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Obituaries for February 20-21

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Carol Jean “Jeannie” Laurent
1922-2016

Laurent, Carol. obitphotoCarol Jean “Jeannie” Laurent, 93, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, February 20, 2016 at her home.
She was born December 16, 1922 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Jeannie married Alfred M. Laurent on May 18, 1946. He proceeded her in death on August 26, 1979.
A long-time resident of the North end she lived on Dewey Ave. from her birth until 2007. Her three passions in life where her family, her church, and her music. Carol Jean was organist at King Hill
Christian Church and later at Ashland United Methodist Church. She performed in the Ashland Bell Tones, in the St. Joseph Symphony as a cellist, and taught piano from her home. She also enjoyed china painting, bowling, and was a member of the Y – women.
She was a life-long member of the Methodist church beginning at Trinity, on Third St, which became Ashland United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Laurent was also preceded in death by her parents, Arthur P. and Jenny (Steinmeyer) Kost; brother, Albert Kost; and sister, Louise Hees.
Survivors include sons Martin Laurent (Keren), Santa Fe, New Mexico; Louis Laurent (Beth) Lawrenceville, Georgia; granddaughters Kelly Powell (Mathew); and Jessica Folsom (Charles); great grandchildren, Caleb, Mason, and Grace Powell; and nieces Marylin Erganian (Nshan), Jennifer Hoecker (Larry), and Patty Raines (Ron).
Farewell services 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, Ashland United Methodist Church. Internment, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather will friends 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Mrs. Laurent will be removed from Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory to arrive at the church one hour prior to the service. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Ashland United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Betty Giannetta
1927-2016

Giannetta, Betty. obitphotoBetty Giannetta, 88, St. Joseph, Missouri went home to be with the Lord Sunday, February 21, 2016.
She was born December 4, 1927 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Betty married Lawrence J. Giannetta on May 18, 1944. He preceded her in death on May 14, 2005.
She worked at HD Lee and later originated and owned the Unique Boutique Bridal. She was a member of First Assembly of God and later the Central Assembly of God, both of which she was very involved.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Wilber and Verna (Bell) Million; three brothers, Bud, Virgil and Tom Million; and sister, Mary Ellen Duguid.
Survivors include daughters, Linda Huffman (Rick) and Deborah Rowe; grandson, Brendon Ramseier (Lora); two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Morgan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Robert Paul Wippel
1956-2016

Robert Paul Wippel 59, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday February 20, 2016 at a Saint Joseph. He was born August 30, 1956 in Winchester, Kansas son of Christine & Robert Wippel. He married Yvonne Angold Wippel on January 7, 2005. He graduated from Atchison High School. He was a member of the Trinity Luthern church. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, He is survived by wife, Yvonne Wippel of Saint Joseph, MO, step-daughters, Jana Radmer, and Lorna Hamilton, 3 grandchildren, sister, Rosemary Williams. He has been cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Marzella Schuler
1925-2016

marzellaMarzella Schuler, 90, Nortonville, Kansas, died Sunday, February, 21, 2016, at Midland Hospice in Topeka, Kansas.
Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church in Nortonville with Rev. Lazar Carasala, officiating. A parish rosary will be recited at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Nortonville, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church or Jefferson County Humane Society and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.
Marzella was born March 12, 1925, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Robert and Elsie Biffinger Winn. She attended Atchison High School and Mount Saint Scholastica.
She and Fred G. Schuler were united in marriage in 1950 at St. Joseph’s Church in Nortonville, Kansas. Mr. Schuler preceded her in death on February 13, 2010.
Marzella was a homemaker, but she also assisted her husband Fred in the trucking business. She was a hard working woman.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church and the St. Joseph’s Church Alter Society. Marzella was a loving and excellent mother, often doting on her children and grandchildren. She also had a warm spot in her heart for animals.
Survivors include four sons, Wayne (Wilma) Schuler, Basehor, KS, Kim Schuler, Nortonville, KS, Steve (Lucy) Schuler, Rossville, KS, Kevin (Christine) Schuler, Nortonville, KS, two daughters, Marilyn Schuler, Wichita, KS, Debra (Leo) Gunzelman, Valley Center, KS, a sister, Selma Winn Scholfield, eight grandchildren, Matthew Gunzelman, Erin Gunzelman Garrison, Michael Gunzelman, Frederick Schuler, Kathleen Schuler, Brad, Amy, Lee and a great granddaughter, Elise Garrison.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers, Robert Winn and infant Harry Winn.

