Obituaries
M. Dolores Muehleisen (Posted 7/23/21)
M. Dolores Muehleisen, age 90, of Manhattan, died June1, 2021 at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community.
Dolores was born March 21, 1931, in Camden, New Jersey, the daughter of Maj. Harry A. and Mildred (Wheal) Selby.
Dolores and Eric E. Muehleisen were married on June 17, 1956 at Fort Lawton Chapel on the Hill. They made their home in Seattle, WA where Eric was an illustrator for the Boeing Aircraft Co. They were married for 43 years until Eric’s death in June 1999.
In 1973 Eric changed careers and the family moved to Ellsworth, KS. Dolores was active with Holy Apostles Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Western Kansas.
Dolores and Eric moved to Manhattan in 1980. There Eric completed his education and Dolores enjoyed working at Sears and being involved with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Dolores supported her husband as he pursued Holy Orders. This took them to Salina, KS and eventually to McPherson, KS. Dolores moved back to Manhattan in 2001.
Dolores was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, and a member of the Jaycees in Enumclaw, WA, and a member of the Daughters of the King in Manhattan, KS.
Dolores was also preceded in death by her parents and one son Eric W. “Butch” in 2013.
Survivors include two children: Stephen Muehleisen, Kristin Muehleisen (Stephanie Brecheisen) all of Manhattan; four grandchildren: Shaylene, Eric, Lindsey and Victoria; and 12 great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00am July 31, 2021 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with The Reverend Art Rathbun officiating. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Lorene Sinn (Posted 7/21/21)
Lorene Esther Sinn, age 86 of Manhattan, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital.
She was born on February 27, 1935 in Manhattan, the daughter of Harry Everett and Jessie Lorene (Allen) Whitney. She graduated from Keats Rural High School.
On February 26, 1967 in Manhattan, she married Carl Paul Sinn. He survives of the home.
Lorene was a farm wife and a member of the Riley Presbyterian Church, where she was the church clerk, served on many boards and was a Sunday school teacher for over twenty years. She also was a member of the Silver Creek Beneficiary Club and was a Past President of Kansas Farm Bureau. She enjoyed raising peacocks and watching birds.
She is survived by her husband Carl Sinn; one son, Brad Sinn and wife Tammy of Manhattan; one brother, Harry Whitney, Jr. and wife Donna of Manhattan; two grandchildren, Misty Williams (Josh) and Drew Sinn and four great grandsons, Peyton Horn, Gage Williams, Koy Williams and Beau Williams.
She was preceded in death by her parents and four infant stillborn children.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the Riley Presbyterian Church with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Riley Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Flint Hills Dialysis and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Karen Roles Darling (Posted 7/20/21)
Karen was born in Elk City, Oklahoma to Bucilla Belle (Britton) and Leeman Eugene Roles, and was the oldest of 5 siblings. Graduating in 1958 from Wichita West High School excelling in arts, she pursued jobs in the jewelry and dental industries. She married Dean Allyn Darling 0n August 20th, 1961 and began her life of travel living in Topeka, KS, Las Vegas, NV, Udhailiyah, Saudi Arabia, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Mountain Home, AR and her final years in Manhattan, KS.
In Las Vegas, Karen and Dean shared a love of horses, dogs, music and kids, giving birth to all her children in Nevada. Karen trained Brittany Spaniels after rescuing her first from the pound. They participated in field trials and hunting for upland game birds. Eventually her first dog became the first AKC registered grand champion. Karen was a founding and active member of the Southern Nevada Bird Dog Club traveling to field trials in NV, CA and AZ.
Karen was active in her children’s school activities, PTO, 4 H, and local club sports. Halloween
costumes were her specialty. None of the kids knew what a store-bought costume was, usually she
upcycled and repurposed things from the home. Raising her children in the desert, they grew up on a
steady diet of American Bandstand, Soul Train, Dark Shadows, scary movies and chores.
