Kelly Jean Miller-Hays
1968-2018

Kelly Jean Miller-Hays 49, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday January 18, 2018 in St. Joseph. She was born August 28, 1968 in Monmoth, Iowa. She was a homemaker, and a Christian. Kelly was preceded in death by her father, John Lloyd Wayne Miller, step father, Eugene Buckley. She is survived by companion, John Perry of the home, sons, Scotty Hays (Sheila), and Lyle Hays (Amanda), Hemple, MO, daughter, Jessi Hays (Daniel) Perry, IA, mother, Bonnie Buckley, Davenport, IA, brothers, Kevin and Kyle Miller, sisters, Kimberly Redmann, and Krystal Miller. Memorial service: 4:00 pm at Present Truth Fellowship Church, 3901 Cook Road, St. Joseph, MO. Ms. Hays Will be cremated under care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Patricia M. “Pat” Parks
1927-2018

Patricia “Pat” Parks, beloved: wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left this life on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at the Hiawatha Hospital, with her three children by her side.

Pat was born on November 25, 1927, to Anthony and Geneva Palmer Dannecker, on their family farm near Rulo, Nebraska, the third of six daughters. She grew up in Rulo, attending schools there and graduating at 16, with the Rulo High class of 1944.

After graduation she attended a summer session at Peru State and earned a teaching certificate. That fall, she began her first and last teaching assignment, which lasted only a few months. Her stories of those few months were so funny and included students that were older than her; a fire she may (or may not) have started by overloading the woodstove, but also put out, with minimal damage! The last straw for her teaching career, didn’t come in the school house-it came when the family she stayed with moved the grandmother into the same room and bed as her. She called her daddy and he came and got her and she never looked back or taught again.

She moved to Lincoln then and worked at an ammunitions plant during the height of World War II and was proud to have been a part of the war effort. In the summer of 1945, while in Hiawatha with a friend, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Parks, who was home on leave from the Army and cruising Oregon Street with friends. A picnic and watermelon at the Hiawatha Lake started their love affair that would last almost 73 years.

Pat and Bob were married at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rulo, on March 5, 1946. Except for a few years in Iowa, they lived their entire married lives in Hiawatha. Pat was a homemaker for many years while raising their children and was a den mother, Girl Scout leader and active in all their activities. Pat and Bob were long time members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, serving in many roles and their faith was very important to both of them.

Pat was Hiawatha’s first Welcome Wagon Lady and loved meeting and introducing new people to Hiawatha and sharing her love for the community. In 1980 with friends, Bill and Marilyn Hargis, Bob and Pat opened the first Best Western in Hiawatha and built a thriving restaurant and lodge and made many friends along the way. She was outgoing and never knew a stranger, nor was she afraid to get involved and help where needed.

She was the long-time president of Mount Hope Cemetery and took its upkeep and beauty very seriously and loved to share the story of the Davis Memorial. She contributed greatly to the cemetery including the fence and flag pole projects and Baby Land, for families who lose infants, something she and Bob had experienced.

She was the very proud mother of Tim (Rhonda) of Lawrence, Nancy (Rusty) Wright of Hiawatha, and Mark (Marinela) of Olathe. She loved her grandchildren and was so proud of all they did—Andrew Parks, Lawrence, Qwinn and Abbey Wright, LaVista, NE, Tiffany Wright of Bozeman, MT, Toby Wright, Chicago, IL, Mitchell Wright, Hiawatha; Andew Mermer, Overland Park, Jack and Kaiti Parks, Olathe,, Caden and William Wright, Lavista, NE. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Chamberlain, Emporia and Lenalee Johnson of Falls City, NE. and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Phillip Joseph; her grandson Zachary Parks, parents, sisters Mary Elizabeth Stevens, Mildred Campbell and Alyce Darveaux.

Pat and Bob and the love they shared was great and one that could be seen by all who knew them. They loved to entertain and had so many wonderful friends. The fun that they had brings smiles to all of us who were lucky enough to have grown up with parents from this generation, who knew how to work and play and laugh. She always loved and welcomed drop-in company and many would leave with one of her handmade dishcloths or hangers.

