Obituaries
Erma McManis (Posted 3/5/2021)
Erma Elizabeth McManis, 95, of Manhattan, passed away early Thursday, February 25th, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community. She was born in Pinole, CA on May 24, 1925, the daughter of the late Arch and Minnie (Roepka) Pawsey. She attended school in Kinsley, Kansas graduating from high school in 1943. On May 25, 1947 after a two-week courtship, she and Ray C. McManis were united in marriage, sharing nearly sixty years together.
Throughout her life, Erma worked as a receiving clerk at JCPenney, a cook at Lee Elementary School, and as a customer service associate at the First National Bank all in Manhattan. Upon Ray’s retirement, they spent time traveling in their motorhome, and winters in Mission Bell, Texas. For the past 16 years, Erma has been a volunteer at Ascension Via Christi hospital, where she was nominated and awarded volunteer of the year by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation in 2018.
Erma was a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and a member of the American Legion’s Auxiliary. She was an avid Kansas State University fan, often calling them Her Wildcats She watched or attended football and men’s and women’s basketball games for over seventy years. In her quiet time, Erma enjoyed doing needlework, often a quilt project. Her loving hugs and witty sense of humor will be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to encounter them.
Erma is survived by her son, Dennis (Linda) McManis of Oak Harbor, Washington, daughter Dianne McManis of Clearwater Florida, five grandchildren Dustin and Erin Herbert, Tracy, Matthew, Kevin McManis, and great-grandson Tucker McManis. Nieces Mary Stamey (Bob) and Connie Hartloff are among many nieces, nephews, and a myriad of friends who remain.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arch and Minnie Pawsey; her husband, Ray C. McManis on October 24, 2006; her son, DeWayne “Mac” McManis in July 2008 and her grandson Daniel Herbert in 2013.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 28th at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1110 College Ave in Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Erma’s name to the church and may be sent to the church or the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Sunset Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.irvinparkview.com.
Nathan Puett (3/4/2021)
Nathan Dean Puett, 30, of Salina, died Friday, February 26, 2021 at Hillsboro, KS. He was welcomed home to Heaven with open arms by his grandmother, Ada Harloff, his father Lester Dean Puett and his sister, Brenda Boland.
Nathan was born January 17, 1991 in Junction City, Kansas, the son of Lester Dean “Butch” Puett and Nancy Domiano Puett. He was a 2009 graduate of Topeka High School and attended Salina Technical School. He was a heavy equipment operator in dirt construction formerly working for TNR Construction Company.
Nathan loved his kids and was a “hands on” dad. He enjoyed video games, disc golf, and grilling, although he was not very good at it. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.
Nathan is survived by his companion, Lauren Tompkinson, his two children, “J.D.” Jensen Dean and “A.J.” Aspyn Jo, both of the home of Salina; his sister Andrea Puett and her boyfriend Chris, and their children: Trenton, Rita, and Jonah, his nephew, Indy Boland and half-brother Jason Puett.
Graveside Services will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Ashland Cemetery, south of Manhattan, Kansas.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 5, 2021 at the Yorgensen -Meloan- Londeen Funeral Home, Manhattan.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Nathan Puett Memorial Fund (checks may be made payable to Lauren Tomkinson). Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Kenneth King Gowdy (3/4/2021)
Kenneth King Gowdy was born on June 25, 1932 in Memphis, Tennessee. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2021 in Lansing, Kansas. His father was Fred Gowdy of Blue Mountain, Mississippi, and his mother was Sena Etna King, of Ackerman, Mississippi.
He attended Delphos (KS) High School where he played basketball and football (class of 1950). There he met and became friends with Dolores Hurtig, who eventually became his wife. He worked for her father in the summers during wheat harvest on a custom combining crew.
Ken attended Kansas State College (now University) from 1950-1955 receiving his B.S degree in mechanical engineering. He was a member of ROTC, the Sigma Chi fraternity, and served as class
president in 1953-54. He received a football scholarship at Kansas State, where he lettered three
years as a center/linebacker. His 1953 Wildcat squad was 6-3-1 and became the first of only four
KSU squads to post a winning record after WWII until the Bill Snyder era began in 1989. His senior
season he was named 2nd Team All Big-7, a 2nd Team Academic All-American, and he played in
the North-South Shrine Football game in Miami.