Breezy and dry! Here’s today’s forecast!

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Weather image 160223Here’s the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low 31. North winds 10 to 16 mph shifting south after midnight. Wind gusts could reach 24 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. North wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. North northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 64.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 58.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Former judge pleads guilty to stealing from judges association

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USDOJ colorA former state district magistrate judge in southeast Kansas pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling approximately $24,000.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said, Bill W. Lyerla, 64, Galena, Kan., pleaded guilty to six counts of wire fraud. In his plea, Lylera admitted he embezzled the money from the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association while he served as an elected treasurer for the organization.

In the state system, magistrate judges conduct first appearances and preliminary examinations of felony charges and hear felony arraignments, as well as performing other judicial duties. Lyerla was a magistrate judge for the state’s Eleventh Judicial District from 1991 to his resignation in 2014.

In his plea, he admitted that as treasurer for the judges association he had authority to write checks to pay for the organization’s legitimate expenses. He used that power to fraudulently write checks payable to himself on the association’s bank account.

Sentencing is set for July 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each count. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.

Sen. Claire McCaskill announces breast cancer diagnosis

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(Twitter)
(Twitter)

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill announced Monday that she has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In a post on the “tumblr” Web site, the Missouri Democrat said the cancer was detected through a regular mammogram. She said her prognosis is good and she expects to make a full recovery.

“I will be in St Louis for the next 3 weeks receiving treatment,” Sen. McCaskill said online. “During this time my staff will continue to assist Missourians and I will be posting on my Senate website (McCaskill.senate.gov) how I would have voted on any matters that come before the Senate during my absence—which I’ll also enter into the Congressional record. ”

“Thank you for the honor of serving you in the Senate.”

McCaskill also noted she would submit questions in writing for any missed Senate hearings.

Latest: Charred bodies found outside Edgerton home, stealing charge filed

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Grayden Denham
Grayden Denham

An Edgerton man has been charged with stealing a car from the scene of a fatal fire in rural Platte County.  Grayden L. Denham, 24, is accused of stealing a car from Russell and Shirley Denham, who lived at the location.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said the charge was filed the evening of February 21, as part of an ongoing homicide investigation involving the death of three adults and one infant and a fire that started on February 19 on property located on Buena Vista Road in Edgerton.

According to court documents, Grayden Denham allegedly stole a 2012 brown Nissan Versa, which was owned by Russell and Shirley Denham.

The investigation began on February 20, when Platte County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a structure fire at 4170 Buena Vista Road, in Edgerton.  During the course of the investigation, deputies found the bodies of one adult male, two adult females, and one infant child.  They also discovered that one vehicle, a brown 2012 Nissan Versa with handicapped license plates, was missing from the residence.

Records from the Missouri Department of Revenue show the owners of the vehicle are Shirley and Russell Denham. Grayden Denham, who normally stayed at the residence, was not located there.

Investigators determined from relatives and neighbors that Grayden Denham was not allowed to drive the Nissan Versa or any of the other vehicles from that location because his driver’s license had been suspended.

A records check revealed that Grayden Denham’s driving status has been revoked by the State of Missouri due to points violations and child support enforcement issues.

Grayden Denham was located in Arizona along with the 2012 Nissan Versa.  The Nissan Versa’s Missouri license plates had allegedly been removed and replaced with stolen Oklahoma license plates.

Judge Tom Fincham issued a warrant for Grayden Denham’s arrest.  He set bond on the case at $100,000 cash only. Grayden Denham is currently in custody in Yavapai County, Arizona.

The stealing charge is a Class C felony.  It is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen provided additional details regarding the ongoing homicide investigation.

When Sheriff’s Department deputies arrived at the location on February 20, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Deputies saw three bodies in the front yard, two adults and one infant.  A dog was also dead in the yard.  All of the bodies had been burned.

A male body was found by an out building east of the home.  The body was laying on its back and was badly burned.

A red plastic gas container was found approximately four to five feet from the body.

A witness indicated that an older couple lived at the location, possibly with a granddaughter, grandson, and great-granddaughter.

Owen said the homicide case remained under active investigation by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department, Metro Squad, and State Fire Marshall’s office.  He said the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the manner of death of the four victims is homicide.

Authorities are awaiting examination of dental records before confirming the identities of the homicide victims.

Two investigators from the Metro Squad are already in Arizona, and two more will be traveling to Arizona to recover evidence there.

