Wilmetta “Willie” Irene Gideon, 76, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Wilmetta was born on April 22, 1942, in WaKeeney, Kansas, the daughter of John W. and Pauline (Rohn) Dietz. She grew up in the Trego County and WaKeeney area and graduated from Trego Community High School in the class of 1960. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Glenn Gideon on September 09, 1960, in Hays, Kansas, and they moved to Russell, Kansas, in 1962. From this union Wilmetta and Glenn were blessed with 3 daughters Donna, Doris and Cheryl. She worked at Baxter Labs, United Telephone and worked as a bank teller at the Russell State Bank and United National Bank (Southwind Bank) for 23 years and retired in 2005. Her favorite job was fulltime wife, mother and homemaker for her loving family. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Russell Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, cake decorating and catering, flower gardening, bingo and working with crafts. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and watching them play in sporting events.

Surviving family include her husband of 58 years Glenn Gideon of the home, three daughters Donna Bauer of Burlington, Kansas, Doris Jackson & husband Keith of Topeka, Kansas and Cheryl Prester & husband Brad of Russell, Kansas; brother Delmar Dietz and wife Diane of WaKeeney, Kansas; 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ernest and Alvin Dietz, sister Frieda Mohr and son in-law Bill Bauer.

A celebration of Wilmetta’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis Officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A. M. to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the mortuary with the family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening. Memorials may be given to St John Lutheran Church or Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Joseph Michael (Joe) Stroemel passed away on December 20, 2017 in the hospital following complications of open heart surgery. He was 58.

Joe was born December 1, 1959 in Wichita, Kansas to his parents, Julius T Stroemel and Rose Ann (Lies) Stroemel. Shortly after, Joe’s family moved to Oklahoma City where Joe grew up. He attended Bishop McGuiness High School, graduating in 1978. Following high school, Joe attended Oklahoma State University graduating in 1982 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He worked in Oklahoma City at Doyle Willis prior to moving to Denver.

In 1985, Joe moved to Denver, Colorado and began working as a Landscape Architect for Randall Blake, Inc. (now known as American Civil Contractors). Later he moved to Hamon Construction where he worked to help develop a landscape division. He left Hamon to pursue opportunities at T2 Construction. Following this, he began working at Rocky Mountain Environmental Construction. Then, in 2006, Joe started his own landscape maintenance company, Arbor Landscape Management, which he owned until 2015. He joined Designs By Sundown and then in 2016, Joe moved to Consolidated Division Inc., at which he enjoyed working until his death.

In 2008, Joe met his soulmate Caroline Goldberg Asbury. The two married in July of 2010 in a ceremony in Castle Rock, Colorado. It was a fairytale romance. The couple was perfectly matched. And, Joe very much enjoyed having a family and loved Emilie and Ross very much.

Joe loved farming, skiing, hiking, golfing, camping, fishing, hunting, playing softball, watching baseball, watching football, campfires, working in the yard, happy hours, going out to dinner, attending the theater, traveling, and anything related to Oklahoma State University. As long as he was spending time with friends and family, Joe was happy.

Active in his church, Joe served on the landscape committee, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and always enjoyed working the Friday night fish fry during Lent and the Tootsie Roll Drive.

Joe is survived by his wife, Caroline Stroemel (Goldberg Asbury) of Parker, Colorado. Caroline’s two children, Emilie Asbury and Ross Asbury of Parker, Colorado; three sisters, Ann Johnson (Jack) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Mary Hauk (John) of Arlington, Texas; and Susan Stroemel of Tampa, Florida. He also is survived by two brothers, Mathias Stroemel (Bonnie) of Walla Walla, Washington and Ben Stroemel of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He also has several nieces and nephews and one great niece. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Joe donated his corneas to give sight to two different people. Joe has now been cremated. A funeral mass and celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018. A rosary is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM, a funeral mass at 11:00 AM and a celebration of life at 12:00 PM. In addition, a funeral mass and another celebration of Joe’s life will be held in Walker, Kansas with internment to follow at St. Anna’s cemetery in Walker, Kansas on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Everyone is invited to attend either or both masses and/or celebrations.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking people to donate blood. Please use code #7391 or let the facility know the donation is for Joe Stroemel. In addition, donations may be made to The Knights of Columbus Chapter #7880.

