Tim Trubey (Posted 10/16/2026)
Tim Trubey , age 82, of Olathe and Manhattan, passed away October 2, 2026 in Overland Park.
Tim Trubey was born to Harry and Alice Trubey on September 20, 1944, in Schenectady, New York as an only child. When he was just one year old, their family’s Kansas roots brought them to Manhattan, where his early childhood began.
Tim attended Lee Elementary School and Manhattan Junior High before graduating from Manhattan High School in 1962. During high school, Tim was a member of his High School football team that completed an undefeated season and captured the 1961 Kansas State championship. He continued his education at Kansas State University, earning a degree in business administration in 1966.
Although Tim and Linda had known each other since their childhood and attended middle school and high school together, their love story did not begin until 1967. Tim and Linda married on December 23 of that year, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 60 years and be built on love, faith, family, and shared adventures.
Following their marriage, Tim attended the U.S. Army Adjutant General School and was assigned to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He served as the postal officer for two years and was scheduled for deployment to Vietnam before the war began winding down. In 1969, he was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.
Tim and Linda returned to Manhattan, where Tim managed the service department of a car dealership. That experience sparked a lasting love of automobiles and gave him an impressive knowledge of cars. He later partnered with Jim McCullough, to develop the company, and establish the property management division of McCullough Development.
Through Tim’s hard work, vision, and leadership, the division grew, expanding the company’s reach throughout Kansas and into other markets throughout the Midwest.
Tim had a love for life and an adventurous spirit. He especially enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, running, boating, and waterskiing. He was known for his willingness to try some crazy stunts on the water, including skiing on a plywood disc while sitting in a lawn chair. His enthusiasm for sports extended beyond his own activities. He was a devoted K-State football and basketball fan, enjoyed playing bridge, and remained committed to running, and he lifted weights into his late seventies causing his oldest grandsons to coin the phrase “Papa is built different”. Tim and Linda also shared a love of travel, exploring more than 20 countries together over the years.
Above all else, Tim’s faith in Jesus Christ was the most important part of his life.
A devoted member of Grace Baptist Church, Tim served in many capacities, including a high school youth group leader, deacon and elder. He held numerous other leadership positions within the church, with one notable exception: choir director. That certainly did not keep him from knowing nearly every hymn in the hymnal. All his grandchildren recall him singing those hymns as he put them to sleep…especially “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. He continued to recall the words to those old hymns and sang them with us even until the last few days of his life.
His grandchildren often observed that Tim could hardly pray without tears. His prayers reflected a deep and genuine love for his Savior and a profound understanding of His love and power. Tim’s faith was not simply something he believed; it was the foundation upon which he built his life and the legacy he passed down to his family.
Tim loved his family deeply. He served them faithfully and sought to shepherd his children and grandchildren toward the Lord. He helped coach his daughters in sports and made it a priority to attend their games and activities. He was a constant presence in their lives, and his love and commitment extended naturally to his grandchildren. His family was one of his greatest joys, and his example of faith, service, and devotion will continue through the generations.
In 2014, Tim was diagnosed with dementia. In 2018, he and Linda moved to Kansas City to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. As the disease progressed, Tim required increasing levels of care, and he spent the final six months of his life in a memory care home. Even while residing there, some of the things he loved remained important to him like being outdoors and watching old K-State football games on television. The staff often commented on Tim’s grateful disposition, a quality consistently recognized by everyone who knew him. One of his famous sayings was “God’s blessings to you” and this phrase frequently rang throughout the halls of the home. By God’s mercy, he continued to recognize his family when they visited, providing precious moments of connection during a difficult season.
Though Tim traveled extensively and made his home in Kansas City during his later years, Manhattan never lost its special place in his heart. It was the place where he grew up, built his career, raised his family, and formed countless memories. He spoke often of “going home.” Manhattan was always home to Tim in the deepest sense of the word.
