Kenny Evers (Posted 6/14/24)
Kenny Evers (Posted 6/14/24)Kenneth Henry “Kenny” Evers, age 63, of Manhattan, died two days before his 64th birthday on June 12th, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan.
He was born June 14, 1960, in Manhattan, the son of Floyd Henry and Mary Martha (Lewis) Evers.
Kenny worked for 18 years at the Kansas State Student Union and then was a well driller and tester for Associated Environmental and travelled the state with his beloved dog Odie.
He loved all animals and enjoyed fishing and being outdoors.
Kenny is survived by his two sisters: Patty Burnett of DeSoto, KS, and Rosie Murphy (Jim) of
Manhattan; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Larry in 1989.
Private family inurnment will be in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. A Celebration of
Kenny’s Life will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 at RC McGraw’s Blue Hills
Room in Manhattan.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Stroke Foundation viahttps://everloved.com/
Contributions may also be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Jerry Nitschke (Posted 6/12/24)
Jerry Nitschke (Posted 6/12/24)Jerry Norman Nitschke, age 88, of Wamego, passed away June 6, 2024, at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
Jerry was born (along with his twin sister, Jermaine Norma) on January 1, 1936, to Otto and Emma (Klundt) Nitschke in Alfred, North Dakota. He was one of twelve children (six brothers and six sisters). He worked on the family farm until 1956.
After leaving the family farm, Jerry joined the United States Army in March of 1956. He went to basic training in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was stationed in Korea for one year during the Cold War, before returning to the United States & stationed at Fort Riley Kansas, where he was a platoon leader and trained new recruits. It was here that Jerry met his future wife, Connie Brockell.
After being honorably discharged from the Army in March 1959, Jerry & Connie got married on May 20, 1960 & spent the next 64 years together.
On February 1, 1961, Jerry went on to work at Manhattan Auto Supply as a store manager, which kickstarted a 49-year career in automotive parts sales & distribution. Throughout that time, he worked for Big A Auto Parts, CM Auto Supply, & Dick Edwards Ford.
Jerry and Connie would go on to have two sons, Steven Ray, born December 1, 1962, & Darin Lee born June 7, 1965.
In 2010, Jerry retired from the parts business. He enjoyed working in his yard and garden, putting together puzzles, and the only options in life to drive were Ford Trucks and John Deere Tractors, according to Jerry. He loved to be around his family and friends and have fun telling jokes and stories of all the mischief he took part in. Jerry was a member of the American Legion in Manhattan, he and Connie always had fun being part of the activities going on there. Most recently, Jerry was able to participate in the Kansas Honor Flight through Wamego High School with his student ambassador, Alexa, this last April.
Jerry was preceded in death by his five brothers, Kenneth (Marian) of Jud, ND; Larry (Shirley) of Jamestown, ND; Emmett (Verdella) of Jamestown, ND; Milton (Jolene) of Jamestown, ND; and Dwight of Alfred, ND. As well as four sisters, Joyce Henne of Alfred, ND; Jeannine Nitschke of Jamestown, ND; Jermaine (Walter) Murray of Roseburg, OR; and Carol (Leroy) Joslin of Antlers, OK.
He is survived by wife, Connie; sons, Steve (Deanna) Nitschke of Manhattan, Darin (Julie) Nitschke of Topeka; Sisters, Darlene (Norbert) Schlenker of Sutterline, OR; Karen Sears of Mt. Vernon, MO. Grandchildren, Dallas (Kaitlin) Nitschke of Salina, Stevie Nitschke of Washington, Madison Nitschke of Topeka, and Joshua Nitschke of Topeka; Great grandchildren, Burch Alan, Kellen Ray, and Emmett Lee.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 14 from 6:30-8:00pm at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Memorial service on Saturday, June 15 at 10:30am at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel.
In honor of Jerry the family asks you to drive your old car or Ford if you have one so he can have one last car show!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kansas Honor Flight, an organization Jerry was most appreciative of. 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 atwww.ymlfuneralhome.com
Dirk Riniker (Posted 6/12/24)
Dirk Riniker (Posted 6/12/24)Dirk Louis Riniker, 67, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024 while surrounded by his family at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas. As the eldest child of Daney and Betty (Colson) Riniker, he was born on June 23, 1956, in Ottawa, Kansas. They later moved to Louisville, Kansas. He attended schools in Louisville and Wamego; and graduated from Wamego High School in 1974.