Zahnd said he was handling the case personally, with First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Megan Benton.

 

Tweets from press conference in reference to the ongoing instigation:

Overflow crowd expected at school board budget meeting

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SJSD cropThe St. Joseph School District expects a big crowd for tonight’s school board meeting, so they scheduled it at the Troester Media Center. Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart is expected to propose about $2.75 million in budget cuts.

Some of those cuts are expected to be controversial.

The school board recently asked Dr. Newhart to come up with a spending plan that balances the budget, a tall order in the absence of the district’s operating levy. He’ll need to slash about $6 million to balance the budget.

On Monday night, the Board of Education will meet in a work session from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and then meet formally from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Troester Media Center is located at 3401 Renick in St. Joseph.

Two arrested after high-speed chase in Livingston County

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PoliceThe Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said charges are pending on two men arrested after a police chase Saturday on westbound U.S. 36.

On Saturday February 20, 2016 about 3:30 p.m. LCSO said Deputy Dustin Woelfle was on patrol in western Livingston County and checked a vehicle traveling west on U.S. 36 at 81 M.P.H. in a 65.

“When our deputy attempted to stop that vehicle, the driver immediately fled and reached speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. as it continued west on U.S. 36,” said Sheriff Steve Cox.

Deputy Woelfle received assistance from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and the pursuit continued west toward Cameron.

“Around the Cameron area our deputy terminated the pursuit and authorities from Cameron Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol took over the investigation,” Cox said.

The vehicle was found in a large retail parking lot at which time authorities learned the car was stolen from the State of Illinois. Two St. Louis men were reportedly taken into custody without incident and one of the men allegedly had an outstanding felony probation violation arrest warrant.

“The driver will be facing additional charges in Livingston County in the near future,” Cox said.

Obituaries for February 18 -19

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Chris Shell
1954-2016

Shell, Chris. obitphotoChris Shell, 61, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born September 10, 1954 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Chris married Terry Shell on July 10, 1971.
She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Allaman Wilson.
Survivors include husband; son, Jamie Shell (Century), Overland Park, Kansas; daughters, Stephanie Golden (Chris), St. Joseph, Missouri and Mandy Shell, Prairie Village, Kansas; mother, Audrey Arlene (Ashworth) Wilson; grandchildren, Mackenzie and Calista Shell and Hadley and Lucas Golden; sisters, Kitty Stone (John) and Starla Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Mosaic Cancer Center. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Patricia “Pat” O’Dell
1947-2016

Odell, Patricia obit photoPatricia “Pat” O’Dell, 68, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born February 24, 1947 in St. Joseph, Missouri and was a graduate of LeBlond High School.
Pat married Michael Steven O’Dell on November 15, 1968.
She enjoyed her pets, crossword puzzles, gambling and writing stories, but most of all, Pat loved spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Anna (Mihelic) Falkenbach; and grandson, Kabrin Rinehart.
Survivors include husband; daughters, Stacy Clevenger (David) and Susan Rinehart; grandson, Christian Kiehne; sister, Christina Smith (Larry); and several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Monday, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to M’Shoogy’s Pet and Animal Rescue. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Raymond “Ray” Loessy
1944-2016

Loessy, Raymond. obitphotoRaymond “Ray” Loessy, 71, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born July 5, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Raymond married Jane Dickinson on July 9, 1969.
He was a ring man at G & G Auctions in Rushville and stopped at every auction and yard sale he would see. Ray enjoyed buying and selling and loved life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Sophie (Germscheid) Loessy; brother, Harry Loessy; niece, Vicki Loessy; and aunt, Mary Germscheid.
Survivors include wife; sister-in-law, Martha Loessy; brother and sister-in-law, Sally Mallery (Bob); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests donations to the American Heart Association or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Terry Kay Heitman
1938-2016

Heitman, Terry K. obit photoTerry Kay Heitman, 77, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born December 9, 1938 in Holton, Kansas. The daughter of George, Sr. and Carolina (Winder) Bradley. She lived most of her life in St. Joseph.
Ms. Heitman retired from Methodist Hospital. Terry was a member of Hope Evangelical Lutheran in Maryville, Missouri.
Affectionately known as Mamma, Teresa Kay, Aunt T, G.G., and Tootsie. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and working in the yard. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed entertaining them. She will be missed by all, but at last is free.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Carolina (Winder) Bradley; father, George Bradley, Sr.; sister, Bobbi Dietderich; and husband, Ronald Heitman, Sr.
Survivors include two daughters, Stacey Grace and Carlene Heath; one son, Ronald Ray Heitman, Jr.; one sister, Nancy Davis; three brothers, Gary Bradley, Wayne Bradley, and George Bradley, Jr.; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Ashland Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Three Rivers Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Darlene McDonald
1938-2016