She gave her best always and expected the same from those around her. We miss her but as she left us, we knew it was for a love far greater than ours and we know she is with the Lord and she and dad are together again, after four months apart, and that is the greatest joy she could have been given.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Sunday where the parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m., followed by the family visiting with friends until 6 p.m.

A Celebration of Life mass will be held 10 a.m. Monday, January 22, at St. Ann Catholic Church, with Father Dan Gardner as the Celebrant. Cremation will follow services with private family inurnment at Mt Hope Cemetery, this spring.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Ann Catholic Church which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Alf George “Skip” Arnesen
1946-2018

Alf George “Skip” Arnesen, Jr., 72, of Hiawatha, passed away January 17th, 2018, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY, January 13, 1946. He was a Vietnam Veteran (retired); Kansas Army National Guard (retired); a member of the American Legion and National Rifle Association.

Mr. Arnesen was preceded in death by his parents Alf G. Arnesen, Sr., and Margaret Doris Arnesen.

He is survived by Deborah Maycroft of the home; Anne Arnesen of Hiawatha, Amanda and Chad Hinton of Hiawatha, Jeremy and Jaime Arnesen of Reserve, Linnea and Luke Rieger of Meridan, Jason Fry of New York, Angelic Owens and Shawn of Denton; 5 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and numerous cousins.

The family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Wednesday evening, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Graveside services with military honors are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, January 25, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha. Rev. Michael Dunaway will officiate. Inurnment will follow.

Memorial contributions are suggested to veterans programs like DAV or Wounded Warrior Project, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Rita Ann Rettele
1923-2018

Rita Ann Rettele, 94, formerly of Atchison, died peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the Presbyterian Manor, Topeka, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2018 at St. Benedict’s Church with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 12:45 pm on Saturday at St. Benedicts Church, when a parish rosary will be recited prior to the Mass. Memorials are encouraged by the family to St. Benedicts Church for Masses or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Rita A. Strathman was born on Sept. 5, 1923 in Seneca, KS the daughter of John and Barbara (Webber) Strathman. She was a housewife and homemaker for her family. She was a member of the Most Pure Heart Church, Topeka, KS. Rita was proud of her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed making rosaries and scapula’s for the church, doing yard work, and was a perfectionist in all that she did.

She was married to Jacob A. Rettele on Oct. 23, 1945. Mr. Rettele preceded her in death on March 18, 1982. Survivors include a son, Robert “Bob” ( Paulette) Rettele, Meriden, KS, a sister, Anna Marie(Don) Banks, Atchison, KS, a granddaughter, Jennifer (Tony) Rettele-Thomas, Manhattan, KS, two grandsons, Jaydon and Cole Thomas, of Manhattan, KS, a sister-in-law, Doris Strathman, Atchison, KS and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, Jacob, daughter, Nancy Jo Rettele, three brothers, Leonard, Carl, & Ben Strathman, and two sisters, Henrietta Carpenter, and Rosalia Becker and a special friend, Maggie Kramer, preceded her in death. A special thank you to the staff and care givers at Presbyterian Manor, Topeka and the Great Lakes Caring Hospice, the family appreciates your care for Rita.

Douglas “Doug” Charles Euler
1956-2018

Wathena, Kansas – Douglas Charles Euler, 61, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Friday, January 19, 2018 at his home.

Doug was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Charles J. and Mildred (Myers) Euler.

He graduated from Lafayette High School. He was a Teamster and worked for Affiliated Foods for 25 years and BMS Transportation for 7 years.

He was a member of Mitchell Park Christian Church.

