Mary Kay Stenger, 70, Topeka, died Friday, September 25, 2015 at her home.

She was born January 5, 1945 the daughter of Paul and Margie (Wolf) Stenger. She was a school psychologist. Prior, she worked in the juvenile justice field and was a pioneer in the studies of linking delinquency and learning disabilities. Mary Kay retired from Seaman USD 345. She loved her family, her faith, and her friends.

She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Paul Stenger and wife Anne of Arlington, VA, Vicki Willenborg and spouse Karen Hyland of Kansas City, MO, Pat Stenger of Topeka, Steve Stenger of Holton, Kansas, David Stenger of Topeka, and Suellyn Stenger of Hays, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Donnie Stenger.

She was followed in death by her brother, Mike Stenger.

Her body was donated to The University of Kansas Medical Center.

Mary Kay’s life was celebrated with Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Mater Dei (Holy Name) Church, 1114 SW 10th, Topeka. Inurnment will be at 11:00am on Saturday, September 23, 2017 in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Mater Dei parish or to family wishes. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Michael James “Mike” Stenger Sr., 67, of Topeka, Kansas passed away July 3, 2017.

He was born August 24, 1949 in Hays, Kansas the son of Paul and Margie (Wolf) Stenger. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa with the class of 1967. Mike was an excellent baseball player and followed the major leagues fervently. He held management positions for major grocery and retail stores. He moved to Topeka, KS in 1983.  As a member of Oxford House he represented his chapter at the world wide convention in Washington, DC in 2009.    

Survivors include his son, Brian Stenger of Des Moines, IA, brothers and sisters, Paul Stenger and wife Anne of Arlington, VA, Vicki Willenborg and spouse Karen Hyland of Kansas City, MO, Pat Stenger of Topeka, Steve Stenger of Holton, KS, David Stenger of Topeka, and Suellyn Stenger of Hays, four grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Michael James Stenger, Jr. of Urbandale, IA, a sister Mary Kay Stenger and a brother Donnie Stenger.

Inurnment will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 23, 2017 in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation or Oxford House. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Patricia L. “Patty” Moran, 58, McCracken, Kansas, died Sunday, September 17, 2017, at her home.

Patty was born February 28, 1959, in La Crosse, Kansas, the daughter of Robert E. “Bob” and JoAnn T. (Seaman) Huber. She was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. A 1977 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, she was a homemaker and farm wife.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken, Kansas; a board member for Rush County Memorial Hospital, and a board member for Rush County NRCS, both of La Crosse, Kansas.

On August 9, 1980, she married Thomas “Tom” Moran at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Survivors include: her husband, Thomas “Tom” Moran, McCracken, Kansas; one son, Andrew Moran, and his fiancé, Lashain Shaw, Rush Center, Kansas; one daughter, Katherine “Kate” Simon, and her husband, Adam Simon, Andale, Kansas; five grandchildren, McKylie Lari, Massimo Lari, Grayson Moran, Isabelle Simon, and Pete Simon; her mother, JoAnn T. Huber, La Crosse, Kansas; and one brother, Randy Huber, and his wife, Julie Huber, La Crosse, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her father; an infant son, Phillip Moran; and two sisters, Katherine Huber, and Diana Huber.
Memorial service will be Friday, September 22, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating. Inurnment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, McCracken, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers and plants, Patty’s family requests memorials to Hospice at Hays Medical Center, Hays, 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.

Dolores Naomi Landgraf, age 82, died September 14, 2017 at Garden City, KS. She was born November 22, 1934 in Springdale, Arkansas to Charlie and Vandelier Morlan.

Dolores enjoyed gardening, running the farm, and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas.

On September 21, 1960 she married Roger Landgraf. He passed away July 2006. She also was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Farell Morlan.

Survivors include 3 children, Kendall(Anne) Landgraf, Garden City, KS & Lori(Richard) Leatherwood, Branson West, MO & Keith(Jessica) Landgraf , Garden City, KS; 5 Grandchildren Krystina, Keldon, Jarett, Reegan, and Jace; 1 great grandson Ryan, Garden City, KS; 1 brother Kenneth(Patricia)Morlan, Fayettville, AR; 1 sister in law JoAnn Morlan, Springdale, AR.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, KS with Pastor Jon Tuttle presiding. Calling times will be from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2017. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, KS.

The family requests memorials be given to Prairie View Church of the Brethren or the Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, Garden City, Kansas 67846.

Frances L. Dinkel, 85, Hays, died Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Via Christi Village. She was born May 31, 1932 in Hays the daughter of Joseph and Goldie (Ginther) Knoll. She was a 1950 graduate of Hays High School. On August 7, 1950 she was united in marriage to James Dinkel in Hays. They celebrated over 62 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on April 1, 2013.

She worked at Travenol, was a cook’s assistant at Lincoln Elementary School and St. Anthony Hospital, worked various other jobs, and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed cardinals, flowers, and fishing and camping with her husband, but her greatest pleasure was her grandchildren. She loved babysitting them and teaching them to bake cookies.

