Robert “Bob” Schmeidler, of Wellington, Kansas, died Sunday, May 27, 2018 at his home in Wellington, Kansas at the age of 61.

Robert was born the son of Robert E. and Eleanor (Gueist) Schmeidler on Wednesday, December 12, 1956 in Hays, Kansas.

On September 11, 1987, Bob and Mavis Rains were united in marriage in Wellington, Kansas. Together they celebrated 30 years of marriage.

Bob served his country in the US Marines Corps during the Vietnam era. He was employed as a machinist at Kansas Plastics and retired in 2013.

Survivors include his wife, Mavis Schmeidler of Wellington, Kansas; son, Cavan Schmeidler (Stacy Burke) of Mayfield, Kansas; son, Eli Schmeidler of Rose Hill, Kansas; son Cale Schmeidler (Mercedez Farley) of Rose Hill, Kansas; daughter, Selene Schmeidler of Wellington, Kansas; sister, Beverly Brungartt of Hays, Kansas; sister, Barbara Sage of Thornton, Colorado and four grandchildren: William Schmeidler, Karen Schmeidler, Sadey Burke and Bailey Burke. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Savannah Schmeidler.

Visitation, with the family present, will be held at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018.

Graveside services with Military Honors for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2018 at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas.

A memorial has been established in his loving memory to the Wellington Humane Society. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.cornejodayfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cornejo|Day Funeral Home & Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.

Paul F. Brungardt, age 86, of Victoria, Kansas died at home Friday, May 25, 2018, on the farm where he was born and raised. The second son of Ambrose and Adelia (Dreiling) Brungardt, he entered the world on September 8, 1931. He married Mildred M. “Mickie” (Basgall) on January 22, 1952, at Loretto, Kansas. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2017.

He graduated from Victoria High School in 1949 and served a six years commitment as a Kansas National Guardsman. His love of mechanics led him initially to a 20 plus year career as an auto body mechanic, working at both O’laughlins and James Motor Company in Hays. Though his hands were gifted with machines, his heart and mind remained ever tied to the land. He began his dream job as full-time farmer in 1973. His days were spent stewarding land, crops, and animals. Paul and Mickie won awards for their efforts in Soil and Wildlife Habitat Conservation. In addition to many years of physical labor, his skill on the accordion and harmonious voice were well-known and loved, creating wonderful memories for friends and family alike. He enjoyed a good joke (and knew many), and together with Mickie excelled in the role of “good neighbor’’. He was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Survivors include one son, Leon Brungardt, Walker, KS; four daughters, Carol Cowger and husband, Chris, Topeka, KS; Lois Yunker, Munjor, KS; Wanda Brungardt and husband, Ron Staab, Victoria, KS; Paula Zwenger and husband, Patrick, Bellevue, NE; two sisters, Yvonne Rohleder-Braun and husband, Ken, Hays, KS; Ruth Polifka, Catharine, KS; 11 grandchildren, Cara Cowger, Cory Cowger and fiancé, Erica, Casey Cowger, Aaron Brungardt (Mikala), Jared Brungardt (Nettie), Kris Yunker (Angel), Nathan Yunker (Jedel), Nick Yunker, Sister John Marie Zwenger IHM, Alexandra Fry (Jon), Luke Zwenger; three step grandchildren, Terry Staab (Denna), Kristie Goodwin (Bobby), Jesse Staab and fiancé, Kristina; 12 great grandchildren and 8 step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mickie; two sons, Steve and Mark; one son-in-law, Tom Yunker; one grandchild, Matt Yunker; one great grandchild Landon Fry; one brother, Gilbert Brungardt and wife, Ann; four sisters, Sr. Valeria Brungardt, CSA; LuVerna Schulte and husband, Robert; Cecelia Brungardt, Patricia “Patt” Schmidt and husband, Howard; two brothers-in-law, Francis “Frank” Polifka and Ronald Rohleder.

