Tom Schumacher, age 67, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2018 in Hays.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, December 22, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays.
A parish vigil service will be 7 PM Friday at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
A complete obituary and service details including visitation is pending.
Jerald Duane Peter, 77, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2018 in Colby, Kansas. He was born Oct. 8, 1941.
Cremation was chosen and no services are planned at this time.
Harold Charles Weikert, 90, passed away Monday, December 17, 2018, at Showalter Villa, Hesston. He was born September 24, 1928, in rural Ellinwood, to Frank and Teresa (Heinz) Weikert. He married Rosaline Stegman on July 29, 1958 and they later divorced. He then married Darylene “Dee” B. Burns on December 15, 1967, at Medicine Lodge. She died December 19, 1981.
Coming from near St. Peter and Paul in 1958, Harold was a Great Bend resident. He owned and operated D&H Appliance Service and was a Private First Class in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved camping, boating and fishing. He was Captain of the Fish and Chicks boat. He was known for his gardening skills, especially his sweet corn. He was an honest, hard-working man and was very strong in his faith and love of family.
Survivors include, seven daughters, Mary Ann Shorman and husband Gary of Hays, Deann Boyer and husband Norman of Great Bend, Theresa Leiker and husband Dave of Great Bend, Diane Weikert of Overland Park, Cyndi Whistler and husband John D. of North Newton, Kathleen Weikert and Karen Merrill of Great Bend and Margaret Dirks of Great Bend; thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darylene “Dee” B. Weikert and a brother, Victor Weikert.
Visitation and viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, December 21, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to greet friends prior to the Knights of Columbus Rosary and Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 22, 2018 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein officiating. There will be a Private Family Inurnment at a later date at the Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be suggested to the St. Peter and Paul Church Restoration Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Ellis resident, Marvin Eugene Brack was born June 19, 1930 in Ellis County, Kansas, to Isaac and Bertha (Schum) Brack. He passed away Monday, December 17, 2018 in Hays, Kansas. Marvin was 88 years of age.
Marvin was a graduate of Ellis High School, and went on to serve our country in the United States Army. On February 27, 1957, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Scheck. They later divorced. Since 1983, he has been in a relationship with his loving girlfriend, Doris Gallion. He served in the Korean War as a tank commander in the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, from August 20, 1952 to June 4, 1953. He worked for the railroad, drove a water well truck, delivered bank statements, installed dishwashers, and scrapped metal. Marvin loved to dance, and spend time with grandkids.
He is survived by his ex-wife, Norma; longtime girlfriend, Doris Gallion; five children, Roger (Maxine) Brack of Ellis, Kansas, Larry (Melissa) Brack of Hill City, Kansas, Marilyn (Mark) Dinkel of Ellis, Robert Alan Brack of Topeka, and Rose Brack Smilie of Ellis; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Parker of Victoria, Texas, Shawn (Michelle) Brack of Kansas City, Missouri, Erica (Shaun) Bammes of Manhattan, Kansas, Mindi Robbins of Abilene, Kansas, Elizabeth Brack of New York, Emily Brack of Hays, Tyler Brack of Hill City, Kansas, and Tiffany (Jacob) Lehman of Ellis; sixteen great-grandchildren, Alexander Coleman of Victoria, Texas, Brady Parker of Victoria, Texas, Kelsey Brack of Ellis, John Linch, Jr. of Ellis Jayden Lehman of Ellis, Blaisen, Brenna, and Brogan Bammes of Manhattan, Brecken and Layton Robbins of Abilene, Journilyn, Levi, Briley, Axen Brack of Hill City, and Maverick and Kennedy Brack of Kansas City; and brothers, Morris and Adair, both of Ellis. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Palmer and Gilbert; and sister, Vada LaCore.
Visitation and viewing will be Thursday evening, from 5 to 7, and Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:30 at the funeral home in WaKeeney. Anyone wishing to have viewing, should do so at the funeral home, as viewing is not allowed at the Veterans’ Cemetery.