Tim leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, hard work, adventure, and devotion to those closest to him. His life was marked not only by what he accomplished, but also by the way he served others, loved his family, and lived out his faith. The memories he created, the lessons he taught, the prayers he offered, and the love he shared will continue to shape the lives of all who knew him.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Alice Trubey.
Tim is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; their daughter Tami Barr and her husband, Rich, and their two sons, Trubey and Bayley; and their daughter Ginger Houske and her husband, Grant, and their son, Gavyn, and daughter, Grace.
His family will remember him as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, faithful servant of the Lord, loyal Wildcat, and adventurous spirit who cherished his family and the place he always called home.
Tim’s life was a testimony to the love of his Savior, and his greatest legacy is the faith and love he leaves in the hearts of his family.
Celebration of Tim’s Life will be held at 11:00a.m. Friday October 23, 2026 at the Grace Baptist Church in Manhattan.
Interment will be held in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Tim to the Grace Baptist Church or the Alzheimers Association. Contributions may be may to those organizations and sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avneue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Robert E. Hetzler (Posted 10/13/2026)
Robert E. Hetzler, age 101, died Saturday October 10, 2026, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community, Manhattan, Kansas.
He was born on December 7, 1924, in Onaga, Kansas, the son of Bernard and Olga (Wegner) Hetzler. Robert graduated high school and joined the US Army Airforce in November 1943. He served one and a half years in Italy during World War II as a Tech Sargent with the 15th Air Force, 97th Bomber group.
He was united in marriage to Esther (Bingham) Hetzler on August 2, 1946, at St. Lukes Lutheran church in Manhattan, Kansas. They were the proud parents of four sons: Steve, Philip, Bruce, and Curtis.
In addition to serving his country, Robert drove semi-trucks and later retired from the US Postal Service in 1980. He and Esther loved to travel in their pickup and fifth wheel camper, spending eighteen seasons in Mission, Texas.
They belonged to the Manhattan, Kansas Camping Club and Wagon Wheel Whirley Square Dancing Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers (Harold, Edgar, and Bill Hetzler), sons (Steve and Bruce Hetzler), and grandson (Hunter Hetzler).
Survivors include his children: Philip and Linda (McCaslin) Hetzler of Manhattan, Ks, Curtis and Nanette Hetzler of Stanton, Ne, Nancy (Steve) Hetzler Westmoreland, Ks; six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ruthe Pattison of Grand Island, Ne.
The family will greet friends during a visitation on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 5:30-7 p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Michael J. Schmidt officiating. Private inurnment will be held at the Valley View Memorial Park in Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials in memory of Bob to be given to charity of your choice. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. Ymlfuneralhome.com
Steven James Pralle (Posted 10/12/2026)
Steven James Pralle, age 67 of Randolph, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born on February 6, 1959, in Hanover, Kansas, the son of Raymond Carl and Adelia Marie (Stolte) Pralle. He attended Trinity Lutheran School in rural Washington county and proudly graduated with the Hanover High School Class of 1977.
On May 20, 1989, Steve married Mary Michelle Jandera at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hanover. Together, they celebrated 37 years of marriage building a life filled with family and countless memories. They worked, raised their family, supported one another, celebrated the good times, weathered the difficult ones, and found plenty of reasons to laugh along the way.
Their life together was made up of the little things that became the memories that mattered most—going to auctions, sitting on the front porch, attending Saturday mass, enjoying weekend breakfasts at local restaurants, working around the house and yard, and simply being together at the end of the day.
After the sudden passing of Michelle’s father, Steve’s love for the family’s cattle operation only grew stronger. He always looked forward to a Friday trip to the feedlot and sale barn with Michelle’s grandfather for a piece of homemade peanut butter pie.
Steve was a hardworking man who was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. Throughout his life, he worked many jobs. Among those jobs was operating equipment for the Union Pacific Railroad for seven years and the Kansas Department of Transportation for 27 years. Steve’s greatest joy was his many years spent behind the wheel of a Peterbilt truck at Jim Landoll Truckline in Marysville, Kansas and Weaver Construction in Barnes, Kansas.
