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Wellsprings of Westmoreland. She was a life-long resident of the Alma community.
Jan was born May 28, 1956, in Wamego, Kansas, the daughter of Donald G. “Don” and Beverly May “Bev” (Arand) Miller. She attended local schools and graduated in 1974 from Alma High School. She also attended Brown Mackie College.
Jan worked a combined thirty-two years for the state of Kansas. Her first years were in Topeka and then the majority for Kansas State University. She was an Information Technology Support Specialist 2 for the financial aid department.
Spending time on the family farm and with her family and friends was of greatest importance to her. She also had a great love of horses, being outdoors, and gardening. She also enjoyed quilting and floral arrangements. Jan was an avid K-State sports fan, especially football with collecting all the players signatures most of her years working at K-State.
She married Richard “Rick” Michaelis on February 17, 1979, in Alma. For over thirty-nine years they shared their lives and raised their family together. Rick preceded her in death on September 15, 2018.
Jan is survived by her children; Trevor Michaelis, Topeka, Cody Michaelis (Tammy), Alma, and Amanda Michaelis, Junction City; as well as her grandchildren, Phoenix Michaelis, Calyn Michaelis, Brandt Michaelis, Rogan Michaelis, Hunter McCullough (Katelynn), Lance McCullough (Samantha); and her great-granddaughter, Macy. She is also survived by her sister, Donna Kamberline (Steve), Topeka. Jan was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Miller.
A graveside inurnment service will be held July 18, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at the McFarland Cemetery with a celebration of life to follow or at noon at the Alma Community Center,1050 Ohio St, Alma, KS 66401.
Jan’s life was one of quiet dedication, marked by her enduring bonds of family and friends & the simple pleasures in life. She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will be warmly remembered by all who knew her. To share a memory of Jan or to leave a special message of condolence for her family, please visit the Guestbook below. Plants, flowers, or cards may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.
Clair Law (Posted 06/03/26)
Clair Edward Law, 91, died June 1, 2026 at Foundation Park, Manhattan, Kansas after a steady decline over the past year.
Clair Edward Law was born on September 20, 1934, in Hill City, Kansas, to Carl Edward and Mabel Foster Law. At the age of one, he moved with his family to Hays, Kansas, where he was raised. He attended Lincoln School and graduated from Hays High School.
Clair continued his education at the University of Kansas, where he participated in the ROTC program and graduated in 1956. That same year, he began his professional career with the Equitable Life Assurance Society as a life insurance representative. Later in 1956, he entered the United States Army, serving in the Armor division before completing training as a medic. Clair was extremely patriotic, with the National Anthem often bringing tears.
Clair married Marjorie Baylor, and together they adopted two children, Calvin Eric and Andrea Lynn. The marriage later ended in divorce.
Following his military service, Clair returned to Hays and resumed his work with Equitable, ultimately advancing to the position of regional manager. In 1969, he joined Gardner & White, specializing in employee benefits with a primary focus on serving hospitals throughout Kansas. His work also extended into Nebraska and Iowa. In time, he became a partner in the firm. Clair derived deep professional satisfaction from assisting others and took particular pride in knowing that the benefits he provided offered meaningful support-whether through life insurance, disability coverage, or retirement planning. Even after retirement, he received many calls from individuals who had received benefits that he had sold. Even though he was a manager and a partner in businesses, when asked what he did, he always replied that he was a salesman.
In 1975, Clair married Cherry Vavricka, who played an integral role in managing their insurance office. Much of Clair’s career involved travel, and he developed a lasting appreciation for driving and automobiles. When his children later joined their household, Clair embraced family life, purchasing a motorhome and creating lasting memories through travel with family and friends.
Clair’s lifelong appreciation for the outdoors began in his youth, boating with his family at Cedar Bluff Lake. As an adult that is where he learned to sail and windsurf, along with motor boating and water skiing with his family. He maintained this passion throughout his life, owning various boats over the years. His decision to relocate to Manhattan was influenced by the opportunity to live near Tuttle Creek Lake, where he spent many enjoyable hours boating and sharing time on the water with family and others, teaching many kids how to water ski.
