Esther Elaine Likes, 94, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Sunday, October 20th, 2019.

Esther was born in Emporia, Kansas on July 4, 1925, a daughter of the late Olive (Weeks) and John Lehnherr.

Esther married Thomas Likes on October 15, 1944 in Emporia, Kansas.

She retired from Salina Orthopedic as the Office Manager.

Survivors include sons, Thomas Dee Likes (Terry) of Larkspur, Colorado, George Alan Likes (Debbie) of El Dorado, Kansas; daughter, Luanne Smith (John) of Brookville, Kansas; five granddaughters, Staci Biskie of Hays, Kansas, Melissa Wescott (Mark) of Topeka, Kansas, Hayley Wildy (Matt) of Kailua, Hawaii, Stacy Polzar (John) of Topeka, Kansas, Karody Robbins (Brett) of Brookville, Kansas; three grandsons, T.J. Likes of Austin, Texas, Grady Likes (Kelly) of Marysville, Indiana, Kirby Smith (Joni) of Goessel, Kansas; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her husband, and granddaughter, Mandy Likes.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 23rd from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Carlson – Geisendorf Funeral Home with family present from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 24th at the funeral home, with Pastor Lori Persigehl officiating. Burial will follow at Brookville City Cemetery Brookville, Kansas.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Salina or the Brookville United Methodist Church, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio, Salina, Kansas 67401.

Tuesday, April 25th, 1933 – Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019

An obituary is pending with Carlson-Becker Funeral Home, Solomon.

Click HERE for service details.

Glade resident Dean Walter Klink passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019, in the Phillips County Retirement Center, Phillipsburg, at the age of 85.

He was born April 9, 1934 in Speed, KS the son of Walter C. and Louise I. (Kinter) Klink. He served in the Army. He was an electrician for the Coop Refinery in Phillipsburg.

Dean was united in marriage to Bethel J. Hilbrink on January 1, 1956 in Phillipsburg, KS. She survives of the home in Glade, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Michelle Klink Ferreira.

Other survivors include his sons, Mitch of Glade, KS and George of Norton, KS.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 28, 2019 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Belmont Cemetery, Speed.

Mr. Klink will lie in state from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday and Noon until 9 p.m. Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661, where the family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday evening for visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Phillips County Retirement Center.

Patricia Ida Mae Baxter, 92, passed away October 22, 2019, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born January 22, 1927, at Great Bend to Charles Franklin & Nannie Sylvie (Wilson) Younkin. She married Hiram Joseph “Hi” Baxter, Jr. January 25, 1947, at Great Bend. He died May 9, 2011.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Patricia was the business manager for the First United Methodist Church. She was a member of PEO and United Methodist Women. She was a former board member for the Library, Great Bend High School class President for 2 years, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother and past President of Panther Parents.

Survivors include, five children, Jeffrey Lynn Baxter and wife Connie of Leavenworth, Charles Joseph Baxter and wife Karen of Basehor, Nancy Kathryn Baxter of Great Bend, Lori Anne Underwood and husband Jeff of Lawrence and Alan Eric Baxter of Great Bend; 13 grandchildren, Dustin Baxter and finacé Sarah Lockwood, Tara Talley and husband Trent, Olivia Natelli and husband Kenny, David Baxter, Jonathan Baxter, Lindsay Baxter, Patrick Underwood and wife Makenna, Megan Berger and husband Chris, Kelly Blackburn and husband Logan, Chelsea Underwood, Robbie Underwood, AnnaLeesha Huddelston and husband Cody, and Addison Baxter; and 11 great grandchildren, Arthur Baxter, Hunter Talley, Wyatt Talley, Avery Talley, Magdelyn Talley, Aurora Natelli, Audrey Underwood, Landon Berger, Matthew Berger, Owen Blackburn, and Charley Rose Huddleston. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hiram Joseph “Hi” Baxter, Jr.; four brothers, George Younkin, Dwight Younkin, Merrill Younkin, and Wayne Younkin; one sister, Frances Fox; and one grandson, Jordan Baxter.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Morita Truman presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Larry Leroy Roulier passed away at Brighton Place, Topeka Kansas on October 17th, 2019 at the age of 81.

