Obituaries

Sharon Marie Purvis (Posted 9/23/20)

Sharon Marie Purvis, 78, of Manhattan KS passed away at home on Wednesday, September 9^th, 2020.

Born in Madison, KS in 1942, Sharon was the daughter of Zella Martin and Thomas Baysinger.  Growing up on a Kansas farm, Sharon would eventually attend Emporia State and Kansas State University receiving a degree in Elementary Education. While in school, Sharon spent her summers working in the kitchen of Rock Springs Ranch where she met and fell in love with another KSU student, Leonard Purvis.  The couple would marry in a small ceremony on June 2, 1963 in the Rock Springs Ranch Chapel.

Starting her teaching career at Westmoreland Elementary, and moved on to several Manhattan schools, Sharon found her teaching home at Northview Elementary for 25 years, retiring in 2004. Sharon believed that teaching children wasn’t just about facts and figures, but about bettering lives. She became a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, and past president of the Manhattan NEA. Throughout her teaching career and even after retirement, Sharon was well known for guiding and nurturing young teachers with support, laughter, and tough love when needed.

As a Church Elder of First Christian Church, Sharon served on numerous worship committees, taught Sunday school, became Sunday school superintendent, led summer bible school, and was instrumental in designing the kitchens for the new building. With the building of the new church, Sharon’s passion became the church child care. Taking up a role as the child care cook, Sharon went out of her way to prepare meals for the children that were not just nutritious but accommodated many allergies.  This was a natural extension of Sharon’s great joy, cooking with her grandchildren. Her favorite time of year was the few days preceding Christmas when her grandchildren would come and stay at the house and make all types of Christmas candies and cookies. This tradition continued even as the grandchildren grew and began college.

The family will hold a small private service and plans on a larger public celebration of life when we can gather safely as a community.  If you wish to send a memorial donation, please send them to First Christian Church, 3001 Grand Mere Parkway, Manhattan, KS. 66503. Donations will be used to support the child care center.

Sharon is survived by:

Her husband, Leonard Purvis of Manhattan, KS

Her daughter, Teresa Purvis of Manhattan KS

Her son Eric Purvis, and wife CJ Purvis of Westmoreland, KS

Her son Waide Purvis and wife Tanya of Westmoreland, KS

Her three beloved grandchildren Rebekah, Caleb, and Chloe Purvis all of Westmoreland, KS

Sharon is also survived by her sisters:

Barbara Mudd of Garnett, KS, Marylin Gugler of Emporia KS, and Bonnie Funk of Greeley, CO

Sharon was preceded in death by her brother Tom Baysinger and her nephew Shane Brady.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.

Gregory Phillips (Posted 9/22/20)

Gregory Alan Phillips, age 62, of Zeandale, died September 17, 2020, at his residence.

He was born April 27, 1958, in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Alan Lee and Sue Ann (Wilson) Phillips.

Greg graduated from High School in Gretna, Nebraska.  He was the owner and operator of Phillips Brothers Construction Company doing residential construction since 1981.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed trapping.  He had a heart of gold and was very devoted to his friends.

Survivors include his three children: Lance Phillips of Elkhorn, NE, Brandie Balle of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Cassie Kelly of Ft. Calhoun, NE; five grandchildren: Brinley and Blaize Balle and Reagan, Rylee and Renee Kelly; his mother Sue Duroche of Olathe, KS; and six siblings: Brenda Kritenbrink of Gilbertsville, KY, Bridget Surber of Edmond, OK, Brian Duroche of Omaha, NE, Mark Phillips of Papillion, NE, Susan Thiesfeld of Omaha, NE, and Elizabeth Metcalf of Olathe, KS.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 24^th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Pastor Clayton With officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in the Zeandale Community.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Riley County Fish and Game Association.  Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Leslie Jones (Posted 9/21/20)

Leslie Lynn Jones, 69, of Manhattan, passed away, September 12th, in Topeka.  He worked for the City of Manhattan in the Street and Sewer maintenance Department.

Leslie was born in Manhattan, on January 19, 1951, the son of the late Ruby (Jeeter) Jones and Leslie Lloyd Scott.  He was married to Kathleen “Kathy” (Evans) Jones. on Oct. 14, 1970, Sioux City, Iowa.  He loved to go hunting, fishing, boating, and being with family and friends.