He also had a strong interest in animals. For approximately 15 years, Clair and Cherry operated a farm on Cedar Creek Road, where they raised and cared for a variety of unique animals. Dark Mountain Farm became a valued community destination, hosting school groups and participating in local parades with animals such as potbelly pigs, ponies, a Brahma steer, llamas, and donkeys. Their home also included a wide assortment of animals over the years, including dogs, cats, parrots, pot-belly pigs and reptiles.
Above all, Clair was devoted to his family. He valued time spent with both immediate and extended family members and made every effort to attend family gatherings and events.
Clair was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Calvin Eric Law; son-in-law, Cary Skalla; brother-in-laws, Donald Stewart and Charles Lindsay; sister-in-laws Candy Jo Beckner and Mae Hullet.
He is survived by his wife, Cherry; daughter, Andrea Skalla; sister, Royalynn Stewart; grandchildren; Nicole Popolow (Jonathan), Amber Stevens (Brenton); Kurt Skalla(Cheryl); Laura Dukes (Brent); Jennifer Stempien (Coby); Natalie Stevens (Jesse); Annie Carrington (Chris); Cherry Layman (Tim); and Colton Skalla; 24 great grandchildren; brother-in-laws Kelvin Hullet; Bob Vavricka (Patricia), Pat Vavricka (Rita), Lee Beckner (Shelly); sister-in-laws Eunice Lindsay; and Cora Lee Walker (Ken), as well as many nephews and nieces. Other survivors of the home are his beloved dog, Rocky, and African Grey Parrot, Bo.
Visitation will be from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Saturday, June 6, 2026 and A Celebration of Life Service at 2:00pm at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest memorials to Fort Hays State University, Cherry & Clair Scholarship Fund or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Memorials may be sent in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
James Pride (Posted 06/03/26)
James Lynn “Red” Pride, 80, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
Jim was born September 22, 1945, in Barstow, California, the son of Gerald E. and Lila (Munson) Pride. He attended and graduated from St. George Highschool.
Red worked his adult life in the construction business. He was a foreman for Law Construction, Croonrod Construction and BPW Masonry. He was a member of the Carpenters Union.
He married Linda Pillsbury on December 10, 1963. They later divorced. He then married Stephanie Nightingale on January 18, 1975. They also divorced. On September 22, 1997, Jim and Janet Joseph were married in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They shared their lives for almost 29 years. They did everything together from moving to different job sites, doing daily activities like planting flowers, fishing, or simple times holding hands admiring the sunset. Janet survives at their home.
He was a member of the Light House Baptist Church. Red, with 50 feet of hose connecting him to his oxygen, and other men from the church, single handedly remodeled the old school. They followed his lead as they took out walls and turned the school into a church. Being on oxygen never slowed him down. He was constantly going, whether working or playing. He loved to take Janet on the next adventure wherever it might lead. He loved to fish and loved baseball. He was a loyal Royals and Chiefs fan and in his younger years enjoyed hunting, especially coon hunting.
Jim is also survived by his children; Jim Lowry (Cynthia), St. George, Lori Bellew (Gene), Clarksville, Tennessee, Lisa Robertson (Bret), Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jamie Pride (Stephanie), Manhattan, Kansas, Kim Pride, Washington D.C., Doug Launius (Robin), Ashville, North Carolina, and Eric Launius (Amy), Nashville, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Roni Bradley (John), Lonny Greer (Heather), Robert Bruner, Susie Mills, Jimmy Lowry (Alex), Joey Lowry (Ellie), Brandon Greer, Grace Burdick (Jerod), Gabe Pride, Abby Pride, Ayla Launius, and his great-grandchildren, Kristen, Zeke, Evie, Katie, Wren, Jade, Mable, Olive, Lucy, Lonny, Will and Lincoln. Jim is also survived by his sister-in-law, Janice Pride, Manhattan, Kansas, and his siblings, Gerry Beach, Wilmington, Michigan, Richard Pride (Alice), Bala, Kansas, Lila Mae Pride, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Joe Pride (Penny), Seligman, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Ronnie Lowry, and his twin brother, John Pride.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at LightHouse Baptist Church in St. George, Kansas. The family suggests memorial contributions to be sent to Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home to help with his funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Esther Helfferich (Posted 06/03/26)
Esther Mary Helfferich, 72, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on January 14, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas.