After graduating, he served in the U.S. Air Force for two years from 1955-57 as a Lieutenant in the
OSI. He went on to receive his M.S. in mechanical engineering from KSU, and his Ph.D. in
mechanical engineering from Oklahoma State University. He had industrial experience with Pratt
and Whitney, General Electric, Boeing, and Continental Pipeline during his Post-Graduate years.
Kenneth and Dolores we were married 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.
During his almost 50-year career at K-State (except for five years at Texas A&M) Dr. Gowdy
served as a dedicated and engaging Professor, Assistant Dean, Head of Engineering Technology,
and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering. He was a mentor to numerous engineering
students. He retired from KSU in 1997, where he remained as an Associate Dean Emeritus. Among
his academic awards are Blue Key at KSU, Phi Kappa Phi at TAMU, and Fellow member of the
American Society for Engineering Education, where he received the ASEE Fellow Honor Award.
As a loyal Wildcat fan, he could be seen wearing his “Golden Cat” cap at football and basketball
games. In recognition of his contributions to Kansas athletics, Ken was inducted into the
Minneapolis Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
He loved to read books on subjects such as Christianity, science, physics, philosophy, biography
and history, and for many years he participated with friends in a book club. Ken had a strong belief
in God and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Kansas, serving as
serving as a Sunday School teacher and a Deacon. His early morning prayer and reading scriptures
evolved into writing poetry. In 1994, he published two collections of poetry called “The Beauty of
God” and “The Wondrous Works of God.” He spent countless hours doing genealogical research on ancestors and scanning family photos. He was especially proud of his Scots-Irish ancestry and
visited Ireland with his wife.
A devoted and beloved husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, he will be greatly
missed. His many sacrifices for his family, friends, and others, along with his generous acts of
kindness, friendship, and love, both seen and unseen, will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel Dolores, his oldest brother, Fred Wayne Gowdy (Tommie Lee),
younger brother, Daniel E. Pilcher (Madie), sister, Patricia A. Pilcher/Theurer (Byron), and two
sons, David (Norlene) and Mark (Teresa). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother
Robert Lewis “Bob” Gowdy, his son Michael, and his daughter Elizabeth. He has eleven
grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.
A visitation for friends and family will be held Friday evening, March 12th, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at
the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
A private memorial service and burial will be held Saturday afternoon, March 13 th , at the Delphos
Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at
www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the KSU Foundation in honor of Kenneth King Gowdy.
Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Laura Varney (Posted 2/26/21)
Laura E. (Speer) Varney was born on August 16, 1933, at a farm home near Clearwater, Kansas. She died on February 24, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, at the age of 87. Her parents were Wendell and Rae Speer of Clearwater, KS.
Despite the hard work and chores, Laura enjoyed her life on the farm. She was active in 4-H for many years.
She attended a one-room school house for grades 1-3, but then transferred to the Clearwater school system. In the 5th grade, she was asked to play in the Clearwater High School marching band for two reasons: she was quite tall for her age and was already a very proficient clarinet player. In high school, she won many Kansas state music contests on the clarinet. She was the Valedictorian of her 1951 high school graduating class.
At Kansas State College, she was treasurer of her sorority (Pi Beta Phi), a judge on the College Student Tribunal, and a member of the K-State marching and symphonic band. She graduated in July 1954, after only three years and one summer of collegiate study.
Laura met her husband, Bill, in the K-State Band (they both played clarinet). They married on August 15, 1954. He was called to active duty in the U.S. Air Force in September 1954, to serve in French Morocco. Laura joined him several months later, and they lived in Rabat, Morocco for two years during which the country gained its independence and their first child, Susan, was born. They returned to the U.S. in the fall of 1956 and lived in Salina, KS, for three years. In 1959, they moved to Manhattan and she helped Bill establish a local CPA practice.
