Kenneth J. “Ken” Brull, 74, Hays, died Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center.

He was born March 9, 1942, in Hays the son of Alfred and Lydia (Schmidt) Brull. In 1960 he graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy. On December 25, 1968 he married Judith ”Judy” Broeckelman in Angelus, Kansas. She preceded him in death on March 27, 2015.

He was in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves and was discharged on November 24, 1969 from the 995th Maintenance Company as a Senior Turret Artillery Repairman. He was the owner of Brull’s Appliance, Inc. repairing major household appliances and was a Sears repairman for more than 30 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed classic cars, inventing tools, building lamps, collecting various antiques, and dogs and cats. He was a master of telling stories and jokes and making homemade pizzas.

Survivors include a son; Steven J. Brull and wife Sheresa of Ellis, a daughter; Tina Ball and husband Kenneth of Topeka, a sister; Gloria Kennedy and husband Stuart “Skip” of Tulsa, OK, and three grandchildren; Grace, Eliana, and Henry Brull of Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A celebration of Ken’s life will at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will be in the Fort Hays Memorial Gardens cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:00 pm on Wednesday and from 9:00 until 10:00 am on Thursday, all at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hays Medical Center, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].

Edna P. Hammerschmidt, 93, Hays, died Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

She was born November 18, 1922 in Catherine, Kansas the daughter of Paul and Paulina (Windholz) Meis. Edna married Daniel J. Hammerschmidt on April 28, 1941 in St. Catherine Catholic Church. They moved to Hays from Emmeram, Kansas in 1959. Daniel preceded her in death on February 11, 1991. She retired in 1988 after nearly 25 years in food service at Felten Middle School for USD 489. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Ladies VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting, embroidery, quilting, making doll clothes, and was an excellent baker.

Survivors include a daughter; LeaMae VonFeldt of Hays, a son; Elden Hammerschmidt and wife Margie of Hays, a daughter-in-law; Linda Hammerschmidt of Hays, a sister; Bernita Weigel of Hays, eight grandchildren; Coletta VonFeldt of Hays, Carmen (Michael) LaBarge of Valley Center, KS, Curtis (Peggy Lawrence) VonFeldt of Valley Center, Cory (Gloria) VonFeldt of Victoria, Gwen Hammerschmidt of WaKeeney, Lisa (Kenny) Raudis of Hays, Scott (Katrina) Hammerschmidt of Wellsville, Beth (Trenton) Hansen of Hays, fourteen great grandchildren; Heath and Heather VonFeldt of Wichita, Hayden VonFeldt of Valley Center, Michael LaBarge of Park City, Matthew and Rachel LaBarge of Kansas City, MO, Alanna and Lynsie Hansen of Hays, Elias, Kallie, Maya, Silas, and Adaleigh Hammerschmidt of Wellsville, Colt and Emma Raudis of Hays, and a great-great granddaughter; Ava Thompson of Wichita, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son; Elvis Hammerschmidt, a son-in-law; Eldon VonFeldt, brothers; Celestine, Edgar, Joseph, and Edmund Meis and sisters; Marie Sander, Ida Brungardt, Cyrilla Brungardt, and Sybilla Meis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 1:00 pm until 1:45 on Thursday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St. A Ladies VFW Auxiliary rosary will be at 6:00 pm followed by a parish vigil service at 6:30, both on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Joseph Food Pantry or to donor’s choice, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].

Claudia Rae Cook of Great Bend, Kansas passed away peacefully in her sleep October 22, 2016. She was 72 years old and in good health at the time of her passing. Claudia Rae was the youngest daughter of Hazel (Standley) and Everett Cook. Born March 22, 1944 in Goodland, KS, she spent much of her early life growing up in Winona, KS. Claudia was born developmentally disabled, but never let such things keep her from having a good day. Claudia’s father was the local postman, and the family also owned and ran the local Hotel and Café in Winona. Claudia spent her childhood assisting in the family business before her family later moved to Oakley, KS. After the passing of her parents Claudia spent the rest of her life in resident care. Her sister Cleo (Cook) Foutz acted as her primary guardian and caregiver during that time.