Esther was born on May 13, 1953, in Karlsruhe, Germany, to Larry and Elizabeth (Stahl) Conley. She grew up in the Northview area of Manhattan, Kansas, and attended local schools, earning her GED in 1969.
On October 31, 1968, Esther was united in marriage to Bill Helfferich in Manhattan, Kansas. Together they built a life centered on family and were blessed with their son, Mitch.
Throughout her career, Esther worked as an insurance agent at Charlson and Wilson for many years then opening her own insurance agency. She later worked as an office assistant at Mercy Hospital in Manhattan and eventually retiring from Economy Electric in 2023 after many years of dedicated service. Esther was known for her selfless and caring nature. She never hesitated to help others, offering a listening ear, wise advice, and unwavering support to family and friends. Her home was always open, and no one ever left without being offered a meal—usually more than once with her fried chicken being first choice. She cherished spending time with loved ones, sipping iced tea, playing cards, sharing stories, and enjoying good conversation.
Animals held a special place in Esther’s heart. She adored her pets and had a deep compassion for all animals, ensuring they were always well cared for, loved, and never went without treats or attention.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Helfferich, in 2017; her parents, Larry Conley and Elizabeth Johnson; her brothers, Pete Conley and Denis Conley; her nephews, Rich Conley and Nick Conley; and Shawn Morehead.
Esther is survived by her son, Mitch Helfferich, and his wife, Tina, of Derby, Kansas; her granddaughters, Ayden and Briley; two great-grandchildren; her siblings, Shaundra Droge, Lori Ullmer, and James Welch; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Shelter #4, Tuttle Creek River Pond Area.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Esther to the Riley County Humane Society. Contributions may be sent in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website ymlfuneralhome.com
Larry Plumlee (Posted 06/03/26)
Larry Lowell Plumlee, 77, of Alma, Kansas, passed on to his heavenly reward on May 29, 2026, at his home.
Larry was born November 17, 1948, in Clinton, Missouri, the son of Phillip and Maxine (Blevens) Plumlee. He graduated from Windsor, Missouri High School in 1966.
Larry was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and served for twenty years as a helicopter pilot. He retired in 1988 with a rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. While at Fort Rucker, he earned an associate’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In October 2022, Larry attended a Vietnam Honor Flight, sponsored by the Wamego High School. He was accompanied by a student guardian to Washington D.C. to honor his service and sacrifice in Vietnam.
He was a real estate agent and broker for many years in Manhattan and served as president of the Landlords of Manhattan for five years. Larry had a life-long love of animals and raised beef cattle for ten years on a ranch near Flush, Kansas. Wanting to try something new, Larry switched to quarter horses. He raised and boarded horses for several years just west of Manhattan. Then a friend introduced him to bison, which he came to love. He raised bison for the last twenty-five years on his current ranch near Alma. Over the years he has sold “starter heard” for many ranchers from Minnesota to Kansas to Texas.
Larry was a member of the American Legion and the Mill Creek Baptist Church. Larry was a vendor at the Topeka Farmer’s Market, was an enthusiastic coin collector and enjoyed reading.
On May 30, 1969, Larry married the love of his life, Shirley Essenpries. That love grew for fifty-seven years as they shared their lives together. Shirley survives at their home.
Larry is also survived by his sons, Jeff Plumlee (Erika), St. Louis, Missouri and Scott Plumlee, Bangkok, Thailand; his two grandsons, Issac Plumlee, Chicago, Illinois and Nathan Plumlee, Minneapolis, Minnesota; His sisters, Rita Snider, Clinton, Missouri, and Linda Ross (Kenny) Pleasant Hill, Missouri, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Pastor Russ Burlew will be officiating. Inurnment will be held on a later date in Adian, Missouri. The family will greet friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. They suggest memorial contributions to Mill Creek Baptist Church and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Lavonne Shillington (Posted 06/01/2026)
Lavonne Shillington, 101, of Manhattan, died Wednesday, May 27th at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.
She was born September 21, 1924 in Holland, Michigan and moved to Manhattan, Kansas, in 2000.