In the early 1970’s Laura attended graduate classes at K-State and earned her master’s degree in Clothing and Textiles. Shortly thereafter, she commenced teaching at K-State and taking more classes. In 1981, she earned her PhD degree and was the second student to earn a doctorate degree from the KSU College of Health and Human Services.
Laura retired from teaching at K-State, but kept quite busy in forming a business corporation with her oldest son, Doug, called Clothing Design Concepts. Laura had designed “Perfect Fit” BASIC PATTERNS FOR WOMEN and Doug programmed a computer/plotter to draw individual patterns. They sold customized sewing patterns for women worldwide who had a hard time finding ones that fit.
Laura served for many years as the alumnus financial advisor and as an officer of the House Corporation for the local chapter of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon, and one of the first elected female Elders. She also was the head of the church’s food pantry at one time.
Laura was quite active in the local Girl Scouts organization. She was not only a leader of a group of girls but also was in charge of the Girl Scout Little House and all cookie sales in the Manhattan area one year.
Laura served on the Board of Directors, as Treasurer, and as President of the Flint Hills Breadbasket.
Laura is survived by her husband Bill of the home; her four children: Susan Koester of Concord, CA, Doug Varney and his wife Daryl of Naperville, IL, John Varney and his wife Namhan Le of Issaquah, WA, and Heather Gritton and her husband Joe of Manhattan; seven grandchildren: Laurel Koester, Kathy Wester (Brian), Jeanine Varney, Robert Varney, Kim Varney (Noah), Cole and Casey Gritton; and three great-grandchildren: Jackson, Travis and Daisy Wester.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings: Dorcas Severance, Klonda Speer and Edward Speer.
Cremation is planned with a private family service. A public service will be held at a later date when it is safe for everyone to attend.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the First Presbyterian Church or Smile Train. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Fred Williams (Posted 2/26/21)
Fred Williams passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021, after a long battle with cancer and recent complications from COVID-19.
He was a warrior until the end. Fred grew up in Kansas and was a proud alumnus of Kansas State University; however, Columbia, South Carolina, was considered home. Fred loved to travel and had a passion for volunteering and charity work throughout the community. He never met a stranger and dedicated thousands of selfless service hours with his trademark smile. He genuinely engaged with every person he met, asking thoughtful questions and making you feel like the most important person in the room. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Thelma Williams; sister, Patricia “Pat” Zarger, and brother, Roland “Rod” Williams.
He leaves behind many friends and family that loved and cared for him dearly. As he often liked to say, “Make it a Great Day and Keep Smiling”.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Private family inurnment will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, is handling local arrangements.
Lorine Woodworth (Posted 2/22/19)
Lorine Kay Woodworth, age 67 of Manhattan, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
She was born on October 29, 1953 in Manhattan, the daughter of Edward Sylvester and Thelma (McCarty) Allen.
On April 4, 1970 she married Danny Woodworth. He survives of the home.
Lorine worked for Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, retiring in 2014. Following her retirement she worked as a Para in local schools, most recently at Bergman Elementary. She loved all of her grandchildren and enjoyed visiting the mountains in Colorado and working in her yard and garden.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children, Brian Woodworth and wife Heather of Riley and Lorie Massey and husband Allen of Manhattan; three siblings, Cindy Jordan and husband Ernest of Florida, Annette Bullard and husband Ray of Riley and Eddie Allen and wife Wanda of Riley; four grandchildren, Kyla, Jaiden, Miah and Eva and two great grandchildren, Liam and CeCe.
She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant daughter, Laura Michelle Woodworth.
Cremation is planned and a private family inurnment will be held in the Grandview-Mill Creek Cemetery.
A registry book will be available to sign at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home starting on Wednesday, February 24, 2020 through Friday, February 26, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Lorine Woodworth Memorial Fund to be determined at later date. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
William Morton (Posted 2/19/21)
William Morton II (Bill), of Manhattan, KS, passed away on February 18, 2021, at the age of 77.
