Wilbur Lee Stephens
1932-2018
Wilbur Lee Stephens 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at his home in St. Joseph, MO. He was born April 21, 1932 in Ridgeway, MO, son of the late Leota and Clyde Stephens. He retired Missouri State Highway Department after 30 years of service. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Darryl Willis, and sister, Nina Wagaman. Survivors include, wife, Leona Stephens of the home, son, Jerry Stephens of St. Joseph, MO. Graveside Funeral Services and Interment will be conducted at 11 am Monday, August 27, 2018 at the the Zoar Cemetery, Cainsville, MO. The funeral cortege will leave the funeral home at 9:15 am. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home
Richard Dean “Rick” Siebenmorgen
1963-2018
Richard Dean “Rick” Siebenmorgen, 55, of Hiawatha, died Thursday evening, August 23, 2018, at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, KS, from injuries he received July 28, 2018, on his motorcycle.
He was born February 21, 1963, one of seven children born to Louis and Lois Loyd Siebenmorgen and had lived in the Hiawatha area nearly all of his life. He grew up on a farm near Hiawatha where he attended school and graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1981. After graduation, he started his work career as a farm hand, worked at Flair Fold for a number of years, Bestway, all done prior to driving a truck. Rick has driven a concrete truck for Midwest Ready Mix in Hiawatha for the past several years.
Rick was a dedicated member of Abate District #11, of Hiawatha. He enjoyed his family, loved riding his motorcycle, fishing—anything to do with being outdoors. He was a simple man!
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Lisa Mackey of Falls City, Nebraska in 2006; and an infant daughter Marilyn.
Survivors include his son Bryan Siebenmorgen (Tera Mitcham); brothers Louis Siebenmorgen (Jan), Terry Siebenmorgen (JoLynn), Brad Siebenmorgen (Heather), Tim Siebenmorgen; two sisters: Debbie Roland (Herb), and Kim Siebenmorgen (Coco); and several nieces and nephews. A long time dear friend to the family is Peggy Gibson-Siebenmorgen.
As his request, he was cremated with a visitation planned for Friday, August 31, 2018, at the Fisher Community Center in Hiawatha from 5 until 8 p.m. Private inurnment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Mercier.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Rick Siebenmorgen Memorial Fund, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
Linda Maxine Strecker
1946-2018
Falls City, Nebraska………….Linda Maxine Strecker passed away August 17, 2018, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her son Shawn and Pamela Strecker by her side.
She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 11, 1946, to Maxine and Jim Horn. They moved from Louisiana to the Horn family farm near Falls City, Nebraska; and later moved into Falls City, Nebraska. She graduated from Falls City High School, in 1964. She attended Northwest Missouri State College for a year and transferred to Southeast Community College in Omaha.
She married Michael A. Strecker on June 4, 1966, in Falls City, Nebraska. They lived their dream by starting their own business part time in 1968 out of a spare bedroom. In July of 1976, the business had become a full time operation known as Strecker Gun and Supply. Many days were spent in the gunroom with family and friends. They loved them all!
Linda was preceded in death by her parents; and loving husband Michael A. Strecker.
She is survived by her son Shawn (Pamela) Strecker of Horton, Kansas; Her two sisters Sharon Horn of Madison, Tennessee; and Karon DeRoin of White Cloud, Kansas; a brother Tom Horn of Casper, Wyoming. Her granddaughter Shawna Strecker; and bonus granddaughter; a bonus grandson; and 6 bonus great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Linda was buried with her husband Michael A. Strecker, at a private burial at Hart Cemetery, near Reserve, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be sent to, The Nebraska Children’s Home Society, in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th Street, Hiawatha, KS 66434.
Gary Eugene Jundy
1951-2018
Gary Eugene Jundy 66, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018 in Saint Joseph. He was born November 22, 1951 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He married Denise Jundy on December 15, 1977, and she survives of the home. He graduated from Faucett High School, and he served in the United States Navy. He retired from Western Regional Diagnostic and Corrections Center as a Lieutenant. He loved his dogs, cats and birds, but most especially he loved his family and grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Gene Jundy, mother, Elizabeth Goben, step father, Preston Goben, and his granddaughter, Molly Conz. He is survived by wife, Denise Jundy of the home, son, Jason (Jamie) Jundy, Savannah, MO, daughters, Layla (Derek) Conz, St. Joseph, MO, and Heather Diggs, eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, brother, Fred (Gina) Jundy, three sisters, Lynn (Dave) Lundin, Patty (Brandon) Lewis, and Teri (Rich) Burkhardt. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Saturday with Memorial Services to begin at 2:00 pm Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society.
