Pearl Samuelson, age 91, of Oakley, died January 30, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.  She was born March 9, 1925, in Oakley to Ernest and Anna Scholl.  Pearl married Floyd Samuelson on December 22, 1945 in Oakley and she was a homemaker.

Pearl was a member of Oakley V.F.W. Post 2981 Women’s Auxiliary, Oakley American Legion, and Red Hat Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Floyd, and brother Evert Scholl.

Survivors include her daughter, Gayla (Larry) Berkgren of Oakley, sons:  Harley Samuelson of Hutchinson, Dale (Lorraine) Samuelson of Oakley, and Tim Samuelson of Oakley; eight grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

Funeral service:  10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, Oakley, with Pastor Bob Kelly officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakley Cemetery.  Visitation:  Friday, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home.  Memorials to Pearl Samuelson Memorial Fund may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 221, Oakley, KS  67748.

Sign guest book online at www.kennedykosterfh.com.

Henrietta Barbara (Rudell) Homm, 89 Garden City, former Goodland resident, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Garden Valley Nursing Home at Garden City.

She was born on Jan. 24, 1928, to Matthew and Mary (Pfeifer) Rudell at home on the Madigan Ranch in Wallace County.

Mrs. Homm went to school in Levant and Oakley where she graduated from Oakley High School in 1948. The first in her family to do so.

On June 15, 1948, she and George F. Homm Jr. were married at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oakley in a traditional three day German wedding. A flood kept them from leaving on a honeymoon trip to Denver and they stayed with his mother. The couple returned to live in Garden City where he was a police office with the Garden City police department.

In 1951 the couple were the jailers for the Finney County Jail and lived in the Finney County Courthouse in Garden City where Mr. Homm was a Sheriff’s Deputy. In 1956 they moved to Lakin where he was the Kearny County Sheriff and Undersheriff several times. Then in 1962 they moved to Oakley where he was the Chief of Police for the city of Oakley. In 1968 they returned to Lakin where he worked for the Lakin Police Department. They moved in 1970 to Goodland.

Mrs. Homm had been a member of the Goodland Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Logan County Home Demonstration Unit, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and Altar Society in Goodland.

In October 2007 she moved to independent living in Garden Valley Retirement Village of Garden City to be near her son.

Mrs. Homm spent her life nourishing people in her role as a cook for the jail in Garden City, Lakin Elementary School, Kearney County Hospital, her own restaurant in Lakin, cooking for other restaurants in Lakin and Goodland including Rays, Wendys and the Walmart Deli, Sherman County Good Samaritan Center and Golden West Skill Center in Goodland. She had also worked in several grocery stores including Traders and Annis in Oakley, one in Garden City and one in Lakin.

Preceding her in death were her husband in December 1981; her parents of Oakley; three brothers, John (Paulina) Rudell and Clarence (Edna) Rudell, all of Oakley and Joseph (Vivian) Rudell of Colby; three sisters, Juanita (Doyle) Quenzer of Norton, Ermalina (James) Vernon of Oakley, Julianna (Irish) Bruggeman of Arizona; a brother-in-law, Alfred (Evon) Homm of Hays; and three sisters-in-law, Barbara (Jerry) Gallentine of Oakley, Betty (Joe) Schuster of WaKeeney and Pauline (Claude) Blair of Scott City; and a son-in-law, John R. Schiefen Jr. of Goodland.

Survivors include a daughter Patricia Ann Schiefen of Goodland; a son Michael Jay (Tracey) Homm of Garden City; a brother Francis (Pam) Rudell of Oakley; a brother-in-law, Charles (Joyce) Homm of Oakley; and a grandson, James Michael Schiefen of Goodland.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. (Mountain Time) at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 13th and Center, Goodland with burial in the Goodland Cemetery with Father Don Martin officiating.

Cremation was chosen so there was no visitation.

Memorials to the Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo of Garden City or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Goodland may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main, Goodland, Kansas, 67735.