Claudia was an inspiration to the many people that loved her. Everyone in her family and resident community family have nothing but great memories and stories to share about Claudia. A great lover of animals, she enjoyed time in their company whether it was at the zoo, in the company of a pet or amongst her expansive collection of stuffed animals. Quite an artist as well, she enjoyed thousands of hours spent drawing, painting and coloring. Claudia was a kind soul and gentle in nature, but also had quite the spitfire streak in her spirit, which lent her a great enjoyment of playful teasing. It is that gentle friendliness for which she will be most remembered, there was always a smile or handshake to be had from her; and a hug for those closest to her. She was much loved by all that knew her.

Claudia Rae was preceded in death by her parents Hazel (Standley) Cook and Everett Cook, her brothers Aubrey Cook and Cleve Cook, and sisters Cleo (Cook) Foutz and Lorraine (Cook) Merica. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, along with her resident family at ResCare, Great Bend, KS.

A service in memory of Claudia Rae Cook will be held Saturday, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church, 501 Belleview Ave., Winona, KS 67764 at 10:30AM.

Arrangements with Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601

Helen Catherine Koerner, age 88, passed away, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Cedar Village Care Center, Ness City. She was born October 24, 1928 on the family farm near Antonino, Kansas the daughter of Jacob M. and Amelia Werth Haas.

She was a 1947 graduate of Girls’ Catholic High School, Hays and then went to work at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company as a bookkeeper. On May 12, 1949, she married Ervin “Blackie” Koerner in Hays where they began their married life. Later they moved to McCracken and then finally settled on the farm south of Ness City where they raised their 11 children. Besides raising her children, Helen was a daycare provider for many years. Helen was very proud of her German heritage and she was committed to her Catholic faith which she passed on to her children and others as she taught religion education in the church for many years. She was a devout member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Altar Society in Ness City. Her angel food cakes, noodles, and German cooking were a delight to many people. Helen was active in her community and served on the High Point township election board.

Helen is survived by her four sons: Larry (Kathy), Crete, NE, Dennis (Karen), Garden City, Kenneth (Marlena), Ness City, and Greg Koerner, Dodge City; seven daughters: Barbara (Larry) Bieker, Hays, Dorothy Stieben, Hays, Donna (Robert) Metzker, Ness City, Mary Ellen (Eldon) Stoecklein, Hays, Karen (Jerry) Casey, Plainville, Laura (Kevin) House, El Dorado, Janice (Adam) Showalter, Alexander; one sister, Mary Ann Gabel, Hays; 39 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin; parents; step-mother, Lidwina Haas; sister, Alvera Boos; daughter-in-law, Patricia Koerner; and son-in-law, LaVerne Stieben.

Funeral service will be Saturday, November 5, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Ness City with burial in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays at 2:00 p.m. The rosary will be on Friday, November 4 at 6:30 followed by the Parish Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sacred Heart Church, Cedar Village, and Thomas More Prep-Marian High School.

Leona (Lee) Reich-Lundy, 101, of Russell, Kansas, died on October 30, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society in Hays, Kansas.

Lee was born on April 23, 1915, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter to Henry J. and Mary Ann (Hermann) Herman. She grew up in the Gorham and Russell, Kansas, areas and attended local schools. She was united in marriage to Carl Reich on July 20, 1933, in Gorham, Kansas. They lived north of Gorham where they had a wheat and a cattle ranch and raised their daughter Jan, until they moved into Russell in 1979. Carl preceded her in death on April 03, 1983.

When her daughter married, Lee saw a need for consultants on weddings, and in the 1950’s she started her own business, naming it “LeReich Bridal”. Her reputation grew with the knowledge that she would do the best job in the area and soon she was hired to do such things as bank opening and anniversaries, in addition to her wedding consulting and catering. She retired in 1994, but always was a busy woman afterwards.

She met and was united in marriage to A.C. Lundy on August 02, 1987, in Russell. They enjoyed traveling together all the time and enjoyed each other’s company to the fullest. A.C. preceded Lee in death on February 23, 1995, in Hays, Kansas.

Her friend Harry Thowe was a big part of her life for over 20 years. With their companionship they continued her journey in an active life of traveling, playing bridge and enjoying life.

Lee was a member of the Russell Arts Council, Russell Community Theater, Sternberg Museum, BPO Elks Club, Tuesday Afternoon Bridge Club, and a member of Daughters of Isabella and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham. She was an avid bridge player and managed to play several times a week, many times winning high.