Shirley Mae Schindler Breeden passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 82. She was born on September 5, 1935 in Damar, Kansas to the late James and Jessie (Malone) Trible. She grew up in Damar and attended local schools. She was united in marriage to Abraham “Junior” Schindler on Feb. 26, 1952 in Hays, Kansas. They were blessed with two children Delores and Steven. She was happily married to Abe until his death on June 6, 1998. Later she met Kenneth Breeden at a singles dance. They began courting and on June 3, 2000 the Lord gave her a very happy second marriage at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, Kansas.

Shirley was a faithful member of St. Thomas Church and the Altar Society. She enjoyed dancing, working in the yard, and tending her garden. She loved cooking for her family, and in her younger years became quite an accomplished seamstress. A woman of sincere love and gentle sweetness, she lived every day of her life loving others even more than she loved herself. Always putting the needs of her family, friends, and neighbors ahead of her own, she was a woman with a heart of gold who lived a life of simplicity, grace, and beauty.

Shirley is survived by her husband Kenneth Breeden of the home in Stockton; son Steven Schindler and wife Joyce of Topeka; son-in-law Joe Wageman of Omaha, NE; step-son John Breeden and wife Debbie of Rocky Mountain, MO; step-daughters Rebecca Rhea of Colby, and Leona Breeden of Hays; brothers James Trible and wife Marlene of Beverly, and Paul Trible and wife Gloria of Topeka; sister Kathy Trible of Stockton; grandchildren Shawn Schindler and Michelle Schindler; 6 great-grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; and 1 step-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Jessie Trible; husband Abe Schindler; daughter Delores Wageman; sister Helen Pearson; and step-son Scott Breeden.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, June 8, 2018 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Burial will follow in Stockton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home with a Prayer Vigil and Rosary at 7:00pm. Memorials are suggested to the St. Thomas Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First Street, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left at www.plumeroverlease.com

Shirley was a constant source of strength for her family and friends, just as they were for her. Having gone home to the Father, even now her spirit-filled heart continues to walk with us on this side of heaven. For we know our circle of strength was founded on faith, united in love, and kept by God, so that we will be together forever.

Perry D. Preusch, age 89, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Monte Vista Grove Home in Pasadena, California.  He was born on August 1, 1928 in Halstead, Kansas, the son of Robert O. & Esther Thone Preusch of Healy, Kansas, the youngest of five children.  He attended the Healy schools until his junior year in high school when he transferred to Scott Community High School in the neighboring town of Scott City, graduating in 1946.  After three years at the University of Kansas he transferred to the University of Southern California where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree and continued postgraduate work in Finance.

Perry served in the Korean War with the 186th Finance Disbursing Section and spent fifteen months in Kobe, Japan.

He spent his business career as an Investment Counselor and Portfolio Manager.  He managed accounts for Trusts, Banks, States and publicly traded mutual funds and managed the Transamerica Casualty Company portfolio.  Perry retired from Transamerica in 1993 and continued as a consultant for the Transamerica funds for an additional year.

On June 2, 1953, Perry married Nancy Lee VanAntwerp of Scott City, Kansas.  They have made their home in the Pasadena, California area since that time.  He was involved with various business organizations, a member of the Presbyterian Church serving as Elder, Trustee and Deacon, and was Treasurer of the San Marino Community Church and President of the church Foundation Board and the Board at Monte Vista Grove.

Perry is survived by his wife of 65 years, three daughters, Lisa Hitchcock, Lori Preusch and Lynn Roach, two son-in-laws Charlie Patterson and Joe Roach, five grandchildren, Michael, Stephen, Nadia, Kathryn, Cameron and one great grandson, Sage.  He enjoyed tennis and gardening.

Funeral Services will be held at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2018 with Rev. John Lewis presiding.

In Lieu Of Flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Esther Lillian Russell, age 94 years and 11 months, died on June 3, 2018 at Long Term Care in WaKeeney.

Esther was the 11th child of 12 of Alexander and Katharina Elisabeth (Flath) Graf. The first 3 children of Alexander and Katharina Graf were born in Neu Weimar, Russia — Esther was born in Wiley, Colorado.

Esther attended grade schools in Marion & Dickinson counties and like all her siblings, took first grade twice — the first year to learn English, the second year to learn first grade.

Esther attended high school in Longford, KS and was the second in her family to graduate from high school. Esther studied NORML training in high school but suffered from rheumatic fever her first year out of high school so never did teach, although she always remembered her NORML training.