Leslie is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy of the home; three sons Cornel Evans Jones and companion Laura Samuelson, of Salina;  Regan Jones, of Pompano Beach, FL;  Leslie Jones Jr., of Manhattan; two sisters, Marvine Jones-Nephew and Renavay Chatfield, of Manhattan, and his grandchildren Marquise Adams, Aiyana Lynch, Donita Jones.

Leslie was preceded in death by a daughter, Ashley Chatfield, and his parents.

Services are private at the convenience of the family.  The family requests any donations be directed to the American Lung Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation.

Jim Taylor (Posted 9/21/20)

James Dean “Jim” Taylor, age 52 of Riley, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on November 19, 1967 in Concordia, the son of Gerald Dean and Ilah Marie (Metz) Taylor.  He graduated from Belleville High School in 1986.

On August 16, 1993 in Manhattan, he was married to Shari Anne Reed.  She survives of the home.

Jim was the gravel road supervisor for Riley County.  He also worked as an equipment operator for Larson Construction earlier in his career.  He enjoyed playing and watching sports, hunting and fishing, doing mechanic work and making knives from scratch.  He was a loving husband, devoted father and a friend to so many.

He is survived by his wife Shari Taylor of Riley; one son, Lt. Tosh Taylor U.S.N. and his fiance, Lt. Davita Heavener U.S.N. of Iwakuni, Japan, his mother, Ilah Taylor of Belleville; two sisters, Janice Nelson and husband Doug of Bonner Springs and Deanna Derowitsch and husband Kevin of Belleville; his father-in-law, Dennie Reed and wife Karen of San Benito, Texas and one sister-in-law, Denise Davenport and husband Chuck of Riley.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Taylor; one sister, Brenda Sue Taylor and his mother-in-law, Sally Reed.

Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2020 at the Riley Cemetery with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating.  A celebration of Jim’s life will follow the graveside service at 9691 Sherman Road, Leonardville, KS 66449.

Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Kelly Tessendorf (Posted 9/20/20)

Kelly Dustin Tessendorf, born the second son of Randa Tessendorf and Melodie Donnelly Pooler entered the world, April 03,1979, in Manhattan, Ks. Sadly, he passed away, September 14, 2020in Atlanta, Ga.  Kelly lived in Wamego and attended the local schools until he moved with his family toManhattan. He attended Lee Elementary, Manhattan Middle School and Manhattan High fromwhich he graduated with honors in 1997.

Kelly attended Kansas State and Ohio State studying interior design. He was a life-long student,always trying to become better informed and educated. He enjoyed an eager appetite that was never satisfied for knowledge with an interest in everything. He found great pleasure in traveling to different destinations across the map and for a time lived in Ohio, California and Georgia
where he joined his sister, nieces and nephew in Atlanta.

Kelly was extremely inquisitive, a creative and talented artist. He played the saxophone and was
an extraordinary designer. From an early age, he was drawn to the arts, be it music, the theater,
the written word, antiques, and more. Kelly enjoyed collecting unique pieces, especially mid-
century furnishings and art.

He was a huge K-State, Chief`s and Royals fan and savored the time tailgating at the K-State
football games with his family and friends. The love he had for his brother Matthew was
unlimited and he treasured the times they spent together, attending sporting events, fishing,
chasing storms and tornados and many family gatherings.

Without a doubt, of all the things he was in life, he was proudest of being an uncle to Arianna,
Isabella and Eric Matthew. They filled his heart with boundless love and made him strive to be a
better person. In return they freely gave him unlimited love and affection and that in return gifted
Kelly with healing and hope.

For more than ten years, Kelly struggled endlessly with mental illness, unable to come to terms
with the death of his older brother Matthew. His family couldn`t have been prouder of him for
his constant dedication to overcoming the challenges he faced each and every day. To his many
friends, community and family he was a hero and by his actions encouraged us to find our own
strength and fortitude. He served as an excellent example of what it means to never give up. He
met every painful and challenging battle with undying determination and character. He fought
hard to find answers to his illness and to embrace the lessons that were his to learn. The many
battles he courageously fought became too heavy of a burden to carry and he made the
heartbreaking decision to end his life.

Kelly was a most beautiful soul. He was kind and compassionate, always ready and willing to
help anyone in any way he could. He loved animals and had a special connection with cats. He
respected nature and cared deeply about the pain others suffered. In every way possible Kelly
was committed to making the world a better place for all living things and championed every
cause that worked toward that valuable goal.