Survivors include two sons; Jim Dinkel and wife Joyce and Ray Dinkel and wife Marilyn all of Hays, a daughter; Jo Good and husband Gary of Hays, seven grandchildren; Travis Dinkel and Trevor Dinkel both of Hays, Troie Lohse of Washington, Kansas, Darcy Kimbrel, Scott Good, Rachel Harman and husband Dustin, all of Hays, and Carla Schmeidler and husband Kent of Victoria, and fourteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, two sisters; Goldie Jensen and Shirley Gosser, and an infant great grandson; Cody John Schmeidler.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village, 2225 Canterbury Drive. Private family inurnment will take place at a later time in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ellis. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time on Thursday at St. John’s Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.

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

Leland J. Dinkel-Victoria, Kansas, age 77, died Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Via Christi Village Care Center Hays, Kansas. He was born August 12, 1940, on the family farm north east of Victoria, Kansas to Bonavent J. and Margaret (Kuhn) Dinkel. He married Marlene K. (Dinkel) on September 10, 1962, in Ellis, Kansas. She died June 10, 2013.

He worked at St. John’s Rest Home, Victoria Kansas, for over 20 years as Maintenance Supervisor and retired in 2009 and worked at S and W Supply, Hays, Kansas, for 18 years in Sales and Parts. He attended Victoria Grade School and was a 1959 graduate of Victoria High School. He was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis and served on the Parish Council for 5 years. Leland was a cross guard at the Victoria Grade School from 2009 until this year. Leland was an excellent finish carpenter and enjoyed his family.

Survivors include one son, Dale Dinkel and wife, Kris, Victoria, KS; three daughters, Karla Rohleder and husband, Gerald; Colleen Kuhn and husband, Leon; Tammy Dome and husband, Stuart; all of Victoria, KS; nine grandchildren, Sara Rohleder and companion, Preston Fox; Steven Rohleder; Dani Dinkel and companion, Erin Clair; Kameron Dinkel and fiancé Natalie Hauber; Dylan Kuhn and fiancé, Heather Davis; Nathan Kuhn; Andrea Hoffman and husband, Brenton; Ashley Dome and companion, Kole Urban; Bryan Dome companion Lori Leiker; two great grandchildren, Rhett and Hunter Hoffman; two brothers, Robert Dinkel and wife, Marge, Plainville, KS; Leroy Dinkel, Victoria, KS; three sisters-in-law, Cleota Dinkel, Plainville, KS; Anna Louise Dinkel, Hays, KS; Rosie Dinkel, Victoria; and his two beloved dogs Molly and Buffy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; four brothers, Gilbert Dinkel, Hubert Dinkel, Donald Dinkel, Ralph Dinkel and one infant brother.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Monday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Monday at The Basilica of St. Fidelis and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Memorials to The Basilica of St. Fidelis, the Senior Companion Program c/o FHSU or the Victoria Grade School.

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

October 27, 1953 – September 15, 2017

Sue Cathrine Harter joined Our Lord and loved ones in heaven on September 15, 2017, at the age of 63 while in her home in Nebraska. She was born on October 27, 1953 in Hoxie, KS to Harold and Eleanor (Krannawitter) Kennedy.

Sue graduated from Hoxie High School in 1971 and from Colby Community College in 1973 with an associates degree in business. She married the love of her life, Lowell Harter, on June 1, 1973. They briefly lived in Hays, KS before returning to Colby where they raised their eight children. Together, they spent her final years at “Sue’s Place”, a home built by her husband and sons near Lake McConaughy, NE.

Above all else, Sue always devoted her life to the Lord. She was also a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and an active member of the Holy Family Circle, school and parish councils. She enjoyed volunteering her time with any activities her children were involved in. Later in life, Sue enjoyed keeping up with friends and spending time with her family. Sue’s grandchildren always brought her joy and that joy was felt by all those around her.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, her father- and mother-in-law Clarence and Doris Harter; sister-in-law Jane Schroeder; and two grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 44 years; daughter and husband Lori and Gabe Stanley of Colby; son and wife Andy and Michelle of Kearney, NE; son and wife Lance and LeAnn of Kearney NE; daughter and husband Shannon and Brad Fikan of Colby; son and wife Nate and Diane of Colby; son Brett of Ogallala, NE; son Jeremy of Overland Park; daughter and husband Katera and Bailey Kemp of Winona; 19 grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings and spouses, Max and Deanna Kennedy of Hoxie; David and Bonnie Kennedy of Mulvane; Dan and Nancy Kennedy of Edmond, OK; Jan and Sean Dolan of Sedalia, CO; brother-in-law Vic Schroeder of Salina; sister-in-law and husband Sherida and Marvin Ribordy of Rapid City, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held September 19, 2017 at 10:30am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby. Memorials in her name can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School and Heartland Christian School in Colby.