On August 10, 1979 Dirk was united in marriage to Rebecca “Becky” Ebert at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego, Kansas. The two of them enjoyed nearly 45 years of marriage which included raising their three adored children, Derek Riniker of Wamego, Kansas, Amanda Riniker of Manhattan, Kansas and Dylan Riniker (Victoria Pettay) of Manhattan, Kansas.
Along with his wife and children, Dirk is also survived by his mother Betty Riniker of Louisville, Kansas and his twin brothers, Dan Riniker (Julie) of Wamego, Kansas and Daney Riniker of Westmoreland, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father, Daney Riniker in 2010 and his nephew, Jayson Ebert, in 2021.
Other survivors include his father-in-law, James Ebert (Dorothy Winterman) of Wamego, Kansas; his mother-in-law, Alice Marten (Bob) of St. George, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Denise Carlston of Manassas, Virginia, Rhonda Trudo (Ron) of Manhattan, Kansas, and Lisa Diederich (Tim) of Wamego, Kansas; and a brother-in-law, James Ebert II (Jenni) of Wamego, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews.
Dirk inherited a strong work ethic from his parents at a young age. His first job was at the age of 11, delivering the daily Topeka Capital Journal newspaper to Louisville residents. During and after high school, he worked as a farmhand, first for Buddy Habluetzel and then for Arlo Stockebrand. He later began working as a heavy construction equipment operator for companies including Bayer Construction, Manhattan, Kansas, Midwest Construction, Kansas City, Missouri, and Ebert Construction, Wamego, Kansas. Most of his years were spent with Ebert Construction where he was a natural leader who worked his way up to serving as President and CEO, and was a stockholder with his wife Becky, until his retirement.
During his career, he served in many leadership roles in the local community as well as in the construction industry at large. Locally, he served on the City of Wamego Infrastructure Planning Committee and as a director for the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, both for several years. In the construction industry, he served in many capacities for the Kansas Land Improvement Contractors of America, including as President in 2004 and was named the 2005 Contractor of the Year. For the National Land Improvement Contractors of America, he served as President from 2010 – 2011 and then as a regional director for many years. Dirk also served on the board of directors of the Kansas Contractors Association (KCA) from 2014 – 2019 and was a past chairman of the KCA Grading and Railroad Division. He developed many lifelong friendships with others in the industry, including competitors with whom he shared a mutual respect, regardless of who won a bid.
Work was Dirk’s life and hobby, but other things he loved and enjoyed were time with his family and good friends; fishing and motorcycle trips with buddies; and cross-country road trips with Becky and their friends discovering whatever they might find along the way including “hole in the wall” restaurants and bars, many of which turned out to be hidden gems.
He will lie in-state beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, followed by a visitation where family will greet friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego. Burial will follow in the Wamego City Cemetery.
Gary Niehaus Sr. (Posted 6/12/24)
Gary M Niehaus Sr., age 80, of Manhattan, died June 10, 2024, in Manhattan.
Gary M. Niehaus Sr. was born on October 21, 1943, to Frank and Patricia Niehaus in Bloomington, Illinois. He spent his youth in Illinois and Michigan, playing football in high school.
Gary joined the army as a young adult and served for 20 years. He did one tour in Vietnam and spent most of his time serving in Germany.
Gary was regularly active with the Riley County Flyers.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Christina.
Gary is survived by his wife Monika, his son Gary Jr. (Barbara), his daughter Regina, and grandson Kevin (Emily).
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 2:00 until 4:00p.m. Saturday June 15, 2024, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Private interment will be at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Gary ae suggested to the Riley County Flyers. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Elmo Hartwick (Posted 6/12/24)
Elmo Hartwick (Posted 6/12/24)Elmo F. Hartwick, the son of Robert Hartwick and Pearl Freeland, was born on December 31, 1905, and died on June 6, 1944.
U.S. Army Tech. 4th Grade (TECH4).Elmo F. Hartwick, 38, of Onaga, Kansas, killed during World War II, was accounted for Aug. 21, 2023, as announced by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on Feb. 12, 2024.
In June 1944, Hartwick was assigned to Company C, 149th Engineer Combat Battalion in the European Theater of Operations. On June 6, Hartwick was aboard Landing Craft Infantry (Large) 92, along with roughly 200 other servicemembers, en route to land on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. As LCI-92 steamed toward the shore, it struck an underwater mine, which caused the craft to burst into flames. The craft was also hit by enemy artillery fire, causing an explosion that ignited the ship’s fuel stores and instantly killed everyone in the troop compartment. Due to the situation’s urgency, it was impossible for others to search for survivors. Hartwick’s remains were not accounted for after the war.