Online condolences may be made at koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Marie Frances Beranek, 90, Hays, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Via Christi Village Long Term Care.

She was born May 30, 1926 in Bruno, Nebraska the daughter of Anton and Antonia (Culek) Joska.  She graduated from Liberty High School in Madison, NE and also from secretarial school in Omaha, NE.  On September 28, 1946 she married George W. Beranek in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.  They met at a dance in Kimball, NE and celebrated over seventy years of marriage.  Marie was a secretary at a law firm, was a tractor driver, horseback rider, fence fixer, and all around farm wife, and from 1972 until 1986, she was a school lunch manager in Kimball.  Her memberships include the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Rosary Altar Society, both of Kimball.  She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, cooking and baking, polka dances, and playing cards with family and friends. 

Survivors include her husband; George, of Hays, a son; James Beranek of Bushnell, NE, a daughter; Karen Sinclair and husband Mike of Plainville, KS, four grandchildren; Ann Klein and husband Chad of Portland, OR, Christine Dial and husband Skylar of Idaho Falls, ID, Natalie Bierman of Isabel, SD, and Nolan Sinclair of Plainville, and two great-grandchildren; Alexandra and Braxton Dial.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and five brothers; Joseph M. Joska, Frederick F. Joska, James C. Joska, Frank L. Joska, and Anton “Tony” Joska, Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 206 N. Washington Street, Plainville, Kansas with Fr. Brian Lager officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in the Kimball Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 10:30 with a rosary scheduled for 9:45 am, all on Saturday at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Rosary Altar Society, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, KS  67601.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Hays, Kansas – Jacqueline Darlene “Jacque” Massaglia, age 59, died Monday, January 30, 2017, at her home in Hays, Kansas.

She was born December 11, 1957, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to William J. and Deloris (Baker) Rupke. She married Matthew Steven Massaglia on June 11, 1977 at Hays, Kansas.

She was a clerk with the City of Hays Water Department. Jacque moved to Hays in 1968, was a 1975 graduate of Hays High School and a member of the First Baptist Church Hays, Kansas. She was also employed as a Production Supervisor for Travenol Laboratories, a Production Manager for Stromgren Supports and a receptionist for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. She was a author and published her book [My Story, Miracles Happen Every Day].

Survivors include her husband, Matthew Massaglia, of the home; one son, Steven Massaglia and wife, Danielle, Scott City, KS; one daughter, Brina Gerstner and husband, Lance, Hays, KS; six grandchildren, Erin, Shelby, Hannah and Alexander Massaglia; Elizabeth and Jacksen Gerstner; her mother, Deloris Rupke, Hays, KS; two brothers, Kenneth Rupke and wife, Debbie, and Robert Rupke and wife, Bonnie, both of Hays, KS; two sisters, Linda Eggers and husband, Terry, Plainville, KS; Charlyn Coleman, Port St. Luci, FL; her father-in-law, Louis Massaglia, Bella Vista, AR; two brothers-in-law, Mike Massaglia and wife, Vivian, Bella Vista, AR; Mark Massaglia and wife Amy, Windsor, CT; one sister-in-law, Kay Rolfs Massaglia, Royersford, Penn.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Rupke; two brothers-in-law, Martin Rolfs Massaglia and Wallace Coleman; and her mother-in-law, Billie Nadean Massaglia.

Services are 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 3, 2017, at the First Baptist Church 12th and Fort Hays, Kansas. Burial in Mount Allen Cemetery Hays, Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 and from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Friday, at the First Baptist Church.

Memorials to Hospice of Hays Medical Center, The Deacons Fund in care of First Baptist Church or Camp Christy, Scott City, KS. Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Merle Gordon Geyer, age 72, of WaKeeney (formerly of Lawrence), passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017 after a brief struggle with cancer.