Earl Michael “Mike” Schaeffer, 95, long time resident of Assaria, KS died Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Brookdale, Hays, KS. He was born April 25th, 1922 in Reading, PA to Earl Sr and Esther (Speck) Schaeffer. He Married Rozella (Olson) Schaeffer on June 23rd, 1945 in Assaira, KS. She proceeded him death in 2005.

He was a retired US Air Force Veteran and a retired office manager of the Salina Planning Mill. He was a survivor of the Japanese Pearl Harbor Air attack on Hickam Air Field, Dec 7th, 1941. He was a Radio Operator & Gunner on B-18 & B-17 aircraft flying 95 missions at Hawaii, The Battle of Midway, Central Pacific, Guadalcanal & Northern Solomon Islands. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters & many other Service medals & Awards.

He was a Radio Operator on the B-29 when it was being tested at Smoky Hill Air field the Summer/Fall of 1943. He was a Master Sergeant & served the Air Force including 2 tours of Europe in Germany & Formosa, and in the United States in Colorado, Nebraska, Mississippi, Texas and Kansas. He was a recruiting sergeant at Salina & McPherson, KS from 1946-1949.

He was History Buff interested in all Theaters of WWII and primarily in the Pacific. He and Rozella enjoyed traveling back to Hawaii for Pearl Harbor Survivor Reunions. On one trip, they met President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary. He enjoyed listening to music, especially James Last & Mantovani Orchestra. He was an avid collector of Merklien Trains from Germany, music, stamps and coins from around the world. He always believed in doing the right thing and taught this to his sons and grandchildren.

He was a member of the Assaria Lutheran Church, The Pearl Harbor Association, 72nd Bomb Group, 11th Bomb Group, 5th Bomb group, 13th Air Force Veterans Association, VFW & American Legion, Distinguished Flying Cross Life Member & Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans Life Memorial.

Survivors include two sons, Steven Schaeffer & wife Claudia of Houston, TX and Gary Schaeffer & wife Becky of Hays. Daughter-in-law, Jolene Schaeffer, Hays, 4 Grandchildren, Jordan Schaeffer & wife Sarah, Jill Mall & husband Tucker, Hays, KS, Cherise Schaeffer & friend Stephen Barber, Shawnee, KS. and Alex Schaeffer, Vista, CA & 6 great grandchildren, Noah, Tyler & Maci Schaeffer & Sperry, Tracer & Kimber Mall. Two sisters, Gertrude Nagle of Honeybrook, PA & Barbara Varone of Shillington, PA, one brother George and wife Jane Schaeffer of Leeport, PA. Sister-in laws Helen Swem, Highlands Ranch, CO & Arlene Schaeffer, Mohten, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Robert Schaeffer in 1991 and siblings, Mildred Bond, Doris Schrack & Joel Schaeffer.

Services will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at at the Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. First Street in Assaria, KS. with interment in the church cemetery with military honors courtesy of the Salina VFW Post 1432 Honor Guard.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 19, 2017 4 PM – 7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory 2509 Vine, Hays, KS

Memorials suggested to the Assaria Lutheran Church, Assaria, KS.

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

SMITH CENTER – Florence Ellen Tucker (December 4, 1919 – September 14, 2017), age 97, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Smith County Long Term Care in Smith Center.

Visitation is Sunday, Sept. 17, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, 116 W. First Street, Smith Center, KS 66967.

Celebration of Life service is Monday, Sept. 18 at 10 AM at Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery, N. Main, Smith Center.

Memorials may be made to the Florence Tucker Memorial Fund in care of Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, 116 W. First, Smith Center, KS 66967, or call 785-282-6691.

Howard E. Mai, 85, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, September 15, 2017, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Howard was born on April 17, 1932, in Russell, Kansas, the son of John J. and Katherina Elizabeth (Maier) Mai. He grew up in the Bender Hill area and attended Bender Hill Schools and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1950. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Joetta M. Mai on August 19, 1956, at the American Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas. From this union they were blessed with two daughters Mona and Michele.

Howard worked as a farmer and oil field pumper. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. He was a lifetime member with the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, Russell American Legion Post #99 and BPOE #1715. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and working on the farm. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Joetta of the home, daughters Mona L. Grady of Russell, Kansas, and Michele L. Clark of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister Wilmetta Deutsch; 5 grandchildren, Jerrod, Brett, Kayla, Kaitlyn and Caleb; and four great grandchildren, Barrett, Adeline, Owen and Elsie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leo Mai, Walter Mai, Clarence Mai and Earlin Mai; and sister Viola Bender.

A Celebration of Howard’s life will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, September 18, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery where Russell V.F.W. Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 17, 2017 from Noon to 8:00 PM at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Memorials may be given to the Russell County Food Pantry or St. John Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

(May 10, 1979 – Sept. 12, 2017) 

(February 13, 1925 – September 11, 2017) 

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