In April 1978, the family moved internationally to Udhailiyah, Saudi Arabia. Karen became the first
Woman’s Club President in the Aramco Camp and worked in the Aramco Information Center as the camp
“Welcome Lady.” She also served as a liaison with the commissary facility. In 1981 Karen and Dean
moved to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia where she lived until retirement in 1991. She became aware of US
Military Service Men in the region who were unable to take shore leave during the Tanker War in the
Persian Gulf (1981-1988). After consulting with the US Consulate Attaché and the Saudi Government,
she was granted permission to organize and help foster-host all servicemen in the fleet to local Aramco
homes. She constructed a Sailor’s-to-dinner program so all Sailors, Airmen, Army and Marines could
come into local homes for dinner, fellowship, calls to home and relaxation.
Karen loved to host parties, dress up, cook and entertain. She rarely knew a stranger, was always quick
to buy toys for kids, offer help to those in need and find homes for stray pets. She became an avid scuba
diver and snorkeler and enrolled her children in diving lessons, a passion that continues on in her
daughter’s family.
After leaving overseas and returning state side, Karen struggled with her purpose and a sense of
belonging. In her later years, Karen battled with mental health issues, dementia and maintaining a healthy
balance. Her children fought to get her help within the system and in her final year can attest that she was
surrounded by loved ones, knew God’s grace, made peace and felt safe and loved.
Karen is survived by her siblings; brother Gene Roles (Karolyn), sisters Hope Goodman, Teresa Meier
(Al) and Gwen Ward. Four children; Michael Darling, Phil Darling (Tina) grandchildren Halee and
Hunter, Dina Clark (Barry) grandchildren Nicholas and Nathan, and Derrick Darling (Kathryn)
grandchildren Karl and Grace.
A memorial service is planned graveside Saturday July 24 th at 10:30 a.m. Sunrise Cemetery, 2901 Stagg
Hill Road, Manhattan Kansas for family and friends.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home
website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Joyce Lovin (Posted 7/20/21)
Joyce Christine Lovin, 82, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 13th, 2021.
Joyce was born in Hoxie, Kansas on March 24, 1939, to Edwin and Dorothy (Crotchett) Lovin.
She attended a one room schoolhouse St. Paul Grade School in Sheridan County and Sheridan Community High School in Hoxie, Kansas and was a member of the Hoxie Methodist Church.
After working a year in Hoxie, she attended Kansas State University and was crowned the National Sweetheart of the Sigma Theta Epsilon Men’s Christian Fraternity. Later, she moved to Topeka, KS where she worked several jobs often at the same time. She started her career at Montgomery Ward and was promoted to Personnel Manager. She retired in 2019 from the State of Kansas Bureau of Water Management. She moved back to Manhattan, Kansas where she enjoyed attending K-State athletic events and listening to the K-State Marching Band.
Survivors include her daughter, Pam Grant (Richard) of Topeka; brothers, Robert Lovin (Louise), of Manhattan, Rex Lovin (Ronda), of Salina, Melvin Lovin (Kou), of Hoxie, Jack Lovin (Sylvia), of Wichita; sister-in-law, Patricia Lovin (widow of Richard), of Ellis; sisters, Mary Phillips (widow of Stanley), of Hugoton, Cynthia Gallaway (Keith), of Carbondale; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Martin, Thomas, William “Bill”, Richard, Steven; two sisters, Edna Lucille and Carol; sister-in-law, Lodeska Lovin; and brother-in-law, Stanley Phillips.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, July 23rd at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas. Burial will follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, Kansas.
Donations may be made to Kansas State University Marching Band Building Fund, sent in care of Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, 1317 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
To send an online condolence, visit www.irvinparkview.com or on Facebook.
Clyde Ferguson (Posted 7/20/21)
Dr. Clyde Randolph Ferguson, age 91, resident of Manhattan since 1960, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 15th at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, surrounded by his children.
Clyde was born on June 3, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Clyde Chamblee Ferguson and Zelda Ellena (Montgomery) Ferguson. Raised in Marlow, Oklahoma, he graduated from Marlow High in 1949 as a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track. He then enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, just as his parents had done.
In 1950, his National Guard unit was called into active service and he was shipped overseas as
part of the United States Army’s Occupation of Japan. Subsequently, in 1951, the 179th
Infantry Regiment of the 45th Division was sent to Korea where Clyde saw active combat. He
was a decorated Korean War Veteran.
After his military service, he returned to college and completed his Bachelor of Arts in history,
graduating with honors. The University of Oklahoma and his affiliations there with Phi Gamma
Delta fraternity and the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society remained a source of friendship and
connection throughout his life.