Services are 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main, Victoria, Kansas 67671 and from 8:00 to 9:00 A.M. Wednesday at the Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

A parish rosary will be at 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, followed by a vigil service will be at 8:30 P.M. Tuesday both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to: Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Wichita, KS; Emmeram Cemetery Fund, or Hospice of Hays Medical Center.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

Norman J. “Raschi” Pfeifer, age 84, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays. He was born February 8, 1934 in Hays to Anton “Tony” and Regina (Beilman) Pfeifer. He graduated from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.

Norman was a long-time teacher in Hays having taught at Jefferson West and Kennedy Middle School. During the summer he had worked at the power company and the experiment station. He also was a juvenile probation officer for the Hays Police Department.

He is survived by two sisters, Harriet Nicholson of Topeka and Betty Lou Rife of Edgewater, Colorado as well as a brother, Kenneth Pfeifer of Phoenix, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Agnes Schumacher and Mary Geist and a brother, Anthony Pfeifer Jr.

Per his wishes cremation has taken place and private graveside services will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hays. Services in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian High School or Holy Family Elementary School

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]

John Thomas Riffle, age 83, of Hays, Kansas, formerly of Cameron, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays. He was born February 14, 1935 in Latour, Missouri to Fredrick Thomas and Glada (Plank) Riffle. On April 11, 1954 he married Barbara Jean Holt-Whiting in Garden City, Missouri. She preceded him in death on December 25, 2014.

John owned Riffle Carpet Installation in Grandview, Missouri. He enjoyed mowing his lawn and was known to be a people person.

He is survived by two daughters, Teresa Taylor and husband Doug of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Connie Curtis and husband Dr. Jeff Curtis of Hays, Kansas; three brothers, Jim Riffle of Latour, Missouri, Richard Riffle of Garden City, Missouri and Don Riffle of Harrisonville, Missouri and two sisters, Barbara Davis of Independence, Missouri and Beverly Andes of Garden City, Missouri. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Janette Hartley and Donna Moore as well as a brother, Raymond Riffle and great-grandson, Landon Michael.

Funeral services will be at a later date in Independence, Missouri.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas 67601

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]

Madeline Lela Schoenthaler, age 94, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays, Kansas. She was born June 17, 1923 in Ellis County, Kansas to John and Minnie (Schwab) Huck.

She graduated from Ellis High School in 1941 and from the Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas. On October 21, 1945 she married Raymond F. Schoenthaler. He preceded her in death on March 22, 2007.

Madeline was a homemaker and enjoyed flower gardening, cooking and baking especially her delicious pies. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where she was very active in church activities including the quilting group. She was also a member of PEO.

She is survived by a son, Terry Schoenthaler and wife Pat of Ellis; a daughter-in-law, Linda Schoenthaler of Hays; a brother, Clayton Huck of Ellis; four grandchildren, Chad Schoenthaler and wife Kimberly of Mission Hills, Kansas, John T. Schoenthaler and wife Keriann of Gilroy, California, Scott Schoenthaler and wife Brianna of Salina, Kansas and Amy church and husband Bryan of Hays as well as twelve great grandchildren, Emma, Bode, Madison, Noah, Sophia, Jonah, Myja, Gabby, Dominic, Alyssa, Aydan and Anthony.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Lynn Schoenthaler; and a great granddaughter, Timberlynn.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Christ Lutheran Church 106 E. 8th in Ellis. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday 5 PM – 8 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM and Wednesday 9 AM until service time all at Christ Lutheran Church.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church, Hospice at HaysMed or the Ellis Public Library.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]