Bill loved his family more than anything. He was a good and kindhearted person. He worked as a custodian for most of his life with USD 383 and then with KSU. Bill enjoyed bowling with a group of friends after his retirement and listening to all his records. He had a great sense of humor and loved to talk politics (if you were in agreement with him). He was a lifetime, Democrat. When Bill found out he had cancer and was told he had 2-4 months to live, his dying wish was to make it to January 20th to see Biden inaugurated, and he got that wish.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years Connie (Patnode), children Jim Morton, Manhattan, KS, Kendra Sutton, Albuquerque, NM, Bob (Beth) Morton, Grandview, MO, 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sister Coralee Havens, Olympia WA, his best buddy Dan Ridley, and his dogs Hannah and Teddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sarah Sexton.
No services are planned at this time. Donations can be made to Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.
Delores Banks (Posted 2/19/21)
Delores Ann (Gamino) Miller Blanks, age 70, of Topeka, passed away January 29, 2021, with
her family by her side.
She was born September 4, 1950, in Manhattan, KS, the daughter of Guadalupe “Lupe” and
Alvena (Belaire) Gamino.
Delores attended local schools and proudly graduated from Manhattan High School with class
of 1968. She was baptized at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan, and was also a
member of the Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation in Mayetta, KS.
She was married to Harold Dean Miller and he preceded her in death in 1986. She later married
Robert Blanks and he preceded her in death in 2013.
Delores’ joy in life was taking care of her family and children. She always came back to
Manhattan for holiday dinners and birthday gatherings for her parents and siblings. Delores had
a big heart for fostering children, later adopting two brothers, though she couldn’t adopt them all.
Delores worked for the Topeka Housing for many years as an inspector, did some home-health
care, and worked at the Prairie Band Pottawatomi Government Center in finance.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, sewing, reading, fishing, going to the casino
and just having fun win or lose. She was always quick to give advice, always liked to hear about
the Manhattan changes, even saying sometime she would like to move back to Manhattan. Her
favorite saying was “nothing is promised”. She will be missed by all that knew her. Now we
can say “she is home”.
Survivors include her children: Mark Miller and his wife Julie of Topeka, Christopher Miller of
Topeka, and Paul Miller of Emporia, KS; her sisters: Marita Saunders and Tammy Gamino; her
brothers: Ronald Gamino, Johnny Gamino, Lupe Gamino, Jr., and Tony Gamino; her
grandchildren: Anthony, Robert, Jaya and Mya Miller; and a large extended family and many
friends.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 25 th , at the Yorgensen-
Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Father Kerry Ninemire officiating. Inurnment will follow
in the Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 1:00 P.M.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at
www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502,
is assisting the family with services.
Sandra Hobbs (Posted 2/19/21)
Sandra Jean Hobbs, age 74, of Manhattan, died February 18, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi
Hospital in Manhattan.
She was born September 8, 1946, in Manhattan, the daughter of Lowell Harcrow and Mildred
Ruth Scott. She earned her Manhattan High School Diploma at the age of 70 through the Adult
Learning Center.
Sandra was married to Kenneth Frank Scriven, they later divorced.
She worked for 15 years at the Simmons Chicken Plant as a leg processor.
Sandra was very devoted to her family. She enjoyed sewing, her antique fire truck, fishing,
collecting camaras, and loved all animals.
Survivors include her two children: Lisa Bostater and her husband Thomas of Grove, OK, and
Kenneth Scriven and his companion Vickie of Anderson, MO; five grandchildren: Cullin Seneca,
Valeria and Victoria Scriven, Heather Macy and Stephanie Allen; six great-grandchildren; four
siblings: Joan Nyce of Georgetown, TX, Richard Harcrow of Hays, KS. Bill Harcrow of Nevada,
and Helen “Carol” Clark of Derby, KS; her caregiver and cousin Leon Havens; and her adopted
brother Jack Scott.
She was preceded in death by her parents; adopted mother Nellie Scott; and three siblings:
James, John and Tom Harcrow.