During his early college years, he met the love of his life, Marilena Hedrick. She remembered
being attracted to a “certain tall guy who quoted Robert Service poems” to her. They were
married on June 11, 1954, by her father, Chaplain Robert Hedrick at St. Paul’s United Methodist
Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
In 1955, the newlyweds moved, sight unseen, to Durham, North Carolina. Clyde entered the
Masters/Ph.D. program at Duke University while Lena began to teach elementary school.
After his confirmation as a Doctor Of Philosophy of History in 1960, Clyde and Lena moved to
Manhattan, Kansas, where he had accepted a teaching position at Kansas State University. He
would proceed to teach 33 years of students the fundamental importance of the American
Revolution.
In Manhattan, Clyde and Lena became a family of five, while creating a life rich with lasting
friendships, individual hobbies, and pursuits, a shared love of travel, and an atmosphere of
humor and laughter.
and his passion took him around the world to see the birds of Canada, Mexico, Argentina,
Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, United Kingdom, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
Botswana, Australia … and Potowatomi State Lake #2.
Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society. In 1985, he co-founded their primary fundraiser, the
NFHAS Birdathon.
from 1960 through 2019. They loved tailgating before games with loyal friends and celebrating
at home or at the Little Apple Brewery, where Clyde held the honor of Mug #124.
sister-in-law, Susan. Clyde also leaves behind an adoring family, including his daughter Maria
and wife Sheree Goecke and their daughter Alyssa Renck; son Chamblee Ferguson and his
wife Lynn Blackburn and their children Mackenzie, Alexander, and Liam Ferguson; son BobFerguson and his wife Holly and their children Hannah Haidar, Charlotte, and Phoebe Ferguson.
He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins he absolutely adored.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, July 22nd, at All Faiths Chapel on the KSU
campus. The burial will be in Marlow, Oklahoma on Friday, July 23rd at 3 pm.
Charitable organizations dear to Clyde’s heart included: The Northern Flint Hills Audubon
Society, KSU Foundation for Konza Early Education Program (KEEP), KSU Foundation for
Friends of the Library, The Manhattan Arts Council.
Clyde over the years by treasured friends and loyal caretakers. Words will never fully express
our gratitude.
Matthew Troy (Posted 7/20/21)
Matthew C. Troy, age 55, of Ogden, died July 13, 2021, at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born August 14, 1965, at Fort Riley, the son of John Edward and Carole Florence (Russell) Troy.
Matt graduated from Manhattan High School in in 1983 and then joined Army Active Reserves for three years. Matt then attended Manhattan Area Vo-Tech and graduated in welding.
Matt worked for LG Barcus and Sons as a Construction Superintendent for deep foundations, and worked all over the country for his work.
He was a volunteer for the Volunteer Fire Department in Ogden for more than 20 years. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden, Knights of Columbus, Union Local # 1290, and a former member of the Ogden American Legion.
Matt was a very proud father, loved to hunt, to smoke all kinds of meat and food on his smoker, and loved all babies and was a baby whisperer.
On August 16, 1997, in Ogden, he was married to Janet Renae Martin. Janet survives of the home. Additional survivors include two children: Matthew Troy and his wife Miranda of Manhattan, and Nicole Cozadd and her husband Rory of Salina, KS; two grandchildren: Ripley and Oliver Cozadd; his mother Carole Troy of Ogden; six siblings: Michael Troy of Manhattan, Martin Troy and his wife Cheri of Las Vegas, NV, Monica Meredith and her husband John of Plattsmouth, NE, Mark Troy and his wife Becky of Jackson, MO, Mary Troy of Ogden, and Melanie McLochlin and her husband John of Plattsmouth, NE; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 23rd, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden with Father Ryan McCandless as celebrant. Interment with military honors will follow.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Thursday, July 22nd, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. A Parish Vigil will be held at 7:30 P.M. Thursday in the funeral home chapel.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Judy Davis (Posted 7/20/21)
Judith Ann “Judy” Davis, age 74, of Manhattan, died on April 23, 2021, from metastatic lung cancer. As was her fervent wish, she died at home in the care of her three children.