Around June 10, members of the 500th Medical Collecting Company examined the wreckage of LCI-92 and noted the burnt remains of servicemen in the troop compartment, where Hartwick and others were last seen. American Graves Registration Command (AGRC), the organization that searched for and recovered fallen American personnel in the European Theater, removed small amounts of remains from LCI-92 and buried them in the United States Military Cemetery (USMC) St. Laurent-sur-Mer.
Beginning in 1946, AGRC analyzed the remains found in LCI-92, segregating them into four separate Unknowns (X-53, X-83, X-83B, and X-83C). Despite their efforts, AGRC were unable to identify the Unknowns at the time and they were interred in Normandy American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Normandy, France.
In June and August 2021, the Department of Defense and ABMC officials exhumed the comingled remains of the four Unknowns and transferred them to the DPAA Laboratory for analysis.
To identify Hartwick’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.
Hartwick’s name is permanently recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
Elmo is survived by his niece, Roberta Tessendorf.
A memorial visitation honoring Mr.Hartwick will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd. Wamego, KS 66547 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 1:00 p.m., Elmo will be escorted by the American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard to the Onaga City Cemetery, Onaga, Kansas for a graveside service with military honors.
A reception will be held at the Onaga Historical Society at 3:00 p.m., 310 E 2nd Street, Onaga, KS 66223.
Virginia Graves (Posted 6/10/24)
Virginia Graves (Posted 6/10/24)Virginia May Graves, age 73 of Clay Center, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.
She was born on December 17, 1950, in Westwood, California, the daughter of Ernest Harold and Thelma Faye (Hufstedler) Little. She graduated from West Plains High School in Missouri.
She was married to William “Bill” Wayne Graves on October 21, 1971, at her parents’ farm in Peace Valley, Missouri. He preceded her in death.
Virginia was a para for the Clay County School District U.S.D. 379 and attended the Clay Center United Methodist Church. She was active in the Clay Center Quilters Guild and attended a sewing group on Wednesdays in Morganville. She was also an honorary member of the Clay Center FFA. Virginia enjoyed quilting, gardening, and her chickens. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she texted them often.
She is survived by her three children, Wendy Sherbert and Greg of Clay Center, Wallace Graves of Clay Center and Cindy Geer and Ray of Clay Center; six grandchildren, Lane Sherbert, Josh Sherbert, Wesley Graves, Reegan Geer, Reece Geer and Ryan Geer; six siblings, Freddy Little and Kathy, Lois Downen, James Little, Lloyd Little and Ellie, David Little and Nancy and Susie Vazquez and Virgilio, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eldon and Francis Graves; a brother-in-law, Gene Downen; two nephews, Vincent and Stewart Graves, and her parents-in-law, Bill and Gladys Steffen.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Clay Center United Methodist Church with Rev. Reuben Langat, Ph.D. officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the funeral and private family inurnment will be in the Highland Cemetery in Wakefield.
A memorial has been established for the Virginia Graves Memorial Fund to be determined at a later date by the family. Contributions may be left in the care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
John Boyd (Posted 6/10/24)
John D. Boyd, 70, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (June 7, 2024) in the emergency room at the Wamego Health Center.
Born September 9, 1953 in in Aransas Pass, Texas. John was the son of Donald and Sallie Ann (Tomlinson) Boyd. He married Patricia “Patti” Allegrini on August 22, 1975 in Goshen, Connecticut. She survives.
John served his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps until his discharge in 1976. Following his discharge, John earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science from Mt. Wachusett Community College in Mt. Wachusett, MA. He began his career in Fire Fighting with the Federal Government as a firefighter at Ft. Devens, MA. John retired, after 31 years of service with the federal government as a fire chief at Ft. Riley, KS in 2004. John continued his service to his community by becoming the Director of Pottawatomie County Emergency Management where he worked for many years. He then was employed by State of Kansas with the Firefighters Relief Act until his retirement in 2014.
An outdoorsman, John enjoyed shooting at the gun range, but he especially loved the time he spent fishing with his young sons, family vacations with his grandsons, and in recent years, corvette and motorcycle rides with Patti.
Survivors include his wife, Patti; two sons, Jeremy Boyd (Chandra) of Little Rock, AR and Eric Boyd (Barbara) of Wamego; two grandsons, Mason Boyd and Jase Boyd; two sisters, Susie Kessler (Dan) and Denise Greer (Randy) both of Carlsbad, NM; and an Aunt, Sis Coley of Roswell, NM.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
John will lie in state beginning at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday (June 12, 2024) at the Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. The family will meet friends for a visitation later that evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 in the St. George Township Cemetery.