A graveside committal service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney. Military honors will be provided by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Marvin Brack Memorial Fund. Contributions to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Jesse (Jesus) Magaña, 86, passed away December 17, 2018. He was born December 25, 1931 in Kanopolis, KS to Jesus E. and Sara M. Magaña.
Jesse married Diana Lee Schwerdtfeger in Kanopolis on June 6, 1953. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War and was a farmer/stockman and president of Rancho Milagro Kansas, Inc. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, American GI Forum, and the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
Jesse is survived by his wife, Diana Magaña of Kanopolis; daughter, Famia Magaña Quattlebaum (John) of Spring Branch, TX; son, Audie Magaña (Susie) of Junction City, KS; son, Clay Magaña (Terry) of Wichita; daughter, Velinda Magaña of Kanopolis; son, Jesse Magaña (Lori) of Manhattan, KS; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Frank Magaña of Kansas City, KS; and brother, Concepcion Magaña of Wichita. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Sara; great grandchild, Cataleya Francisca Garcia-Moreno; and siblings, Theresa Magaña and Albina Mesa of Kanopolis; Socorro Hernandez of Salina; Esperanza Rios of Parma, Ohio; Celestino Magaña of Cleveland, Ohio; Andrew Magaña of Chula Vista, California; and Virgina Caldwell of Tucson, Arizona.
Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Thursday, December 20th, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with family present from 5-7 p.m. and rosary/vigil service at 7 p.m.
Funeral mass: 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 21st, 2018 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Kanopolis, with burial following in the Kanopolis Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic Church and Harvest Bible Church, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.
Josephine Verbena (Hofts) Simms, 98, daughter of Henry and Rena (Steinman) Hofts, was born April 30, 1920, on the family farm near Ruskin, Nebraska. She died in the presence of her family on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the Republic County Hospital in Belleville, Kansas.
The Hofts family later moved to Republic County, Kansas. Josephine graduated from Republic High School in 1940. Upon graduation, she attended Kansas Normal Teachers training; she graduated on June 13, 1940 and taught at a country school for one year. On December 26, 1940 she married Kenneth A. Simms at Washington, Kansas. The marriage was kept a secret the remainder of the school year because at the time women teachers could not be married. To this union four children were born: Roger, Douglas, Bryan, and Jennifer.
Kenneth and Josie farmed the Simms family homestead for 65 years. She was a devoted wife and mother. Josie was an active member of the Republic Methodist Church, Republic HDU and the Republic Senior Citizens Center. She was also a member of the Republic High School Alumni Association, a clothing leader in the Republic Pioneers’ 4-H Club, and a member of Friends of Pawnee.
Josie’s hobbies included writing a daily diary for 40 years, raising chickens, gardening, and sewing, collecting dolls, and attending auctions.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2003, a son Roger K. Simms in 1997, her older sisters Lena Banks and Minnie Sankey and her younger brother Glenn Hofts.
Josephine will be forever remembered by her younger sister Florence Elliott, Hays; children: Douglas G. Simms (Paula), Belleville, Bryan J. Simms (Carolyn), Republic, and Jennifer J. Loring (Gary), Scandia; daughter –in-law Nancy Simms, Belleville; nine grandchildren, Christine (Michael) Conn, Snoqualmie, WA, Jimmy (Anne) Simms, Daykin, NE, Andrea (Joe) Fischer, Belleville, Terah (Lee) Isaacson, Houston, TX, Paige (Jose’) Gonzalez, Chicago, IL, Jordan (Lauren) Isaacson, Superior, NE; Nathan Isaacson, Manhattan, KS, Michael (Leah) Loring, Concordia, KS, Shalynn Loring, Concordia, Ks, Jeanette (Alan) Sheets, Belleville, KS, Edward (Chloe) Simms, Stilwell, KS; great grandchildren: Spencer & Libby Conn, Tucker & Riley Simms, Laurel & Alex Fischer, Vivienne, Natalia, and Alexander Howell, Isaac Gonzalez, Avaleigh, Sawyer, and Mason Isaacson, Ensley Loring, Jaclyn, Joni, and Audrey Sheets, Henry, Max, and Charlie Simms; and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held 11:00am Friday, December 21, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, Republic, Kansas with Pastor Lance Rundus officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband Kenneth in Lake Cemetery rural Republic. Memorials may be made to the Republic Methodist Church. Viewing will be Thursday, December 20th from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas who is assisting the Simms family with these arrangements.