Judy was born on October 19, 1946, in Frankfort, Kansas, to Franklin F. and Twila Mae (Schreiner) Davis.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Thursday July 29, 2021 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Memorial services for Judy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday July 30, 2021 at the First United Congregational Church of Christ, 700 Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan. There is limited seating and masks are required for the services. The service will be able to be view through the funeral home Facebook page (www.facebook.com/YML.FuneralHome) starting at 10:50a.m.
Memorial contributions in memory of Judy are suggested to the Crisis Center. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Stephen Vasey (Posted 7/19/21)
Stephen D. Vasey, of Olsburg, Kansas passed away at the age of 74 on 2 July 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on 31 October 1946. Stephen was a 1964 graduate of Dracut High school in Dracut, Massachusetts and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in History from Kansas State University in 1990.
Stephen served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, including two tours of Vietnam. During his military service, he worked as a combat engineer, heavy equipment mechanic, and motor pool officer. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1986. The second season of his professional life included an array of different professions. Most notably, Stephen was the inventor of a thermal targeting system for the military. After full professional retirement, he discovered a love and knack for baking which he gifted to his circle of friends and medical service providers who supported him as he grappled with Agent Orange-related illnesses, a result of his war-time service.
He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and his church.
Stephen is survived by his four children: Allison Evarts and husband Kyle, Heather, Andrew, and Daniel; three grandchildren Joshua Evarts, Jonah Evarts, and Tryston Vasey.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on 24 July at the Olsburg Cemetery in Olsburg, Kansas. Pastor Sterling Hudgins of Agape Family Church will be officiating.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.
Darlene Hollingshead (Posted 7/17/21)
Darlene Alberta Hollingshead, age 88, of Manhattan, died July 15, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
She was born October 25, 1932, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Dave and Myrtle (Wood) Wylie.
Darlene graduated from high school in Hastings, Nebraska.
She was married to Kenneth Hollingshead on June 7, 1951, and they later divorced.
Darlene was a manager for a fast-food restaurant in Wyoming for 5 years and worked at Derby Food Center at Kansas State University for 17 years.
She enjoyed all arts and crafts and was an avid volunteer and volunteered for RSVP, Homecare & Hospice, United Way, Flint Hills Breadbasket, Riley County Seniors’ Service Center and the Chamber of Commerce. In short Darlene loved to help others.
Survivors include her daughter Kathy Fisher of Sierra Vista, AZ; one grandson: Ken Hollingshead (Amy); four great grandchildren: Brittney, Mac, Hazen and Destin; one great-great grandson; one sister: Ella Allen of Manhattan; two sisters in laws: Martha Wylie and Sandy Wood: and nieces and nephews: Wendy Wright (Bob) Myrna Shiever (Terry), Bill Wylie, Ricky Allen (Laura), and Pat Sellers.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings: Elmer Wylie, Virginia Fillon, Bob Wylie, Harold Wylie, Ron Wylie and Gary Wood.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, July 22nd, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Ben Hitzfeld officiating. Interment will follow in the Sedalia Cemetery northwest of Manhattan.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 21st, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Donna Bolek (Posted 7/14/21)
Donna Darling Bolek, age 86 of Riley, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021 at her residence.
She was born on October 9, 1934 in Dwight, the daughter of Donald William and Lola Elizabeth (Ledeboer) Howell.
On October 9, 1950, she married Dwayne Joseph Bolek. He preceded her in death in 1989.
Donna was an LPN from 1969 until 2006 and an antique dealer from 1970 until her retirement a few years ago. She owned and operated her own antique shop in downtown Riley. She was proud of the fact that she was the last person to complete LPN training in Manhattan that had not been a high school graduate. She got her GED in 1974. Donna started the first MADD chapter in Kansas in 1984 and her greatest achievement was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
She is survived by one son, Dwayne “Abe” Bolek, Jr. and wife Linda of Riley; four daughters, Roxanna Peters of Morganville, Angela Hageman and husband Jerry of Manhattan, Cynthia Baer and husband Karl of Chapman and Alice Webb of Riley; fifteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Lola Bolek Tucker; two grandsons, Billy Webb and Michael Webb; one sister, Delores Jensen and one brother, Darnello Howell
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Burial will be in the Humboldt Creek Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Robert Rager (Posted 7/13/21)
Robert “Bob” G. Rager, 91, of Junction City, passed away late, July 10th, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House. He retired from Civil Services Defense Logistic Agency after 23 years in Colorado Springs, CO.