He was born April 26, 1944 to Virgil and Alice (Grusing) Geyer in Hays. Merle graduated from Trego Community High School and Garden City Junior College. He enjoyed antique cars and tractors, gardening, hunting and fishing.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister; former wife and mother of his daughter Lula Holland.

Survivors include his daughter, Traci Moore, Fairdealing, MO; grandchildren, Megan, Aaron and Emily Stonecipher; special friend, Judy Helget, WaKeeney; brother, Galen Geyer (Angie), WaKeeney; sisters, Carolyn Garbo (Sam), Leawood, KS, Leigh Geyer (Harlan Henryson), Lincoln, KS; nieces, Caci Short (Kevin), Jenks, OK, Andrea Yang (Gus), Leawood, KS and their families.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2017, at United Methodist Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery, WaKeeney.

Cremation was chosen. Visitation will be Friday, February 3, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to United Methodist Church or Merle Geyer Memorial Fund. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be left online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Age 93

El Dorado, Kansas

Isabel’s life began on June 22, 1923, the daughter of Charles and Edna (Knudson) Swan in Matoon, Wisconsin. She received her nursing degree from the Milwaukee, Wisconsin nursing program and was in the Air Cadet nursing program during World War II. She was also a registered nurse at Hadley Memorial Hospital in Hays, Kansas. She was a house mother for Sigma Nu at Kansas University in Lawrence, and also a sorority house mother at Kansas State University in Manhattan. She attended the Presbyterian Church in Hays, loved animals, was a voracious reader, she enjoyed crocheting, cooking and making candies.

Her loving family includes her daughters, Cynthia Palmer of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Betsy Daniel of Dallas, Texas and Susan Daniel-Droney (Steven Droney) of El Dorado; 1 granddaughter, Kristen Palmer; 1 grandson, David (Aletheia) Palmer; nieces, Sandy (Dale) Goeman and Sally Johnson.

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, and one sister. Isabel passed away, Sunday, January 29, 2017, having reached the age of 93 years old.

Private family service. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Interim Hospice or the American Nursing Association in care of the funeral home. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Isabel at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com.

Gerald A. Nett, 91, of Goodland, KS, died Friday, January 28, 2017, at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.

He was born February 21, 1925, In Reno County, KS to Joseph and Clara Nett. Gerald entered the Merchant Marines at 17, where he served and traveled the world. He gained an appreciation for travel, which he engaged in his entire life. 

Gerald worked primarily in farming and in the restaurant business. He owned and operated restaurants in Goodland and Oakley. He was proud of the many years he worked at the McDonalds in Goodland, working well into his late 80’s.

Gerald was a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. His faith was a guiding force in his life.

Gerald had many interests besides travel and work. He enjoyed gardening, cultivating a large plot at his home for over 30 years.  He was a founding member of the Farmers Market of Goodland. There was nothing he enjoyed more than showing off his prize corn, tomatoes, and the many unique vegetables and flowers he grew. He had many talents and interests including mechanics, baking, and reading and was a lifelong learner. He enjoyed a good debate and kept involved in current events and politics.

Family was an integral part of Gerry’s life. He is survived by his brother Bert Nett (Hope) of Boulder, CO, his sister Marietta Whalen of Houston, TX, his children: Steve Nett of Goodland, Greg Nett of Goodland, Cindy Nett (Joe Markham) of Carbondale, CO, Daniel Nett of Boulder, CO, Kris Weber of New Braunfels, TX, and Michael Nett of Marquette, MI, as well as, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by his first and second wives, two brothers, a sister and his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 10:30 AM MT at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland with Father Norbert Dlabal officiating.  Burial will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 1:00 PM CT at the St. Joe Cemetery in Ost, KS with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT, with a Rosary and Vigil service at 7:00 PM at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Catholic Charities or to St. Joe Elementary School of Ost, KS and may be left at the service or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral service arrangements were entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, Goodland, KS.

Margaret Anna (Reitz) Halbleib, age 77 of WaKeeney, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017.

