Genny Diederich (Posted 2/23/26)
Genevieve “Genny” Diederich, 86, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.
Genny was born February 15, 1940 to Lawrence and Barbara (Rebitzer) Umscheid, at their family home near Flush, Kansas. Genny was the youngest of twelve children. She graduated from Flush High School in 1958.
On June 6, 1959, Genny was united in marriage to Doyle Francis Diederich, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas. After nearly 60 years of marriage, Doyle preceded her in death on January 10, 2019.
Genny devoted her early married years to raising their two children, Becky Heinrichs (Jeff) of New Port Richey, FL and Tim (Lisa) of Wamego, KS; and supporting Doyle throughout his working years. In addition, she worked part-time cleaning houses for families, many of whom became lifelong friends, a testament to her genuine care for others.
Genny enjoyed being a grandmother to April Diederich, Casey Woltje (Eric), Korhy Flanary (Megan), Kahm Flanary (Honesty), and Aaron and Emmah Heinrichs, as well as to her and Doyle’s eight great-grandchildren, Adler, Brooks and Emrie Woltje, Oliver, Nancy and Lincoln Flanary, and Walker and Evelyn Flanary. Genny was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews who considered her their second mom.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Doyle; five sisters, Irene Mills, Helen Brazzle, Angie Brazzle, Betty Jane Duncan, and Isabel Winterman; and six Umscheid brothers, Wayne, Don, Lawrence Jr., Cletus, Carl, and Miney; and several nieces and nephews.
Genny and Doyle shared a love of travel, especially to the Branson, Missouri and Arkansas areas. Each year, they continued a special tradition of purchasing an angel to add to Genny’s cherished collection. They also hosted annual summer family trips to Holiday Island, Arkansas, creating treasured memories that their children and grandchildren will forever hold dear. In recent years she enjoyed traveling to spend time with her daughter and family in Florida and participating in sewing trips with her nieces.
Genny was known for her homemade noodle soups, chocolate sheet cake, and Christmas candies, especially peanut brittle which she made in abundance so that she could send a gift box of it home with each family member. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and love.
An avid bowler, Genny participated in ladies’ leagues throughout her entire adult life, continuing until the age of 85. She also enjoyed traveling with her bowling teams to compete in tournaments, but more importantly, treasured the deep friendships and joyful memories made along the way.
Genny was a lifelong member of the Catholic faith. After Doyle’s passing, she and her two sisters became known at St. Bernard Catholic Church as the “three sisters”, because they attended mass together every Saturday evening.
Genny will lie in-state Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego, Kansas beginning at 2:00 PM. The family will then greet friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego, Kansas on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM followed by a luncheon at 11:30.
A graveside committal service will be at 2:00 PM at St. Joseph Cemetery in Flush, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, in honor of this disease that afflicted several of Genny’s siblings as well as some nieces and nephews. Please make your check payable to HDSOA and send it in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Richard VanBebber (Posted 2/22/26)
Richard Dale “Bear” VanBebber, age 83 of Phillipsburg, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Phillips County Retirement Center.
He was born on May 23, 1942, in Miami, Oklahoma, the son of Marvin Earl and Ruth Mae (Daugherty) VanBebber.
Bear was a general laborer working in various types of industries. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved cheering on the KSU Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals.
He is survived by two daughters, Debbie Fox of Quinter and Rhonda VanBebber of Russell; one son, Charles VanBebber of Norton; one brother, Miles VanBebber of Kansas City, Kansas; 22 grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Richard VanBebber, Jr. and his siblings, Juanita Darenger, Billie Bollerjack, Nori Adams, Sookie Jeffries, Helen Mullis, Marie Welch, Carl VanBebber, Al VanBebber, Sr., Ralph VanBebber, Merle VanBebber, Melvin VanBebber, Marvin VanBebber, and George (Pete) VanBebber.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Riley Cemetery.
Memorials may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, KS 66531, to help with funeral expenses.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Charley Pedro (Posted 2/18/26)
Charley Leon Pedro, 64, of Westmoreland, KS, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2026, at his home.