Robert Gerald Rager was born in Vandergrift, PA on August 17, 1929, and was married to Patricia Ann Holiman Rager on November 8, 1979, in Columbus, GA. After graduation, he joined the US Army Air Corp during the last of WWII, served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, and retired after 20 years and 9 days of service.
Bob is survived by a daughter, Robin Halzle, of Anderson, MO.; a son, Mike Burgess, of Albert, KS; three grandchildren: Jeremy Reagen, Christopher Reagan, Amber Halzle; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Ellsworth AFB., Sturgis, SD at a later date. To send a condolence to the family, visit www.irvinparkview.com. Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eddie Lutz (Posted 7/12/21)
Eddie K. Lutz, 84, of Manhattan, passed away on Friday, July 9th, at the Valley Vista, Good Samaritan Society – Wamego long-term care facility. Eddie was born on August 10, 1936 in Manhattan, KS, the son of Martha Lorena (Prestwood) Lutz and William John Lutz. He was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers: Billy Lutz, Bob Lutz, John Lutz, one Sister-in-Law, Rita (Sanders) Lutz, two brothers-in-law: Bill Gregg and Rudy Kramer, two nieces, Kay (Kramer) Cain and Jeanie (Gregg) Lowe, and four nephews Randy Skinner, Steve Norton, Marshall Stewart, and Joe Cain. He is survived by his two sisters, Betty (Lutz) Kramer, Berris “Pooch” (Lutz) Gregg and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families.
Gerald Reeck (Posted 7/11/21)
Gerald Russell Reeck was born on December 28, 1945, in Tacoma, Washington. He died unexpectedly on July 1, 2021 in Manhattan, Kansas. He was a beloved partner, father, grandfather, educator, colleague, and scientist.
Having earned a Ph.D. at the University of Washington and completed a post-doc at the National Institutes of Health, Jerry came to Manhattan in 1974 as a young assistant professor. He and his family fell in love with Manhattan, with Kansas, and with Kansas State University, where he worked with single-minded devotion and unbounded energy for 47 years. In his years in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Jerry taught and mentored countless undergraduate and graduate students, and post-docs. In addition, during his tenure, he served on Faculty Senate, as Associate Dean of the Graduate School, and as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was well-known and liked across campus.
Jerry was a true Renaissance man interested in languages, philosophy, history, and poetry. He found refuge in nature and was a birder. He was also a fine baritone who sang with the Kansas City and Wichita Operas and in the Konza Quartet; for a time, he was Choir Director at the First United Methodist Church. He shared his love of music with his children and later his grandchildren. A tireless traveler, Jerry showed his children the world, for which they will be eternally grateful.
Preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Orleen Reeck, he is survived by his life partner, Stephanie Reeck, of Manhattan, Kansas; his children, Laura Reeck (Steven Farrelly-Jackson) of Meadville, Pennsylvania and Matt Reeck (Jane Yi) of Brooklyn, New York. He is survived by five adoring grandchildren: Nicholas Farrelly-Jackson, Simon Farrelly-Jackson, Isabel Farrelly-Jackson, Sae Ah Reeck, and Boerum Reeck. He is also survived by his brother, Darrell Reeck (Lucille Reeck), of Newberg, Oregon, and will be missed by his family in the Pacific Northwest.
Private services will be arranged by the family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial for Gerald Reeck has been established at the Kansas State University Foundation. Contributions may be sent to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502; please indicate fund M47362. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials. Contributions may also 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
Eddie Lutz (Posted 7/11/21)
Eddie Keith Lutz, 84, of Wamego, passed away Friday, July 9th, at the Good Samaritan Society – Valley Vista Retirement Home in Wamego. Celebration of Life is planned for 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation in Manhattan.
Joan Percy (Posted 7/11/21)
Joan K. Percy, age 92, of Manhattan, died Wednesday July 7, 2021 at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas.