Memorial donations are requested to the Flint Hills Bread Basket and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Online condolences may be left at campanellastewart.com
Diane Reid (posted 06/09/24)
Diane Reid, 79, of St. George, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday (June 5, 2024) at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas.
Born September 21, 1944 in Ottawa, Kansas, Diane was a daughter of John and Jean (Manchester) Dennis. She married her first husband, Jack, and had a son, Derrick who both preceded her as a result of an accident. She later married Marion Reid.
Following her graduation from Pomona High School, Diane worked as a telephone operator in Ottawa. She later worked as the manager of the Walnut Grove Mobile Home Park and St. George Mobile Home Park for over 40 years until her retirement.
An animal lover, Diane cared for her Pomeranian dogs, never being without one for many years. She also enjoyed spending her days watching the cats play outdoors. In her free time, she was an avid reader and enjoyed watching all sports on T.V. and especially loved rooting for the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team.
Diane is survived by her daughter, Tanya Baruth (Scott) of Wamego; two grandchildren, Makayla Baruth and Bryce Reid; and two stepsons, Tony Reid (Cathy) and Chris Reid.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack and son, Derrick; and a brother, John Philip Dennis.
The family will meet with friends at a memorial visitation on Sunday evening, (June 16, 2024) from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
Memorial donations are requested to Purple PAWS of Manhattan. Please make checks to Purple PAWS and those may be sent to Campanella & Stewart funeral home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Online condolences may be left at www.campanellastewart.com.
Larry Bowers (posted 06/09/24)
Larry Eugene Bowers, longtime Riley County resident, passed away on May 26, 2024, in his hometown of Manhattan, Kansas after a long hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s.
He was born on June 3, 1939, on a farm East of Munden, Kansas, the second child of Joye William Bowers and Lucille Sunshine (Verley) Bowers. He attended elementary school in rural Gleason, followed by a secondary education in Munden, Kansas where he excelled in basketball and academics. Larry received his B.S. and M.S. degrees, followed by a Doctorate (Ed.D.) from Northern Illinois University in 1966. He took flying lessons while attending graduate school in order to be able to fly from his hometown of Downers Grove, Illinois to N.I.U. in DeKalb, Illinois.
Dr. Bowers worked his way up from student teaching to the position of Principal of a larger suburban High School, west of Chicago, named Downers Grove North High. Later he worked in District Office 99 as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel. In 1973, he moved his young family to Lynchburg, Virginia where he was commissioned to start a K-12 Christian School. During the time the family lived there, they witnessed much controversy over Anita Bryant’s (Miss America) political and religious beliefs.
Larry was later employed by the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals), to give seminars to educators on the use of computers and traveled the U.S. speaking on this “new” technology. Later he returned to his educational pursuits as Superintendent of Schools in his home state of Kansas. First in southwest Kansas and later in 1999-2005 as Superintendent of the U.S.D. 378 Riley County School District. He and his late wife “Nubby” built a beautiful home on West Highway 24, half-way between Manhattan and Riley, Kansas. They enjoyed this “country” home on 25 acres, as well as their nearby Sedalia Church and Congregation. Sadly, Larry’s wife of 39 years, Ruth (Nubby) passed away after a long-extended illness.
Dr. Bowers was an active member of the Downers Grove Kiwanis Club, Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, as well as a D.G. First Baptist Church Deacon who spearheaded the coordination of their K-12 Christian School. Later, as a resident of Manhattan, he was a member of Manhattan’s Rotary Club, Barbershop Chorus, delivered Meals on Wheels, and served as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Manhattan.
Outside of his profession, he enjoyed waterskiing on Lake Geneva, in Delavan, Wisconsin with his son and daughter. He also traveled with his wife to Europe and spent time in D.G. with his brother, Phil and Aleda Bowers with their three children. Larry also cheered his high school’s athletic events and proms, as well as spending time with close D.G. friends. He will be remembered as a loving husband to his wife Ruth Freda (Seeley) Bowers also known as (“Nubby”) and the father to son, Daniel Garrett Bowers and daughter, Mary Amanda Bowers.