Allen V. Meyer
1936-2018
Allen Victor Meyer 82, of rural Hiawatha, met his Lord and Savior Tuesday August 21, 2018 at Maple Heights Nursing Home.
Allen was born March 1, 1936 at about 10:00 am in a farm house ½ mile east and ½ mile south of Hamlin, Kansas to Arnold F. and Mable C. (Meyerholtz) Meyer. He started first grade at Hamlin Elementary in September of 1942, where he continued his education until February 21, 1946. On February 22, 1946, Allen moved with his parents to a farm 2 miles south 1/2 mile east and ½ mile north of Hiawatha. Allen enrolled in the fourth grade and finished his elementary education at Union School. He graduated from the 8th grade in April of 1950. During his youth Allen was also a member of the Hiawatha Jayhawkers 4-H club for 10 years. He had his garden for a project and won many ribbons at the county fair for exhibiting his produce.
He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in April of 1936. After moving southeast of Hiawatha in1946, Allen and his parents transferred their church membership to Zion Lutheran Church of Hiawatha. Allen began confirmation class in the fall of 1947, and was confirmed in the spring of 1950.
Allen started high school in the fall of 1950. He joined the F.F.A. and purchased a dairy heifer for a project. He also got a job at a grocery store in 1951, working after school and on Saturdays and time during the summer. He graduated from high school with his classmates, in 1954. Upon his graduation he received a Union Pacific Scholarship to Kansas State Agriculture University at Manhattan, Kansas, where he attended for one year. Allen stated at that time “I learned from the school of hard knocks”…learning from my mistakes.”
After coming back home in the spring of 1955, Allen worked for a neighbor doing farm work and also helped his dad, on the farm at home, until August at that time he went back to work at the I.G.A. grocery store where he had worked for three years during high school. He continued to work there full time until September 30, 1962, where he purchased a farm with a Grade A Dairy. Allen served with the Headquarters Battery Battalion of the Kansas Army National Guard, Hiawatha, in March 154 and was a member until his discharge in November 1962, attained the rank of E-5.
Allen and Mary Elizabeth Fish were united in marriage June 9, 1957. Mary joined the Zion Lutheran Church by confirmation in the fall of 1957. He taught junior high Sunday school from 1955 until 1962. Allen and Mary served as Walter League leaders from 1957-1962. Their marriage continued until Mary’s death April 21, 2009. When first married, Allen and Mary lived in an apartment at 509 Delaware. Then in the late summer of 1958 they purchased a home at 301 Iowa, during that time Mary taught elementary grade school at Powhattan and Union Schools.
On October 1, 1962 they made a career change sold their home at 301 Iowa. Allen quit his job and they moved to a farm they purchased a farm in the Claytonville neighborhood and would own for over 50 years, located four miles south,1¼ mile east, ½ mile south, and ¾ mile east of Hiawatha. There they would operate a Grade A Dairy, raise cattle, and farm the land. In 1988 after a fire which destroyed their dairy barn they sold their dairy cattle, but continued to farm and have a cow, calf operation. In 1976 they built a new home. On a Saturday afternoon about 4:30 a tornado destroyed the silo and all the buildings, on the farm except, the garage and the house. They both received damage, but were repairable. Allen continued to farm and build back until October of 2009. At that time he rented out his crop land, but continued to keep a few cows and take care of his hay to feed his cows. He sold his machinery due to health reasons and moved to Maple Heights in 2013, after 51 years of farming full time.
In 1999 Allen began to lead an adult bible class and he became a church Elder in 2003 a position he held for many years.
Allen enjoyed his garden and sharing his produce with his church family’s as long as he was able to care for it. He also loved watching animals, plants grow, especially in the spring with the new birth of baby calves and new plant life.
He is survived by dear friends Troy and Robyn Kolb, sister in law Eleanor “Ann” Smith; his cousins; Rick, Rod, Doug, Wes, Jeeper, Matt Meyer, Rose Newman, Sandy Howes.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents and his wife and many Aunts and Uncles.
Funeral services are planned for 11a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. Pastor Sean Kilgo and Pastor Michael Dunaway will officiate. Interment with military honor will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 am till 6pm Friday August 24, 2018. Family will meet friends from 10-11 Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church Playground Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, Kansas 66434.
Vivien Inez Venneberg
1916-2018
HOLTON – Vivien Inez Venneberg, 102, of Holton, Kansas passed away August 20, 2018 at the Community Hospital in Onaga.
