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.
Karl Frederick “Fred” Schwarz (Posted 9/25/2026)
Karl Frederick “Fred” Schwarz, 85, of Topeka, Kansas, formerly of Onaga, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his home in Topeka, Kansas.
Fred was born on December 22, 1940, in Onaga, Kansas, the son of Karl and Mary (Nightingale) Schwarz. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Duluth. He attended Onaga schools and graduated from Onaga High School in 1958. Fred was active in band, football, basketball and track. He also was active in the American Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Fred married his high school sweetheart, Carole Teske on June 5, 1960, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Duluth. They shared their lives together for sixty-six years. Carole survives at their home.
Fred attended Wichita University on a football scholarship and was a member of the team that played in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas in 1962. He graduated from there in 1963. He continued his education at Wichita University and earned a master’s degree in education in 1966. For six years he taught high school and coached at Wichita, Bushton-Centre High and Newton.
In 1969, Fred went to work for Jayhawk National Life Insurance Company. Jayhawk later merged with Ozark National Life Insurance Company in Kansas City, Missouri. Fred worked from Onaga until 1981 when he and his family moved to Beatrice, Nebraska where he became the regional manager of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. Fred and Carole enjoyed traveling during their years with Ozark, attending conventions and other incentives.
Fred retired from Ozark in 1993 and he and Carole moved to Arizona. They also maintained a home in Onaga, joining Larry and Wanda Honig purchasing and managing rental properties. They also purchased farmland which they maintained and rented out. During their retirement, they especially enjoyed cruising. They traveled to Germany many times with family and friends to visit Fred’s cousins and other relatives. After twenty-seven years of commuting between Arizona and Kansas, Fred and Carole moved back to Kansas in 2022, residing in Topeka.
Fred is also survived by his daughter, Carla (John) Shutak, Indian Trail, North Carolina; his seven grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) Mullock, Derrick Schwarz, Ehren Schwarz, Caleb Schwarz, Dawson Schwarz, Jocelyn Shutak, Ivan Shutak; his great-grandchildren, Jace, Ian, Declan Mullock; His siblings, Hal Schwarz, Wichita, Mary Alice Cole, Goleta, California, and Robert (Deb) Schwarz, Silver Lake; His siblings-in-law, Harlan (Jean) Teske and Gary (Linda) Teske, both of Topeka, Sherry Rengstorf, Rochester, Minnesota; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Mary Schwarz; his parents-in-law, Ben and Iverna Teske; his son Bret Schwarz; brother-in-law, Fred Rengstorf; sisters-in-law, Kay Carl and Joanne Teske; and a great-nephew, Oliver Nimmo.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Topeka. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Duluth, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
Carl Criss Mayfield (Posted 9/24/2026)
Carl Criss Mayfield, III, 83, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Center in Wamego.
Criss was born June 4, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Carl Criss Mayfield, Jr. and Ruth Victoria (Kerigan) Mayfield. He attended local grade schools and graduated from Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, California. In 1966, he graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in mechanized agriculture.
Criss then started a career with the United States Navy. He served as a navigation pilot and at the time of his retirement, he had achieved the rank of Captain. He was stationed in various locations including Japan, Washington and California. While in Japan, Criss also spent several short tours in Vietnam during the war. Criss received many decorations and commendations during his Navy Career: Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Air Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal (5 stars), Armed Forces Expeditionary (Korea), National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, and Air Medal (10). Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked as a human resources director for Abbott Workholding in Manhattan.
Criss was a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), The Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA). Kansas Explores, and the SeeBees. He was very interested in genealogy research and loved to travel and take trips, especially in Kansas. He loved attending festivals. Criss was an avid reader and always kept up with current events.
Criss is survived by his children; Todd Mayfield (Kathryn) and Tina McCaulley (Amiah), both of Wamego; his grandchildren, Andrew Mayfield, Wamego, Blake Monroe, Wamego, Tahni Helms (Justin Schroll), Overland Park, and Taylee Russell (Erik), Junction City. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Bristol. Criss was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. At a later time, Criss will have a military burial at sea. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 172 or an organization helping veterans of the donor’s choice. Please, make your check to the organization and then send it in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Leann Lindgren (Posted 9/23/2026)
Leann Lindgren, 80, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
She was born December 6, 1945 to Glen and Olive (Lahodny) Brown in Belleville,
Kansas.