Larry was born in Goodland, Kansas on September 9th, 1938. He graduated from Brewster High School in 1956. He worked as farmer and a truck driver. On August 8, 1959, Larry married Diane Daniels in Goodland, KS. To this union, two children Marc and Brad were born.

Larry enjoyed driving his pickup around the country side and looking at crops, visiting with friends, and telling stories of his early years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Amedie Roulier and Wiletta (Rawson) Roulier.

He is survived by his loving wife Diane of 60 years; Son and Daughter in-law, Marc and Tina Roulier of Russell, Kansas, Son and Daughter in-law, Brad and Amanda (Aschenbrenner) Roulier of Brewster, Grandchildren Dara (Roulier)and Jerray Nichols, Brett Roulier, Kara Roulier, Bryce Roulier and one great grandson, Ryklin Nichols.

Private family visitation was held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

A graveside memorial service will be held on October 31, 2019 at 10:30 AM MT at the Goodland Cemetery with Father Andrew Rockers officiating.

Memorials may be designated to Brewster U.S.D. 314 and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland

Viola Heronemus, age 96, of WaKeeney, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, Long Term Care, WaKeeney.  Mary “Viola” was born in Trego County on January 24, 1923, to Jacob and Mollie (Wolf) Stenzel. 

Viola attended Trego County Rural School.  She was baptized and later confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church, rural WaKeeney.  Viola loved music, but did not read a note.  She self-taught herself to play the piano, guitar, and the mandolin.  She and her sister, Martha, played and sang on the radio in Dodge City, KS., until their father needed them more on the farm to help with all of the chores.  Many times at family gatherings, when everyone would start singing, Mom would sit down at the piano and “tickle the ivories” to any tune we sang.  Our Mom had a multitude of talents…baking, cooking delicious meals, crocheting, embroidery work, sewing quilt tops, and the endless hours of time spent at her sewing machine.

On January 5, 1947, Viola was united in marriage with Ray Heronemus in the Zion Lutheran Church, rural WaKeeney.  To this union four children were born.  They celebrated 50 years of marriage.  Ray passed away December 18, 1997.

While her home and family were her priority, Viola also worked in the kitchen at the WaKeeney Grade School, and later working at the Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in both the housekeeping department and later the laundry department. 

Viola was a lifetime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary, both of WaKeeney.

Viola thoroughly enjoyed her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.  She attended many ball games, school activities, picking them up from school, and countless hours of babysitting.

Survivors include Mary Lee Dennis (Lee), of Parker, CO, Sherry Papes (Dean), of Woodland Park, CO, Leana Garrett (Kent) and Gary Heronemus (DeeDee), all of WaKeeney; grandchildren, Adrian Murphy (Neng) of Hilo, HI, Cory Garrett (Ashley) and Cody Garrett (Lisa), all of WaKeeney, Kelsey Gabrielson (Matt) of Hutchinson, Will and Cade Papes of Salina, Kayla Heronemus (Jordon) of Abilene and Kylie Heronemus of San Antonio, TX; great-grandchildren, Rose Lewis (David), Mira, Zaida, Ryker Murphy and Kye Brittel, Gage & Maddux Garrett and Layla Gabrielson.

Viola is the last child of the Jacob Stenzel family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Viola will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends forever and always.

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney.  Burial will take place in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home in WaKeeney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  Donations to the church may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.

John H. Detmer, 87, passed away October 21, 2019, at Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita. He was born on February 21, 1932, at Waterloo, to August & Anna (Rohling) Detmer. He married Helen C. Debes on September 5, 1964 at Great Bend. She died on September 3, 2015.