Cremation is planned with private family services.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at
www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA. Contributions may be left in care of the
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Charles Storey (Posted 2/19/21)
Charles L. Storey, 90, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan, Kansas. He was born in Mulvane, Kansas on April 3, 1930, to Ottie J. and Mary (Ferguson) Storey. He graduated from Mulvane High School in 1949. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1953. He married Marilyn Grant on June 14, 1953. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp from 1953-1955, and then returned to Manhattan to work as a research biologist for the United States Department of Agriculture at the Grain Marketing and Research Center. His areas of research specialized in the long-term storage of grain and other agricultural products. He retired in 1985 after 30 years with the USDA/ARS, but his expertise allowed him to consult with large and small companies for many years after retirement. He was a featured speaker at international conferences and was proud to say that he had traveled all over the world. His life lifelong hobbies included fishing, woodworking, and photography. Charles was a devoted husband, a supportive father, and grandfather, a loyal friend to those he regarded as family and he loved his standard poodles.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and sisters Virginia and Mary Jane.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters, Gretchen Barclay and husband Dane, of Scandia, Kansas, Dee Minge and husband Doug, of Bremen, Kansas, and son Clayton Sorey and wife Staci, of Topeka, Kansas, seven grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Cremation is planned. A celebration of life will be scheduled when it is safer for family and friends to gather.
A memorial fund has been established at the Good Shepherd Hospice House 3801 Vanesta, Manhattan, Kansas 66503, or you may make a contribution to your charity of choice in memory of Charles.
Ronald Fecteau (Posted 2/18/21)
Ronald E. Fecteau, Jr, 78, of Manhattan, KS, passed away Friday, February 12, 2021.
Ronald was born on April 30, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, to June Harrison and Ronald Fecteau, Sr.
He worked as a projectionist for the theaters in Manhattan, KS, as well as a custodian for the Manhattan School District until he retired. He later worked as a driver for Ed Schram Dodge.
He was a member of the Optimist Club.
Ronald is survived by his wife Linda Fecteau, his son, Paul Fecteau and wife Keli Huddleston, of Rossville, KS, one granddaughter Elizabeth Fecteau, his brothers Alvin (Frank), Norman, and Ralph Fecteau, his sisters Ellen Fecteau and Violet Brandwein, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There are no arrangements at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.
John Richard (Posted 2/12/21)
John Anthony Richard age 67, of St. George, died peacefully at home February 10, 2021, following a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born May 31, 1953 in Crete, Nebraska to Matthew and Angeline (Racette) Richard.
He graduated from Concordia High School in 1971 and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Kansas State University in 1991. John became a very respected and beloved vocal music instructor teaching first at Ogden then at Bergman Elementary schools until his retirement in 2015. His passion in teaching inspired many students realize their own musical talents.
John played in a variety of rock and country bands throughout his lifetime as a drummer, bass player and vocalist. One of the first bands at age 12 was “Maurene and the Marksmen” and the last band enjoyed by many in the Manhattan music-scene lovers was “Three of a Kind”. His vocal and instrumental talents were celebrated in 2019 when he was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame as a member of the band FYRE in which he played from 1971 to 1981. John was a member of the Little Apple Barbershop Chorus and was especially proud of his summer “gig” with the honorary title as, “The Voice” of The Manhattan Municipal band.
When John wasn’t playing music he loved to read, mow, or spend time with the grandkids. John is survived by his loving wife Sandra (Michaelis) Richard, by his son David Richard (Kirby) of Topeka; stepsons, Tim Jones (Marie) of Kansas City, Reid Jones of Manhattan, and Brian Jones, (Sarah) of Beaver, Oregon; two sisters, Maurene (Richard) Miller (Dan) of Fresno, Ca., Paula (Richard)Miller of Visalia, Ca.; 6 grandchildren and numerous amazing nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Paul and Donald Richard.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 1:00 until 3:00p.m. Friday February 19, 2021 at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2900 Kimball Avenue in Manhattan. To keep everyone safe masks and social distancing are required.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions for John may be made to KMEA; Kansas Music Educators Association for a Future Music Educator Scholarship. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. 1616 Poyntz Ave. Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left foe the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
David Silva (Posted 2/11/21)
David J. Silva, age 76, of Manhattan, died Tuesday February 9, 2021 at the Via Christi Village in Manhattan.
David Julian Silva was born on January 9, 1945 in Mexico City, the son of Leo and Aida Silva. He moved to the US at 4 years old, he graduated from Seven Dolor Dolors Catholic school in 1964. He had a great life traveling back and forth to Mexico.