Kelly was a life-long member of the Riley County Democrats and a passionate advocate for
LGBTQ equality, BLM, animal rights and equal rights for all. He gave and he gave freely of his
time, talent, money and energy to the issues that mattered the most to him.
Kelly was preceded in death by his brother Matthew Tessendorf, father Randa Tessendorf,
grandparents Lawrence Donnelly, Gilbert and Christeen Tessendorf and his two precious felines
Billie and Buddy.

Left to honor his memory and fulfill his legacy include his mother Melodie Pooler, step-father
Ned Valentine, sister Ashley Tessendorf Vargo, nieces Arianna Vargo, Isabella Vargo and
nephew Eric Matthew Vargo. His aunt and uncle, Jane and Bill Conrad and cousins Ari and Sean
Conrad of St. Cloud Minnesota. Jill Weitz of Bronx, New York, Eloitt Weitz of San Diego, his
great Aunt Betty Weitz of Chappaqua, New York and his brother from another mother, Nirav
Bhakta and wife Poonam.

A visitation is planned for Tuesday, September 22, 5-7pm at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen
Funeral Home, Manhattan, Ks. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, September 23 at
11:00 am in the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel. Social distancing will be in effect
and masks are required. Online services will be available on the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen
Funeral Home Facebook page and will be posted soon after the service on the website.
If it pleases you, memorials can be offered to T. Russell Reitz Regional Animal Shelter,
preferably directed toward the care of the cat sanctuary. Contributions may be left in care of the
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at
www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Kelly`s family is deeply grateful and forever indebted to the many friends and wonderful
community that offered unconditional love and support during his long and well fought battle
with mental illness. Please, always remember you made a meaningful and powerful difference in
his life.

Vernon Friesen (Posted 9/17/20)

Vernon Eugene “Vern” Friesen, 89, of Manhattan, died on September 13, 2020.

He was born April 14, 1931 in Buhler, Kansas.  His family moved to Idaho when he was young where he graduated from American Falls High School in 1949, and returned to Kansas to attend Bethel College at North Newton, Kansas.  He enjoyed telling people that during school he played End and Guard on the football team – he sat at the end of the bench and guarded the water cooler.

He performed alternative service, working at a mental health facility during the Korean War, and went on to earn a Masters, and later a PhD.  He got his first teaching job at Pallatine Township High School in Illinois, then served on faculty at McPherson College and KSU, and finally spent many years teaching math at Fort Riley Middle School until his retirement. Through his life he also lived, worked, and learned in Greeley, Colorado and Tucson, Arizona.

Vernon married Wanda Bollinger, and to this union was born three children: Amy (Ward), Janell (Epp), and Jeff.  They later divorced.  He then married Anna Larabee, and became stepfather to Susie (Troutt) and Chuck. Vern and Ann adopted two children, April (Garner-Lake) and Haley.

Vern is survived by Anna and all of their children, three sons-in-law, eighteen grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Vernon was active in the Manhattan Mennonite Church until his health restricted his activities. During his marriage to Anna, they were foster parents to many dozens of children in need of a short term or longer term safe, loving home. It is believed in many cases this was the first safe, loving home some of those children had known. He had been active in Kiwanis, and helped build homes for others via Habitat for Humanity. He was known for a variety of corny jokes which were uniquely Vern – or “Vipz” as he was known in college. Even when hospitalized near the end, when asked how he was doing, he quickly responded “I’m Friesen!” to which the nurse offered a warm blanket, only to be met with a laugh and explanation “no, that’s my name!”  He loved reading the newspaper and watching football.

Due to current health concerns, a private service for his family and church community will be held at a time yet to be determined.

Memorial contributions in memory of Vernon are suggested to Habitat for Humanity.  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

Mardee Gieber (Posted 9/16/20)

Mardee L. Gieber passed away at Clovis Community Hospital in Clovis California on September 3, 2020. She was 77 years old.

Mardee was born in Superior, Wisconsin on November 13, 1942. She moved to Topeka, Kansas when she was 10 years old. It was in Kansas that she met her devoted husband of 58 years. She is survived by Daniel J. Gieber of Fresno, California. He is a native of Ogden, Kansas

Mardee is also survived by daughter, Karen E. Danna (Carl) of New Orleans, Louisiana and son David M. Gieber (Staci) of Danville, California; also her grandchildren: Gabrielle Danna, Ryan Danna, Nicklaus Gieber, William Gieber, Nathaniel Gieber, and Katherine Koh, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday September 19, 2020 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden.  Interment will follow in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Ogden.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in her memory to the organization of your choice. 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

Anthony Roy Rock (Posted 9/16/20)

Anthony Roy “Tony” Rock, age 76, of Manhattan, died August 17, 2020, at Stormont-Vail Health in Topeka.