Dorothy Ann McCarthy passed away on June 9, 2017, in Houston, Texas. Dorothy was born on March 13, 1944 in Russell, Kansas. She was the youngest of eight children born to Pauline Maier and Dietrich Albrecht.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Duane T. McCarthy of Houston, Texas; daughter, Kristi McCarthy of Arlington, Virginia; son, Daniel McCarthy and wife Amy, and much-adored granddaughters Mikaela, Anna, Danielle and Nora McCarthy all of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her sisters, Ida Elliott of Hays, Kansas and Mable Sommerdorf of Napa, California and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorothy’s passions included traveling, cooking, teaching, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. She visisted over 150 countries and all seven continents. Her travels varied from sailing in the Greek Isles, trekking in Nepal, crossing the Atlantic on cruise ships and even spending time in Antarctica. She embraced life. Family and friends were treated to her superb cooking; she was always keen to try a new recipe. She taught at elementary schools in Newtown, Connecticut; Bonao, Dominican Republic; Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Houston, Texas and on the island of Saipan. She was selected as a Master Teacher in Saudi Arabia, Teacher of the Year in Saipan and she was awarded the Crystal Apple Teacher of the Year Award in Houston in 1993.

Dorothy’s kindness, thoughtfulness, beautiful smile and giving personality drew people to her. She touched the lives of numerous people she met along the way of her adventurous life: family, many dear friends, fellow teachers, and countless students. Her life was a true testament to “living life”. Her journey began with a solid foundation from a small town in Kansas. She was a woman who could drive a tractor, bake a three layer cake or negotiate rug purchase in a foreign country. Along with her true companion husband, she lived a life filled with accomplishments, exploration, adventure and love. She will be dearly missed.

A Memorial service and burial of ashes will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Lutheran Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas. Rev. Michael Schmidt will be officiating.

LeeAnne Emmons, 67, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

LeeAnne was born on November 24, 1950, in Marion, Indiana, the daughter of Leon and Mary Ann (Sparks) Atkerson. At a young age she moved to the Russell area and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1969. She then attended Academy of Hair, in Salina, Kansas. LeeAnne and Kenny then moved to Brattleboro, Vermont where she met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Alfred E. Emmons on June 26, 1984 in Russell, Kansas. They then moved to Russell, Kansas where she worked as a secretary for Leon’s Tank Service for several years and then the family business Francis-Urban Tank Service for many years. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell where she was the Nursery coordinator for several years until she was unable to climb the stairs and had to stop working with the little ones she enjoyed so much. She was also the custodian for a couple years, she also worked as a cook for Russell High School. She enjoyed working with arts and crafts and collecting Noah’s ark items. She loved seashells and jewelry. She took a night class at Russell High School for silversmith, which she enjoyed making different items. She prepared the nativity pieces of clay for firing and glazing for years to be given away to the youth at church. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving family include her husband Alfred E. Emmons of the home, son Kenny L. Cain wife Melanie of Lucas, Kansas, daughter Amy Hoss and husband Cody of Russell, Kansas and son Robert D. Emmons and companion Kimberly Forest of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Kevin Cain, Kendra Harp and Slayde Hoss and great grandchild Kinsley Harp, step grandchildren Brody, Blake, Kaylee Hoss. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service to celebrate LeeAnne’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas with Pastor Les Rye officiating. Cremation has been selected by the family and inurnment of the cremains will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church, Nursery Fund or to the Russell Playpark and sent in care of the mortuary.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Harold “Dean” Nuss, 84, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, in Houston, Texas.

Dean was born on July 20, 1933, in Milberger, Kansas, the son of Harold and Esther (Blehm) Nuss. He grew up in Milberger and the Russell County area and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1951. After high school he joined the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, achieving the rank of sergeant.

He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Joanne L. Barnette on April 12 1957, in Champaign, Illinois. From this union Dean and Joanne were blessed with 3 children, sons John Mark and Matthew and a daughter Amy. He received his Bachelors degree from Ft. Hays State University in 1962. During college he worked for Banker’s Mercantile. Later he also worked for Sinclair Oil, General Battery Corporation and Hopper Ford in Russell. He was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #99 and the Elks Lodge. He enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his special friend Micki Sweeney. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially is 7 grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons John Mark Nuss (Joan) of San Diego, California and Matthew (Ingrid) of Houston, Texas; daughter Amy Dugan (Mike) Omaha, Nebraska; 7 grandchildren Brian, Andrew, Ian, Gillen, Jacob Nuss and Lily and Michael Dugan; sister Karen Kay Gaines (Jack) and special friend Micki Sweeney and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joanne, sisters Dorothy Funk and Marjorie Mighell; brothers in-law Leon Funk and Roger Mighell.