Esther’s siblings were all in Milwaukee, WI by 1943, so Esther went there also and worked in factories supplying arms for WW II. Esther was laid off like everybody else on the last day of WW II, and she returned to Clay County, KS. On February 24, 1948, Esther Lillian Graf married Johnnie William Russell in the parson’s home in Longford, KS.

Johnnie and Esther lived in Talmage, then moved to Colby in 1955, then to Collyer in 1960, and to WaKeeney in 1967. Esther was a homemaker until 1964. She then worked in the Quinter and WaKeeney hospitals, then Travenol in Hays, and then Johnnie and Esther opened the Thrift Shop next to their home and Esther ran that for several years.

Esther enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, her fruit trees, western movies, genealogy, making Bierrocks & Schlagerbam, and collecting antiques along with her husband of nearly 70 years, Johnnie William Russell. Johnnie passed on February 16, 2018.

Esther is survived by daughter Sharon LeCount, son Warren, a granddaughter, 2 greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be in the Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the Trego County Historical Society or the Trego Community High School, or to do a small favor for a friend or a complete stranger. Donations may be left at the service or sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Yvonne Gantz, 84, passed away on June 2, 2018 at Brookstone Village in Omaha, Nebraska. She was born on May 18, 1934 in Lebanon, Kansas the daughter of Albert and Jessie (Snyder) Kiener.

Her days were spent teaching and volunteering as well as traveling, bridge playing, and spending time with her grandkids.

She married Jack Daniel Gantz on Sunday, June 3rd, 1956, in Glen Elder, Kansas. He died on January 1, 1977.

Survivors include daughter, Paige and Mike Farrell of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jack and Elizabeth Farrell of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Leatrice and Hugh Renard of Casa Grande, Arizona; brother-in-law, Robert Gantz of Ness City, Kansas and nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Scott Gantz.

Funeral service will be on Friday, June 8, 2018, 10:00 A.M., at the United Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas. Burial will be in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City, Kansas. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., with the family present from 7:00 to 9:00P.M.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness City Library Foundation or the United Methodist Church of Ness City.

Bryce Galen Morris, 26, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bryce was born April 12, 1992 in Greensburg, Kansas, the son of Derek G. Morris and Michelle Kamenicky. He grew up in Greensburg until his family moved to Russell during his junior high years. Then he attended high school in Marion, Kansas.

Bryce worked in the oil field business on pulling units, as a pipe tester and water filtration. His love was the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, training dogs, and interacting with friends and family.

Surviving family include his mother and step father, Michelle & Brian Craven of Russell, Kansas; father and step mother, Derek & Joyce Morris of Goddard, Kansas; brother, Keltonn Morris of Russell, Kansas; sister, Kindra Morris of Hawaii; step brother, Cody Craven of Bucklin, Kansas; stepsister, Caitlyn Craven of Dodge City, Kansas; paternal grandmother, Virginia Hammond of Marion, Kansas; maternal grandfather, Harold Kamenicky of Houston, Texas; and numerous friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Friday, June 8, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday, June 8, 2018 at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to service time. Cremation has preceded the services. A Memorial has been established as the Bryce Morris Memorial Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Eldon A. “Woody” Schmidtberger, age 85, of Victoria, Kansas died Saturday, June 2, 2018, at his home.

He was born December 30, 1932, in Victoria, Kansas to Frank and Elizabeth (Weigel) Schmidtberger. He married Alberta Marie (Kurz) York-Goscha on June 19, 1976, in Victoria, Kansas.

He was a truck driver hauling grain and cattle. He hauled for High Plains Grain, Weilert Enterprises, Leiker Farms, J Corp and some oil fields companies. He retired from truck driver in 2008. He then drove a few years for Attley Auto Auction and was a driver the Fort Hays Chapter #18 DAV Veterans Van since 2013. He grew up in Victoria and attended Victoria High School. He was a retired US Navy Veteran and served during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until his retirement in 1972. He was on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and was a plank owner.