He was born August 22, 1943, in Junction City, Kansas, the son of William L. and Frances Ruby (Knopp) Rock.

Tony graduated from Kansas State University in 1965 with his degree in Electrical Engineering.  He worked for The Boeing Company on NASA projects and then for Northern Natural Gas Company that later became Enron Corporation as a code compliance engineer for the Gas Pipeline Group.

He loved to bow hunt deer and volunteered for the Corp of Engineers and State Department of Wildlife and Parks annual youth and disabled deer hunt.

On February 23, 1985, at Omaha, Nebraska, he was married to Joleen J. DeCamp.  Mrs. Rock survives of the home in Manhattan.  Additional survivors include his two sons: Anthony “Tony” Rock, Jr. and his wife Meg of Overland Park, KS, and Thomas Rock of Seattle, WA; one sister Linda Gramly of Huntsville, AL; and one granddaughter Gabby Rock.

Cremation is planned with graveside services to be held at a 10:30 A.M. Saturday, September 26^th, at the Wreford Cemetery south of Junction City, KS, with Reverend Ben Duerfeldt officiating.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Youth and Disabled Deer Hunt, in care of the Riley County Fish and Game Association.  Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Robert Parrish (Posted 9/14/20)

Robert James Parrish, age 82, of Glen Carbon, Ill., died September 7, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., from complications due to Parkinson’s disease.

Born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas, Bob was a graduate of Manhattan High School and Kansas State University. He earned his Master’s degree from the Air War College in Montgomery, Ala.

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard, served seven years, and discharged as a sergeant first class to serve in the Air Force. Bob proudly served 30 years as an officer in the Air Force in the fields of command, control, communications, and computer systems and retired as a Colonel at his last command at Scott Air Force Base near O’Fallon, Ill.

Bob always loved watching the Kansas City Royals major league baseball team and after retiring in Illinois, became an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. A patron of the arts, Bob loved bluegrass music and performances at The Hett (Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen) Center for the Arts. Bob was a man of faith and member of the New Bethel United Methodist Church in Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Donald B. Parrish and Hazel A. Parrish, and brother Roger A. Parrish.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Dorothy “Anne” Parrish of Glen Carbon, Ill., and two children, Steven J. Parrish of Boulder, Colo., and Susan D. Parrish of Chesapeake, Virg.

A patriot and highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Bob will be laid to rest at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Ft. Riley, Manhattan, KS.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for the Donald & Hazel Parrish Fund or the Roger Alan Parrish Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be left in the care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502 or Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, IL 62269. Sign the online guestbook at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Treva Hines (Posted 9/11/20)

Treva Maye (Pullen) Hines, age 83, of Manhattan, died August 20, 2020, at Ascension Via Christi Village in Manhattan.

She was born May 25, 1937, in Galveston, Indiana, the daughter of Arthur and Beulah (Langston) Pullen.

Treva graduated from Galveston High School and attended Purdue University for two years.

On August 18, 1957, in Center Church near Young America, Indiana, she was married to Robert Hess Hines.

Treva was a member of the First United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school for many years.

She enjoyed arts and crafts and made many wreaths and dolls from corn shucks. She also volunteered for Homecare and Hospice doing respite care, and also helped at Kansas State University in the Registrar’s office.

Survivors include her husband of Manhattan; one son Brian R. Hines and his wife Donna of Quincy, Michigan; and two granddaughters: Cailyn and Payton.

Treva was preceded in death by one son Jeffrey Dion Hines at the age of 17; her parents, and two siblings: Marjorie in infancy and her brother Marion.

Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 19th , at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Melanie Nord officiating.

Graveside services will be held at a later date in Sheridan, Indiana.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Robert Schalles (Posted 9/8/20)

Robert R. Schalles, age 85, of Manhattan, died June 19, 2020, at Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice in Manhattan.

He was born March 25, 1935, in Durango, Colorado, the son of Philip J. and Ada L. (Werner) Schalles, and had been a Manhattan resident since 1966.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. Sunday, September 13th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. Private family inurnment will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Flint Hills Breadbasket or Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Viola Fogerson (Posted 9/8/20)

Viola M. “Vi” Fogerson, who during a well-established career occupied prominent positions in Manhattan real estate sales and management, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, September 6, surrounded by family members at her residence.