He had moved to Kansas several years ago from Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to family.
Charley was born on March 1, 1961, in Arcadia, California, the son of Charles L. and Judy (Ketner) Pedro. He attended local schools and graduated from Gladstone High School in West Covina, California. He also received a geology degree from the University of California.
Charley worked for both Mead Lumber and Home Depot as a clerk. He also worked several years doing custodian work for various businesses.
Charley belonged to the Rock and Mineral Club in Las Vegas. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in Las Vegas and over the years entertained friends and family with his many tricks. Charley loved collecting movies and was especially fond of anything John Wayne, God’s Not Dead, the Mission Impossible series. He also was an avid sports fan and faithfully followed the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and the Los Angeles Lakers. Charley attended Rock Hills Church.
Charley is survived by his sisters; Kelly Jo Andel (Patrick), Westmoreland and Kathleen Marie Pedro, Manhattan; his half siblings, Christopher Raya and Michael Kunz (Cynthia); and nieces and nephews, Tabitha Caudill, Katie Jo Andel, Ashley Fiedler (Christopher), Nelson Kawano, and Jonathan Andel, and his grandnieces and nephews, Brent, Charles, James, Kelly Jo, Kiera, Kolton, and Kenlie. Charley is preceded in death by his parents, his nephew-in-law, Lyle Caudill, and grandniece, Baby Hope.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am, Friday, February 20, 2026, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 10:30 am. A private family inurnment will be held on a later date in Westmoreland City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made out to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Vicky Lee Drapeau (Posted 2/12/26)
Vicky Lee Drapeau, age 70, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 2, 2026. She was born on March 20, 1955, in Manhattan, Kansas, to David and Ruth Drapeau.
A woman of profound faith, Vicky loved God deeply and dedicated her life to sharing that joy by leading others to the Lord. Known for her kindness, self-sacrifice, and many talents, she was a gifted artist who found peace in life’s simple pleasures—especially carrying on the family tradition of fishing with loved ones. Her unwavering devotion, unconditional love, and lifelong mission to bring friends and family to Christ left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Above all, Vicky cherished her family as her greatest treasure and source of joy.
She is survived by her three children: Janelle Gage, Daniel Gage (Julie), and Alisa McAllister (Don) and her sister, Cynthia McKechnie; her brother, Kirk Drapeau (Angie).
Vicky was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Shaelen Senk (Sean), Jamie Gage, Courtney Jennings (Mark), Audrey Pansza (Brent), Donny, Maisie, and Charles McAllister, and Dalton Henke. Her legacy continues through her eight great-grandchildren: Isaiah S., Jeffrey and Jackson Judge, Sky, Zia and Ari Jennings, Ryder Stenzel, and the soon-to-be-born Eliza Dugwyler.
She also held deep love for her extended family, including nephews Patrick McKechnie, Parker and Hunter Drapeau, and niece Olivia Drapeau.
Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, David and Ruth Drapeau.
A service to celebrate Vicky’s life, faith, and cherished traditions will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. Interment will follow the service at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Manhattan.
For those unable to attend in person, a recording of the service will be available upon request. Please contact the family directly for details.
Harry Manges (Posted 2/12/26)
Harry Leo Manges, age 97, of Manhattan, died February 10, 2026, at Meadowlark Hills – Wroten House. He was born June 18, 1928, near Sterling, KS, the son of Elmer and Charlotte (Scott) Manges. He was united in marriage to Elaine Hope Whitney on September 5, 1948. They were married for 75 years until Elaine’s passing in 2023.
Harry graduated from Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Engineering from Kansas State University, and a PhD from Oklahoma State University. Harry worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Kansas at Mankato, Sublette, and Beloit before joining the Ag Engineering Faculty at KSU where he taught classes and mentored graduate students. Harry was internationally recognized for his research and publications in irrigation and soil conservation. He was a visiting professor on several occasions at Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium where Elaine was fortunate to accompany him. This led to their interest in establishing a scholarship at KSU for international students.