If you ask her many close friends and acquaintances, they all describe her with the same three words; “a True Lady”. Everyone loved Joan, as she gave way more back in return. But Joan’s main love was her immediate family, at one time numbering several dozen. But she also loved so many close friends, and truly cared about anyone she ever met.
She was born on December 13, 1928 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Clifford Burke and Ruby (Bybee) Burke. Her mother later married Kenneth Abell, of Iola, when Joan was still a young age. Joan considered Kenny her father for all her life, and loved both of her parents dearly. She grew up in Iola, Kansas and graduated with the Iola High School class of 1946. Many of her classmates remained friends for life.
She was united in marriage to Robert John Percy, also of Iola, on April 20, 1947. Their marriage was a very loving partnership of 69 years until Robert proceeded her in death in 2016.
Joan is proceeded in death by her eldest son, John E. Percy (wife Jennie) of Beaufort, South Carolina. She is survived by her sons James K. Percy (wife Carol) of Americus, KS, and Robert Alan Percy (wife Karen) of Toronto, Canada. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Tani and Gwen (Rick), Levi and JoJo (Jim) Caleb and Caitlin (Robert Alan), 10 great grandchildren, brother-in-law Claude Percy, sister-in-law Jeanne Percy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert was a career military man, and they relocated 14 times in the first 20 years of marriage due to promotions and reassignments. Joan had the major task of seeing to the needs of the three boys and taking care of the entire households. Iola always served as a temporary home for Joan and the boys between many of the moves, living with both their parents. The family has lived in such places as Hawaii, San Francisco, Boston, New York City, Heilbronn and Heidelberg, Germany. They vacationed and traveled extensively.
No matter where she lived, Joan always volunteered her services, whether as a Gray Lady at the hospitals or as a PTA member. She was an avid contract bridge player, and considered quite good by most. Joan loved being involved in numerous associations and clubs, especially doing charity work.
Joan and Robert called Manhattan home since 1967, upon his retiring from service. This was the longest they had ever put down roots. They were great friends of Bob and Lillian Sloan, and Joe and Evelyn Murphy. The 3 couples had one adventure after another during their long friendships. Joan was in various clubs and organizations, including the Pilot Club, Bridge Club, The Copers Club, and of course, the infamous Mall Walkers, aka “the Walkie Talkie Coffee Group”. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.
Memorial services for Joan will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday July 15, 2021 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, with Rev. Ben Duerfeldt officiating. Inurnment will follow the services at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley in Manhattan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Joan are suggested to the Pilot Club of Manhattan or the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Ethel Gowdy (Posted 7/9/21)
Ethel Dolores Hurtig Gowdy was born on September 23, 1932 in Delphos, Kansas. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 8, 2021 in Lansing, Kansas. Her father was Alfred Frank Hurtig of Delphos, Kansas and her mother was Vida Lillian Durst, also of Delphos, Kansas.
She grew up and worked helping her mother on her parents’ wheat and cattle farm. As a 9-year old she survived the tornado of May 31, 1942 with her family in their storm shelter. She attended Delphos (KS) High School where she graduated in the class of 1950. There she met and became friends with Kenneth King Gowdy, who eventually became her husband. He worked for her father in the summers during wheat harvest on a custom combining crew. Dolores attended Kansas State College (now University) from 1950-1954 receiving her B.A. degree in Home Economics and during her life she filled her home with her talents. She was also a member of the Sigma Chi sorority.
Dolores and Kenneth were married in the Methodist Church in Delphos, Kansas on August 24, 1952. They became the loving parents of four children: John David, Elizabeth Ann, Michael King, and Mark Alan. Family time took a priority and holidays we were often spent with relatives, as well as regular summer vacations to Colorado. After their children we were grown, Ken & Dolores enjoyed traveling together, especially to Vancouver, British Columbia and to Ireland. They also collected many antiques.
Dolores spent many years as a Girl Scout Leader in Manhattan, Kansas and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She loved to quilt and to bake. She also enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. Her favorite times and memories were made on holidays and visits gathering with her family and relatives. As a devoted and beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend she will be greatly missed.
