(July 5, 1933 – January 10, 2017)

Funeral Service: Friday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin with Pastor Sharon Nelson officiating

Burial: Oberlin Cemetery

Memorial Fund: Detta Anderson Memorial Fund

Visitation: Thursday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Friday after 8:00 a.m. until service time

Evelyn M. Bieker, 88, Hays, died Saturday, January 7, 2017 at her home.

She was born December 7, 1928 in Hays the daughter of Andrew and Mary (Breit) Jacobs.  On April 14, 1947 she married Victor A. Bieker at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.  He preceded her in death in June of 1969.  After her husband’s death, she went on to earn her GED and enrolled at Fort Hays State University where she would go on to receive her BS Degree in Business Education and graduate Summa Cum Laude. 

In 1974, she began a career that would span 20 years as a teacher at Hays High School in the Business Education Department, teaching Business Law, Typing, and Accounting.  She also sponsored a Hays High School Chapter of the National Honor Society for many years until her retirement in 1994.  After retirement, she kept very active and busy with reading (often three books at a time), current events, politics, newspapers, and crossword puzzles. She was a regular at the Hays Public Library, and enjoyed gardening and tending to her yard. 

There was always something delicious to eat at Evelyn’s house and she enjoyed treating others to meals and treats she had prepared.  She was an avid baseball fan, especially when the New York Yankees were playing.  She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries, the Altar Society Christian Mothers, and the Ellis County Retired Teachers Association.   

Survivors include three sons; Ronald Bieker and wife Sherry of Southlake, TX, Donald Bieker and wife Betty of McKinney, TX, and James Bieker and wife Gayla of Lawrence, KS, a daughter; Vicki Schmidt and husband Troy of Salina, Kansas, two sisters; Norene Jacobs and husband Mel Willetts of Waukee, Iowa, and Shirley Millikin of Neosho, Missouri, fourteen grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Victor, a daughter; Susan Pfannenstiel, three brothers; Delmas “Jack” Jacobs, Darrell Jacobs, and Melvin “Sonny” Jacobs, and a sister; Shelbia “Sissy” Huffhines.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. An American Legion Auxiliary service will start at 6:00 pm followed by a parish vigil service and rosary at 6:30 pm, all on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested in Evelyn’s memory to the St. Joseph Food Pantry or to the Hays Public Library, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine St., Hays, Kansas 67601. 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].

Michael C. Musick of Wakeeney, KS passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at his home after a short illness at the age of 63. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, June 15, 1953 to Clifford and Gwyneth (Miller) Musick. On July 17, 1992 He married Madeline Dreiling (formerly of Hoxie, KS) in Conifer, Colorado.

Mike was a talented carpenter who could build or design almost anything. He served as Construction Superintendent on many jobs as well as being self-employed.

Mike is survived by his wife Madeline of the home in Wakeeney; sisters, Linda Shonhorn, Dianne Holford, and Cecile Tripp; two step-daughters, Marlys McConnell and Amanda Joy Johnson both of Bellevue, Washington; Step-grandchildren, Christopher McConnell and Julian Jensen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford & Gwyneth Musick; brother, Kevin Musick, and Step-grandson, Andrew McConnell.

A memorial service and private family inurnment is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers Memorials are suggested to Julian Jensen Education fund and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. On-line condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.

John Leroy Collins passed away Saturday, January 7, 2017 on the farm south of Plainville, Kansas at the age of 50. He was born in Plainville on January 4, 1967 to Dan A. and Linda A. (Hillegeist) Collins. He grew up in Plainville graduating from Plainville High School with the Class of 1985. Following high school he served his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. He and his first wife were blessed with two daughters, Kassandra and Sabrina. On August 7, 2008 he was united in marriage to Terrii (Cereceres) Bowman.

John owned and operated Collins Refuse with his brother Joel, and by his own unique sense of humor, liked to refer to himself as a “garbologist.” He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as song leader; and VFW Post #8871, where he helped with the Honor Guard for his fallen brothers. He enjoyed tinkering out in his shop, especially designing, welding, and building things from steel. Ideas for the next project were always rolling around in his head. He loved the ranching life, was learning the cattle business from his father, and looked forward every year to calving season. But the greatest joys in his life were his daughters, and granddaughter Averi.