While attending longtime friends, Ron and Jan Janasek’s son, Mitchell’s wedding in Ft. Collins, Colorado, Larry met widow Carolyn James Knostman at the reception. Months later they reconnected back in their mutual city of Manhattan, Kansas. They dated for 1 ½ years, and in October of 2004 they were married in the beautiful back yard of Ann McDonald’s Leavenworth Street home. Always up for an adventure, the newlywed couple’s priority was to travel in Europe after years of care-giving their former spouses. This would include: the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, a Western Caribbean Cruise, and cities of New York, Chicago, Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, FL. They travelled with fellow KSU Alums to Greece, Italy, Germany, France, England, Ireland, Switzerland, and Belgium. During their (almost twenty year) marriage, Larry became a long-distance bicyclist and an enthusiastic Kansas State Sports Fan, attending several Bowl Games as well as visiting families in Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, and Florida.
Dr. Bowers was preceded in death by his parents, his late wife, “Nubby” and his daughter, Amanda Bowers, and niece, Tiffanie Bowers Holm. Larry is survived by his wife Carolyn Bowers of the home, his son Daniel Bowers of Georgia/Tennessee, a daughter-in-law Chris Gardener, and his brother, Phillip Bowers (Aleda) and their twin sons, Todd and Lane Bowers and families of Downers Grove and Winter Haven, FL. In addition, he is survived by granddaughter, Kayla Bowers Hay (Justin) and great grandson Logan Hay, as well as sister-in-law, Mary Seely Easton.
Additionally, Larry is survived by his step-children, James Thomas Knostman (Jennifer), Daniel Peck Knostman (Catherine), and Nancy Knostman Supernor (Jamie). As well as six step-grandchildren: Noah, Noel, and Harrison Knostman of New York and Pittsburg, PA, Savannah, Sophie, and Emersyn Supernor of Johnstown, Colorado. Larry was not only a leader in his field and to his families, but his positive, uplifting personality and ever-ready smile will be sorely missed!
Memorial Services will be June 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Manhattan on 8thand Leavenworth with Pastor Kelly Pittman officiating. Immediately following, there will be a reception in Fisher Hall, which is on the lower level of the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date in both Munden and Wamego, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to Meadowlark Parkinson’s Support Group, and/or the First Presbyterian Church of Manhattan. Memorials may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family atwww.apfunerals.com.
Jim Marker (Posted 6/5/24)
James N. “Jim” Marker, DDS, age 79, of Manhattan, died May 19, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born June 23, 1944 in Iola, Kansas, the son of Maryl and Genevieve (Saunier) Marker. Jim graduated from Yates Center High School in 1962. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Education and Science from Kansas State University. He then served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Vietnam for one year. Following his Navy service, he taught High School
in Fredonia, Kansas, for one year. He subsequently attended the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry and graduated in 1976. Following graduation, Jim served again in the United States Navy as a Naval Dental Officer, being stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Jacksonville, FL. Jim joined the Army Reserves as a Dental Officer in 1980 and moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he and his wife opened a General Dentistry Practice. He retired from the
Army Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and in 2012, he retired from Dentistry and moved to Manhattan.
After moving to Manhattan, Jim worked as a delivery driver for Dillons. Dr. Marker also worked
as an Inspector for the Kansas Dental Board for several years. Jim was a huge K-State sports fan. He loved gardening and horticulture, earning an additional bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Kansas State University in 1998.
On November 26, 1977, in Jacksonville, FL, he was married to Marcia Ann Hofman. Marcia
survives of the home in Manhattan. Survivors also include five children: Kristy Marker, DDS of
Birmingham, AL, Kirby Marker of Topeka, KS, Jaime Marker-Hellon (Michael Hellon, Army
Ret.) of Manhattan, Tyler Marker (Connie Marker, PharmD) of Topeka, KS, and Spencer Marker
(Caitlin Marker) of Newnan, GA. Additional survivors include one brother: Dennis Marker of
Yates Center, KS; four grandchildren: Kieran, Lillian, Oliver and Sullivan; and two step
grandchildren: Lorelai and Bishop. Jim was also looking forward to welcoming a fifth grandchild
to be born in September.
A memorial service is planned with full military honors, to be held on June 21, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, KS, 66503. A
Celebration of Life will then take place that day from 3:00p.m.- 5:00p.m. at the family’s home in
Manhattan.
Marion Brenner (Posted 6/4/24)
Marion Paul Brenner, age 92 of Randolph, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Clay County Medical Center.
He was born on May 26, 1932, on a farm in Marshall County, south of Waterville, the son of Aubrey Paul and Georgia Fern (Smerchek) Brenner. He graduated from Randolph High School.
