Wahnetta Marie Weisbender (Posted 7/24/2026)
Wahnetta Marie Weisbender, 88, formerly of rural St. George, Kansas, passed away on Monday (July 6, 2026) at Valley Vista in Wamego.
Born March 7, 1938 in Manhattan, KS; Wahnetta was the daughter of Sylvester and Edith (Lindenberg) Umscheid Sr. She married Carl Joseph Weisbender on May 6, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Flush. He preceded her in death on October 3, 2015.
Faith was an important part of Wahnetta’s life. She loved praying the Rosary and was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Flush where she looked forward to volunteering for the annual picnic. Wahnetta was an avid reader; she also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and tending to her outdoor flower bushes and indoor plants. She loved arts and crafts, especially sewing, embroidery and needlework. Any time an opportunity arose Wahnetta enjoyed travelling with family, her adventures included multiple camping trips in the western US and Mexico, then later in life travels to Brazil, Australia, Canada and Alaska.
Wahnetta earned her Nursing Degree at Marymount College in Salina, then worked in Superior Nebraska. After her marriage she supported Carl and his Navy career in Hawaii, The Philippines, Iwakuni (Japan), San Francisco and San Diego. Upon Carl’s retirement they returned to Kansas where she was employed as an R.N. at Dechairo Hospital in Westmoreland until its closure, then Mercy Hospital in Manhattan and Valley Vista Nursing Home in Wamego until her retirement.
Survivors include two children, Carl Joseph Weisbender III (Maria Sabine) of St. George, KS and Kristi Marler (Jeff) of Wamego, KS; a grandson, Daniel Weisbender of Wichita, KS; a brother, Sylvester “Bill” Umscheid Jr. (Mattie) of Wake Forrest, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews.
Wahnetta was preceded in death by her parents, husband; and a son, Kevin Weisbender.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday morning (August 4, 2026) at 10:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush with Fr. Nick Blaha and Fr. Mike Peterson officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Flush.
Visitation will be Monday evening (August 3, 2026) from 5:00 to 7:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. A Rosary Service will follow visitation at 7:00 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation or Good Samaritan Society, Valley Vista. Please make your checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Erma Jean Kufahl (Posted 7/23/2026)
Erma Jean Kufahl, 91, of Wheaton, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) at Community Hospital in Onaga, Kansas.
Born December 17, 1934 in Wheaton, Erma was the daughter of Otto C. and Jessie M. (Day) Abitz. A graduate of Wheaton High School where she was Valedictorian of her class, Erma was referred to as “the very fancy, Erma Abitz” for her athleticism. She played softball and basketball and held the basketball record for most points scored in a game for several years.
On May 31, 1953, Erma married Lyle L. Kufahl in Wheaton and they celebrated nearly 65 years of marriage until Lyle’s death on February 18, 2018. Erma was the true definition of a farm wife, taking care of their home and helping Lyle on the farm when needed.
Faith and family were Erma’s life. She was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Ladies Aid and helped plan many dinners and funeral luncheons over the years. She also loved raising her family, babysitting for her grandchildren and following their activities. An exceptional cook, Erma will be remembered for her dinner rolls and pies, and especially her pink cookies.
She also was an accomplished seamstress and quilter and enjoyed tending to her flowers and vegetable garden and canning what she grew. Erma was also active in the Wheaton community, working for a time at the Post Office and serving on the Election Board for many years.