She was born October 15, 1939 in Roth, Germany, to George Reitz and Karoline (Koehler) Reitz. She attended school in Roth, Germany, for nine years. She went on to work as a nanny and then worked in a cigar factory.

In January of 1959, Margaret was enjoying a night at the Guest House Bar, when she was blown away by the sound of an accordion being played by a handsome military man named Fred. Little did she know she had met the love of her life that night. On July 25, 1959, Margaret was united in marriage to Fred Halbleib in Gelnhausen, Germany. They resided there until March 1960 when they moved to the United States.

After moving to the U.S. they made their home in WaKeeney, Kansas where they began their journey together. As Fred worked hard supporting the family, Margaret took pride in being a mother and homemaker. She was very well known for her love of cooking and baking. Margaret could always be found in the kitchen wearing her apron and a big smile on her face at family get togethers. She took pride in her crochet work, making blankets, towels, potholders, and booties for all to enjoy. Margaret was a very active member in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and enjoyed volunteering to help with dinners. Margaret was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her husband, Fred Halbleib of the home; a sister Anneliese Ries, Roth, Germany; one son Harold (Tu) Halbleib, Henderson, NV; two daughters; Tammae (Gene) Stenzel, WaKeeney, KS, Connie (Kevin) Fox, Ellis; nine grandchildren, Christina (John) Hughes, Raymore, MO, Brandi Nowlin, WaKeeney, Bryan (Megan) Flax, Snyder, CO, Derek Fox, Olathe, Austin Fox, Hays, Kyle Fox, Hays, Darlin Martin, Henderson, NV, Tori Martin, Henderson, NV, Kim (John) Martin-Woods, Henderson, NV; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Caroline Reitz, and two brothers Willi and Heinrich; grandson-in-law, Tony Nowlin.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 2, 2017, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney.

There will be no public visitation.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donations made to the church may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be left online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Gloria (Goetz) Teel, 86, of Russell, Kansas passed away at her home in Russell on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

Gloria was born June 14, 1930, one of five children born to William and Helen (Herman) Goetz. She grew up and attended school in Victoria, Kansas.

Gloria was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond Hugh Teel on January 7, 1946 in Russell. This union was blessed with two daughters, Lana and Mickey. They made their home in Russell. Raymond preceded her in death on October 18, 2002.

Gloria was the owner and operator of Glamour Boutique here in Russell for over 52 years. She also was a devoted wife and homemaker for her daughters and grandchildren. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Guild. She enjoyed walking, gardening, watching sports and visiting with family and friends. Her passion in life was her grandsons and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her two daughters, Lana Brock (Sam) and Mickey Teel all of Russell, Kansas; brother, Bill Goetz (Nancy) of Houston, Texas; sister, Betty Wagner of Russell, Kansas; sister-in-law, Jackie Goetz of Hallettsville, Texas; brother-in-law, Tom Sturman of Rusell, Kansas; four grandsons, Douglas Foster (Bonnie), David Foster (Summer), Heath Long (Terri Jane) and Jerod Long; and five great grandchildren, Syndey Foster, Beau Foster, Mary Kay Foster, Tanner Long and Bryce Long. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Raymond, brother Donald Goetz and sister Arlene Sturman.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, February 2, 2017 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later date. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, February 1, 2017 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 St. Mary’s Catholic Church Handicap Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Myrna Joyce Brandenburg-Christiansen, 87, passed away January 27, 2017 at Trinity Manor, Dodge City. She was born November 24, 1929 in Luray, to Howard and Lulu (Weese) Griffin. Myrna grew up on a farm nine miles north of Bunker Hill, along the Saline River.

Myrna attended elementary school at a small country school across the road from their house and for many years the teacher lived with them. Myrna graduated from Bunker Hill High School in May 1947.

She married her best friend Robert D. (Bob) Brandenburg on June 8, 1947. After living in Russell County for about 20 years they moved to Dodge City. Eventually they returned to Russell. Myrna loved dancing and helping others.