He was married on November 16, 1952, at Walsburg Lutheran Church to Deona Fay Peterson. She preceded him in death on October 2, 2023.
Marion was a lifetime farmer and a dairyman during his earlier years. He was a member of the Peach Grove EUB Church until it closed, and later attended Randolph United Methodist Church and Alert Covenant Church. Marion and Deona went on numerous mission trips to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, helping build churches, and later in life, liked to travel and take trips to Branson. He was a member of the Blue Valley Laymen’s League, Kansas Livestock Association, sold seed for Acco Seed Company and fertilizer for Nachurs Fertilizer Company.
He is survived by four children; John Brenner and wife Becky of Randolph, Trudy Chaffee and husband Mike of Clay Center, Kelley Brenner of Randolph and James Brenner and wife Sue of Randolph; nine grandchildren, Jacob Brenner, Jordan Brenner (Josie), Joe Brenner, Jerod Chaffee (Amy), Luke Chaffee (Kayla), Cody Chaffee (Angie), Kaci Goff (Josh), Justin Brenner (Molly) and Caley Gallimore (Jacob); 23 great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Anita Jensen of California, and his nieces and nephews, Donise Peterson (Dennis), Dick Flohr (Lavon), Gwen Waddell (Barry), and Kristen Wright (Brian).
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Brenner; one sister-in-law, Donna Flohr, and one brother-in-law, Vincent Flohr.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Alert Covenant Church with Pastor Dwight Diller officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Peach Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Marion Brenner Memorial Fund to be distributed to different mission groups. Contributions may be left in the care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family atwww.apfunerals.com.
Robert Kruh (Posted 6/4/24)
Robert F. (Bob) Kruh, 98, a lifelong educator who retired in 1994 as vice provost of Kansas State University, died May 12 at Meadowlark Hills retirement community in Manhattan, Kansas.
He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 15, 1925, the son of Frank O. and Nelle Dee Kruh. His father was a high school chemistry teacher, and his mother was a home economist. After his father’s death in 1937, he, his mother, and sister moved to Lebanon, Illinois, where he completed high school and two years of study at McKendree College (now University) before enlisting, at age 17, in the U.S. Army in 1943.
He completed basic training at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia, joining the 102nd Infantry Division at Camp Swift, Texas. Soon after, he was part of a cadre transferred to Camp Bowie, Texas, where he joined the newly formed 1264th Engineer Combat Battalion. The unit was deployed to Europe in fall 1944, making its way through France, Belgium, and Germany, finally assigned to Gen. Courtney Hodges’ First Army. The battalion joined in the construction of a bridge across the Rhine River for heavy tanks after the last German bridge, at Remagen, had collapsed. At the war’s end in the European theater, his battalion was transferred to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower’s Supreme Headquarters in Frankfurt, where he remained before returning to the United States in 1946. He was discharged with the rank of master sergeant.
Under the G.I. Bill, he enrolled at Washington University (St. Louis), where he met his future wife, Janet Jackson, from Augusta, Kansas, in calculus class. Both chemistry majors, they wed in 1948. After completing his doctorate in chemistry in 1951, he joined the chemistry faculty at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. The next year, he took a chemistry professorship at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, later becoming department chair, and in 1964, dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. During his tenure as dean, he spearheaded the establishment of the university’s creative writing program and the development of what is now the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.
In 1967, he was appointed dean of the Graduate School at Kansas State University, a position he held until 1990, when he became vice provost for academic services. Additionally, he served concurrent stints as acting dean of arts and sciences, acting director of the computing center, and dean of continuing education.
When he arrived at K-State, it was receiving less than $15 million annually in research grants and government support. To address the pressing need for more funding, he established an office to help faculty members secure grants and contracts. Through this focused effort during his tenure, the university was eventually able to attract annual funding exceeding $200 million, putting it on the path to becoming a major research university.
In addition to securing the Regents’ approval of new doctoral degrees, Kruh promoted new graduate programs that involved multiple departments in such areas of study as energy, environment, biochemical science, and gerontology. He also fostered the expansion of continuing education through emerging technology, as well as the growth of the KSU Research Foundation’s support for patenting and licensing faculty inventions and intellectual property.