Harry attended KSU on a football scholarship and was a member of the track team. Later in life he enjoyed his membership in the “Golden Cats” Football Lettermen’s Club. Harry’s passion was baseball where he excelled as a base stealing center fielder in the Semi-Pro Leagues. In 2016 he was selected to throw out the first pitch at the National Baseball Congress World Series. He also enjoyed officiating high school and university track events.
Harry was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and was active in United Methodist Men. He was a member of the Manhattan Kiwanis Club and volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 75. He also made deliveries for the Flint Hills Breadbasket and served as chairman of the Flint Hills chapter of Heifer Project International.
Survivors include one brother, Loren E. Manges of Cameron Park, CA; sons Rodney E. Manges (Shelley) of Manhattan, James W. Manges (Becky) of Overland Park, KS, and David J. Manges Sr. of Dayton, OH; grandchildren David J. Manges Jr. (Valerie) of Virginia Beach, VA, Taylor H. Provine (Kirk) of Manhattan, and Timothy J. Manges (Kelly) of Manhattan, and six great-grandchildren.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, daughter Charlotte E. Manges, and sisters Phyllis Pace and Wilma Lanning.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Monday February 16, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church, 612 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, with Pastor Courtney Fellers officiating, interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. The family will greet friends prior to the service in the sanctuary beginning at 9:00am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harry and Elaine Manges Family International Scholarship for Biological and Agricultural Engineering at KSU or the Manhattan First United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502. www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Col. Charles Horner (Posted 2/11/26)
The family of Lieutenant Colonel Charles W “Chuck” Horner, US Army, (Retired) mourns his passing on Friday February 6, 2026, after a lengthy battle with the ravages resulting from prolonged and extensive exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.
He was born November 26, 1947, in Hays, Kansas to Rufus “Jack” and Viola (Bradley) Horner. He was a 1965 graduate of Ellis High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s Degree from Kansas State University and completed post-graduate studies in Executive Leadership at the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business. Chuck was also a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS.
Chuck was extremely proud of his military lineage. He was the Son, Grandson, Brother, and Nephew of men who all served their country in the US Army. Chuck served 27 years (1967 – 1994) on active duty in a distinguished career with the US Army, first as an Infantryman and then as an Armor Officer. He served multiple tours in combat including Vietnam, Panama, and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Chuck rose far above the call of duty. In recognition of Chuck’s demonstrated performance, he earned thirty-nine individual awards and decorations. Chuck’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal (4), Vietnam Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Vietnam Cross Palm of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Award (4), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5), Saudi Arabia-Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Wings, and the Honorable Order of St. George Medallion. His military career was in keeping with the US Army Warrior’s ethos; Always place the mission first – Never accept defeat – Never quit – Never leave a fallen comrade behind. Chuck believed it, he lived it.
Upon retirement from the US Army, Chuck spent 20 years with Northrop Grumman Corporation, rising to the position of Director for Information Technology Development. Chuck was a Certified Program Management Professional (PMP) and was responsible for the development of numerous Combat Command and Control (C2) systems for use by the US Army and the USMC. Chuck also guided numerous critical Research and Development projects earning Chuck the prestigious President’s Award for Innovation.
Chuck spent more than 17 years as an adult Boy Scout leader, including terms as a Scoutmaster in Germany, Kansas, Saudi Arabia, and California. Chuck was a member of the Order of the Arrow Honor Society.
Chuck made a life-long commitment to serve his country and his community. He was grateful for our freedom and never missed the opportunity to recognize the men and women who defend that right.
Chuck was an avid football fan, both professional and collegiate. He loved the Kansas State Wildcats, the Kansas City Chiefs, any NFL team with a Kansas State graduate on their roster, and whoever was playing the University of Oklahoma.
Chuck was a great consumer of life. He loved the outdoors, spending his free time; parachuting, Snow Skiing, Mountaineering, Backpacking, trekking to the Base Camp at Mount Everest, Pistol and Rifle shooting, Off-Roading in the desert and mountains in his treasured Jeep, and camping. Chuck once calculated he had lived outdoors for more than 12 years. He lived to savor the Adrenaline Rush.