He met his wife Lourdes in East LA; he followed his heart to Queens NY to be with her when she moved. They married in 1975. They were blessed with two children, Joseph and Wendy. David moved his family to Manhattan, KS to work with his parents at their family business in Ogden, KS. David passed on The Hillside Café to his son, Joe still runs the family business with his mother, aunt and other family members which is now in Manhattan, KS. He enjoyed the kids that grew up coming to the Hillside, where some called him the Bird Man with his famous melodious whistling. David was a beloved member of the community; he was also a volunteer firefighter for 20 years and loved serving the town of Manhattan and Ogden.
In addition to his wife and children, David is also survived by his son in law Eldon Michal and daughter in law Cabrini Silva. David welcomed his only grandson Benicio Silva in 2012, a very proud moment in his life. David’s brother Raúl, sisters Dolores and Rosalinda, brother and sister in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews all survive him in Mexico, LA, Denver, and NY were all very involved in his final days, sent all their love via video chat.
He will be missed but he left behind wonderful memories and a family business with his wonderful family recipes for all to keep enjoying.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday February 16, 2021 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Memorial contributions in memory of David are suggested to the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Manhattan Fire Department, or the MRSA Research 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
Gerald Backman (Posted 2/11/21)
Gerald L. Backman was born October 16, 1930 in VIiets, KS to Donald Backman and Edith Vandorn. He spent his entire life in the Vliets community until his death on February 8, 2021 surrounded by family.
He graduated from Frankfort High School in 1948, a letterman in multiple sports, but his love of baseball outshined them all.
Bud played collegiate baseball for Kansas State University from 1948 to 1950, lettering his second year. However, he left Kansas State to take over the family farm in 1950 when his father died. He remained an avid Kansas State fan and season ticket holder of baseball, basketball, and football with the family still sitting in the same football seats today.
He married Betty Dean McLean of Fostoria, KS on November 11, 1956 and at that time, went back to Kansas State to complete his Agriculture degree in 1958. He put his degree into practice as a grain and livestock farmer until his death caused by complications of COVID.
Bud served on multiple boards and sold insurance in Marshall and Washington County Kansas, as well as in Nebraska, and Missouri for many years.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol Rasmussen, brothers Richard Backman and Howard Backman. He is survived by his wife Betty of the home, son Ron Backman, daughters Karla (Terry) Bishop, all of Vliets and Gayla (Dennis) Randel of Frankfort, as well as six grandchildren (Jeremy (Liz) Bishop, Jessica (Hunter) Oswalt, Devin Randel, Brennan Randel, Sam Backman and Jack Backman), a great grandson Bryson Bishop, and many nieces and nephews.
Respect calls will be held on Saturday February 13, 2021 at the Salem Lutheran Church, 2590 Navajo Road, Axtell, Kansas from 1:00 until 3:00p.m.
Funeral services will be private.
A memorial is being established to support the Frankfort Youth Ball Association; contributions may be made to the Bud Backman Memorial Fund. 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
Jennifer Chatfield (Posted 2/9/21)
Jennifer G Chatfield, 52, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
A visitation will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, February 13, 2021, with a Memorial Service to follow, at Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.
Ida Jane Leupold (Posted 2/8/21)
Ida Jane Leupold, age 77, of Manhattan, died February 1, 2021 in Manhattan.
She was born on August 20, 1943 in Junction City, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas and Frances (Kelley) Moyer. She attended schools in the area and graduated St. George High school with the class of 1961.
On April 10, 1973 in Manhattan, she was united in marriage to Larry Leupold. He preceded her in death on December 15, 2018.
Ida’s joy in life was taking care of her family and children. She was a daycare provider for many years. Also, Ida was a guardian for many disabled adults during her life. Ida was an Educational Advocate for several children. She was appointed by the mayor as the Resident Commissioner for the Manhattan Housing Authority. She was on the board of commissioners for over 20 years.
She enjoyed reading, NASCAR, nature, feeding the deer, birds and rabbits, traveling across the country for work and pleasure. Ida cherished her time with her grandchildren, her grandkids called her fun grandma. She always said her greatest achievement was being a mother and grandmother.