Surviving family members include her son-in-law Bill Murphy; six grandchildren Deborah Ensminger (Don) of Los Lumas, NM, Carlee Bishop (Sean) of Decatur, GA, Jacqueline Sadowski (Kevin) of Dallas, TX, Annette Comes of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson Spencer Murphy of Russell, Kansas and Ryan Murphy (Angela) of Tenino, WA; nine great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

She was precede in death by her parents; two husbands, her only daughter Janice Murphy on July 25, 2015; 3 brothers Alfred, Henry and Rudy Herman and 5 sisters Josephine Thielen, Edna Heslep, Alfreda Sheldon, Berniece Santee and Doris Weigel.

A funeral mass to celebrate Lee’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, November 04, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Gorham. A Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7 P.M. on Thursday, November 03, 2016, at the mortuary in Russell. The Rosary will be led by the Daughters of Isabella. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Thursday, November 03 at the mortuary.

Memorials may be given to the Russell Senior Center or the Hospice of Hays Medical Center and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Dorothy Jean Plum, 68, passed away at her home in Liberty, Missouri, on October 31 2016, at 10:55pm,after a long battle with multiple chronic health conditions. She was born in Great Bend, KS on December 25, 1947 to Harry and Viola (Wimmer) Yost and was the second to youngest of 5 children.

Dorothy grew up in a small, central Kansas town called Alexander. When she was younger, Dorothy was a bit of a tomboy and often spoke of the fond memories of living on the farm, playing in the hay loft and watching her daddy work on the farm equipment. She enjoyed pretending to be a cowboy by putting a saddle on her ‘pretend horse’, the propane tank. Dorothy also enjoyed music through song. She began singing at a young age in church with her mother, Viola, and her sister, Mary. She sang regularly throughout her life in weddings, church and even traveled with the gospel group, Festival of Praise. Anyone who had the pleasure of hearing Dorothy sing would agree that her voice was one of her greatest gifts from God. Church, family, and friends were very important to her. She held a very special place in her heart for her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Dorothy became a cosmetologist, after the birth of her twins. She opened her own beauty salon in Alexander before her third daughter, Michelle, was born. Although she maintained her cosmetology license throughout the years, she moved in to the medical field as a transcriptionist and administrative assistant where she worked for Mid-America Cardiology. In 2010 Dorothy retired due to increasing health issues that limited her ability maintain her work life.

In November of 1991, Dorothy married Bill. They lived in Hutchinson, KS but later moved to Kansas City where she was closer to her oldest daughter, granddaughter and youngest brother.

Left to honor Dorothy and her loving memory is husband of 25 years, Bill; daughters Brigette Ellis, Melinda Ellis, and Michelle (Michael) Rieman; step-daughter Peaches; siblings Gary (Joy), Paul, and John (Sara); grandchildren Shain (Mackenzie), Trenton, Erica, Jake, Leyton, Crystal, Celia, and Adam; great-grandchildren Marley, Hadley, and Tatum and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister Mary, father Harry, and mother Viola.

Family, friends, and others, whose lives Dorothy touched, are invited to a memorial service being held at First Assembly of God, 2301 N. 14th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, November 12, 2016 at 11:00 am to reminisce, support each other, and celebrate her life. Pastor Ryan Webster and Pastor David Graves will be officiating the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Dorothy’s name to:

Northcare Hospice
2000 NE Vivion Road, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64118
816.691.5119
www.kchospice.org

OR

Servants of Mary-Ministers To The Sick
800 North 18th Street
Kansas City, KS 66102
913-371-3423
https://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/