She is survived by two sons, David (Norlene) and Mark. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth, her brothers William Hurtig and Armon Hurtig, her son Michael, and her daughter Elizabeth. She has eleven grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held for family and friends at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502 on Thursday evening, July 15th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
A private memorial service and burial will be held at the Delphos Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon, July 16th; Highway K 41, Delphos, KS 67436.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Child Liberation Foundation. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Doris Mae Swartz (Posted 7/8/21)
Doris Mae Swartz, age 83, of Manhattan, died July 2, 2021 at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan.
She was born on December 11, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of William and Alma (Stocker) Morton. She grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from Oak Park Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois with the class of 1955.
Doris worked for a period of time with E.J. Brach and Sons and then also at the Sunbeam Corporation, then the United States Gypsum Company all in Chicago. She was a secretary and supervisor in many different roles with those companies.
On April 6, 1963 she was united in marriage to Stuart E. Swartz. He survives at their home in Manhattan. They adopted 2 children, Johnny and Christy. She and Stuart and the family came to Manhattan, when Stuart accepted a position at Kansas State University.
Doris was a member of the First Baptist Church in Manhattan. She served on many church boards and was also a chairman and secretary of the Church Circle. Also, while at the church and teaching preschool she wrote many stories about the kids, they were used for the church newsletter, keeping the church updated on the preschool. Doris taught vacation Bible School and she attended many Christian Education workshops.
She volunteered for many positions, at the St. Joseph Senior Community, as a 4-H Instructor, Girls Scout and Brownie Leader, the Pioneer Girls Leader, and in many areas at the schools in Manhattan in addition to being a Title 1 Aide at Bluemont Elementary, she also was a crossing guard for a period of time. Doris loved to take care of, teach, and watch kids learn.
She was preceded in death by her two brothers and one sister.
Doris is survived by her husband Stuart and her son Johnny of Manhattan, and her daughter Christy Harris (Cameron) of Perth Australia, and her granddaughter Adeline Harris.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at the First Baptist Church, 2121 Bluehills Road in Manhattan. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions in memory of Doris are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Jay Dee Siebert (Posted 7/8/21)
Jay Dee Siebert, age 74, of Manhattan, Kansas, died June 3, 2021, at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born January 20, 1947, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Waldo Peter and Minnie Martha (Regier) Siebert.
Dr. Siebert blended a passion for science and education, a love of travel and an interest in agriculture and the environment into a research and teaching career. He made environmental science and agricultural sustainability accessible to an audience of students and farmers stretching from Fort Riley, Kansas to southern, central and west Africa.
Jay graduated from high school in Hutchinson, earned a bachelor’s degree from Tabor College, a Master of Science in plant breeding and agronomy from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in plant genetics from the University of Georgia. In between his graduate studies, he lived and worked in Brussels, Belgium, and in the country now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He and his wife Jabou moved with their family to Botswana and Senegal before returning to Kansas where he continued teaching for many years. Jay spent the last portion of this career in Nigeria teaching and researching Environmental Science. He retired to Manhattan in 2017.
Jay loved to travel, spend time with his family and was an avid bird watcher.
Survivors include his four children: Amiekole Siebert and her husband Douglas McQuery of New York, NY, Aisha Siebert and her husband Raul Salinas of Chicago, IL, Michael Siebert of Seattle, WA, and Christopher Siebert of Brooklyn, NY; one granddaughter Aida Salinas; and two siblings: Mary Siebert of Houston, TX, and Richard Siebert of Hutchinson, KS.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 17th in Hutchinson, Kansas. Please contact the funeral home for more information. Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers the family has designated Friends of Konza Prairie and Nuru Nigeria for memorial contributions. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Anthony “Tony” Schneweis (Posted 7/8/21)
Anthony “Tony” Francis Schneweis, age 56, of Manhattan died June 30, 2021, at Select Specialty Hospital – St. Francis in Wichita.
He was born October 29, 1964, in Great Bend, Kansas; the son of Bernard and Dolores (Hoffman) Schneweis.
Tony served 20 years in the United States Navy retiring as an E6 in 2005. He received the following awards: Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal 4th award, Navy Good Conduct Medal 5th award, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal 2nd award, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 2nd award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Medal, Navy Artic Service Ribbon, Submarine Warfare Pin and a Letter of Commendation from Submarine Squadron Eight.