In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Kandy White; siblings: Mary Moyer, Serena Schlink, and Lois “Bo” Moyer; and her grandchildren: James, Jayne, and Annie.
Ida is survived by her children: Camelia Owens of Manhattan, Bill White (Kim) of Topeka, and Keneene Archuleta-Leupold of Manhattan; her sister Faith “Loni: Nelson (Albert), of Topeka; and her 20 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.
Celebration of Life services for Ida will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday February 13, 2021 at the Crestview Christian Church, 4761 Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan, with the Pastor Devin Wendt officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions in memory of Ida are suggested to the Manhattan Public Library Children’s Department. 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
Joel Patrick Wade (Posted 2/8/21)
Joel Patrick Wade, age 71, of St. George, passed away on February 4, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Village in Manhattan.
He was born July 8, 1949, in Glendale, CA, the son of Patrick and Alice Huttelbell Wade.
Joel graduated from high school in Costa Mesa, California.
He joined the United States Army in July of 1973. served for 6 years, and was Honorably Discharged in April of 1979. He received the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter certification on an M-16 rifle.
On May 14, 1977, at the St. George United Methodist Church, he was married to Beverly Faye Kuyper.
Joel earned his welding certificate from Manhattan Area Vo-Tech. He was a welder for several years and then worked for 15 years as a mechanic at Fort Riley Federal Civil Service.
He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40 & 8, NRA, ABATE, and the Patriot Guard.
Joel enjoyed collecting coins, riding motorcycles, but most of all he loved and was devoted to his family.
He was preceded in death by Beverly on November 21, 2012, by a grandson Chad in 1999, and by his brother Terry.
Survivors include his three children: Bridget Jo Wade of St. George, KS, Shaun Patrick Wade and his wife Andrea of Hutchinson, KS, and Ashley Dawn Gill and her husband Jason of Parrish, FL; five grandchildren: Olivia Inman, Brent Wade, Mia Wade, Allyson Gill and Cooper Gill; and his brother Phillip Wade of Huntington Beach, CA.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 10th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home with Reverend Ben Duerfeldt officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, to help with funeral expenses.
Robert Arthur Brunner (Posted 2/5/21)
Robert Arthur Brunner, 51, of Saint Marys, KS, passed away Thursday, February 4th, in Manhattan.
Bob was born on October 17, 1969, to the late Larry Brunner and Katherine Cox in Manhattan. Fondly remembered as “Big Bob” he worked several jobs throughout his life to include being a construction laborer for the University of Iowa, and also the “cement man” as many will remember him while he worked at Valley Concrete in Belvue.
The green thumb that he was will be remembered by several, especially for his tomatoes, and his almost acre garden that he raised. While he was a gardener, he was also known to be pretty good at the grill station and will be remembered by many for his personality and comical approach, and of course a HUGE fan of both K-State and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Preceding him in death is his father. Survivors include his mother Katherine of Manhattan; Brother Tim Brunner of Wamego; long time girlfriend Lissa Vanduesen of Saint Mary’s; nieces and nephews; Cheyanne Brunner, Zachery Brunner, Michaela and Ben, three sisters-in-law and family friend Jolene Nocktonick.
Due to the current pandemic, no services are scheduled at this time; however, the family will host a celebration luncheon in honor of Robert at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation.
Online condolences to the family may be sent through www.irvinparkview.com.
Maria Rosales (Posted 2/5/21)
Maria De La Luz Rosales de Porras, 68, of Lawrence, KS, Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
Maria was born in Torreon, Mexico on October 3, 1952, to Amelia Cortez and Juan Rosales.
She was the widow of Jesus Jose Porras.
She was a member of the Jehovah’s Witness for 44 years.
Maria is survived by her two daughters, Karina Porras de Argueta and her husband Libni Argueta of Lawrence, KS and Brenda Porras-Rosales, of Manhattan, KS, her 7 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 PM till 5:00 PM on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation in Manhattan, KS. Graveside Services will be held at the Sunrise Cemetery Manhattan, KS, on Monday February 8, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson’s Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.