Leann married Kenneth H. Blakely May 27, 1967. He passed away August 12, 1971.
Later she married Ralph H. Lindgren February 21, 1976.
Leann was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband.
Survivors include her husband Ralph H. Lindgren and daughter; Shelley (Blakely)
Martin and husband Bryan.
A private service was held for Leann as that was her request.
Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice and sent in care of Yorgensen-
Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at
www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Carolyn Rose (Ebert) Anderson (Posted 9/22/2026)
Carolyn Rose (Ebert) Anderson passed away on September 20, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by her loving family.
Carolyn was born on March 16, 1941, to Charles and Marguerite Ebert in Flush, Kansas. She was the oldest of 5 children. She attended 12 years of school in Flush and graduated from Flush High School in 1959. She first attended St. Mary’s College, and later Kansas State University, for 2 years while pursuing her business degree.
Carolyn met her life partner, Robert “Dale” Anderson, in 1960 and they were married on January 2, 1962. They celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage together. Dale and Carolyn lived in the St. George area until 1987, when they moved to Manhattan.
Carolyn worked at, and later owned, the Bath Shop & Cook’s Nook for 25 years. She and Dale had entrepreneurial spirits, owned and operated multiple businesses, including Blooming Dale’s Garden Center and Pets N’ Stuff. Her last 15 years of work were spent as a sales associate for Mid-America Office. In retirement, you could often find her at the Budget Shop volunteering and engaging with the community.
Carolyn was devoted to the Catholic Church and had a deep reverence to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was instrumental in starting the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at Seven Dolors Parish in 1981. She served as the Chapel’s director and on the board for 15 years.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Carolyn loved traveling across the United States and Europe to Marian shrines, including Fatima and Medjugorje, often returning from her trips feeling spiritually enlightened. Her favorite pastimes included attending daily Mass and reading books about the Saints and Eucharistic Miracles.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Dale and Carolyn traveled to 13 states to share “Relics of the Lord’s Passion,” a presentation of their personal collection of spiritual relics. They visited numerous churches and schools educating parishioners on the stories of the Saints. Dale and Carolyn enjoyed witnessing the spiritual impact of the relics on those who interacted with them.
Among her many accomplishments, Carolyn felt that her greatest was raising her 4 strong daughters. She often said that her family was “a gift from God that lasts forever.”
She is remembered dearly by her 4 daughters and their spouses: Renee and Tim Thompson, Stephanie (Storer) and Jim Webb, Michele and Bob Diguette, and Amy and Ben Shaneyfelt.
Carloyn is survived by her husband, Dale Anderson, and younger siblings: Leonard Ebert, John Ebert, and Marg (Ebert) Magnett. She is preceded in death by her brother Raymond Ebert.
She leaves behind 11 grandchildren: MacKenzie (Thompson) Barthold, Tyler Thompson, Preston Thompson, David Storer, Daniel Storer, Bryton Buckaloo, Katelin (Diguette) Jara, Kristen Diguette, Emily (Diguette) Hoover, Madisyn (Shaneyfelt) Trawick, and Abbey Shaneyfelt.
Carolyn was blessed with 9 great-grandchildren: Harlow and Reese Barthold; Eleanor Thompson; Warren, Clyde, and Cecil Storer; Aaron, Clare, and Hannah Jara. She also looked forward to welcoming 3 more great-grandchildren this winter.
Carolyn’s life was filled with faith, family, service, and love. She was a true disciple of the Lord, always finding ways to help and care for those around her. Carolyn’s contagious smile, welcoming presence, devoted prayer, and spiritual leadership exemplified her faith and brought others closer to God. To know Carolyn was to be loved by her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that Carolyn is now with the Lord she loved so dearly and reunited with her family and friends who went before her. Her legacy will live on through the faith she shared, the family she devoted her life to, and the many lives she touched along the way.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:00 until 6:00p.m. Thursday September 24, 2026, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan. A Parish Vigil with the Rosary will follow the visitation at the funeral home and begin at 6:00p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00a.m. Friday September 25, 2026, at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. Interment will follow in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery – Elbow Community in Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers, the family has kindly asked for donations to be made to Seven Dolors Catholic Church or Manhattan Catholic Schools. 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
Constance “Connie” May Anstaett (Posted 9/21/2026)
Constance “Connie” May Anstaett, age 81 of Manhattan, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Via Christi Village in Manhattan.