Survivors include her children, Gerry Kufahl (Roberta) of Wheaton, KS, Jay Kufahl (Susie) of Wheaton, KS and Cindy Bryson (Chris) of Wamego, KS; eight grandchildren, Bridget Kufahl, Michael Kufahl (Holly), Adam Kufahl, Aileen Taylor (Ryan), Holly Thomas (Josh), Maggie Butler (Matthew), Tyler Bryson (Dorian) and Tara Shaw (Bret); fourteen great grandchildren, Eric Kufahl, Ava Kufahl, Jacklynn Brown (Beck), Rachel Kufahl, Cole Kufahl, Lena Taylor, Jillian Erma Thomas, Gabby Butler, Jaxon Butler, Arrabelle Butler, Avery Bryson, Kambree Bryson, Brynna Ade and Rowen Shaw; a brother, Eugene Abitz of Onaga, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle; two brothers, Frank Abitz and Roger Abitz; and a sister, Janice Loughmiller.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning (July 27, 2026) at 10:30 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton with the Reverend Terry DeGiovanni officiating. Burial will follow in St. Luke North Cemetery in Wheaton.
Visitation will be Sunday evening (July 26, 2026) from 5:00 to 7:00 at St. Luke Lutheran Church. A Prayer Service will be Sunday evening at 7:00 at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Luke Lutheran Church and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Michael Dale Oppy (Posted 7/21/2026)
Mike was born August 2, 1947 in Manhattan, Kansas to Henry and Lola Oppy. He was raised in Manhattan, attended Catholic school, and graduated from Luckey High School in 1965.
He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served two years during the Vietnam War.
Mike married Merla Kay Area in 1965. They were later divorced.
Mike married Lorene Dancer on September 1, 1978 in Manhattan, Kansas.
Mike was the owner of Mike’s Standard Service (1971), Mike’s Wrecker Service (1973), and
A-1 Auto Parts (1981). He was a past commander of the American Legion Post 17 and was
active in the Optimist Club.
Mike is survived by his wife, Lorene Oppy; children, Kirk Evans Gill), Jennifer Oppy-Butler (Doug), James Oppy, Jacquee Stubbings (Don); sister, Beverly Ireland; and brother, David Oppy.
Mike was especially proud of his seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Jessika Fugate-Evans, Alexia Gray, Graycn Evans, Jacob Springe1; Johanna Springer, Megan Stubbings, Emily Stubbings, and his two great-grandsons, Wyatt Gray and Wesley Gray.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lola Oppy; his infant son, William Merle Oppy; and his brother, Patrick Oppy.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00p.m. Thursday July 23, 2026, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Friday July 24, 2026, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel, with Deacon Wayne Talbot officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery – Elbow Community in Manhattan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mike are suggested to the American Legion -Pearce Keller Post 17 in Manhattan. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolence may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Sandra “Sandy” Lee Harris (Posted 7/20/2026)
Sandra “Sandy” Lee Harris, 69, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by love.
Born on August 16, 1956, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Ned and Wanda Harris, Sandy spent nearly her entire life in the community she called home, with a brief time living in the Branson, Missouri area.
In her earlier years, Sandy proudly worked alongside her parents at Maygo Ready Mix Company in Manhattan before the business relocated to the Branson, Missouri area. She later became a longtime Avon Representative, where she built lasting friendships and was known for her warm smile and caring nature.
Sandy was known for her kind heart, her unwavering love of animals, and her beautiful gardens. Her home was always surrounded by beautiful flowers that reflected the love, care, and joy she poured into everything she touched.
Although she never had children of her own, Sandy found great joy in being a devoted aunt. She cherished every moment spent with her nieces and nephews and took great pride in watching them grow.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Ned and Wanda Harris; her brothers, Richard Harris and Rusty Harris; her sister, Shirley Harris-Candillo; and her nephew, Daniel Harris. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her niece, Rachel O’Neill-Mangelsdorf, and Rachel’s son, Cole Mangelsdorf; her niece, Jane Piel, her husband, Tim Piel, and their son, Daniel Piel; her nephew, Walter Harris; her niece, Maggie Hartman; and numerous extended family members and friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Sam Redmond, who faithfully cared for Sandy for the past two and a half years. Her extraordinary compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication brought comfort, dignity, and companionship to Sandy each day. Sam’s loving care and steadfast support meant more to Sandy and her family than words can express and will never be forgotten.