Outside of work, he served on the USD 384 Blue Valley-Randolph School Board, giving his time and energy to support the education and future of local children. He was also Charter Commander and a 36-year member of the Sons of the American Legion in Hanover, proudly honoring and supporting veterans and the values of service and community.
Steve found joy in the simple things in life. He loved spending time in his garden, tinkering in the garage, shining his Chevrolet truck, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and K-State Wildcats, and being his daughters’ #1 fan. He also took great pride in keeping his yard looking its best and could often be found on his John Deere lawnmower. Steve had a special place in his heart for his granddogs, Baler, Cassie, and Rake. They are a cherished part of the family and will surely miss him.
The truck is parked, and the mower is finally quiet. Steve’s last trip may be over, but the road he traveled and the memories he made along the way will stay with his family and friends forever.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Robert and Joyce Jandera, and two sisters-in-law, Ruth Pralle and Elizabeth Ann Meier.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle of Randolph, his two daughters: Hannah and Eli Sheppard of Westmoreland, and Katie and Jacob Milton of St. John, his three brothers and their spouses: Allen Pralle of Hanover, Larry and Kathy Pralle of Bremen, and Rick and Ellen Pralle of Bremen, his brothers-in-law, Michael Meier of Hanover and Robert Jandera II of Houston, Texas, his sister-in-law and her spouse: Robin and Allen Elsasser of McPherson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. The family will receive friends before the Rosary from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Blaine, Kansas with Father Anthony Chendumalli as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Steven Pralle Memorial, to be determined at a later date. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Sandra Kay Johnson (Posted 10/12/2026)
Sandra Kay Johnson, age 69 of Green, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family.
She was born on August 28, 1957, in Topeka, the daughter of Phillip Sherman and Delphia Jane (Klocke) Cook and graduated from Blue Valley High School.
On September 20, 1975, at the Fancy Creek Zion Church, she married Stanley Harold Johnson. To this union, they had three children.
Early in her working career, she was an underwriter for Farm Bureau Insurance Company. She was also a farm wife, helping her husband tending to livestock as well as helping move from field to field. Sandy was a member of the Alert Covenant Church and was involved in many church activities and groups. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, attending as many of their activities as possible. Her grandkids were her pride and joy and she loved to spoil them.
Sandy was a season ticket holder and enjoyed attending K-State football and women’s basketball games. Another one of her favorite teams she enjoyed watching was the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved spending time tending to her flowers, shopping, and decorating the house for all the holidays throughout the year.
She is survived by her husband, Stan Johnson of Green; three children, Matthew Johnson of Tonganoxie, Heather Hughes of Erie, Colorado, and Seth Johnson and wife Traci of Green; her parents, Phil and Delphia Cook of Green; one sister, Pamela Cook and husband Raul Amezquita of Evanston, Illinois; one brother, Jeff Cook and wife Amanda of Barnes, and six grandchildren, Adlen Johnson, Easton Breault, River Breault, Atticus Breault, Lennon Breault, and Canaan Johnson.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Alert Covenant Church with Pastor Dwight Diller officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Alert Covenant Church and 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.
Nancy Trautwein (Posted 10/9/2026)
Nancy Trautwein, age 77, of Manhattan, passed away September 25, 2026, at The Kansas University Health System – St. Francis Campus in Topeka.
She was born on December 22, 1948, in Manhattan, the daughter of Willie and Nellie Mae (Parks) Wege. She grew up in the Olsburg area and graduated from Blue Valley High School with the class of 1966.
She was married to Bruce Trautwein on November 1, 1968, in Olsburg. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2008.
Nancy worked for 37 years for Kansas Farm Bureau until she retired in 2003.
Nancy is survived by her many family members and friends.