She was a member of Saint Thomas More Parish. Lavonne enjoyed golf, travelling, and playing bridge with her friends. She was an avid reader. But most of all she loved spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her first husband John Bagladi in 1974 and her second husband Dale Shillington in 1997.
She is survived by 2 sons, John (Peg) Bagladi of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Michael (Karen) Bagladi of Dorr, Michigan; 2 daughters, Barbara (John) Bernstein of Lawrence, Kansas, and Mary (Rory) Swanson of Manhattan, Kansas; 2 stepsons, James Shillington of Littleton, Colorado, and Kevin (Sue) Shillington of Kansas City, Kansas. Stepdaughters Patricia (Mike) Wenkmen and Rebecca (Bob) Shepherd as well as a step grandson Dale Shillington, Jr. preceded her in death. Lavonne is fondly remembered by her grandchildren Anna, Jessica, Christy, Lisa and Jenny as well as by her step grandchildren Melissa, Mike, Keegan, Meg, Bob, Brian and Kristin.
A prayer service of Christian burial takes place on Tuesday, June 2nd at Saint Thomas More Church in Manhattan at 2:00p.m.. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland, Michigan, at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association or the Covenant House. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
David Kenneth “Wormy” Warnow (Posted 05/29/2026)
David Kenneth “Wormy” Warnow, 77, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Saturday (May 23, 2026) at his home in Wamego.
Born October 28, 1948 in Salina, Kansas, David was the son of Fred S. and Norma Jene (Webster) Warnow.
Following his graduation from Wamego High School, David proudly served his country in the United State Marine Corps. He was an active member of the Blackjack American Legion Post No. 260.
He was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Wamego and had been currently helping with the remodel of the kitchen and Guild Hall. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed supplying the fish for many a fish fry in the area. David also enjoyed tending to his gardens and spending time with his family.
David has been employed at Goodyear in Topeka until moving to Texas where he worked for the Brown & Root Nuclear Plant. In 1993 he moved back to Wamego and working as a self employed painter.
Survivors include two sons, Dave L. Warnow (Alicia) of Wamego, KS and Kenneth Lee Warnow (Sara Jean) of Topeka, KS; five grandchildren, Brittaney Ayres (Jared), Siera Swisher (Morgan), Justin Warnow, Emmerson Warnow and Christopher Starling; three great grandchildren, Carter Swisher, Savannah Swisher and Baker Ayers; a sister, Martie Warnow (Gary Burgess) of Wamego, KS; two brothers, Frederick “Rick” Warnow (Shari) of St. George, KS and Jamie Bazil (Heather) of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Tom Warnow.
Memorial services will be held Saturday morning (May 30, 2026) at 10:30 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Wamego with Mother Casey Rohleder officiating.
Visitation will be Friday evening (May 29, 2026) from 5:00 to 7:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
Inurnment with Military Honors by the U. S. Marine Corps Funeral Honor Detail and the Blackjack American Legion Post No. 260, Wamego American Legion Post No. 172 and the Wamego Legion Riders will be held on Monday afternoon (June 8, 2026) at 1:30 in the Wamego City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Wamego Community Center or the Wamego American Legion Post No. 172. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be mailed to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
William A. King (Posted 05/29/2026)
William A. King, age 73, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026 at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas surrounded by loved ones.
Bill was married to Judith Tschacher King in 1973 and together they had five children, Amy, Willie, Mary, Tim, and Daniel. They divorced in 1992 and remained great friends. On November 20, 1993, Bill was joined in marriage to Nelda Elder in Manhattan, Kansas. He gained two bonus children, Stephen and Gretchen.
Bill was born to George A. and Annabelle King on June 9, 1952 in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin. Bill grew up in Missouri and graduated from Hughesville Northwest High School in 1970. He joined the army after graduation and realized aviation was his dream, so he began a distinguished career. He flew as a scout and attack helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was medically evacuated and recovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. His career included assignments in Ft. Hood, Mainz-Finthen Germany, and Ft. Riley. He retired after two years at Ft. Riley ending his illustrious 20 year career. He achieved many awards, among them Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After retirement, he worked for a year as a property manager in Manhattan. Later he joined the United States Postal Service and worked there for 15 years, serving as branch president at one time. He enjoyed the comradery of his fellow letter carriers. During that time, he was a member of the local Eagles organization as well as being a member of the American Legion. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association, Disabled American Veterans, and Army Aviation Association of America.