He was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, St. Fidelis 3th Degree Knights of Columbus and 4th Degree Assembly, a Lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post No. 1751 and a Past Commander, all of Victoria. He enjoyed playing pinochle and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Alberta Schmidtberger, of the home; two sons, Doyle York and his companion, Terry Taffner, Jasper, MO; Bradley Goscha, Victoria, KS; one daughter, Shawnda Rumbaugh and husband, Bruce, Hays, KS; one brother-in-law, Charles Vestecka and wife, Leona, Victoria, KS; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his: parents; one brother, Edwin F. Schmidtberger and wife, Laurentine; nine sisters, Loretta Braun and husband, W.J. “Wendelin; Catherine Melchoir and husband, Joseph; Melfreda Rucker and husband, Arthur; Evelyn Gross and husband, Herman; Virginia Wilkes-Schmeidler and husbands, James and Ernest; Stella Vestecka; Viola Lodovici and husband, Olinto “Shine”; Marian Vance and husband, Rufus; Vera Mae McClurg and husband, Dean; and one infant sister, Evelyn Schmidtberger.

Services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 11, 2018, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Inurnment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with military honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post # 1751.
A vigil service will be at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, and a Knights of Columbus / V.F.W. rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Sunday all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671. The 4th Degree Assembly will stand honor guard from 6:30 to 7:30 PM Sunday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation is from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, Kansas, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggest memorial to the DAV Veterans Van. Condolences can be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

Copeland – Robert F. “Bob” Briggs, 82, died June 1, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby. He was born on October 21, 1935 in Holyoke, Colorado to Claude James and Bessie (Jones) Briggs.

Bob was raised in Holyoke, Colorado where he graduated from high school in 1955. He went to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado playing football, basketball and track. Later he continued his education at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska where he received his Bachelor’s of Science. Bob then earned his Master of Science degree from Fort Hays State University.　　

In 1957, Bob began a teaching, coaching, and administrative career that spanned 41 years. He taught and coached at Madrid and Wauneta, Nebraska, Wray, Colorado, and Atwood, Kansas. Later he held principal positions at Moscow, Copeland, Dighton, and Fairfield-Langdon. He ended his career as Superintendent/Principal at Bazine and Ness City. After his official retirement from education, Bob continued to coach football and basketball for another eight years as well as working for Heartland Crop Insurance.

On June　21, 1956, Bob married Shirley Milner in Holyoke, Colorado. To this union five children were born, Rhonda Jo, Melinda Jane, infant son, Rodney Lee, and Troy Mitchell. In 1985, he became good friends with a colleague, Gay Beth Moore. They were married on June 10, 1990 at the Copeland Christian Church. Bob enjoyed fishing, camping, playing golf, and traveling. His greatest enjoyment came from attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He was a member of the Sublette Christian Church, Elks Club, United School Administrators, Kansas Association of Secondary Principles, Kansas Athletic Directors Association, National Coaches Association, Kansas Coaches Association, Kansas Football Association, and Atwood Ambassadors. He also was a former deacon at the First Christian Church in Atwood.

Bob is survived by his wife, Gay Beth Moore-Briggs of Copeland; two daughters, Rhonda Berry and husband Gaylon of Port Aransas, Texas and Melinda Fikan of Colby; two sons, Rodney Briggs and wife Michelle of Independence, Missouri and Troy Briggs of Sublette; three step children, Dale W. Moore and wife Faith of Owings, Maryland; Doug Moore and wife Shannon of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Vicki Hesser and husband Troy of Louisburg; a brother, James C. Briggs and wife Beverly of Apache Junction, Arizona; two sisters, Betty McConnell of Greeley, Colorado and Maxine Stegall and husband Keith of Leadville, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Briggs of Sublette; sister-in-law, Ruth Wyckoff and husband Don of Norman, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren, Alicia Fikan Siruta and husband Jason, Bradley Fikan and wife Shannon, Meredith Berry Castor and husband Charles, Amy, Stacy, Brooke and Bailey Briggs, Dustin Moore and wife Amy, Michael Moore and wife Elena, Cutter and Blade Moore, Stephanie Hesser Unruh and husband Jeff, and Brigit Hesser; 16 great grandchildren, Ashley Mosier and husband Josh, Callie and Jadon Siruta; Taden, Ella, Emery, Brasen, Rence, and Pierce Fikan, Mia, Parry, Gage, Lyra, and Atti Moore; and Paige and Jace Unruh, one great-great grandson, Maxen Mosier and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Willard Briggs and wife Jean; brother-in-law, Everett McConnell; and infant son; and one granddaughter, Tiffany Ann Briggs.

Funeral service will be held at Sublette Christian Church on Wednesday June　6, 2018 at 2:00 PM with Pastors Brandon Mildren and Doug Harris　presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Tuesday June 5, 2018 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Bob Briggs Memorial Fund to be designated by the family at a later time. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.