A graveside service will be held on Friday October 23, 2026, at 3:00p.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, Kansas.
Memorial contributions in memory of Nancy are suggested to Olsburg Pride. Check may be made to Olsburg Pride and sent in care of Tami Howland, Union State Bank, 204 E Hwy 16 Olsburg, KS 66520.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502 is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuenralhome.com
Robert “Bob” Cerbe (Posted 10/08/2026)
Robert “Bob” Cerbe, 74, passed away on October 3, 2026, at Stormont Vail in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by family. Bob was born on July 26, 1952, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to William and Teresa Cerbe.
On December 15, 1979, Bob married Sue Ann McMullen. Together, they raised their boys, Al and Dennis, and over the years lived in Las Vegas, Illinois, and Mississippi.
Bob lived a life full of different pursuits and was never afraid to try something new. He worked as a poker room manager and horse trainer, boxed under the name of Jack Alvarez and was an entrepreneur at heart. He also had a passion for drag racing and earned a championship on the Las Vegas circuit, with his dad serving as his mechanic. Bob was always finding his next project, idea, or adventure.
In his free time, Bob enjoyed building and painting model cars, watching football, NASCAR, and golf. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and a longtime lover of Mountain Dew. When you think of Bob, crack open a Mountain Dew and have one in his honor.
One of Bob’s greatest joys was being “Pops” to his grandchildren – Adeline, Asher, and Ainslee. He was never too old to get down on the floor and play with them, and he loved teaching them silly words and songs that are sure to be repeated – and laughed about – for years to come. The memories they made with their Pops will be a special part of his legacy.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sue; his children, Al (Danielle) Cerbe, Dennis Cerbe, and Lori Helminger; his grandchildren, Adeline, Asher, and Ainslee Cerbe; and his siblings, Betty Kumbera, Susie (Lee) Gusho, and Willie (Lisa) Cerbe; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Teresa Cerbe; and his brother-in-law, Terry Kumbera.
A visitation will be held Thursday, October 15, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Crestview Christian Church (3940 Excel Rd) in Manhattan, Kansas. Services will be held at a later date in Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Bob Cerbe Memorial Fund (Make checks to Sue Cerbe).
Bob’s life took him many places and through many adventures, but the family he built will remain his greatest legacy.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Aveune, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com
Jason Alan Ward (Posted 10/5/2026)
Jason Alan Ward, born on March 16, 1971, in Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026. He was a great friend, devoted father, and a loving son.
The eldest of five children, Jason was born to Stephanie Lugenia Joy and Jeffrey Alan Ward, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for life’s wonders and a keen intellect that he carried throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Carl Starette Joy, Grace Jane Willms, Harold George Ward & Marie Elizabeth Bruens. The loss of his parents, Jeffrey and Stephanie, along with his siblings Sheldon Aaron Ward and Talon Janelle Doane, his aunt Charlene Grace Joy, and his niece Emery Grace Lu Ward, deeply affected him, yet he carried their memories with strength and grace.
Jason’s journey in education began at Gresham Union High School, he never stopped learning; devouring books on astrophysics, math and other sciences his entire life. His career took him into restaurant management and retail warehousing, where his dedication and hard work shone brightly. He was also an active member of the Westview Community Church, a place where his faith flourished, crediting the church with saving him during a dark time in his life.
Jason’s ultimate source of fulfillment was fatherhood. His daughters, BreeAnna Alyssa Ward and Kahla Morgan Ward were more important than anything. His love for them was boundless and will be eternal. He also leaves behind his surviving siblings, Brandon Arthur Ward and Adriana Marie Doane, and his aunts, Peggy Jo Ward and Brenda May Joy, and his cousins along with a host of nieces and nephews and a very special cousin Angelique Starlene Joy who will forever hold him in their hearts.