A Great Bend resident since 1965, coming from Cunningham, John was a farmer. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean war. He owned EQ Muffler in Great Bend for many years. He loved restoring John Deere tractors, fishing and hunting, but especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include, one son, Al Detmer of Wellington, CO; three daughters, Angela Maneth and husband David of Wichita, Connie Wagner and husband Mark of Greencastle, IN, and Cheryl Kohl and husband Wayne of Greeley, CO; one brother, Lonnie Detmer and wife Trevlyn of Pratt; one sister, Mary Lou Osner of Cunningham; and three grandchildren, Mary Maneth, Jessica Kohl, and John Kohl and wife Jessica. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen Detmer; four brothers, Leo Detmer, Leonard Detmer, Andrew Detmer, and Martin Detmer; and four sisters, Christina Miller, Rita Goertz, Isadora Fisher, and Agnes Urban.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, with Military Rites conducted by McConnell Air Force Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or Capuchin Province of Mid-America, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Phoebe Lynn (Shaner) Popp, known as Lynn, was born on March 14, 1942, in Oak Park, Illinois. She went to be with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus, on October 21, 2019, at the age of 77.

Her father, Myron Hale Shaner, was a dentist and her mother, Mildred (Babka) Shaner, was a teacher. Myron joined the Air Force and the family lived in Illinois, Florida, Germany, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Alaska and Washington. It was in their church youth group in Washington that she met David Popp (he was in the Army). She completed one year at Bethel College (now University) in St. Paul, Minnesota, before marrying Dave in Tacoma, Washington, on August 12, 1961. Dave brought her home to the farm in rural Sheridan County and she always told stories of how the city girl adjusted to farm life.

They had only been married a short time when Dave was recalled to the army and again stationed in Washington state. He had just planted his wheat and hated to leave Kansas but she was so happy to be able to have her first baby close to her family and friends. Kenneth David Popp was born in June of 1962.

The young family returned to Kansas and farm life, buying the family home thirteen miles southeast of Hoxie in 1963. Corinne was born in March, 1964. In May of 1966 the family suffered a terrible tragedy when Kenny was killed in a farm accident. Lynn and Dave often talked of Kenny. Kristin was born in September 1966, followed by Laura in February 1968, Kevin in September 1969, and Lisa in August 1974.

Lynn and Dave cared for at least 12 other children as well, as foster parents and in taking in children of friends and family. Lynn was an amazing mother and hostess. There were almost always guests at the Sunday dinner table and many friends enjoyed birthday parties, slumber parties, etc.

As the children got older Lynn spent a few years cooking at the Hoxie Grade School and the Hoxie Sale Barn. She and Dave enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Portugal and at least seven trips to Alaska (one on a cruise). Lynn became known for her generosity, sending many birthday and other cards each month. She was uniquely able to connect with people, showing each one how much she cared for them.

Lynn believed in Jesus as her Savior at a young age and wanted everyone she met to also experience this gift of salvation. She wanted everyone to know that there isn’t anything we can do to be right with God, but only Jesus can make us right: Romans 10:9: If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Because of her love for Jesus she served Him wholeheartedly. As well as her outreach to everyone she met, she was very active at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She taught or helped with Sunday school (until a month ago) and evening discipleship classes, helped with innumerable church dinners, and rarely missed a service. She was an amazing prayer warrior.

Lynn is now reunited in Heaven with Kenny and with her parents and parents-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Dave, of Hoxie Long Term Care; her children, Corinne (Bob) Talbott; Kristin (Rick) Johnson, Laura (Bryan) Anderson, Kevin (Karie) Popp, and Lisa Popp. The Andersons live in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and the others live on farms southeast of Hoxie. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Stephen Anderson, Donna Talbott, Jeni Anderson, Lincoln Talbott, Mitchel Johnson, Graham Talbott, Grant Johnson, Chloe Johnson, Becky Anderson, Clay Johnson, Alyssa Popp, and Riley Popp; by her sister, Karen (Peter) Jordahl of Austin, Texas, and by many nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers- in- law, etc.

A funeral service is planned for Saturday, October 26, 2019, 10:00 A.M. at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Simon and Stan Smith presiding. Interment will be in the Mount Pleasant Community Cemetery. Visitation is being held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie from 11;00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Awana Program and they may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of comfort for the family may be shared at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Lynn loved well and was greatly loved by many. She will be sorely missed.