Born June 4, 1935, in Brookfield, Missouri. She was 85 and had been a Manhattan resident since 1959. On January 16, 1955, she was married to William S. “Bill” Fogerson, in Laclede, Missouri. Bill preceded her in death in December 1993. Together, they were broker/owners of Realty Group One. She successfully carried on the business for a number of years after Bill’s death.

Her long love for the Manhattan community led to service at First Christian Church as a board member and lifetime Elder, a series of voluntary leadership positions with the Manhattan and the Kansas Realtors Associations, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and as a mother of three, volunteered for the Parent-Teacher Association, the Girl Scouts of America, Bethel Guardian for the Manhattan Chapter of Job’s Daughters, the Order of the Eastern Star, and taught Sunday school for a number of years. Vi loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed many summer camping trips to Lake of the Ozarks in the RV.

In 1961, she assisted her husband in founding the Manhattan Weather Watch, which was a pioneer for the trained spotters programs that continues today. At various times, she also supported her husband with managing Betton’s Music and Music Village stores throughout Kansas and Missouri including the cities of Manhattan, Junction City, St. Joseph, Springfield, and Columbia.

Survivors include, three daughters, Debbie Guillen, Julie Miller, and Cindy Wichman, all of Manhattan, eight grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Family was everything to Vi. Not a Thanksgiving or Christmas went by without her legendary hot rolls and homemade noodles. She was one of seven brothers and sisters Ramah (Burr) Van Dusseldorp, Leroy Cook and Clara Bliss still survive. She was preceded in death by one sister Francis Smith, and two brothers, Paul Cook and Charles Cook.

The Family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 7:00p.m. Thursday September 10, 2020 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday September 11, 2020 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ben Duerfeldt officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.

Memorial contributions in memory of Vi may be made to the Manhattan Ascension Via Christi Hospital Foundation.  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

Frederick Freeby Jr. (Posted 9/05/20)

At the age of 91, Frederick Raymond Freeby Jr. passed away August 31, 2020 due to Covid-19 complications at Stormont Vail in Topeka Kansas.  Of his immediate family his beloved wife, Janet Ray Freeby, his brother, Ray Freeby, and his sons, Larry and Scott Freeby survive.

Fred was born in Topeka, Kansas July 27, 1929 to Frederick Raymond Freeby Sr. and Nana Mae Freeby.  Fred met Jan during their middle school years in Manhattan. They graduated as sweethearts from Manhattan High School in 1947.  They tied the knot on August 7, 1949 and recently celebrated 71 years of marriage as family members shared music and love outside of their window at Homestead Assisted Living Facility in Manhattan, Kansas.

Fred had a long career in sales with various companies, including Gibbs Clothing, Wassberg’s Auto, JCPenney, and Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors-from which he retired in 2001.  He took great satisfaction in helping families reach their financial goals while enjoying rewarding relationships with his clientele.

Fred was involved in many service organizations including the Rotary Club, Manhattan Shrine Club, the ISIS Shrine in Salina, Jesters Club, the American Legion, and Masons.  He was a charter member of the Solar Kiwanis Club of Manhattan and was honored with the title of Kiwanian of the year in a special ceremony held outside his window.

Fred enjoyed many other social activities with cherished friends over the years including golf, playing cards, dancing to big band music with his sweetheart, and attending McCain events. You could often find Fred at his family’s events as their number one supporter.  Fred’s smile was never brighter than when he watched his lovely wife sing at a Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist church service.

Fred could be found on Poyntz Avenue in a variety of activities.  His family would “buzz” Poyntz when they went for an evening drive. He participated in many parades driving a “vintage” car or beating his chest as a caged gorilla for the Shriners.  He rowed down Poyntz in a boat as a member of the National Guard, helping community members escape the flood waters of 1951.

Fred’s love for his family showed in many ways throughout his lifetime.  Dad and Grandpa were the names he loved best. From Larry Freeby and Pat (Mallon) came David, his wife Ginger (Straw) and their daughter Emily; and Daniel Freeby.  From Scott Freeby and Diane (Sweeney) came Anna, her husband Kent Buys, their sons Milo and Oliver; Claire, her husband Brantley Brooks, their children Maya, Jacob and soon to arrive Bryson Frederick, whose middle name will honor his Great Grandpa’s legacy; and Parker Freeby.

Friends may call on Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas on Wednesday, September 9, from Noon to 8pm to view a special video of Fred’s life in picture and song. A closed casket, social distancing, and masks will be required.  The Freeby Family will not be in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s honor to the Shriners Hospital or The Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church.