Marvin E. Brack, age 88, of Ellis, passed away Monday, December 17, 2018, in Hays.
Arrangements are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home.
Nancy Jane (Edwards) Balloun, 90, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Russell Regional Hospital.
Nancy was born October 8, 1928, in Borger, Texas. She was one of five children born to Thomas and Euphamia (Brace) Edwards. They moved to Russell when she was seven years old. She graduated from Russell High School in 1946.
Nancy was united in marriage to Robert LeRoy Balloun on July 24, 1949 in Russell. This union was blessed with three daughters, Mary Ann, Jane and Janet. They made their home in Russell. Nancy’s greatest joy came from being a wife, mother and homemaker. She was a devoted wife to Bob for 69 years. Most of their enjoyment centered around parenting, vacationing and being actively involved and supporting their children and later grandchildren’s activities. Nancy had the gift of hospitality and together with her husband bob, made many friends and received much joy by helping others in the local community.
Nancy was the Register of Deeds for Russell County for many years. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She also belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary and the Russell Elks Lodge. She enjoyed reading, traveling and playing Bridge.
Surviving family include her husband, Robert of the home; daughters, Mary Ann Kuhn (Mark) of Wichita, Kansas, Jane Ellen Law (Michael) of Atchison, Kansas and Janet Kay Stremel (Jerry) of Storm Lake, Iowa: brother, Bob Edwards of Denver, Colorado; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Tom Edwards, Veryl Edwards and Frank Edwards.
Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with the Russell County Food Pantry. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Logan resident James “J.T.” Plummer passed away December 15, 2018, at his home in Logan at the age of 77.
He was born August 8, 1941, in Pawnee, OK, the son of Theodore & Oleta (Jones) Plummer. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force.
Survivors include his wife Lou of the home; his son Joseph of Oklahoma City, OK; 3 daughters: Rhonda Plummer of Logan, Kathleen Plummer of Hays & Shannon Plummer of Smith Center; his brother Joe of Paso Robles, CA and 3 grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, Wakeeney, with Pastor Ted Stapleton officiating.
There will be no visitation.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s or to the Stockton VFW.
Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.
Logan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Ann Speier, 72, Hays, died Sunday, December 16, 2018, at HaysMed.
She was born January 23, 1946, in Hays, the daughter of Gus and Celestina (Brungardt) Stadelman. She was a graduate of Girls Catholic High School.
On August 9, 1969, she was united in marriage to Douglas R. Speier and they celebrated 40 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 16, 2009. She worked as the secretary at St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a Senior Companion.
She loved to crochet and would crochet hats for the Samaritan House in Denver and hats and scarves for the coat drive in Hays, and she loved her family and grandchildren.
She is survived by two daughters; Deena Kay Speier of Hays, and Diane Senesac and husband Frank of Junction City, one sister; Rosita Rife and husband Roger of Hays, three grandchildren; Steven, Dalton, and Kara Senesac, and three great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Douglas, and her brother Charles Stadelman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church.
Memorials are suggested for masses or to the family, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences and memories of Mary Ann may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com
Jean Schutte, 88, McCracken, Kansas, died Friday, December 14, 2018, at her home.
