Thomas “Tommy” Leo Robertson
1932-2016

Thomas “Tommy” Leo Robertson 83, of St. Joseph, MO. passed away Monday, August 8, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 20, 1932 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Laura (Rupp) and James Leo Robertson. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School class of 1950, and the St. Joseph Junior College. He then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon his discharge he married Patty Jane Leddy on May 15, 1954, at Co-Cathedral Catholic Church. He worked at Leo Robertson Tire & Motor, TR Sales, and was a Financial Service Broker for Independent Financial Investment Corp. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, where he was active in many organizations from Serving Mass at funerals to the Bell Choir, he also was an active driver for Moila Transportation crew. Tom loved his family, his faith, his friends, and life. He was never one to sit idle; generous with his time, talent and wisdom, and always encouraging others to do the same. He always had a smile to share, humor to brighten the day, and bubble gum for his grandkids. He was a lighthouse shining in the dark to guide others to a safe passage through life, through his words, kindness and his open heart. He was the foundation of the Robertson family, and extremely proud of every single member. He was the first one to offer support to his family and friends in time of need, and knew that his family was always there for him when life threw curve balls. Tom was a true gentleman and an inspiration to all who were honored to know him. The family would like to thank Mosaic Hospice and Frudenthal Home Health for the excellent care they provided, and a special thanks to his lunch crew. Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Jane Robertson, sister, Mary Therese Cargill, brothers and sisters in laws, James “Jimmy” (Jolene)Robertson, Dick (Mary Alice) Robertson, and a son, Thomas Patrick Robertson. Survivors include seven children: Mark Robertson of Kansas City, MO, Amy (Rick) Thrash of Jefferson City, MO, Jeff (Mary) Robertson, Joe Robertson of St. Joseph, MO, Tim (Kathy) Robertson of Platte City, MO, Charley (Lisa) Robertson of Topeka, KS, and Jane (Matt) Johnston of St. Joseph, MO, two brothers, Gerry (Joanie) Robertson of North Carolina, and John B (Carolyn) Robertson of St. Joseph, MO, 17 grandchildren: Heidy (Chris) Cooper, Anna (Jonathan) Keenan, Kelcey Robertson, Corby Robertson, Kalli (Nick) Brusca, Tommy Thrash, Lindy (Alex) DiCarlo, Charley Thrash, Amy Margaret, Meg, Jack, Laura Robertson, Sarah Johnston, Matthew Robertson, Jeffrey, Patrick, Timothy Johnston, five great-grandchildren, Kamden, Brecken, Chandler, Huxley and Ellery. Sister in law Carol(Bernie) Poteet, and several nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 12, 2016, at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Fr. Matt Rotert Celebrant. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Thursday with the Rosary to be recited at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral. Friends may call at the Rupp Funeral Home from 9-3pm Thursday. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Moila Transportation Fund, or the Msgr. Noland Cathedral Endowment fund. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Calvin Rafael Bibens
1924-2016

Calvin Rafael Bibens, 91, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 8, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care, with his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Bibens, by his side.
Calvin was born August 24, 1924 to Samuel and Florence (Ballard) Bibens in Welda, Kansas.
He married Mary Ann Hammons in Jefferson City, MO on October 11, 1953.
Calvin proudly served in the US Army during World War II (1942-1945) where he was in the Field Artillery with the 103rd Infantry Division with the Seventh Army and was in combat in France, Germany and Austria.
Following the War, Calvin attended Kansas University where he graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. He remained a life-long Jayhawk basketball fan.
Calvin co-founded Midland Steel Company in 1980 after working at Sheffield Steel Corp. from 1949-1955, St. Joseph Structural Steel Company from 1955-1965 and Midland Structural Steel Company (President) from 1965-1980. Calvin served as President then Chairman of Midland Steel Company from 1980 until his death. Even after he formally retired, Cal continued to have an office at Midland Steel Company, until he was 90.
Calvin was active in Boy Scout Troop 45 of the Ashland Avenue Methodist Church during the years his sons were in Scouting. He was an honorary warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say.
Cal and Mary Ann shared a love of travel throughout their 62-year marriage. Calvin visited 47 U.S. states and 20 countries spanning 3 continents. Calvin traveled well into his 80s, joining Mary Ann on a transatlantic voyage on the Queen Mary and a trip through the Panama Canal.
Calvin was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was a member of Moila Shrine, Scottish Rite and Charity Lodge. He also was a member of the Building Industry Club of St. Joseph, now the St. Joseph Construction Association, and of the Central Fabricators Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rowena Pearl Spencer and Irma Edith Adam; and one brother, Walter Bibens.
Calvin is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Bibens, and his three sons, Conrad Nelson Bibens (Becky) of Humble, Texas; Douglas Calvin Bibens (Sarah) of Clarksdale, Missouri; and Roger Allen Bibens (Joyce) of Platte Woods, Missouri. He also is survived by five grandchildren, Anna and Allison Bibens (Conrad’s daughters); Emily Bibens Chung and Katie Bibens (Doug’s daughters); and James Bibens (Roger’s son). His sister, Francine Moore (Richard) of La Jolla, California and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
The family would like to extend their appreciation and a special thanks to the Mosaic Life Care Hospice team who provided much care, comfort and support in the last few months of his life.
Farewell Services will be August 21, 2016 at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends at 1:00 PM for a visitation followed by a Farewell Service and reception at 2:00 PM. An online guest book and obituary is available at meierhoffer.com.

Lois Aldine Rudder
1928-2016

Hiawatha—Lois Aldine Harvey Rudder, 87, of Hiawatha, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at a Highland care facility.
Aldine, as she was known by friends and family was born, August 15, 1928, at the family farm northeast of Hiawatha, one of four children born to Artie and Selma Yaussi Harvey. She attended the Euchre Creek country school prior to Hiawatha High School, graduating with the class of 1946. She worked at Citizens State Bank at Hiawatha after graduation and then married James Clifford Rudder, Jr. July 12, 1947 after he had returned from the war. She is also known for her many years of employment at Western Auto and at the Brown County Extension and Noxious Weed Department. They had three children: Lois, Kay, and Janet.
Aldine was a homemaker for many years, and was known for crocheting not just for her family members, but also for many special orders and flea markets. She also loved to read. She and Cliff were also avid fishermen…down to keeping a record of the pounds of fish caught during the year.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clifford in 1998; a brother Raymond, and a sister Millie.
Survivors include three daughters: Lois (Bob) Arnold of Topeka; Kay Hasenohr of Hiawatha, and Janet (Scott) Clearwater of Topeka; a sister Helen Laverentz of Woodward, OK; grandchildren: Debbie, Becky, Sarah and Jamie, of Topeka, Beau, and Joey of Hiawatha; step-grandchildren: Samatha, Daniele and Tammara; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; 9 step great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha by 10:15 Friday, August 12, to go in procession to Oakland Cemetery at Padonia for services.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Humane Society sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Al Mathews
1951-2016

Rulo, Nebraska Al Mathews, 64, of Rulo, Nebraska, died Monday morning, August 9, 2016, at the home of his mother.
Among survivors are his mother Stella Coble.
Services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 20, at the George Ogden Community Building on the Iowa Reservation at White Cloud. Pastor Glen Acree will officiate.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7thSt., Hiawatha,66434