She was born on March 22, 1945, in Ashland, Kansas, the daughter of Cornelius “Neil” Pellman and Ruth Ann (Brown) Dukelow. She graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
She married Fred Roger Anstaett on August 23 of 1965 and was a devoted wife to him until his death in 2006.
Connie was a grade school teacher early in her working career and then worked in multiple office jobs. She was a “Mom” first and family was the center of her life. She was a wonderful cook and loved looking after her family.
She is survived by two sons, Bart Anstaett of Manhattan and Clint Anstaett and wife Tammy of Athens, Texas; two brothers, Robert Dukelow and wife Alice of San Diego, California and James Dukelow and wife Carolyn of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and six grandchildren, Andrew Anstaett, Brittany Anstaett, Miles (Alex) Reed, Sean Reed, Cody Jones and Andy Anstaett.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Candice Nicole Reed; one brother, C.P. Dukelow; one grandson, Bryce Reed, and her daughter-in-law, Angela Anstaett.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Alert Covenant Church with Pastor Dwight Diller officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, September 25, 2026, at Mt. Zion Cemetery, north of Pomona Lake.
Memorials may be made to the Connie Anstaett Memorial Fund to be used for health care worker scholarship fund and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family at apfunerals.com.
Dylan Joseph Higgins (Posted 9/19/2026)
Dylan Joseph Higgins, 17, of Wamego, Kansas, left us far too soon on September 13, 2026. He was born on October 6, 2008, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Chelsi Sterling and Robert Higgins.
Dylan was larger than life, with an outgoing and animated personality. He danced his way through our world everywhere he went and could talk his mom into anything he wanted. He was a friend to many and deeply adored. He cherished his time with his friends, loved them fiercely, and was always eager to get to them as soon as he could. There isn’t a story they tell without his goofy, carefree spirit shining brightly.
He loved to torment his sisters; it brought him great joy, and they gave it right back. But if anyone tried to mess with them, he was quickly by their sides, ready to defend them.
Dylan could play any sport with ease. He particularly enjoyed golf and excelled in football. He loved the outdoors and everything it had to offer. He could learn any job he was tasked with and enjoyed tinkering in the garage with his stepdad, sharing long talks about life, music, and whatever was in their hearts. He loved learning new things and eagerly taught himself whatever he wanted to know, especially when fixing something he had broken.
He was an excellent student and so intelligent. What he couldn’t pull off on his own, he could finesse from his teachers. His cousins remember him fondly as a favorite playmate, best friend, and ornery jokester who enjoyed getting a rise out of his sisters and other cousins whenever he could. They remember him playing video games, going swimming, and bouncing around all over the place. His family holds on to memories of his sweet nature and playful attitude, always reassuring them, “It’s chill, it’s chill.”
Dylan was proud to begin training as a volunteer firefighter with the Louisville Fire Department. His family watched him grow into a curious, headstrong, driven young man who could not wait to get out into the world and start his legacy.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Joe Lynch; his grandparents, Bill and Cheryl Barnett; his grandfather, Jimmy Good; his great-uncle, Bob Bartholic; his aunt, Tracie Dingemanse; his cousin, Brandie Max; and all of his loving great-grandparents.
Dylan leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Chelsi and Robert Sterling of Wamego; his father, Robert Higgins (Anna Tracy) of Salina; and his sisters, Kayden Higgins (Matthew Dye) of Newton and Savannah Sterling of Wamego.
He is also survived by his grandparents, Michelle Ciesilski (Bret) of Canton, Tammy Higgins (Ron Jellema) of Ogden, Cindy Smith of Manhattan, and Alba Higgins (Sandy) of Plevna, Montana.
His surviving great-aunts and great-uncles include Tina Bartholic (Rebob) of Ogden, Denise Lamb (Tim) of Lee’s Summit, Jacque Hodge (Alan) of Florida, Tom Linderman (Elizabeth) of Colorado, and Tim Linderman (Mary) of Missouri.
His surviving aunts and uncles include Kathy Deutsch (Rick) of Manhattan, Kim Beyer (Terry) of Manhattan, Catherine Feldt (Lloyd) of Monroe, Iowa, Joetta Glessner (Mike) of Manhattan, Leslie Dugan (Joe) of Wamego, and Maurice Dingemanse of Manhattan.