Jean was born April 1, 1930, in Lyon County, Kansas, the daughter of Frank P. and Clara B. (Marak) McCormick. She was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. A 1947 graduate of Bazine High School, Bazine, Kansas, she was a teller at Citizens State Bank, McCracken, Kansas, immediately upon graduating from high school until her retirement. After her retirement from the bank, she assisted with the accounting at the grain elevator for a time.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Altar Society, and St. Mary’s Faith Sharing Group, all of McCracken, Kansas. Jean assisted with mass preparations, and especially loved assisting with the decorating of the church for Christmas. Jean loved helping people, and was very active not only in the McCracken community, but in the nearby towns also. She volunteered her time every year to the McCracken Rodeo. She was also a volunteer for the McCracken Pride Committee, the McCracken Fall Festival, and the McCracken City Park Improvement Project. Jean loved and took great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens.
On November 19, 1951, she married August W. “Augie” Schutte at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken, Kansas. He preceded her in death August 20, 2005.
Survivors include: her son, Jerry L. Schutte (Anne), Tempe, Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Sylvester P. “Bet” McCormick, and Tom McCormick; and one sister, Alvina Foster Cole.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 18, 2018, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken, Kansas. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.
Church visitation will be Wednesday, December 19, 2018, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:20 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken, Kansas.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating. Interment will be in the McCracken City Cemetery, McCracken, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers or plants the family requests memorials to St. Mary’s Heritage, McCracken, Kansas, or the McCracken Public Library, McCracken, Kansas, or American Legion Post 59, McCracken, Kansas.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.
After 70 years of marriage, Norman J. and Darlene J. Slechta passed away peacefully within hours of each other on Thursday, December 13, 2018. They were married August 14, 1948 in Hays. Norman was born July 5, 1930 in Ellsworth to John and Anna (Blick) Slechta. Darlene was born November 7, 1930 in Lincoln County to Henry and Edna (Trapp) Schwerdtfeger.
Norman served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post 174 of Ellsworth and VFW Post 6240 of Russell. He was co-owner of Slechta Enterprises of Ellsworth and was an avid sportsman who especially loved fishing and camping.
Darlene was a homemaker, an active member of the Ellsworth American Legion Post 174 Auxiliary, and was president of the Kansas American Legion Auxiliary in 1983. They were both members of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Ellsworth.
Norman and Darlene are survived by their sons, Michael Slechta (Betty) of Ellsworth, Dale Slechta of rural Wilson, and Steven Slechta (Christine) of Ellsworth; grandchildren, Kelley Crawford, Emilie Penner, Dawn Robertson, Nathan Slechta, Dustin Slechta, Kaitlyn Slechta, and Cody Slechta; eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Darlene is also survived by her sisters, Laura Pejsha (Gary) of Nevada, IA and Judy Moore (Terry) of Sand Springs, OK; and numerous cousins. They were both preceded in death by their parents and a daughter, Janet Slechta. Norman was also preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Nick Slechta and Darlene by her brother, Dennis Schwerdtfeger.
Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Monday, December 17, 2018 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with family present 6-8 p.m.
Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with burial following in the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth American Legion Post 174 or Immanuel Lutheran Church, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.
Irene Marie (Prester) Hart, 91, of Geneseo, Kansas, passed away December 14, 2018 at Presbyterian Manor, Sterling, Kansas.
She was born November 12, 1927 in Wilson, Kansas, the daughter of Dave and Anna Milberger Prester. She graduated from Dorrance High School in Dorrance, Kansas with the class of 1945.
Irene has resided in Geneseo since 1965, formerly of Russell, Kansas. She was a homemaker.
Irene was a member of Assembly of God Church, Lyons; Geneseo American Legion Auxiliary; and 55- Plus Club of Geneseo. On August 24, 1946, Irene was united in marriage with Sherman J. Hart in Dorrance, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2005.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Elden Prester and Lorrain “Ike” Prester; and sister, Ida Taylor.
She is survived by her son, Randall Hart and wife Jamie of Midwest City, OK; three grandchildren, Brian Hart of Midwest City, OK, Jared Hart of West Point, UT, and Megan Graves of Norman, OK; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 11:00 A.M., Thursday, December 20, 2018, at Geneseo Cemetery, Geneseo, with Pastor Stephen Holmes officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Dementia Society of America in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