Kruh was a member of numerous professional organizations, serving as board chairman of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States, board member of the Argonne National Laboratories University Association, president and executive secretary of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, chairman of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Board, board chair for the Council of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Accrediting Association, president of the Kansas State University Research Foundation, and board member of the Kansas Commission on Advanced Technology. He was a longtime member of the American Chemical Society and the American Physical Society. His research work in the study of the molecular structure of crystalline and liquid substances was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Atomic Energy Commission. He was extensively involved in international education for which he was awarded the International Medal from Justus Liebig University (Giessen, Germany). He also served on U.S. State Department delegations to Morocco, Greece, and China to advance international enrollments in the United States.
Locally, he was a board member and president of the Friends of McCain Auditorium, board member and treasurer of the Friends of the Konza Prairie, president and treasurer of the Friends of the KSU Library, founding member and first president of KSU’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, board member and president of the Friends of the Beach Museum, board member of the Manhattan Arts Center, member and past president of the Manhattan Rotary Club, member of the Education Committee of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, council member of First Lutheran Church, tutor at Douglass Center, board member of Homecare and Hospice, and board member and treasurer of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters.
His beloved wife of 72 years, Jan, died in 2020. His sister, Mary Dee Rieke, of Midland, Michigan, died in 1997. He is survived by a son, Lindsay, of Edina, Minnesota; a daughter, Nancy, and her wife, Sarah Wilke, of Nashville, Tennessee.
A graveside service for both Kruh and his wife and interment of their ashes will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road. A reception will follow at the Meadowlark Hills Event Center, 2121 Meadowlark Road in Manhattan.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the local chapter of the League of Women Voters throughmy.lwv.org/kansas/
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.ymlfuneralhome.com
David Ray Murphy (Posted 6/3/24)
David Ray Murphy, age 85, peacefully left his earthly home on Monday, May 27, 2024. It is appropriate that he joined his loved ones in heaven on Memorial Day, a day he cherished with family for years in reverence of those who passed before him.
David was born January 24, 1939, to Mildred (Nye) Murphy and Virgil Murphy. He was a lifetime resident of Riley County, Kansas, attending school in Manhattan and later Keats. He attended Kansas State University from 1957 to 1959, participated in the ROTC program, and
sang in the Men’s Glee Club in its inaugural years. David worked at the Manhattan Public Library, was a carrier for the Manhattan Mercury, and served in the Kansas National Guard, all the while helping many local relatives and neighbors with farm work. After ten years as a Staff Sergeant E-6 in the National Guard, David was discharged from service and began what would become a 36 ½ year banking career. He retired on December 31, 1999, the eve of the new millennium, from his position as Senior Vice President.
David fell in love with his wife, Angela Arlene Schurle, during their high school years, and they
were married on September 25, 1960 at the Keats Methodist Church. David and Angela were
blessed with a son, Dan, and daughter, Becki, four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
David deeply loved his family, and made many memories with them fishing, traveling, skiing,
metal-detecting, and making music. Above all, he loved sharing his love of Jesus with everyone.
He was a faithful attendee of Grace Baptist Church, and served as song leader for about 40 years,
leading the congregation through 3 hymnals and 4 pastors during his tenure! David was on the
Board of Directors for the Philippine Evangelical Enterprises, Inc. (PEEI) and traveled various
times to share Christ’s love in word and action. He knew and loved the Bible, memorizing much
of God’s Word, reciting it, and praying, even until the hour before he left this world.
David will be dearly missed by his wife Angela, son Dan Murphy (Diane) and daughter Becki
Bohnenblust; grandchildren Krista Moore (Branden), Kascha Johnson (Anthony), Anna Murphy
(Ian Thackray), and Zach Bohnenblust; great-granddaughter Taelyn Johnson; and many extended
family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Mildred Murphy, and son-in-law,
Lynn Bohnenblust.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6,
2024 at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Grace Baptist
Church, 2901 Dickens Avenue in Manhattan. Inurnment will be in the Sunrise Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at
www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to either Gideons International or Philippine Evangelical
Enterprises, Inc. (PEEI). Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen
Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
LaVerna Arganbright (Posted 6/3/24)
LaVerna A. Arganbright, age 84 of Waterville, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Blue Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Blue Rapids.
She was born on November 7, 1939, in the Waterville Hospital, the daughter of Selon and Ruby (Ruthstrom) Bergsten. She graduated from Waterville High School in 1957 and went on to Emporia State to earn a bachelor’s degree in education in 1961.
She married Tom Arganbright on May 28, 1961, in Emporia. He preceded her in death in 2011.