Doug really enjoyed life by being quite the jokester. He married Rachel (Vertin) in 1998.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of the home

Children, Jennifer (Tommy) Burnett, Kyle (Rachelle) McConnaughey,

Tiffany (Devon) Simpson

2 brothers, Dave (Patti) Euler, Plattsmouth, Nebraska

Chris (Trudi) Euler, St. Joseph, Missouri

1 sister, Linda K. (Steve) Wells, St. Joseph, Missouri

His seven grandchildren he loved with all his heart, Tyler Smith Euler, Paige and Natalie Burnett, Claire Simpson, Emma, Gracy and Abby McConnaughey.

Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 22, 2018

At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.

Visitation: 4-6 Sunday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 10 A.M. Sunday.

Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: Wathena Healthcare Activity Fund or Freedom Hospice.

Julie Ann Cottrill Thomsen
1961-2018

Julie Ann Cottrill Thomsen 56, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday January 17, 2018 in St. Joseph. She was born February 6, 1961 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Betty & Donald Cottrill. She graduated from Benton high school. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, loved socializing with friends and family, and spending time with her grandchildren. Julie was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald W. Cottrill, Emmett Cottrill, Todd Cottrill, Clifford Zion, and all her grandparents. She is survived by daughter, father and step mother Donald (Susan) Cottrill, mother, Betty Bechtold, 3 daughters, Liberty and George Renteria, of Everman, TX, Donna McGlothlin of St. Joseph, MO, and Bobbi Jo McGlothlin (Juan Gonzalez), of Overland Park, KS, grandchildren, Emily Pendergras, Melike Lammers, Hayley George, Trynity George, Colton Burns, Oliva Gonzalez, Jerius Flores, Joseph Flores, Juanito Gonzalez, and Joseph Gonzalez, great grandchildren, Ryleigh Pendergras, Lucas Palmer, and Aurora Pendergras, sister, Tammy (James) Egerton, brother, Jeffery (Darla) Cottrill, sister, Dawn (Eric) Schilling, brother, Johnny Staley, sister, Johnna (Mike) Norris. Family to recieve friends from 12-1 with Memorial Services; 1:00 pm, Saturday January 20, 20178 at the Sparta United Methodist Church, 2121 Southeast Sparta Road, Faucett, MO., Pastor Rodney Krumme, officiating. She will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Jo Ann Albee
1935-2018

Jo Ann Albee, 82, of Hiawatha, died January 20th, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family.

Jo Ann was born September 23, 1935, in St. Joseph, Missouri; one of two children born to the late Paul and Katherine Graves Osteen and grew up in St. Joseph where she attended, later graduating from Benton High School. She was a member of the Our Lady of Guadaloupe Catholic Church, St. Joseph.

She united in marriage to Charles “Rodney” Albee, December 9th, 1955. They have lived most of their married life in Hiawatha where they enjoyed raising their family. She and Rodney traveled the world and made friends anywhere they went. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She adored her beloved cat “Satchmo”!

She is survived by her husband of 62 years of the home; her children: Suzy Hinton (David) of rural Hiawatha, Stan Albee (Julie) of Hiawatha, Steve Albee (Mary) of Holton, KS; 8 loving grandchildren: Michele, Amanda, Mandy (Dan), Paul (Tammy), Jason, Robert (Shelby), Tyler (Ryan), Taylor and Sweet Jourdan who is deceased; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Jack Osteen (Pat) of St. Joseph, Missouri.

It was Jo Ann’s wish to be cremated. Memorial services are being planned on this coming spring or summer.

Memorial contributions are suggested to NEK Hospice which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Gerald V. Wagoner
1922-2018

Gerald V. Wagoner, 95, of Scranton, formerly of Doniphan-Brown counties, died Thursday evening, January 18, 2018, at Brookside Manor in Overbrook.

Gerald was born June 20, 1922, at Severance, one of three children born to Herman and Minnie Townley Wagoner. Gerald grew up near Leona where he attended country school, later graduating from Leona High School with the class of 1940 prior to attending Highland Junior College. Gerald farmed for 18 years near Leona before going to work for Streib and Son, a plumbing and heating business in Hiawatha for which he worked for 19 years. His last place of employment was for the Brown County School District #415, in maintenance, for 9 years before retiring.