Chuck lived his life in service to his country, his family, and his fellow Soldiers. Chuck was both a leader and a mentor to countless soldiers and myriad past employees. His sons and daughters looked up to their father and valued his advice and compassion. Chuck was known for his integrity, passion for whatever he was engaged in, and high ethical standards. The entire family will greatly miss Chuck, as a friend, a mentor, and for his sage advice.
Chuck was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1786, American Legion Post 17, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the United Methodist Church, and the Kansas State Alumni Association.
Chuck married Meg Melian in 1980 in Potsdam, NY. This marriage was later dissolved. Despite Chuck’s global travels, he found the love of his life right back in in his hometown of Ellis, Kansas, and married Debra Ann (Mayes) Horner in their home church, the United Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas in 1999.
Those left behind to mourn his passing include his loving wife Debbie of the home, three daughters Brianna Gerlach, Colorado, Kristin Patterson and husband Travis, New York, and Katelyn Descuatan and husband Ace, Kansas; two sons, Charles W. Horner II, New York, Brian Coker, California, and twelve grandchildren whom Chuck loved dearly, Michael Kai, Trevor Lance, Thomas Luke, Tobias Lawrence, Ariye Dakota, Stewart Matthew, Natalee Faith, Trayden Neil, Lucas Scott, Logan Matthew, Liam Joshua, and Charles Wayne Ill.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jack, four sisters: Lois, Jean, June, and Bonnie, and a Son-In-Law, Matt.
Visitation will be at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan, from 6:00 until 7:30p.m. Monday February 16, 2026.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be at 10:00a.m. Tuesday February 17, 2026, at the at the College Avenue United Methodist Church at 1609 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS. Graveside ceremony and Interment will be at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, KS 66503.
Memorials are suggested to Chuck Horner Grandchildren’s College Fund. Please may checks payable to Chuck Horner Grandchildren’s College Fund and contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502. www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of LTC Chuck Horner, who made a life-long commitment to serve his country. We give thanks for our freedom, and to recognize the men and women who defend that right.
Carolyn Kesinger (Posted 2/11/26)
Carolyn Beth Kesinger, 79, of Manhattan, KS, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025 at the St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.
Beth was born in Beaver, OK on February 21, 1946, the daughter of the late Emma (Reiswig) and James Naylor.
Beth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don, whom she wed on November 16, 1996 in Amarillo, TX.
She is survived by siblings, Betty Jo Fesler and husband Bill of Livingston, TX, Ruthie Anuszkiewicz of Canyon, TX, John Naylor and wife Joy of Tulsa, OK, and Jeanie Bryson and husband Eddie of Stratford, TX; step daughters, Kim Balstad and husband, Robert, of New Milford, CT and Julie Garster and husband, James, of Springfield, VA; sons, Terry (T.J.) Morton and wife, Elisa, of Idaho Falls, ID, and Lee Morton of Fruita, CO; grandchildren, Hannah Velez and husband Brandon of Kansas City, MO, Brady Balstad and wife Madi of Taftville, CT, Bethany Carlson and husband Casey of Longmont, CO, Kevin Garster of Houston, TX, Claire Garster of Springfield, VA, Benjamin Balstad of New Milford, CT, and Mary Kate Garster of Narragansett, RI, and great grandchildren, Atticus, Dahlia Jade, and Malcolm.
Beth made friends everywhere she went and seemingly never met a stranger. Gregarious and caring, people couldn’t help but be drawn in by her smile and genuine interest in them! She leaves behind too many friends to count, from her weekly bridge and Mah Jongg leagues to her PEO sisters, church choir, and passion for Kansas State athletics.
In addition to the church choir, Beth also enjoyed waking her kids with a rousing rendition of:
“Good morning to you,
Good morning to you,
We’re all in our places,
With sun shiny faces . . .”
A memorial and celebration of life service will be held on Saturday March 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Manhattan. Private burial will be at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City or the First United Methodist Church in Manhattan. 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.ymlfuneralhome.com.