John is survived by his wife Terrii Collins of the home in Plainville; parents Dan and Linda Collins of Plainville; daughters Kassandra Collins with John Binning of Hays, and Sabrina Collins of Overland Park; step-son Sean Guffy and wife Jennifer of Valley Falls; brothers Jim Collins of Texarkana, TX, Justin Collins and wife Mary of Minneapolis, and Joel Collins and wife Lisa of Plainville; sister Casey Arnold and husband Brian of Plainville; grandchildren Averi Klein and Maryeuh Guffy-Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his step-son James Jensen.

Like the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke, John was a good neighbor and a great friend. Always willing to give the shirt off his back or lend a helping hand wherever it was needed, he showed by daily example what it meant to love your neighbor as yourself. We are sad that John has left us way too early, but we rejoice with him as he hears the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Plainville City Cemetery with Military Honors provided by US Army and VFW Post #8871. Visitation will be from 1:00-8:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00pm.

Richard A. Hughes, 95, of Champaign, IL, died on 1/6/2017 at Heartland Health Care Center, Champaign, IL. He was born September 5th, 1921 and raised on a farm about 10 miles south of Ellis, KS. He married Mary K. Lynd on October 1, 1945 in Ellis, KS. She preceded him in death on February 17, 2008.

After serving in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant during World War II, he began his working career at Masters Manufacturing in Hutchinson, KS. Subsequently, he worked for the Cessna Hydraulics company in Hutchinson. Later, he became a manufacturer’s representative for several companies in the hydraulics industry, mainly in agriculture. He and his family have lived in Hutchinson, KS, Muscatine, IA, East Moline, IL, Columbia Heights, MN, and Champaign, IL.

He enjoyed golfing, travelling and water-skiing.

He is survived by his three children, Mark Hughes of Bloomington, MN, Craig Hughes of Mahomet, IL, and Kristi Licocci of Libertyville, IL; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He was a devoted husband and father.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth Hughes, and sister, Dorothy Meserve.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday, January 13, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, KS. Interment with military honors will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis, KS.

Visitation will be Friday 10 AM until service time at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ellis, KS. or St. Matthew’ Catholic Church, 1305 Lincolnshire, Champaign, IL, where Mr. Hughes was a parishioner.

Arrangements entrusted to Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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

Benita Boos, age 92, of Ellis, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, KS. She was born December 23, 1924 in Ellis County, Kansas to August and Pauline (Unrein) Leiker. She married Celestine Boos on September 27, 1948. He preceded her in death on December 17, 1970.

Benita was a homemaker and long time employee at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis and Senior Companion.

She is survived by a son, Steve Boos of Phillipsburg, Kansas; two daughters, Pam Hammer of Belleville, KS and Cindy Imel of Winfield, KS; 4 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a sister, Norma Fox.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 7 brothers and 2 sisters.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Thursday, January 12, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, KS with inurnment to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday 5 PM – 9 PM at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis.

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

James Edward Patterson, 82, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Long Term Care, Quinter. He was born September 2, 1934, at the home of his Grandparents, outside of Lubbock, Texas, to Aaron Edward Patterson and Margaret Leona (Anderson) Patterson.

In 1956, James committed to a four year enlistment in the United States Navy. On July 19, 1959 James married Janice Charlene (Wente) Patterson and after several years of marriage, the couple settled in the Quinter, Kansas area.

James was an avid lover of metal fabrication and welding. He worked for several years for Quinter Manufacturing and then the Gove County Road and Bridge Department before opening his own Welding Service.

James is survived by his two children, Jana Kamp (Karl), Elgin, Texas and James T Patterson (Allison), Cedar Creek, Texas; Sister Ann Wente (Duane), Hoxie, Kansas; brother David Patterson (Kathy), Hoxie, Kansas; and three grandsons, Jacob Kamp, Cody Patterson, Shawn Patterson. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces and nephews. James was preceeded in death by his parents Aaron & Leona (Anderson) Patterson.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home, Tuesday, January 10th, from 6pm to 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jim Patterson Memorial Fund. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Services will be held at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter, on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 12:00 noon with burial immediately following at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney.

Condolences: www.schmittfuneral.com

Dr. Max L. Rumpel, 80, Hays, died Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the Ellis Good Samaritan Society from complications related to Alzheimer’s.