Following retirement Bill maintained his interest and love of hunting and participated in teaching Kansas Hunter Education courses locally. He also enjoyed being active in the local HOA organization, serving as Vice President and President, and was on the chair of the pool and architecture board committees. Bill loved visiting with all his neighbors and became lifelong friends with many.
Bill and Nelda loved to travel and spent summers enjoying the Colorado mountains and visiting their family and friends in Texas. He enjoyed family time during the holidays but especially at the 4th of July gatherings every year. He loved to tell stories of his family’s adventures in Germany, having lived there for 12 years. Bill grew a beard after his military retirement and it was rare you would see him without it. He was proud of his white beard and at Christmas he grew it a little longer. On his mail route, kids would call him Santa Clause. Even after retirement from the Postal Service, people would stop and visit with him when they saw him out and about.
Bill was a wonderful man who loved with his whole heart and he will be missed. His memory and the stories he shared live on in all of us.
Bill was proceeded in death by parents George A. and Annabelle King, brothers Robert and Tom King, sister Angela Wilkinson, and former spouse Judy King.
He is survived by his wife Nelda of 32 years; Daughter Amy Manges (David), William King Jr. (Nathalie), Mary King, Timothy King (Shawnelle), and Daniel King. Bonus children: Stephen Elder (Diane) and Gretchen Schmidt (Kevin). Eleven grandchildren: Jennifer, Brittney, Sierra, Taylor, Anthony, Elizabeth, Tanith, Logan, Kenna, Nathan, and Drew; Fifteen great grandchildren: Justin, Aubrey, Kynsley, Kason, Carter, Caden, Charlotte, Bear, Dakotah, Aleese, Evelyn, Theodore, Ezra, Arlo, and Gabriel; Five siblings: Susan, Della, Deborah, Peggy, and George R., along with many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Via Christi Hospital for the comfort and care of Bill.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
A Parish Vigil Service will follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at the funeral home.
The service will take place at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10: a.m. It will be lived streamed at https://www.facebook.com/YML.FuneralHome
The burial will follow at St. Patrick’s cemetery with full military honors at Excel and Elk Creek Road, Manhattan, KS.
Memorial contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Seven Dolors Catholic Parish or St. Isadore’s Catholic Student Center in honor of William A. King. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Marlene Ann Linenberger (Posted 5/28/2026)
Marlene Ann Linenberger, 86, of Manhattan passed away on Wednesday, May 27.
Marlene was born on December 19, 1939 in Salina, KS to Emmanuel “Tom” and Mildred (Vossman) Brungardt. She graduated from Victoria High School in 1957 and attended Fort Hays State University.
On Dec 28, 1964, Marlene married John Linenberger in Victoria, KS. They spent the first few years of their marriage in Salina before settling into their beloved home of Manhattan. Marlene worked at the home and supported her family’s house painting business by managing the accounting. She was a life-long devout Catholic and attended St. Isidore Catholic Church. Marlene dedicated her life lovingly to her husband, son, close family and friends.
Marlene is survived by her son Shaun Linenberger of Manhattan and his three sons Shane (Arizona), Logan and AJ (Manhattan); her brother Wayne and wife Sandy Brungardt (Olathe). She will be missed by many nieces and nephews including Lynn Brungardt (Wamego), Lisa and Shawn Stapleton (Garden City), Chad and Kym Brungardt (Lenexa), Amy and Mark Saccaro (Kansas City), Matthew and Lindsay Brungardt (Lenexa).
She was preceded in death by her husband John, parents Tom and Mildred, and brother Richard Brungardt.
Visitation will be 6:30pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026 with a Rosary beginning at 7:00pm at Irvin Parkview Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. The burial will follow at the St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Manhattan. The family requests any donations be directed to the St. Isidore’s Student Center or the donor’s choice. Condolences can be sent via the funeral home website, www.irvinparkview.com