DATELINE: Lyons, Kansas
NAME: LeRoy Dreiling
AGE: 83 yrs
DATE OF DEATH: October 31, 2016
PLACE OF DEATH: University of Kansas Medical Center
DATE OF BIRTH: July 14, 1933
PLACE OF BIRTH: Ellis, Kansas
PARENTS: Richard and Barbara Pfeifer Dreiling
RESIDENCE: Lyons since August 1964
OCCUPATION: retired Big A Auto Parts Store Manager
EDUCATION: graduated Ellis High School
VETERAN: U. S. Army serving during the Korean War
MEMBERSHIPS: St. Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council # 7422, serving as financial secretary for 27 years, Lyons; 4th Degree Quivira Council, Great Bend; American Legion Post # 173, Hays; Friendship Meals volunteer; Food Bank volunteer
DATE OF MARRIAGE: July 16, 1956
PLACE OF MARRIAGE: Hays, Kansas
SPOUSE: Velma Jean Pfeifer
SPOUSE DECEASED DATE: July 26, 2007
SURVIVORS: 2 Daughters, Deborah Green, Olathe, Jolene Dreiling, Lawrence; 3 Brothers,
Ralph Dreiling, Harry Dreiling and Clarence Dreiling, all of Hays; Special Friend, Ida Wilson, Lyons; 3 Grandchildren; 8 Great-Grandchildren
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: Brother, Art Dreiling; Sister, Betty Madison
FUNERAL MASS: 4:00 P.M., Saturday, November 5, 2016 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Lyons
OFFICIATING: Father Robert Spencer
INURNMENT: St. Mary Cemetery, Ellis, Kansas, with Military Honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard
PARISH and KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ROSARY: 7:00 P.M. Friday, November 4, 2016 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Lyons
MEMORIAL: Friends of Animals or Bell & Star Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons

Isabella “Bella” Koerner, 94, Hays, formerly of Munjor, died Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Via Christi Village.

She was born September 20, 1922 in Munjor the daughter of Alex B. and Margret (Befort) Leiker. On August 4, 1941, she married Hilary Koerner in Munjor. He died July 15, 2013.

She was a custodial supervisor at Fort Hays State University for many years. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, the Munjor Christian Mothers, and the Sunflower Polka Club. She loved quilting and crocheting, dancing Polkas, gambling and going to the Kansas State Fair, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hilary, and five sisters; Tillie Dreiling, Josephine Gabel, Mary Pfannenstiel, Theresa Leiker and Aggie Boucher.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor with Fr. Jarett Konrade officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:30 pm on Friday at St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village and from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church. A parish vigil will be at 6:00 pm on Friday at St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village and a Christian Mothers rosary will be at 10:00 am on Saturday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. Condolences may be left in memory of Bella at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].

Longtime former Goodland, Kansas, resident James Wayne Abbey, 82, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016 at Good Samaritan Society – Decatur County, in Oberlin, Kansas.

James was born on August 13, 1934, in Mountain View, Missouri to Emmitt and Frieda (Belew) Abbey. He was one of 14 children. He spent his childhood growing up in Mountain View and graduated from Mountain View High School in 1952.

On August 15, 1954, James married Patricia Ann Widows in Garden City, Kansas. To this union, four children were born; Jim, Pam, Vicki, and Mike.

James worked for the Century Refining Company in Shallow Water, Kansas. After the refinery closed, James moved his family to Goodland where they purchased the Dairy Queen. After selling the Dairy Queen, James went to work for Sherman County as the director of the noxious weed department. After retiring in 1998, James and Patricia moved to Oberlin, where he resided until his death. In Oberlin, his love was spending time working on son Jim’s farm and ranch. The highlight of his life was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Preceding James in death was his parents, five brothers; Bill Abbey, Jack Abbey, Jerry Abbey, John Abbey and Mike Abbey, two sisters Mary Koonce and Delores Holden, and one grandson Brian Phillips.

He is survived by his wife Patricia of Oberlin, Kansas, his children Jim Abbey and his wife Denise of Oberlin, Kansas, Pam Wright and her husband John of Castle Rock, Colorado, Vicki Phillips and her husband Randy of Burlington, Colorado, and Mike Abbey and his wife Lorie of Goodland, Kansas; nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers; Joe Abbey and his wife LaRee of Willow Springs, Missouri, Rod Abbey and his wife Gail of Gage Oklahoma, and Steve Abbey of Woodward, Oklahoma, three sisters; Pat Brown and her husband Carl of Lawton, Oklahoma, Wanda King and her husband Ken of Woodward, Oklahoma and Diane Cowan of Springfield, Missouri; as well as two sister-in-laws Sandy Abbey of Salisaw, Arkansas and Ann Abbey of Woodward, Oklahoma.

Visitation for James will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM MT also at the funeral home with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating. Burial will follow in the Kanorado Cemetery, Kanorado, Kansas.

Memorials may be designated to Northwest Kansas Hospice Services and may either be left at the service, or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Goodland, KS 67735-1555.

Online Condolences may be left at www.koonsfuneralhome.com.

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