Jane Ellen Rietcheck, age 56, of Oakley, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center, Hays.

She was born September 17, 1963 in Oakley to Fred and Julia (Cooksey) Rietcheck. She was raised in Oakley and after graduating from Oakley High School, Jane married Ron Keith on January 2, 1988 in Oakley. She was a hospital and nursing home CNA and also worked at several other jobs.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Fred (2012) and Julia (2018), a brother, David Rietcheck, and a sister, Joan Baalman.

Survivors include her daughter, Julia Keith of Oakley, and four brothers: Roger Rietcheck of Lawton, OK, Tom Rietcheck of Lake Tahoe, NV, John Rietcheck of San Francisco, CA, and Jerry Rietcheck of Lawrence. Also surviving are her three nephews: Rodney Rietcheck of Aurora, CO, Sean Rietcheck of Lawton, OK, and Jordon Rietcheck of Lawrence, as well as many cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oakley with Fr. Luke Thielen officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Angelus. Visitation: Friday, October 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, with a wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Paul’s Cemetery Fund may be sent to the funeral home, PO Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.

Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com.

Paul was born in Salina, Kansas on January 17, 1921 one of four children to Clara and Jerry Nicholas. They moved to Hays, Kansas in 1933 where he graduated from high school in 1938 and attended Fort Hays University until 1940.

He then transferred to Montana State University in Missoula where he continued his studies in Forestry and played collegiate level basketball earning a scholarship and varsity letter.

Paul also worked part-time in the summer months with the U.S. Forest Service as a forest fire fighter and in one of the early smoke jumper response unit, parachuting on forest fires and other medical emergencies in the northwestern United States.

He then entered military service in 1942 as a parachute rigger and certified mechanic for the U.S. Army Air Corp. After completing flight training, he became certified to fly the PT-17 Steadman, BT-13A Vultee, AT-6 and the B-25 aircraft. He went on to be commissioned as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and later became a certified helicopter pilot.

He was a veteran of World War II and Korea with Air Sea Rescue (later known as the Air Rescue Service) and was stationed on various islands in the Pacific Theater and the west coast of the United States. Paul flew bombers, amphibious planes, cargo planes and helicopters as the missions required.

In 1949 he married the love of his life, Barbara Blenderman and they began their family, having 6 children while being on active duty.

At the end of the war an Air Force directive communicated that his air crew would be assigned logistic duties and he moved to McChord AFB Washington to oversee supply, personnel equipment and Para Rescue Medical personnel.

In 1960 he was transferred to the Air Defense Command (ADC) headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO for a staff materials position. During ADC tour, while keeping his pilot duties, he returned to Fort Hayes University under Project Bootstrap and complete his Bachelor of Science degree.

Retiring as a Major after 20 years in the U.S. Air Force in 1964, he entered Civil Service at Hill AFB in Ogden, UT, where he was assigned as an Equipment Logistic Specialist supporting tactical air to ground and bombing ranges used by the Tactical Air Commands. He was awarded multiple Sustained Superior Performance Award and the ALC Commanders Award in these roles.

Continuing his logistical leadership, he worked with the F-16 program on equipment guidance and was transferred to the Simulator Program Office at ASD, Warner Robins AFB and Wright Patterson AFB OH in 1975 for support of the aircraft simulators used in the Air Force inventory. His last role was working in Source Selection with aircraft manufactures on critical equipment system requirements.

He retired from the Civil Service 1983 after 20 years and began his volunteer service. He enjoyed working at the Wright Patterson AFB Medical Center for over 35 years in the various functions within the U.S. Air Force pharmacy. During this service he received the Retired Activities Volunteer of the year recognition at WPAFB.

Paul was a member of Saint Peters Parish and the Knights of Columbus (4424). Paul was a reserved, quiet and joyful personality with friends. He actively enjoyed golfing, bowling, ballroom dancing, swimming, exercise programs and salmon fishing in Michigan. As a father, he took on a wide variety of outdoor activities and sports involving all of his children throughout the years.