Tony served in the following submarines and commands: USS Jacksonville SSN669, USS L. Mendel Rivers SSN386, USS Alexandria SSN757, USS Annapolis SSN760, Submarine Development Group One, Defense Liaison Division West Coast Support Detachment, USS Chicago SSN721 and the Tactical Readiness Team US Pacific Fleet.
Following his honorable discharge he moved to Lawrence, Kansas. He worked at Apria Healthcare on CPAP Machines. In 2007 he moved to Manhattan, Kansas. He attended Barton County Community College and did further studies at Kansas State University. He was active in the churches he attended, Calvary Chapel Manhattan and Grace Baptist Church. He worked at Dillons, GTM, and Travalum Trailers by Liberty Inc.
Tony was an amateur radio operator, N0WTN. He was an Elvis fan, enjoyed traveling, liked to watch hockey and Manchester United F.C. He also enjoyed watching several different Youtubers and loved cats.
He was married to Robin Lynn Winter on June 21, 1996, in Martinez, California. Tony is survived by his wife Robin and his two sons: Rian Winter of Wamego, KS, and Steiner Schneweis of the home. He is also survived by five brothers: Leon of Lawrence, KS, Richard of Claflin, KS, Mark of Fallon, NV, Paul and Michael, both of Great Bend, KS. Tony was preceded in death by his parents Bernard Schneweis and Dolores (Hoffman) Schneweis, his brother Alan Schneweis and Bernadette Schneweis in infancy.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, July 16th, at Grace Baptist Church in Manhattan with Pastor Bill Gasser officiating.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.vmlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cattails Feline Rescue. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
“Thank you, thank you very much!” -Elvis Presley/Tony Schneweis
Jenny Lynn Rossing (Posted 7/8/21)
Jenny Lynn Rossing, age 28 of Clay Center, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021 in Clay Center.
She was born on February 2, 1993 in Clay Center, the daughter of Rowdan Ray and Jandrea Sue (Siebold) Rossing. She graduated in 2011 from Clay Center Community High School where she played volleyball and basketball. Following high school, she graduated from Bellus Academy in Manhattan.
Jenny was a ray of sunshine and had a bubbly personality who loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed cruising the country back roads and was a friend to many and could lift anyone’s spirit.
She is survived by her father, Rowdan Rossing; her mother, Jandrea Siebold; two sisters, Elizabeth White and Kelee Siebold; three brothers, Devin Siebold, Linden Rossing and Rowdy Rossing, Jr.; her boyfriend, Sheldon Pfizenmaier; grandmother, Betty Siebold; grandfather, Leonard Stogsdill and her Great Dane, Capone.
She was preceded in death by a grandmother, Sandy Stogsdill and a grandfather, Gary Siebold.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home and can be viewed on the funeral home’s website.
Memorials may be made to the Jenny Rossing Memorial Fund and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Jacqueline Frintrup (Posted 7/6/21)
Jacqueline Ann Frintrup, age 81, of Manhattan, died Friday July 2, 2021 at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan.
Jackie was born on April 7, 1940 in St. Louis City, Missouri, the daughter of Walter and Anne (Doyle) Spengler. She grew up in the area and graduated from Jennings High School with the class of 1958.
She worked for many years for the Girl Scouts’ Council as a Field Director in Kansas and Missouri. Jackie was known by her grandkids as “Mimi” and she loved that her family and her families’ friends and people just knew her as Mimi. She enjoyed being with her family as often as she could. The holidays and family vacations together were always important to Jackie.
She was a member of the National Girl Scouts Organization, the Manhattan Welcome Club, and the First United Methodist Church in Manhattan. Jackie also was involved with the Flint Hills Breadbasket and always supported the American Red Cross.
Mimi was preceded in death by two grandchildren: Casey Licklider and Nichole Licklider.
She is survived by her daughters: Susan Adams (Mitch) of Westmoreland and Stacy Licklider of St. George. Mimi is also survived by her grandchildren: Shelby Callaway (Brandon), Shane Adams (his fiancé Pam Heiman), Dalton Licklider, and Carter Licklider; her great-grandchildren, Madelyn Licklider and Amelia Callaway.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday July 6, 2021 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday July 7, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, 612 Poyntz in Manhattan. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions in memory of Jackie are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the American Red Cross. 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