After the death of her husband Bob on November 13, 1987, she married Virgil Christiansen of Lincoln, January 13, 1989. She and her husband spent time in Lincoln before moving to Salina. She returned to Dodge City earlier this year.

Myrna is survived by her husband, Virgil Christiansen of Salina. She is also survived by three children, Alan Brandenburg and wife Deana of Salina, Beverly Pohl and husband Terry of Louisville, Kentucky, and Eldon Brandenburg and wife Patty of Dodge City; and one brother, Howard Griffin and wife Shirley of Arkansas City. She had 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, two nephews, and a host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Lulu Griffin, her husband Bob Brandenburg, her youngest daughter, Sandra K. Reynolds; and nephew, Monte Griffin.

Funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City with Dr. Michael Burns presiding. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday with the family present at Swaim Funeral Chapel. A second funeral will be at 10 AM on Friday, February 03, 2017, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, Russell with Pastor Gary Carlson. Visitation will be from 5 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, February 02, 2017, with the family greeting guests at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Burial will follow the funeral on Friday at Russell City Cemetery in Russell. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie or Gideon’s International both in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

Annette was born with the name of Adabell Annette on December 9th, 1936 to Victor Llewellyn Follett and Velva Fae Halley Follett in Goodland, Kansas at the Boothroy Hospital. She was the second of three daughters, her oldest sister Amelia Fae Elder and youngest sister Virginia Cole Wheeler. Annette resided in Goodland until age 6 when the family was relocated to Laramie Wyoming. She wasn’t happy with this relocation and cried every day before going to school. She eventually settled in after going on a school trip to a farm. This was the beginning of her appreciation for farm life. The Follett family moved back to the Goodland area when she was 8 years old where she attended school and graduated from Sherman County High School in 1954. She went to Emporia State Teachers College where she received a provisional teaching certificate. She taught several different grades at the Edson School after college.

She married Kenneth Franklin April 21st, 1956 and had four children Leland LeRoy (Eloisa) Franklin of Goodland, Lisa Lorraine (Ric) Morrow of Olathe, Liana Lynn (Jeff) Pauli of Derby, and LaRee Lynnette (Shawn) Smith of Denton, TX. She moved into town in 1975 and went to work at the Northwest Kansas Regional Medical Center and later McKenzie Implement.

In 1982 she married Robert Boehme and they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota and lived there briefly until relocating back to Goodland in 1983. She worked at the Case Implement Dealer in St. Francis, KS.

In 1988 she attended Northwest Kansas Area Vocational Technology School where she got her business/accounting certificate which gained her employment at the Kansas State University Engineering Experiment Station. She lived in Manhattan, KS and worked at KSU where she retired after 15 years.

Shortly after retirement, Jim Flanders swept her off her feet and moved her back to country living at the Kuhrt Ranch where they were married. On December 29th, Jim and Annette celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary. She enjoyed Jim’s three children, Fawn (Charlie) Fulk, Blake (Risa) Flanders, Brent (Diana) Flanders and all of their kids and grandkids.

Something that was so fun and dear to her was her Avon business that she did for around 40 years. She so enjoyed visiting and getting to know all of her clients from the multiple locations she lived which then became her social life. Selling Avon was her passion and she earned many sales awards including the highest honor of President’s Club every year.

In September 2016 she was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, Multiple Myeloma. She was so full of life and fought to the very end because she wasn’t ready for her journey to end. Throughout her life, adversities never kept her down. Her family has so enjoyed hearing the communities words of her kindness, courage, style and ability to overcome and endure. Heaven has gained a remarkable woman.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. MT, Sunday, Jan. 29, at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 E. 11th, Goodland. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. MT, Monday, Jan. 30, at Bateman Funeral Home. Memorials will be donated to the Kansas State University Cancer Research Fund in Annette’s name and may be sent to the funeral home at P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Online Condolences: www.batemanfuneral.com.