Paul was a member of various fraternal and military organizations including the National Smoke Jumpers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars (9977), American Legion (2021), Fraternal Order of Eagles (2641), Order of the Daedalians (Flight 9), Dayton Area Chapter of Military Officers Association and Paul was an active member of the Senior Citizen Centers at Huber Heights, Fairborn and Lathem centers.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara A. Blenderman and eldest son, Gary Lawrence Nicholas.

Paul is survived by two daughters: Constance (Gary) Cline of Lafayette, CO and Therese (Teri) Nicholas of Huber Heights, OH; and three sons: Paul B. Nicholas of Salt Lake City UT; Patrick (Jae) Nicholas of Las Vegas, NV; Michael (Claire) Nicholas of Pataskala, OH. Paul is also survived by three grandchildren: Brandon, Shae, and Zane and a very special companion: Barbara Markley of Huber Heights, OH.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 10 am at St. Peter Catholic Church (6161 Chambersburg Road, Huber Heights, OH 45424). Burial will take place at a later date in Ogden City Cemetery in Ogden, UT.

Clara Marie (Sell) Finkenbinder, 99, died Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Flatirons Health & Rehabilitation Center in Lewisville, Colorado. She was born September 27, 1920 in Rush Center, Kansas, the daughter of Emanuel & Emma (Erb) Sell.

Clare grew up and was educated in Rush County and Ness County, Kansas. On March 16, 1943, she married Dueward E. Finkenbinder in Garden City, Kansas. Clara was the Chief Telephone Operator for the United Telephone Company in Dighton, Kansas for 17 years. She was a member of the Dighton United Methodist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years. Clara later moved to Thornton, Colorado in 2004 where she has lived since.

Survivors include two sons Dueward D. (Jo) Finkenbinder of Thornton, Colorado and Neal R. (Debbie) Finkenbinder of Littleton, Colorado; four grandchildren Brooke D. (Keri) Finkenbinder of Evans, Georgia, Jeremy D. (Bernadette) Finkenbinder of Littleton, Colorado, Christy A. Finkenbinder-Martin of Brighton, Colorado, & Chane D. (Shawna) Finkenbinder of Keensburg, Colorado; ten great-grandchildren HaleyFinkenbinder, Hannah Finkenbinder, Kristen (Michael) Finkenbinder, Jared (Emily) Finkenbinder, Jacob Finkenbinder, Danielle Thorpe, Devin (Nikki) Martin, Cody (Rachel) Martin, Cadence Finkenbinder, & Kali Finkenbinder; one great-great-grandchild Addilyn Rae Martin.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband Dueward of 43 years who died on January 22, 1986. She is also preceded in death by a brother Roy Sell; and two sisters Effie Brack and Freda Schwartz.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Dighton United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Boomhower Funeral Home in Dighton. The family suggests memorials given to the Lane County Historical Society in care of the funeral home.

Larry Leroy Roulier passed away at Brighton Place in Topeka on October 17, 2019, at the age of 81.

Larry was born in Goodland, Kansas, on September 9th, 1938. He graduated from Brewster High School in 1956. He worked as farmer and a truck driver. On August 8, 1959, Larry married Diane Daniels in Goodland. To this union, two children Marc and Brad were born.

Larry enjoyed driving his pickup around the country side and looking at crops, visiting with friends, and telling stories of his early years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Amedie Roulier and Wiletta (Rawson) Roulier.

He is survived by his loving wife Diane of 60 years; Son and Daughter in-law, Marc and Tina Roulier of Russell, Kansas, Son and Daughter in-law, Brad and Amanda (Aschenbrenner) Roulier of Brewster, Grandchildren Dara (Roulier)and Jerray Nichols, Brett Roulier, Kara Roulier, Bryce Roulier and one great grandson, Ryklin Nichols.

Donations may be made to Brewster USD 314 and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Click HERE for service details.