He is also survived by an abundance of beloved first, second, and third cousins.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning (September 23, 2026) at 10:30 at Trinity Baptist Church in Wamego with Pastor Jol Klein officiating. Private burial will be at a later date
Visitation will be Tuesday evening (September 22, 2026) from 4:00 to 7:00 at Trinity Baptist Church in Wamego.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Dylan Higgins Memorial Fund. Please make checks payable to Dylan Higgins Memorial Fund and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547
Carol Jean (Ebert) Pitney (Posted 9/18/2026)
Carol Jean (Ebert) Pitney, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away Sunday, September 13 th , 2026 at Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan, Kansas. She was born on October 12, 1939 to Emil “Butch” and Dorothy (Beard) Ebert at Genn Hospital, Wamego, Kansas.
She was raised on the farm and preferred being outdoors with her twin brother doing farm chores or riding horses (in her words, she was a tomboy). Known by the locals, she was one of a set of twins –Carl and Carol (aka Carlie and Carolie). She attended St. Bernard Grade School and graduated from Wamego High School in 1958. She married Jerome (Jerry) Pitney in December, 1958, later divorcing in 1996.
She was an active member of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Taking communion to the homebound was one of the ministries she enjoyed the most but for health reasons was forced to retire from this ministry and other church ministries.
Her first job was working as an aid at Genn Hospital. She worked side-by-side with Jerry in the Pitney Auction Service. She also worked 20 plus years as a dental assistant for Dr. Bill Ditto at Wamego Dental Center where she truly enjoyed interacting with the patients. After retiring from the dental office, she became a certified CNA and Home Health Aid and worked for Big Lakes Development Center for 8 years and then did Home Health Care in the Wamego and Manhattan Area.
She enjoyed traveling with her grandson via train to New Mexico; with her prayer partners to Medjugorje and Rome, charismatic retreats and other exciting places. One of the highlights of her life was tandem skydiving on her 70 th birthday. She loved sports and enjoyed attending the boys’ activities when they were in school and watching them in their wrestling meets (they were intense to watch but she soon became a fan). She also enjoyed K-State Women’s Basketball where she held season tickets and watching Chiefs football on TV. Family was very important to her and she hosted many family reunions, Fourth of July and other celebrations.
She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter, Deanna Louise, twin brother, Carl Ebert, brother, Jim and sister-in-law, Evelyn Ebert.
She is survived by three sons, Jerome (Neoma) Pitney, Fredericksburg, TX; Russell (Wanda) Pitney, Abilene, KS and Rodney (Pam) Pitney, Alma, KS; grandchildren, Brandy (Andy) Braun, Alexandria, LA; Sophia (Avery) Simecka, Overland Park, KS and Eli Pitney, Talmage, KS; great-grandchildren, Jynger Woodward, Mason, Dallas & Cody Braun, Madeline & Chloe Simecka; brother, Tom (Fran) Ebert, Wamego, KS and numerous other relatives.
She will be greatly missed but her love will live on in the family she loved so much.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday morning (September 24, 2026) at 10:30 at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Fr. Mike Peterson officiating.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening (September 23, 2026) from 5:00 to 7:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
A Rosary Service will be will be Wednesday evening (September 23, 2026) at 7:00 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Bernard Catholic Church or the Good Shepherd Hospice House of Manhattan. Please make 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
Nyla Mae Zerbe (Posted 9/16/2026)
Nyla Mae Zerbe, 92, of rural Wamego, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Valley Vista Good Samaritan Center. She was a life-long resident of the area.
Nyla was born January 25, 1934, in Wamego, Kansas, the daughter of Frank H. and Leona (Wille) Bandel. She attended local grade school and graduated from Alma High School in 1952. She married Kenneth S. Zerbe on November 8, 1958, in Alma. They shared forty-eight years together, working their farm and raising their family. Kenneth preceded Nyla in death on June 13, 2007.
Nyla and Ken moved in 1962 to their farm located south of Wamego. From there, Nyla was a homemaker and farm wife. For many years, she was also a cook for the Wamego school system. Nyla was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego and active member of LWML. She enjoyed cross stitching, needle point, sewing and quilting. Nyla also was a regular volunteer helping deliver Meals on Wheels. Her family was precious to her and in her later years, family game night was regularly held at her home.