The family also sincerely thanks the physicians, nurses, and staff of Diversicare of Council Grove for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided Sandy throughout her stay.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Sedalia Community Church, 6040 N. 52nd Street, Manhattan, Kansas. Interment will follow at the adjoining cemetery, where Sandy will be laid to rest beside her beloved family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Sandy’s memory, honoring her lifelong love and compassion for animals.
Sandy’s kindness, gentle spirit, and love for her family, animals, and flowers will forever be remembered. Though she is no longer with us, the beauty she brought into the lives of others will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com
Clayton James Ridder (Posted 7/20/2026)
Clayton James Ridder, age 92 of Manhattan, Kansas passed away on Saturday July 18, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born on December 19, 1933, in Paxico, Kansas, the son of August Maurice and Mary Ellen (Straub) Ridder.
On July 11, 1957, he married Sherry Ann Siegle at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas.
Clayton grew up farming and ranching and carried those early lessons and values throughout his life. Over the years, he built a life centered on family, ranching, close friends and “creating” adventure. He was known for his integrity, work ethic, and wit, and found joy in designing and building everything imaginable, be it wood or weld.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sherry Ridder; two sons, Tony Ridder and wife Ruth of Olsburg and Scott Ridder and wife Karalee of Olsburg; ten grandchildren, Amanda Wonnacott (Jared), Scotty Ridder, Jr. (Danielle), Holly Ridder, Heather Morgan (Daniel), Steven Ridder, Hannah Ridder (Dylan Zimmer), Steve Berklund (Winter), Molly Ridder (Mickey Doerfler), Nick Ridder, and Peter Ridder (Kaitlynn) and fifteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Merlyn Ridder, Clarence “Cookie” Ridder, and Kenneth Ridder, and two sisters, Joan Ridder Helget and Sarah Jane “Suzie” Ridder Zoeller.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Friday, July 24, 2026, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Flush with Fr. Don Zimmerman as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for the Good Shepherd Hospice House and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Clayton’s legacy of gentle strength will continue in the lives of all who loved him.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Harold Eugene Oliver, Jr. (Posted 7/20/2026)
Harold Eugene Oliver, Jr., 66, of Riley, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 18, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family and friends who loved him.
Harold was born December 13, 1959, in Topeka, the son of Gene and Shirley. He grew up in a small house in Maple Hill, Kansas. It was not a big place, but it was full — full of family, hard work, and love. His mother and father raised their children to be good people and to give themselves to their community, and those lessons stayed with Harold all his life.
He was one of five children and cherished his brothers and sisters — Debbie, Steve, Linda and David — dearly. Sports ran deep in the family. Outside of family and sports, Harold took special pride in working with Steve and David for area farmers, a lumber yard and a catfish business. From his earliest years, baseball, football and basketball were passions for Harold and his family. As an eighth grader while playing basketball for the Maple Hill Cowboys, the first signs appeared of a life that would be shaped by the sports he loved.
Harold went on to win a state championship as a player at Wabaunsee High School before playing college football at Pratt Community College and New Mexico State University. Harold gave his life’s work to young people as a teacher, coach, and principal. He began his coaching career at Moundridge, Kansas, where he made lifelong friends. Then, in 1989 he came to Riley County and built one of the most storied careers in Kansas high school basketball history.
Over thirty-seven years in coaching — thirty-two of them leading the Riley County girls’ program alongside his lifelong friend Steve Wagner, and later Kelsey Nelson — Harold compiled a career record of 637–197. His teams won three state championships, in 1999, 2005, and 2008, two of those seasons undefeated from the first game to the last. He claimed eighteen league titles and fourteen sub-state crowns, posted thirteen seasons of twenty or more wins, and suffered only a single losing season in all his years at Riley County. He retired in 2021, and in June of 2026 he was inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Yet true to who he was, Harold always deflected individual honor to his players, his fellow coaches, his school, and the community he loved. To this day, countless former players and students credit Mr. Oliver with helping them become the people they are.