McDonald, Darlene. obitphotoDarlene McDonald, 77, Randolph, Nebraska passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016.
She was born October 15, 1938 in Pierce County, Nebraska.
Darlene married Robert Joseph McDonald on December 10, 1961 and he preceded her in death on December 26, 2012.
She was a Bookkeeper at Dawson Oil & Gas Company and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the VFW both in Randolph, Nebraska.
She loved to sew and quilt and liked to be outside working in her garden. Darlene owned a ceramic shop for several years.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Ellen (Manske) Riedel; brother, Herman Riedel, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Donna Riedel.
Survivors include son, Robert McDonald, Jr. (Sandi), Randolph, Nebraska; daughters, Valerie Wilkinson, St. Joseph, Missouri and Michelle Raine (Dean), Lake View, Iowa; grandchildren, Brady, Brandi and Kasie, Rylie and Blake, Jordan and Tanner; great-grandchildren, Millie and Ruby; sisters, Barbara VanBrocklin (Bill), Charlene Chervek (Bob) and Alvina Deitloff (Junior); brothers, Rueben and Ronnie Riedel (Shari); sister-in-law, Melba Riedel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at a later date in Nebraska. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Carlyn M. Meudt
1927 – 2016

carlynCarlyn M. Meudt, 88, Atchison, Kansas died Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the Atchison Hospital.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the activities fund at Medicalodge Nursing Center, Atchison United Methodist Church or Atchison Humane Society and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Mrs. Meudt has been cremated, burial will be at a later date in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
Carlyn was born May 7, 1927 in Peekskill, New York the daughter of Victor C. and Alma G. Knight Olson. She attended Franklin Elementary School, graduating from Atchison High School. She studied and graduated from the Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri.
She and Warren R. “Bob” Meudt were united in marriage in Atchison, Kansas. Mr. Meudt preceded her in death on January 6, 1982.
Carlyn worked as an artist and designer. She formerly designed numerous window displays in major department stores on Fifth Avenue in New York City and Kansas City. She also formerly was employed with Olson Elevator in Atchison and with McCormick Distillery in Weston, Missouri.
She was a member of Atchison United Methodist Church. She was a member of V.F.W. Post #1175 Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Carlyn was an avid golfer at both Bellevue Country Club and Pineview Country Club. She enjoyed playing cards, gambling and attending the casinos.
Survivors include three sons, David Meudt, Kansas City, KS, Benjamin (Sheri) Meudt, Grand Island, NE, Mark (MaryAnn) Meudt, Atchison, KS, two daughters, Sandy (David) Golden, Kansas City, MO, Pam Wilbanks, Kansas City, MO, five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Sonny Olson.

Milton Eugene Long
1924 – 2016

miltonMilton Eugene Long, 91, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at his home. He was born July 9, 1924 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Mary Alice and Henry Long. He served in the United States Army, and he is a veteran of the World War II. Milton worked as a Truck Driver for Land Construction. He was a member of the Patee Park Baptist Church. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, three wives, Beverly Jean Long, Pearl Boller Long, and Beverly Lawhon Long, a daughter, Sandra Wright, and 3 sisters, Ruth Ann, Mary Katherine, and Opal. Survivors include: a daughter, Debbie Barlos of Joplin, MO., three sons, Ron Long of Mesa, AZ, Brad Long of Linneus, MO, and Ernie Long of Gilbert, AZ, several grandchildren, and a brother, Lewis Long of St. Joseph, MO.
A graveside inurnment service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday, at the Frazier Cemetery, Frazier, Missouri. Chaplain Alan Pruitt officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the Fountains at Corby Place, 422 Felix St., St. Joseph, MO. for refreshments and sharing memories.