Nyla is survived by her sons; Kirk Zerbe (Patricia), rural Belvue, Kansas, Jerry Zerbe (Cheryl), College Station, Texas, David Zerbe, Atlanta, Georgia, and Donald Zerbe (Teresa), Wamego, Kansas. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Kyle Zerbe, Belvue, Kansas, Kevin Zerbe (Mikaela), Wamego, Kansas, Keith Zerbe (Jayla), Belvue, Kansas, Hank Zerbe (Jessica Milter), Atlanta, Georgia, Brogan Zerbe, Burlingame, Kansas, Jackson Zerbe, Rolla, Missouri, and Caroline Zerbe (Hunter VandeKamp), Dallas, Texas; her great-granddaughter, Rosalyn and a granddaughter soon to arrive, and a brother-in-law, Darrell Craghead. Nyla was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Lawrence Bandel and Lola Craghead and daughter-in-law, Doris Zerbe.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, September 25, 2026, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego. Reverend Jim Price will be officiating. Burial will follow at Wabaunsee Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Thursday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home. They suggest memorial contributions to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church or Elara Care Hospice, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Larry Leon Moon (Posted 9/12/2026)
Larry Leon Moon, age 86, of Manhattan, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Home of the Flint Hills in St. George, Kansas. He was born on January 23, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, the only son of Esther Cook of De Soto, Kansas.
On August 6, 1961, he married Sherry B. Samuelson in De Soto.
A gifted craftsman and the ultimate mechanic, Larry could build nearly anything. Largely self‑taught, with additional studies at Ottawa University and Kansas State University, he constructed two homes and restored numerous antique cars, motorcycles, and airplanes. He also custom‑built train rail cars, aircraft, and many other projects too numerous to list.
After relocating to Manhattan, he worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the construction of the Tuttle Creek Dam, served as a mechanic at Calahan’s Motorcycle Shop, and later worked on import vehicles at Key Pontiac (later Elkins Motors). He retired in 2006 after selling his own business, AutoCraft in Manhattan.
Larry and Sherry built a home at Lake Elbo, where he taught his daughters to ride motorcycles. Together with extended family and friends, they created lasting memories of water‑skiing, swimming, and the occasional appearance of the “moss monster.”
He enjoyed traveling across the globe—from Alaska and Russia to Australia—and was always in search of his next adventure or project.
He was preceded in death by his wife in January 2019, his mother, and his sister, Cynthia Cross.
He is survived by his daughters: Dawn Musil (Zdenek) of Manhattan, Angela Banks of Nortonville, and Kelli Lackey (Dylan) of Manhattan; his grandchildren Joshua, Eric, Kyle, Zachary, Isaac, Ethan, Jodi, and Clara; and his great‑grandchildren Amelia, Aliyah, Kaylyn, Kameron, Leo, Aurora, and Eleanor.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 3:00 until 5:00p.m. Sunday September 20, 2026 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Devin Wendt officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502 is assisting the family with service arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com
Mary Lou Edwards Gibbs (Posted 9/10/2026)
Mary Lou was born October 11, 1929 in Emporia, Kansas the daughter of Richard and Louise (Deputy) Edwards. She graduated from Emporia High School in 1947 and Kansas State University in 1952. While at KSU, Mary Lou was an International Farm Youth Exchange Student to United Kingdom in 1950. Mary Lou and her brothers attended KSU together. The three of them operated a dairy farm to help the family financially, milking the cows daily before and after classes. The dairy was purchased by their father and was located on Lake Elbo Road. At KSU, Mary Lou received a B.S. in Home Economics and was a member of Clovia, a residential 4-H scholarship house.
Mary Lou and her entire family were active 4-H-ers, even during their collegiate years. Continuing in her professional life, Mary Lou worked tirelessly for 30 years as an Extension Home Economist in Greenwood County and later Pottawatomie County. Mary Lou retired in 1995. She was a member of the National Association of Extension Home Economists, Epsilon Sigma Pi Extension Association, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
Mary Lou was a very active community member. In addition to her work in Extension and 4-H, she belonged to the Olsburg Lutheran Church and served on the church council. She was the treasurer of the Pottawatomie-Waubansee Regional Library and she was a member of the Olsburg Family and Community Education.