He was born March 17, 1936 in Trego County, Kansas the son of Philip Arthur and Rosa Carolina (Deines) Rumpel. After attending grade school and middle school in a one room schoolhouse near Ogallah, Kansas, he graduated from Trego Community High School, WaKeeney, in 1953. He earned his A.B. degree in chemistry and mathematics from what was then Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1957. While at Fort Hays, he was the recipient of numerous scholarships and honors.

In order to help pay for school, he worked at the Hays Flour Mill and at the Hays Pathology Laboratory while earning his undergraduate degree. On the basis of his scholastic achievements at Fort Hays, he was recruited by the University of Kansas Chemistry Department for graduate study where he completed his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry in 1961. While at the University of Kansas, he was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to pursue his research, developed his passion for teaching chemistry, and met the love of his life, fellow chemistry teaching assistant Joan Hubbell.

On August 26, 1961 he married Joan Celia Hubbell in New York. Together they celebrated nearly 54 years of marriage until she preceded him in death in May of 2015. Upon completion of his doctoral studies and marriage to Joan, he returned to Western Kansas where he joined the faculty of the Chemistry Department at Fort Hays State in the fall of 1961. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1965, full Professor in 1968 and served as Chair of the Chemistry Department for 16 years from 1972 until 1988. He returned to teaching full-time until his retirement in 2010. He was awarded Professor Emeritus status in 2010 and continued to participate in the activities of the Department until he was no longer capable due to his illness.

Over the course of his 49 year tenure, he taught introductory, inorganic, and physical chemistry to thousands of students. He was the department’s resident expert in the art of glassblowing, and he had a keen interest in the use of computers and technology in undergraduate instruction. He served as the faculty advisor of the FHSU Chemistry Club for over 20 years and was very active in the local Sigma Xi chapter. He also mentored a number of graduate students and published papers in the field of inorganic chemistry and the use of computers and programmable devices in teaching labs. He received National Science Foundation research awards to conduct research at the University of Colorado in 1965 and Washington State University in 1971. He and FHSU colleague Dr. Edmund Shearer were recipients of NSF grants to improve the equipment and technology in the chemistry laboratories at FHSU. He enjoyed hosting the chemistry labs for the Boy Scouts’ annual Chuck Howard Memorial Campus Camporee at FHSU. He loved working in the lab and was a teacher first, taking great pride in the students he taught, advised and mentored during his career.

Dr. Rumpel was a member of the following honorary societies; Kappa Mu Epsilon (national mathematics honorary fraternity), Phi Kappa Phi (national honorary scholarship society), Delta Epsilon (national science honorary fraternity), Sigma Pi Sigma (national honorary physics fraternity), the Fort Hays State Honors Program, Seventh Cavalry (FHSU service honorary), and Phi Lambda Upsilon (national honorary chemical society). He was a member of the following professional societies; American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education, Sigma Xi scientific research society, and the Kansas Academy of Science. He was an active runner and bicyclist, enjoyed playing tennis, and was an avid reader of science fiction. He and Joan were fixtures at Fort Hays State athletic events of all kinds and at Hays Larks baseball games. They were frequent travelers, driving all over the US and Canada to visit their children and grandchildren, relatives, friends, national parks and historical sites. He was well known for his dry, sarcastic sense of humor and his puns.

Survivors include a son; Craig Rumpel of Charlottesville, VA, a daughter; Karen Rumpel-Lopez and her husband Bart of Riverside, CA, two grandchildren; Michael Lopez and Alexis Lopez of Riverside, CA, and two brothers; James Alan Rumpel and wife Janet of Goodland, KS, and Philip Russell Rumpel of Cheyenne, WY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, and a brother; Sidney Wayne Rumpel.

The family will be present for public visitation from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. Private family graveside services will be held at the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery north of Ellis, Kansas. A memorial service will be announced and will occur this summer.

Memorials are suggested to the Dr. Max L. Rumpel Scholarship Fund for the Chemistry Department at Fort Hays State University, in care of the FHSU Foundation, Robbins Center, One Tiger Place, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Mary Schmidtberger, age 95 died Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Via Christi Village Care Center, Hays. Kansas. She was born on August 15, 1921, in Victoria, Kansas to Alphonse and Clara (Graf) Schmidtberger. She married Severin Schmidtberger on November 20, 1945 in Victoria, Kansas. He died November 2, 1984.