On July 13, 1993, Harold married Shawna Smith at Grand Lake, Colorado. Together they built a life in which family, Riley County schools and Riley and Leonardville community activities were central. Harold and Shawna’s greatest pride and joy were their two daughters, Taylor and Addisyn. Taylor and Addisyn could count on their dad for a laugh and for a steady presence in their lives no matter what the day held. Addisyn shared Harold’s deep love of the game of basketball, and today she continues the family legacy coaching girls in Abilene. For all that Harold accomplished, he knew that being Shawna’s husband, and Taylor and Addisyn’s father was the finest title he ever earned.
Harold is survived by his wife, Shawna, of the home; his daughters, Taylor Oliver (Justin Albright) of Manhattan, and Addisyn Todd (Johnathan) of Abilene; his siblings, Debbie (John), Steve (Ginny), Linda (Alan) and David (Peggy); granddaughters, Brimleigh Todd and Carsyn Albright; and a host of nieces and nephews that he truly loved. Harold, Shawna, Taylor and Addisyn grew lifelong friends, that they consider as family, in Dan, Cindy, Kelly, Katelyn, Tory and Sarah Thomson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Shirley Oliver and niece, Amber Kessler.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Riley County High School north gymnasium. Burial will be in the Riley Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund established in Harold’s memory through the Rural Riley County Community Foundation. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Daniel John Gehrt (Posted 7/14/2026)
Daniel John Gehrt, a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 74. After a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born on December 28, 1951, in Manhattan, Kansas, Dan was the eldest son of Betty (Culberson) and Maurice “Buck” Gehrt.
Dan was a man deeply rooted in his community and his family. Growing up in the Deep Creek Community of Kansas, he lived a life filled with warmth and generosity, always eager to extend a helping hand to those in need. Dan’s early education took place at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, and he graduated from Manhattan High School in 1970. His career spanned an impressive 45 years at Westar Energy (now Evergy) as a power meterman, where he was known for his dedication and expertise until his retirement in 2017.
On June 8, 1996, Dan married the love of his life, Coarlee Heimstra Lane, in Manhattan, Kansas. Together, they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage, a milestone that was marked by the deep bond they shared over the years, living in the beautiful home they built together on Mineral Springs Road. Their life together was filled with joy, shared interests including friendly shooting competitions, and the mutual love of maintaining and improving their property. Though Dan and Coralee did not have children, they found family in their community and cherished time spent with their dogs and pet steers, Blue and Cocomoo.
Dan was a man of many interests and talents. His passion for the outdoors led him to enjoy collecting and shooting firearms, hunting deer, fishing for bass and catfish, and even trying his hand at pheasant hunting in South Dakota alongside Coralee and Jack. He was also a devoted Nascar fan who had a special fondness for muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. When not adventuring, Dan could be found on his John Deere tractors, which he operated with a joyful diligence, tending to the land he loved.
The heart of Dan’s character was his immense generosity and kindness. Whether lending a helping hand to neighbors and friends or mysteriously emptying the biscuit jar for the delight of a chubby yellow Labrador dog, Dan’s “heart of gold” left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His spirit of compassion and dedication to others will be deeply missed.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Coralee, his sisters Teresea Sanborn and Sherry (Joe Horocofsky) Gehrt, his brother David (Brenda) Gehrt, nephews Brian Sanborn, Tee, and Payton Gehrt, nieces Stephanie Sanborn and Bobbi Horocofsky, and his faithful service dog Jack.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Steve Sanborn, and his mother-in-law Maria Heimstra.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday July 15, 2026 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Manhattan. A procession will be formed at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home to go to the cemetery for the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dan’s memory to the Deep Creek Schoolhouse . Dan’s life, filled with love, laughter, and selfless acts of kindness, will be celebrated and remembered with the deepest affection by all who knew him.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com