LaVerna taught for one year at Blue Rapids Grade School and continued subbing at both schools for many years. She was primarily a homemaker, but for several years, she had a part-time job alongside her husband at the bank. She was very involved in the Waterville community. LaVerna was a caring lady and active in her church teaching Sunday school and Children’s Bible school. She belonged to the Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, American Legion Auxiliary and for many years was a girl scout leader. LaVerna and Tom sponsored a student from Norway, Eli Boe, for a school year and she had a strong interest in genealogy, tracking down her family ancestor’s as well as Tom’s. She loved playing bridge with her friends.
She is survived by her three children, Carolyn (Francis) Arganbright of Waterville, James (Jie) Arganbright of Mesa, Arizona, and Jennifer Arganbright of Denver, Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Corinne Arganbright (late John) of Waterville; one sister, Selene (Jerry) Yungeberg of Waterville; one brother, Konrad Bergsten of Blue Rapids; six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Rita Allen in 2018 and her son, John Arganbright in 2022.
Viewing will be from noon to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with visitation between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. at the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Waterville with Pastor Jacob Schmitz officiating.The musicians will be Beverly Hedke, Francis Arganbright and Kim Oatney. Pallbearers are Thad Arganbright, Craig Arganbright, Toby Arganbright, Treg Arganbright, Ben Arganbright and Allen Yungeberg. Honorary pallbearers are Francis Arganbright, Jim Arganbright, Jerry Yungeberg, Konrad Bergsten, and Laurent Cardon. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery.
A memorial may be made to the St. Mark Lutheran Church and left in care of the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.
Condolences may be left for the family atwww.apfunerals.com.
Dr. Charles Deyoe (Posted 6/1/24)
Dr. Charles (Charlie) Deyoe passed away peacefully following a long illness on May 18, 2024.
Charles Deyoe was born March 12, 1933, in Two Buttes, Colorado, the son of Walter and Iva (Dellinger). Charlie grew up on a farm and graduated from Coldwater (KS) High School in 1950; after attending Kansas State University he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1955. He next enrolled at Texas A&M University, completing first a master’s degree in animal nutrition and then a doctorate degree in biochemistry and nutrition.
Following his graduation Charles began his teaching career as an assistant professor of poultry science at Texas A&M. In 1962 he returned to Kansas as an assistant professor in the Kansas State University feed science program; by 1968 he had earned the rank of professor, and he was awarded the honor of being named Outstanding Agricultural Professor at KSU in 1969.
In 1977 Dr. Charles Deyoe was named Department Head of Grain Science and Industry, a distinction he would retain for 16 years. His commitment to the Grain Science and Industry, Bakery Science, and Milling Science programs would never cease. Dr. Deyoe also became the first director of Kansas State University’s International Grains Program (IGP) in 1978. As an expert, Dr. Deyoe was invited to consult and advise institutions around the globe on wheat quality, milling, and baking technologies. He was at times able to be accompanied by his wife Lois; both enjoyed learning about and experiencing world cultures on these trips. Dr. Deyoe was awarded “Wheat Man of the Year” by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers in 1992 and given the “Full Kernel of Wheat” award at the Wheat Quality Council annual meeting the same year. After his retirement in 1996, Charles Deyoe was named one of nine KSU members who received recognition as a Centennial Lifetime Achievement Award recipient during the 100thanniversary celebration of the Department of Grain Science and Industry in 2010. During his lifetime Charlie Deyoe served as a professional mentor to students at Kansas State University; many of his former students have stayed in touch following their departure from Kansas State as they pursued careers worldwide.
Charles Deyoe was active in the community as well. He was a founding member of St. Thomas More Church, and a 4thLevel Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife Lois delivered Meals on Wheels and baked cookies and treats for residents and staff at the Hospice House. He was active in the Third Age group at his church, and with Lois supported the Friends of the K-State Libraries for many years. In his retirement, Charlie spent time gardening, perfecting his own bread recipes, baking bread for friends and neighbors, learning to make beer and cheese, and always experimenting!
Charles was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife of 68 years Lois; son Michael; daughters Kathy, Nancy, and Sandra; and sister Rita Deyoe-Chiullán. He delighted in the interests and accomplishments of his grandchildren Mary, Deidre, and Sebastian (Charlie). Charles Deyoe was preceded in death by his son Steve; grandson, Steven; Lisa Breining-Deyoe; his parents; seven brothers and one sister.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00a.m. Friday June 21, 2024, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan. Inurnment will be held at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
Memorial gifts may be made in Charles Deyoe’s memory to the Meadowlark Foundation to benefit the Good Samaritan Fund and to St. Thomas More Church. 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 atwww.ymlfuneralhome.com