Mary Lou married Patrick Lee Gibbs on September 20, 1953. They had 3 children, Rick Gibbs (Jane, deceased), Susan Jenkins (Jim), and Kelly Gillespie (Gary) all of Olsburg. She has eight grandchildren, Richard Gibbs, Ryan Gibbs, Jeana Poulter, Aaron Jenkins, Ruby Jenkins, Travis Gillespie and Jennifer Hummel. She was also the proud grandmother of numerous great and great great-grandchildren. Mary Lou is survived by her brother Bob Edwards (Westmoreland) and her sister Mardy Herbster (Sabetha), as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bill.
Cremation is planned with a memorial service at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan with Pastor Keith Weins, officiating on September 23 at 1:00p.m..
Interment will be a private ceremony at a later date in Olsburg Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to either the Pottawatomie County 4-H Foundation or the Olsburg Lutheran Church sent in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Carol Lynn Eichman (Posted 9/10/2026)
Carol Lynn Eichman, 83, of Flush died September 8, 2026 in Wamego, KS. She was the second daughter born to Walter and Thelma Kennedy, in Manhattan, KS on November 4, 1942. Carol grew up in Manhattan where she lived on Pierre St, across from Roosevelt Grade School. Her grade school years were spent at Theodore Roosevelt; 7th through 9th grades she attended what was then called the “Junior High School” located on Poyntz Avenue, and she graduated from Manhattan High School with the class of 1961.
Following a high school friend, Sheila Heskett, to the Chicago area in 1963, she worked as an administrative secretarial assistant in Catering and Convention & Sales, as well as the executive offices of the Conrad Hilton and the Executive House Hotels. She also worked for a number of years in the field of advertising. She loved working with people and always believed that personal customer service was one of the most important aspects to the success of any business.
Carol returned from Chicago to Manhattan in 1976 and in 1977 she purchased a house next to the Olsburg grade school, and she and her mother moved from Manhattan to Olsburg, where she said “we took care of each other”. Upon her return to Manhattan in 1976 she became employed at Kansas State University, first in the Division of Continuing Education, and then in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design, working for a number of years in what was previously the freshman/sophomore Department of Environmental Design in APD, and later serving on the administrative staff of the dean’s office. Carol’s greatest enjoyment during her years at K-State came from working with many students, faculty, and staff. Along with several other K-State employees, she helped organize the first clerical bargaining unit for civil service clerical and office employees in the state of Kansas. She retired from K-State after 25 years of service in January of 2002.
In 1985 Carol was introduced to the man she called “The nicest guy on the face of the earth”, her “little honey”, Emil Eichman of Flush. She and Emil were married June 24, 1989 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Flush. They made their home in rural Flush and celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on June 24, 2021.
Carol was a member of the Saint Joseph Catholic Church, and she and Emil sang for many years in the choir. She was a member of the Saint Joseph Altar Society, the Westmoreland Classy Sassy Sisters chapter of the Red Hat Society, the Cherished Doll Club of Topeka, and the International Federation of Doll Clubs. She described herself as an avid collector of all things “sparkly”, often saying that her whole world always revolved around color, beginning with her very first box of crayons as a child. Her love of color was reflected throughout her home, her clothing, the jewelry she both collected and designed, and in the interior environmental arrangements and table decorations she provided for various functions at Saint Joseph Church and Hall in Flush.
She moved to Valley Vista nursing home of Wamego, in December of 2022. She was known throughout the home for her colorful tie-dyed t-shirts and her joyful teasing spirit. She made many lasting friends and enjoyed all who worked there and took such wonderful care of her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emil in 2022, her father in 1974; her sister, Nyla, in 1976; her mother in 1983; her brother, Jay, in 2025; as well as a sister-in-law, Alice Gereau; brothers-in-law, Delbert Eichman, Jim Eichman, and Lee Hunt.
She is survived by her sister, Ann Burkland, and her husband, Harold Burkland, of Wamego; her sisters-in-law, Mildred Eichman of Flush, Carol Ann Eichman of Wamego, and Margaret Hunt of Colorado; her brother-in-law, Ed Gereau of Wamego; many beloved nieces and nephews, including those who came into her life through both family and marriage; and many extended family members and dear friends who were an important part of her life.