She was a homemaker, a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers and V.F.W. Auxiliary all of Victoria, Kansas. She was a member of the Fort Hays Senior Companion Program for 11 years. She lived in Plainville for eight years, in Atwood for 29 years and moved back to Victoria in 1988.

Survivors include one son, Loren Schmidtberger and wife, Donna, Colby, KS; three daughters, Sharon Jensen and husband, Ed, Chubbick, Idaho; Joleen Francis and husband, Rich, Centennial, CO; Vickey Wederski and husband, Dave, Paducah, TX; one daughter-in-law, Mary Schmidtberger, Gardner, KS; two brothers, Robert A. Schmidtberger and wife, Patty, Victoria, KS; Marvin Schmidtberger and wife, Nancy, Pratt, KS; four sisters, Tina Foos and Rosie Leiker, both of Hutchinson, KS; Sister Vivian Schmidtberger C.S.A.. Foud du Lac, WI; Edna Ptacek, Minneapolis, KS; one sister-in-law, Shirley Bieker, Topeka, KS; 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Leon Schmidtberger; one brother, Michael Schmidtberger; one infant brother, Linus Schmidtberger; and three sisters, Hubertina Schultz, Minnie Roth and Angie Schmidtberger.

Services are 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 9, 2017, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.
Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, followed by a Daughters of Isabella/Christian Mothers/V.F.W. Auxiliary memorial service and rosary at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, all at Clines-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas and from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Monday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

Memorials to The Basilica of St. Fidelis or Victoria Daughters of Isabella.

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

Evelyn Belle “Evie” Bauck, age 101, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. Evie was born November 24, 1915 in Tampa, Kansas, the daughter of Warner William & Sadie Irene (Garrett) Heim. A resident of Wichita County since 1935, she was a homemaker.

Evie was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas. She was also active in EHU and several bridge clubs in Leoti.

On July 23, 1935, she married Lawrence Duane “Bert” Hull. He passed away on June 23, 1950 in Leoti, Kansas. On September 22, 1952, she married Clement Bauck at St. Theresa Catholic Church in rural Wichita County, Kansas.

Evie’s surviving family includes-

Her husband-

Clement Bauck- Leoti, Kansas

Two sons-

Dennis & Deb Bauck- Leoti, Kansas

Randy & Belinda Bauck- Longmont, Colorado

Five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, several great great–grandchildren.

Her parents, first husband, a son, Larry Hull, six brothers and three sisters precede her in death.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2017 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Father Benjamin Martin officiating.

Burial will be in St. Theresa Cemetery in rural Wichita County, Kansas.

Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Building Fund or the Leoti EMT’s in care of the funeral home.

Harriet Wasinger, age 88, died Thursday, January 5, 2017, at The Good Samaritan Society-Hays Care Center, Hays, Kansas.

She was born November 6, 1928, on the family farm south of Hays, Kansas. She married G. Don Wasinger on June 21, 1948, in Hays, Kansas. He died June 3, 2012.

She was a proofreader for the Hays Daily News for over 15 years, a homemaker, a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church and St. Nicholas Ladies Guild, Hays, Kansas. In 1980, she and her husband moved to Aurora, Colo., where he operated a small printing business and she made draperies. In 1994, they returned to Hays, she enjoyed cooking and crocheting.

Survivors include two sons, Dave Wasinger and wife, Karen, Rob Wasinger and wife, Joanne, both of Hays, KS; six grandchildren, Austin Wasinger and wife, Krista, Lynae Freeman and husband Lee, Kyle Wasinger and Wife, Stacey, Andy Wasinger, Katie Wasinger and John Paul Wasinger; four great grandchildren, Bayley Wasinger, Myley Wasinger, Daxtyn Wasinger and Ryker Wasinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers, Clarence Schmidt and wife, Helen, Ralph Schmidt and wife, Rosalie, John Schmidt and wife, Alma; seven sisters, Zelma VonFeldt and husband, Isadore, Eleanor Befort and husband, Richard, Irene Rohr and husband, Ted, Virginia Wiesner and husband, George, Stella Riedel and husband, Lawrence, Alice Rohleder and husband, William, Mary Adams and husband, John; and one infant sister, Regina Schmidt.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 9, 2017, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 East 13th, Hays, Kansas. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

A vigil service will be at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, and a St. Nicholas of Myra Ladies Guild rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays ,1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church.

Memorials to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church or the St. Nicholas Ladies Guild. Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via email to [email protected].