She was born July 28, 1916 near Johnstown, Nebraska. She was the oldest daughter of Thomas James Graff and Ann Catherine (Zillig) Graff. Vivien graduated from Havensville High School.
She worked as a ticket clerk for the Union Pacific Railroad in Junction City during the war. After the war she and her husband Paul returned to farming south of Havensville, near the Bucks Grove community. In September 1992 she moved to Holton, Kansas.
Vivien was a member of the Havensville Christian Church and had attended Bucks Grove United Methodist Church for many years. She belonged to the Ladies Aid at Bucks Grove and had played the keyboard there.
She married Paul C. Venneberg on February 13, 1937. He preceded her in death on January 17, 1991. She was also preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Lois Dandliker, Edna Mills and Margaret Ann Osterhaus.
Survivors include one son, Paul Edwin Venneberg and his wife Toni, of Topeka, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Bucks Grove United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 25th. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Vivien will lie in state until noon Saturday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials are suggested to the Bucks Grove United Methodist Church or the Havensville Christian Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436.
George “Bud” Henry Lee
1936-2018
George “Bud” Lee 82, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, August 20, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born February 16, 1936 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Goldie and Wally Lee. He worked at Armour and Company retiring after 22 years, Snorkel for 15 years, and retired from the United States Army after 22 years. He enjoyed fishing, horse shoes, and bowling, and he loved serving his country. George was preceded in death by wife, Else Lee, his parents, brothers, Billy and Joe Lee, sisters, Doris “Dean” Brown, Betty “Joney” Talbott, and brother in law, Bill Talbot, and Barbara “Dot” Badgett. Survivors include, daughters, Heidi Lee and Christina Patterson of Saint Joseph, MO, son, Charley (Christina) Lee, St. Joseph, MO, five grandchildren, Blair (Mike) Darnell, Carly (Ty) Moss, Candace (Dave) Garon, Bobby Patterson, and Cody (Carah) Patterson, great grandchildren, Cody Jr, Lincoln, Tatum, Talin and Kash, sister, Janet Savage, Saint Joseph, MO.
Funeral Services: 2:00 pm Friday, August 24, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Tony McDowell officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Ashland Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Parkinson Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Barbara Dolores James
1936-2018
Barbara Dolores James 81, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018 at her home. She was born September 7, 1936 in Omaha, NE, She graduated from Benton High School class of 1954 She then graduated from the St. Joseph Junior College with accreditation in Virology, Seraology, and Bacteriology, in 1968 she graduated from the St. Joseph Beauty University, then opened a beauty shoppe and operated it for 30 years, after which she was the manager of the J.C. Penny’s Salon until she retired. She was a member of the King Hill Order of Eastern Star, where she was a Worthy Matron in 1967, and selected as District Deputy Grand Matron of the 9th district in 1977, she was the past president of the South Side Business Women’s association, St. Joseph Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Entre Nous Club. Barbara was very active at Hosea School, as a home room mom, the PTA, she was involved in all her children and grandchildren’s activities. She prolifically wrote plays and skits for many programs. She also belongs to the Benton Alumni website. She loved music and played many instruments, one of her hobbies was Bingo, and playing the lottery of which she won the Missouri lottery twice with the same numbers. She was a member the Wyatt Park Christian Church. A firm believer in what God Hath done in her life, with a saying always, “God is good all the time.” Barbara was preceded in death by husband Leon James, her parents, sister, Patricia Goad, brothers, James “Jim” Jerold Banks, and Dick Banks. Survivors include, daughter, Roxanne Silvey (David Budd) of St. Joseph, MO, sons, Gregory Leon James (Mary Carr) of Stewartsville, MO, and Kevin Scott James (Kim) James of St. Joseph, MO, eight grandchildren, Adrian James, Craig (Gina) James, David (Jessica) Silvey, Dustin (Laura Beth) Silvey, Trevor (Alitha) Silvey, Kyle (Kandi) Gresham, Kylee (Chris) James, and Kyndell (Alex) James, 9 great grandchildren, sisters, Jeanette (Mike) Huft, of Oklahoma and Muriel “Sissy” Underwood, of Arizona, a brother, Merrill “Junior” Bassett of Oklahoma, niece, Kendra Tetors, sister in law, Rosella Palones of Savannah, MO.
Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Dr. Scott Killgore officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The inurnment will be at the Ashland Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are requested to the Wyatt Park Christian Church. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
John M Kanacsky
1927-2018
John M. Kanacsky 90, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018. He was born November 1, 1927 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Anna and Joseph Kanacsky. He graduated from Benton High School and entered the United States Navy and is a veteran of the World War II. He retired from the Gas Service Company. He enjoyed bowling every Friday night, raising goats, sheep and horses, at Benton, he was the last member of the Peanut Bowl, in Georgia. He was a Christian and a member of the American Legion. John was preceded in death by his parents, son, Dennis, three sisters, Julia Slevenski, Mary Shepizon, and Amelia Miljavoc, and four brothers. Survivors include daughters, Joanie Geesing and Lorrie Kanacsky, son, Jon (Sharon) Kanacsky, all of Saint Joseph, MO, four grandchildren: Ryan Geesing, Justin (Natalie) Geesing, Nathan (Andrea) Kanacsky, and Lisa (Brian) Phipps, great grandchildren: Graham, Charlotte, Eliana, Lucas, Jacob, Skylar, Jackson, Kira, Kayla, and Michael, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials are requested to a Charity of the Donors Choice
Graveside funeral services and interment will be conducted on 11 AM Friday, August 24, 2018, at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home.
Richard Dale Pummell
1929-2018
Richard D, Pummell 89, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018 at his home. He was born January 8, 1929 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Delois and Lionel Pummell. He proudly served in the United States Navy, and spent his working life as a painter, paper hanger and carpenter, retiring from Wayne Kerns Construction company. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, gunsmithing, playing and fixing all kinds of musical instruments. He was a Christian. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ida May Pummell, daughter, Janice Johnson, brothers Ellis, Randolph, and Donald Pummell, a sister, JoAnn, and a great grandson Simon Traster. Survivors include, daughter, Audrey (James) Tolson, St. Joseph, MO, sons, Phillip (Lisa) Pummell, Richard (Paula) Pummell, DeKalb, MO, Melvin (Leslie) Pummell, Savannah, MO, and Mitchell (Joyce) Pummell, St. Joseph, MO, son in law, Max Johnson, 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 1 great great grand-daughter, and one due in February, his sister, Vivian Smith, and brother Leon Pummell.
Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Jacob McMillian officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Odd Fellows Public Cemetery. Military honors by the United States Navy. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Phylis Jean Lybarger
1936-2018
Phylis Jean Lybarger 82, of Saint Joseph, Missouri died Monday July 16, 2018 at her home in Saint Joseph,Missouri. She was born July 10, 1936, Saint Joseph, Missouri. She was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Elvira Lybarger. Survivors include her many friends and neighbors. There will be a memorial service at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Faith United Baptist, Pastor James Long officiating. Memorials are requested to the Phylis Lybarger Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.
Donald O. Lawson
1939-2018
Donald O. Lawson, 79, of Mayetta, died Friday, August 17, 2018 at the Onaga Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born May 23, 1939 at Clay Center, the son of Donald Lawson, Sr. and Thelma Hitsman Lawson.
Don had served in the U.S. Air Force for eleven years and then for eleven years in the Army National Guard. He also was the Heating and Air Supervisor for the State of Kansas in the Docking Building in Topeka.
He was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Mensa International.
Don married Nancy Hill on February 28, 1987 at St. John Catholic Church in Iola. She survives, of the home.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marian Hughes and Thelma.
Other survivors include a son, Douglas Lawson and wife Penny, Salina; a brother, Richard Lawson, in Missouri; two sisters, Beverly Steele, Topeka and Donna Cox, Owasso, OK; and three grandchildren, Brady, Jace and Tatiana Lawson.
Memorial services with military honors will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 25th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will be later in the Highland Cemetery at Iola. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.
Cathy Prue Shanks
1947-2018
Cathy Prue Shanks, 70, of Dearborn, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 13, 2018 at a Gower Health Care facility. She was born August 24, 1947 in rural Dearborn, Missouri, daughter of Betty & J.C. Stubbs. She graduated from North Platte R-3 High School. She worked at Interserv for 35 years as a Early Childhood Education Instructor. She was a member of New Market Christian Church. Cathy loved going to animal sales, state fairs, and having picnics with her granddaughter. She also enjoyed raising chickens on her family farm. Cathy was the best mother and grandmother she could be. She had the most beautiful soul, always willing to help, and overall just loved life.
Cathy was preceded in death by her father, J.C. Stubbs, mother, Betty Lou Stubbs, son, Nathaniel Shanks, son, Matthew Beck, and sister, Saralyn Hay. She is survived by granddaughter, Maizey Shanks (Dylan Oliver), grandson, Jordan Roberds, great-grandsons, Luke and Noah Oliver and aunt and uncle, Donna and Clinton Mullendore,
Ms. Shanks has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Saturday at Rupp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to offset expenses toward funeral costs and a memorial bench on the family farm.