A memorial service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 02, 2018, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Cremation has been selected by the family and inurnment will follow the service at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Military honors will be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Family will greet guests from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Friday, June 01, 2018, at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the American Legion Post #99 or Russell Golf Course and sent in care of the mortuary.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Claire B. Dreiling, 99, formerly of Hays, died Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

She was born October 13, 1918 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee the daughter of Dr. Clarence V. and Ethel M. (Overall) Bruner. After graduating from high school she went on to receive her BS Degree in English from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute and her MS Degree in Home Economics from Vanderbilt University. On March 25, 1944 she was united in marriage to Arthur J. “Art” Dreiling in Chicago, Illinois. They celebrated over 58 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on December 23, 2002.

Claire was a retired junior high and high school Home Economics, English, and Science teacher having taught at Peabody Demonstration School in Nashville, TN, as well as schools in Selden, Hoxie, and Hays. She was a member of numerous bridge clubs, a founder of the Rotary Anne club in Hoxie, and a devout Catholic. She enjoyed decorating for special occasions and holidays, was an excellent seamstress and cook, and she loved to entertain friends and family. She was church choir director, a church organist, and she loved to play the piano and give piano lessons. Golf was a favorite pastime and she loved animals and dancing with her husband.

Survivors include two daughters; Madeline Musick of WaKeeney, Kansas and Cindy Villarreal and husband Ricardo of Ellis, Kansas, four grandchildren; Marlys McConnell, Amanda Johnson, Matthew Hoosier and wife Heather, and Cole Hoosier and wife Vanessa, seven great grandchildren; Christopher McConnell, Julian Jensen, Micah Hoosier, Isaac Hoosier, Nathan Hoosier, Meghan Hoosier, and Katie Grace Hoosier.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arthur, a son-in-law; Michael Musick, and a great grandson; Andrew McConnell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center, 506 W. 6th Street, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the church and a rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Ellis Good Samaritan Society or to the Humane Society of the High Plains in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.

Condolences and memories of Claire may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Gustav “Gus” Sauer, age 78, Hays, KS, passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society-Hays. He was born on October 16, 1939, in Ellis, KS to Adam and Augusta (Hoffman) Sauer. He married Patricia “Pat” Staab on November 4, 1961, in WaKeeney, KS.

Gus was a lifetime farmer. He enjoyed woodworking, polka music and dancing. He was a member of the Sunflower Polka Club.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Pat of Hays; two sons, Randy (Nichole) Sauer of Hays, and Kevin Sauer and his companion (Gretchen Moreno) of Hays; sister, Anna Kingham of Norton; three grandchildren, Alyssa (Kevin) Schulte of Hays, Dylan Sauer of Kansas City, and Courtny Sauer of Hays; three great-grandchildren, Kendall, Avyn and Spencer Schulte all of Hays. Gus also leaves behind a loving extended family with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Ernest, Adam, Ludwig, Rudy and Alfred Sauer and four sisters, Marie and Martha Armbrister, Minnie Kingham and Louise Powell.

Funeral services for Gus will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 28, 2018 from 5-8:00 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hays Plaza Apartments, 1005 W. 28th St., Hays, KS 67601

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via email to [email protected].

Elizabeth A. “Betty” Keller, born July 31, 1928, died Thu., May 24, 2018, in Oakley, Kansas.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Baalmann Mortuary, 190 S. Franklin Ave., Colby, Kansas.

Betty Lou Irwin, born June 24, 1927, died Thursday, May 24, 2018.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home.