A Rosary Service will be Friday morning (September 11, 2026) at 11:00 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush with Fr. Nick Blaha officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
The family will meet with friends on Friday morning (September 11, 2026) from 10:00 until the time of the Rosary Service at 11:00 at the church.
Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Richard V. Hill Sr. (Posted 9/9/2026)
Richard V. Hill Sr, age 87, of Wamego and formerly of St. George, passed away August 31, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society Retirement Community in Wamego.
Richard was born on September 3, 1938, in Paynesville, Ohio, the son of Lawrence and Sarah (Pekkanen) Hill. His mother passed away when he was 6, along with his dad he was raised by his step-mother Lilian. He attended schools in Centerville, Pennsylvania and graduated from Centerville High School with the class of 1956.
On November 15, 1960, in Centerville, Pennsylvania, Richard was united in marriage to Frances Watson. The union was blessed with two children: Richard Jr. and Kimberly.
Richard served in the US Army Reserves and then entered the US Army and served in Vietnam from 1966 until 1967. After his retirement from the army, Richard earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in Horticulture. He worked for many years in the KSU greenhouses and on Fort Riley.
He was proud of his service time to his country and being a career military man. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Manhattan and was a past president. In 2021 he was part of the Kansas Honor Flight from Wamego.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Frances and his daughter Kimberly.
He is survived by his son Richard Hill Jr. of Cummings, Kansas, and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Friday September 18, 2026 at 1:00p.m. at the St. George Cemetery in St. George, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Richard to the Kansas Honor Flight. 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
Nora Jean Lietz (Posted 9/8/2026)
Nora Jean Lietz, age 98, of Paxico, Kansas, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
She was born May 28, 1928, to Frank and Emma (Richter) Gehrt in rural Alma, Kansas. Nora was baptized June 24, 1928, and confirmed on April 26, 1941, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland. She attended the local Hinerville Grade School and graduated from Alma High School in 1945. She attended Clark’s Business College in Topeka and worked for a short time for the League of Kansas Municipalities and Topeka State Bank.
She was married to Merle Lietz on May 2, 1948, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland, Kansas, where they were active members all their lives. Nora and Merle owned Lietz Construction Company for more than 70 years. She served as the bookkeeper and secretary of the business. They spent their entire married life in the same home on Vera Road east of Paxico. They were blessed with 71 years together.
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Norie, as she was known, was active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and served in various offices at the local, zone and district levels. She was a Sunday school teacher as well as a VBS teacher and superintendent. She also served as the funeral dinner chairman at Trinity. Nora and Merle were active in the Lutheran Laymen’s League for many years as she supported Merle who served as an officer in various roles. They traveled to 48 consecutive International LLL Conventions at various states in the USA and Canada, making that their annual vacation. They considered those years some of the best of their lives and made lasting friendships. Nora was a 4-H club leader for 10 years as well as the sewing leader for Maple Hill Hustlers 4-H. She was a 50-year charter member of Vera Extension Homemakers Unit which later became known as the Vera Roadsters. She always enjoyed their activities, and they finished each one with an ice cream treat. She was also a member of Gideon International and the Flint Hills Gideon Auxiliary.
Nora and Merle were blessed with three daughters, Sheryl (David) Meier, Maple Hill; Jean Anne Lietz, Topeka; and Linda (Tom) Stanton of Hutchinson. She is also survived by grandchildren: Cara (John) Brooks, Carisa Meier, Peter (Megan) Meier, Mendy (Jason) Brady, Rebecca (Jared) Wolfe, Nathan (Autumn) Stanton; great-grandchildren: Kylie (Jakob) Jasperson, Joshua Brooks, Liam Meier, Brecklyn Meier, Makayla Brady, Mason Brady, Walker Stanton, Hayden Stanton, Logan VanMeter, and soon to arrive Baby Stanton. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Norman, Art and Hank Gehrt and her sister, Bernice Gehrt, and grandson Curtis Meier.
Family was very special to Nora, and she loved to host family gatherings and holidays, as well as community and church dinners. All of these were memorable occasions for her as she used her gift of hospitality.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, September 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland, Kansas. Reverend Robert Grimm will be officiating. The family will greet friends at a visitation prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. A lunch will follow the service, and burial will be held at 1:30 pm at Bethlehem Cemetery, east of Paxico on Snokomo Road. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, McFarland or Lutheran Hour Ministries and may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.