Fern Dixon
1929-2015

Dixon, Fern. obitphotoFern Dixon, 86, Cosby, Missouri passed away Friday, February 19, 2016 at LaVerna Village in Savannah, Missouri.
She was born June 28, 1929, to Pryor and Bertha Schottel in Cosby, Missouri.
Fern married Carlton Dixon September 22, 1948 who preceded her in death on May 14, 2008.
She was a member of Hope United Church of Christ, The Order of the Eastern Star Cosby Chapter and a leader in 4-H. In her younger years she worked at Westab and later as a cook at the Avenue City School District, a job she enjoyed very much. She also gardened and loved spending time with her grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Gary Dixon, and brother, Pryor Schottel, Jr.
Survivors include daughters, Gail Fankhauser (Glenn) and Janet Miller (Mark); sons, Brad Dixon (Kristie) and Clay Dixon (Tami); sister, Fay Gurwell (Ray); 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and her wonderful caregivers at LaVerna Village.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Monday. The family suggests memorial gifts to Hope United Church of Christ or Avenue City School. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Audrey Clair Heck
1925-2016

Heck, Audrey obit photoAudrey Clair Heck, 91, St. Joseph, formerly of Mound City, Missouri passed away February 19, 2016 at Tiffany Heights in Mound City to Robert Earl and Sidney Rosetta (Nay) Heck. He graduated from Bellevue High School north of Mound City.
Audrey was among 27 young men from Holt County that left for the army March 15, 1945. They were to be part of the invasion force in Japan, but after the atom bomb was dropped in August of 1945, he ended up in Manila, Philippines. He came home from the service December 25, 1946 and resumed farming.
Audrey married Phyllis Rader May 20, 1951, his wife of 64 years. They had three daughters.
He was a member of the First Christian Church in Mound City, he later moved to St. Joseph where he attended Wyatt Park Baptist church.
He was a strong supporter and fifty year member of the Kiwanis Club, Audrey served as the Missouri-Arkansas district lieutenant governor. He got the club involved with recycling old batteries to fund numerous Kiwanis scholarships for local students. He was a member of the Paul Shutts American Legion Post No. 121.
Audrey was a livestock and grain farmer. In 1961 he purchased the Mound City John Deere Dealership, which he operated for over thirty years. He constructed Audrey’s Motel in 1975.
When he retired he moved to St. Joseph. He spent his winter months in his home in California and traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughters, Cathy Saxton (Dan), Bolckow, Missouri, Cynthia Davis (Dr. Larry), Philadelphia, and Christine Livengood (Jeff), Craig, Missouri; grandchildren, Dr. Marlie Williams (Travis), St. Joseph, Sheldon Saxton (Tauni), Maryville, Missouri, Michael Saxton (Amanda), Savannah, Missouri, Dr. Ryan Davis (Shai), Davis, CA, Randall Davis (Eugenia), Albany, New York, Dr. of Pharmacy, Jeremy Davis (Lindsey), St. Louis, and Jessica Cope (Tanner), Hico, Texas; great grandchildren, Wyatt and Taylor Williams, Tristen and Cayden Saxton, Keaton and Carson Saxton, Ian Davis, Maura Davis, and Reagan Cope; sister, Joyce Lyle; sister-in-law, Dorothy Heck; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Virgil, Garney, Marshall, Dean, Darrell, Jr., and Irvin; sister, Mildred; sister-in-laws, Louise, Jerry, Audrey, Wilda, Billie, and Donna Mae; brothers-in-law, Berwyn Hamilton and Homer Lyle; and infant great grandson, Liam Saxton.
Farewell Services 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, First Christian Church, Mound City. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church. The family suggests memorials to First Christian Church, Mt. Hope Cemetery, or Water Fowlers Hall of Fame, all in Mound City. Online guest book and obituary at www.pettijohncrawford.com.

Nebraska could be latest state to OK ‘right-to-farm’ amendment

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Nebraska State SealLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska could have a tougher time passing new restrictions on farming and ranching under a proposed ballot measure.

The proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee the right to “engage in farming and ranching practices” and prevent the Legislature from passing new regulations without a compelling state interest.

If approved by voters, Nebraska could become the third state to adopt a right-to-farm constitutional amendment. North Dakota voters approved a similar measure in 2012, followed by Missouri in 2014. Oklahoma will also consider a right-to-farm amendment in November.

The proposal by Senator John Kuehn of Heartwell comes four years after Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to enshrine hunting, fishing and animal-harvesting rights in the state constitution.

Rollover crash injures St Joe woman

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MSHP badge goldA St Joseph woman escaped with minor injuries after a rollover crash on I-29 in St Joseph Sunday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says another motorist changed lanes and hit the car driven by Brittany Long at the 50.4 mile marker near the US-169 interchange.

Her vehicle left the interstate and overturned.

The 26-year-old St Joseph woman was taken to Mosaic Life Care for treatment of what were described at the scene as minor injuries.

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