A private family gathering and graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 10.  Friends may virtually view the services on the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home Facebook Live page at 10am.  It will also be available for viewing later on their website.

Online condolences can be left for the family through the funeral home website at: www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

John “Dave” Jones (Posted 9/05/20)

John David “Dave” Jones, 67, of Manhattan, KS passed away on August 31, 2020 in Topeka, KS.

Dave was born in Riverside, CA on August 19, 1953. He was a veteran of the armed forces and served in the Army for 27 years. Dave graduated from Manhattan Christian College with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Ethics. He received his Master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Fort Hays State University. He taught criminal justice curriculum at Cloud County Community College for many years, before retiring for the second time. His most recent position was with the Department of Public Works, Master Planning as a Realty Specialist.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Deborah Jones.

Dave is survived by his children: Anneliese Burciaga, Brewster Jones, Michael Jones, and Andrew Jones. He is also survived by his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to come to the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Friday September 11, 2020, to pay their respects.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday September 12, 2020 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Melanie Nord officiating.  Interment will follow the service in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Zeandale.

The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

Karyl Brandon (Posted 9/04/20)

Karyl Brandon, age 76, of Manhattan, died September 3, 2020 at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan.

She was born on February 10, 1944 in Beloit, Kansas, the daughter of Leslie and Dortha (Williamson) Parrish.

She was united in marriage to Junior Brandon.  He preceded her in death on January 21, 2020.

Karyl was also preceded in death by one son.

She is survived by her 3 children, one sister; her five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Private family services will take place at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Zeandale.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House.  Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Dr. Patrick Dreiling DDS MS (Posted 8/26/20)

Joseph Grantham (Posted 8/25/20)

Joseph V. Grantham, 83, of Manhattan, KS, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan, KS.

The family requests any donations be directed to the Manhattan Optimist.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation. 

Katherine Langton (Posted 8/25/20)

Manhattan, Kansas – Family Matriarch and beloved mother, Katherine Alberta Langton gave her final farewell at age 92, passing peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, August 23, at her home. Katherine dedicated her life to being a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always encouraging the pursuit of education and serving others. She will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Katherine was the widow of Allan L Langton. She is survived by her five children, Marcy Wood, of Manhattan; Gregg (Robbie) Langton of Manhattan; Christina (Joseph) Kaiser, of Collinsville, IL; Scott (Jan) Langton, of Pleasant Prairie, WI; Terry (Michelle) Langton of Shawnee; one sister, Janet Dorman, of Concordia. Also surviving are 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister, Joanna Proffitt, of Sterling; two brothers, Bill N Lowell, of Concordia; Darrell D. Lowell, of Savannah, GA

Katherine was born in Talmo, KS, in Republic County, on April 20, 1928, to Thora Alberta (Grinstaff) and Loyd Norman Lowell. She grew up on her father’s farm near Talmo and advanced quickly through the country school she attended before graduating from Concordia High School at the age of 16. She worked for 2 years to earn tuition to Kansas State Agricultural College (K-State). While at college Katherine was a member of Chi Omega sorority. It was in the campus bookstore there in Aggieville that she met standout K-State basketball player Al Langton. They were married on June 6, 1948, in Concordia, KS.

Katherine was known for her hospitality, always welcoming family and guests to gather for a pot of chili on K-State game days. Neighborhood and school friends were always outdoors on the Langton basketball court on the back driveway and remember Mrs. Langton fondly. If she wasn’t home, one could find Katherine at one of her three sons’ basketball, football, or baseball games. She was an excellent seamstress and made most of the girls’ clothes including hip huggers, bell bottoms, prom dresses, and her oldest daughter’s wedding dress. She volunteered at Memorial Hospital’s Gift Shop making many baby layettes to sell. Katherine was an avid reader and golf enthusiast. She also loved traveling and visited destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Great Britain.

Besides running a very busy household, Katherine worked alongside Al, owner of Al Langton Insurance, Inc in the front office for years and helped manage their rentals and Aggieville liquor store. Al’s favorite pet names for Katherine were Kathy, Kack, and Kat. She is lovingly remembered by her grandkids as Grandma Gogo – she was always on the go! Katherine and Al were lifelong season ticket holders to Kansas State football and basketball games and loved everything K-State. They were members of First United Methodist Church, Manhattan, KS.
A graveside memorial service will be held for the family at Sunrise Cemetery.

Memorial gifts in care of Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation, Manhattan, KS can be made to the following:  KSU Speech Therapy Dept., any KSU sports program. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.