A man of many interests, Jason was an avid reader, particularly drawn to science and fantasy books. He enjoyed bowling, gaming, and playing billiards. His passion for weightlifting was matched only by his love for hard rock music, which provided the soundtrack to many of his adventures.
Jason will be remembered for his great sense of humor, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. His friends and family knew him as a man of deep convictions and a sharp wit. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will not soon be forgotten by anyone who got to share just a few of those moments.
A Service to Celebrate Jason’s life will be held at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 10, 2026 with visitation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. Following the service a repast will be held at Westview Community Church, 615 Gillespie Dr. Manhattan, a place that held significant meaning for him. Repast will be carried out in “Jason Style” with a barbeque dinner. Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided by the family. Refreshments will be provided by Westview Community Church. The family requests everyone attending the repast to bring a side dish.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Westview Community Church, located in Manhattan, KS, as a tribute to Jason’s memory and his dedication to his community and be sent in care of the funeral home.
To leave an online condolence visit www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Troy Allen Wilson (Posted 9/29/2026)
Troy Allen Wilson, 57, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on September 23, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas.
Troy was born on April 18, 1969, to George Wilson and Sarah (Fortner) Wilson. He graduated from Manhattan High School in 1987 and later attended Manhattan VoTech, beginning a lifelong knack for computers and technology. He went on to own Flinthills Computer and also worked with Affordable Portables. If something had a screen, a keyboard, or wires coming out of it, there was a pretty good chance Troy could figure out what was wrong with it, or at least convince you he could.
Troy was known for his silly, fun loving personality and his ability to bring laughter into just about any situation. Life was simply better when Troy was having fun, and he made sure the people around him were having fun, too. He was a longtime member of the Eagles in Manhattan, where he enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie he found over the years.
He was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan. Sundays during football season were serious business, at least when the Chiefs were playing. Troy also faithfully watched the Dallas Cowboys, although “fan” would be a wildly inaccurate description. He mostly tuned in to make sure they lost. Some people watch football for the love of the game, Troy occasionally watched purely for the satisfaction of spite.
Above everything else, Troy loved his family. He is survived by his children, Brittany Coleman of Louisville, Kentucky, Cody (Darian) Wilson of Manhattan, Kansas, and Raelynne Wilson of Wamego, Kansas, his grandchildren, Waylon Dean and Mallorie, and his siblings, Tony (Kathy) Fortner, Doug (Manuela) Wilson, Buffy (Thomas) Perez, and Steve Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah (Fortner) Wilson and George Wilson, and his daughter Briana Wilson.
Those who knew Troy will remember his humor, his playful spirit, his love for his family, and the laughter that seemed to follow him wherever he went. He leaves behind plenty of stories, plenty of memories, and undoubtedly a few jokes that probably shouldn’t be repeated in an obituary.
When football season rolls around, his family can take comfort in knowing that somewhere, Troy is still cheering for the Chiefs, and still checking the score to make sure the Cowboys lost.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 6pm to 7pm at Irvin Parkview Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at First Church of the Nazarene of Manhattan on October 3rd, 2026 at 2pm. Burial will follow at St. George Cemetery.
James W. Padgett (Posted 9/29/2026)
James W. Padgett, a lifelong resident of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2026, surrounded by the place and community he called home throughout his life.
James was born on December 6, 1938, to James Levi Padgett and Eunice Padgett Johnson. He attended Manhattan High School, where he excelled in athletics and earned a baseball scholarship.At the age of 14, James began learning the brick masonry trade, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He mastered his profession and became a highly respected brick mason throughout Manhattan and the surrounding area. His craftsmanship can be seen throughout Manhattan and at Kansas State University. Every stone and every brick he laid became part of the legacy he left behind—a lasting mark on the community he loved.
James married Myrna Kay McIntyre on November 9, 1957. Together, they built a family and shared many years of life and memories.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Myrna Kay; his daughter, Jamie Ostrom; his brothers, Norman, David, and Lawrence; and his sisters, Viola, Nadine, Laura, and April.
He is survived by his daughters, Debra Ratzlaff (Tracy) and Cynthia McDonald; his grandchildren, Todd James, James Tracy, Jacqueline Deann, Stuart Anthony, and Grace Nichole; and his great-grandchildren, Lilah, Nichole, Lucas, Lynlee, Karter, and Topanga. Brother, Tom Padgett and sisters Linda Brandenburg and Dona Bradley.
James will be remembered not only for his remarkable craftsmanship, but for the lasting impression he made on the people and community around him. His work will continue to stand as a testament to a life dedicated to family, hard work, and pride in his craft. His legacy lives on in the many structures he helped build, in the memories of those who knew and loved him, and in the family he leaves behind.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of James’s life will be held on October 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at The Blue Room at R.C. McGraw’s.
All who knew Jimmy are welcome to join his family in celebrating his life, remembering his stories, and honoring our dad.
His hands built more than brick and stone, they built a legacy that will stand for generations.
Patricia L. Brensing (Posted 9/28/2026)
Patricia L. Brensing, age 91, of Manhattan, went home to be with her LORD and Savior on September 19, 2026.
Pat was born June 12, 1935, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin and Lois Ginder of Stafford, Kansas. She was a resident of Manhattan since 1969.
Pat graduated from Stafford High School, Stafford, Kansas and continued her post-secondary education at Wichita Business School following graduation. She married Darrell D. Brensing of Hudson, Kansas on July 29, 1956.
Pat and Darrell moved to Hutchinson, Kansas in 1957 when Darrell began teaching in the Hutchinson Public Schools. She was a member of Faculty Dames, the spousal group of women who supported the career of their husbands. Pat was a lifetime homemaker who took pride in raising their children. She was active in the Scouting organizations, serving as a leader of Webelos for their son and Brownies for their daughter. Pat was always present for their youth activities.
In 1969, Pat and Darrell moved to Manhattan, Kansas when Darrell was hired by the USD 383 school system as Director of the Manhattan Area Vocational Technical School, now known as Manhattan Area Technical College. Pat continued being a homemaker and supported Darrell in his career and her children in all their activities. She was instrumental in starting the Living Word Choir at First Christian Church, which served over 60 youth from various churches in Manhattan.
Pat was an active member of Chapter GU of P.E.O. and served a term as president of the organization. In 2022, Pat was recognized as a 50-year member of P.E.O. She was a long-time member of the First Christian Church and First United Methodist Church and was active in the United Methodist Women’s group, the Review Club of Manhattan, and numerous other social groups. Her greatest joy in life was family and friends. She cared deeply for them and enjoyed their company, sharing in their happiness and sorrows.
Survivors include her son Doug Brensing and his wife Roxanne of Lenexa, Kansas; daughter Kelly Brensing White and her husband Tim of Manhattan; six grandchildren: Helane (Ben) Downey of Mission, KS; Brandon (Tess) Brensing of Olathe, KS; Tricia (Jeremy) Holliday of St. George, KS; Jamey White of Grand Island, Nebraska; seven great-grandchildren: Rylee and Emma Downey, Hudson Brensing, Dean, Jeremiah, Addy and Dezi Holliday; several nieces and nephews; and also a special family of Daniel, Laura, Brooke and Ann Bennison.
She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell Brensing; parents Melvin and Lois Ginder; sister Bev Vance; and grandchild Tyler White.
This newspaper article provides “what” Pat Brensing did, but it doesn’t tell “how” Pat lived her life. We hope to honor “how” she lived her life at a Celebration of Life service on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 9:30 am. The service will be held at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community, 2121 Meadowlark Rd., Manhattan, KS in the Prairie Star Restaurant Event Center. The family will be honored to have you celebrate with us so we can truly celebrate with family and friends the loving, caring, and wonderful woman who provided an example of how to live.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Meadowlark Foundation or the First United Methodist Church pre-school. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.