Mr. Wagoner was a long time member of the Bellevue United Methodist Church, north of Leona where he had been very active through the years: song leader; Church Treasurer; Sunday school teacher; choir member and with Youth Fellowship. He also sang tenor in a quartet in the Church. In later years, he attended the United Methodist Church at Overbrook. Gerald enjoyed woodworking, stained glass work, and reading.

He married Margaret Sherman, June 20, 1947, at the Bellevue Church. They moved from the farm to Hiawatha where they lived for many years prior to moving to Scranton, KS, to be near their daughter. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons: Keith Wagoner (Sandra) of Bedford, Kentucky, Steve Wagoner (Jane) of Leavenworth; a daughter Phyllis Alcorn (Tom) of Scranton; Grandchildren: Jessica Wagoner, Heather Baker (Tyrone), Bryan Wagoner (Megan), Rob Wagoner (Angela), Venus Wilson (Chad), Wesley Alcorn (Mercedes; and eight great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Mildred Miller and Dorothy Streator.

A Celebration of Gerald’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, at Overbrook United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kathleen Whitmore officiating. Graveside services will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, north of Leona, 3 p.m. Tuesday, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Overbrook United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Bellevue or Overbrook United Methodist Church, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Leo Norman Soyland
1939-2018

Leo Norman Soyland of Topeka went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 19, 2018 in Topeka, KS. He was born January 11, 1939 in Horton, KS to Olaf and Elizabeth Swartz Soyland. He grew up on the farm south of Denton, KS and attended Mt. Vernon Elementary School in rural Denton and graduated from Denton High School in 1957. Before and following graduation from high school, he served in the Army National Guard for a total of 7 years. He was a well-known, successful, and knowledgeable farmer and farmed in the Leona, Highland, and Denton areas.

He married Catherine Ann Matthias on June 2, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bendena, KS. He was a loving father to Karen, Kelli, and Paul. He made a home for his family on the farm south of Denton, KS where he lived and farmed nearly all his working life. In later years, after retiring from farming, he drove for Keim Transportation, Sabetha, KS and Laidlaw and Durham School Services, Topeka, KS. He was respected by his peers as a farmer, truck driver, and bus driver; and he was beloved by the many school children he transported during his years as a bus driver.

Leo and his wife, Catherine, enjoyed travelling many different places as well as spending time in the Phoenix, AZ area. In recent years, he and Catherine had travelled to various places in California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and the Pacific Northwest. Wherever he was, Leo never knew a stranger and spent a great deal of time talking with people from all walks of life. He made friends very easily and was always interested in people’s lives. He valued the conversations he had with them and always respected their opinions. His kind, gentle, and loving spirit was evident in the way he treated others, and he was always willing to help anyone.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, telling stories, looking at pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and talking about his life experiences. He liked talking about farming, tractors (especially John Deere), road trips he had taken, and vacations taken with his family. He knew practically every highway number across the country as well as every John Deere dealership along the way. No matter where in the USA he was, he could be seen walking up to someone saying, “Don’t I know you?” (and he could usually figure out a connection to them). He often re-visited places he had been and talked to people that he had become acquainted with there, and he was always remembered by them.

Above all, he was a Christian man who loved God, and it was evident in his life. He loved and cared for his family in a way that honored God and lovingly led by example. He, along with Catherine, taught his children to pray, study God’s Word, and apply those teachings to their lives. He lived his faith daily in the way that he loved others, helped those in need, and respected all regardless of who they were or their lot in life. He was a former member of Gideons International where he participated in Bible distribution and placement, the jail ministry, and speaking in churches on behalf of the organization. He also was invited several times to preach as a substitute preacher in churches throughout northeast Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Soyland, Robinson, KS on September 25, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, of the home; daughter Kelli Scott (Phillip) of Colorado Springs, CO; son Paul Soyland (Erica) of Lawrence, KS, son-in-law Roger Tollefson (Karen Soyland), rural Robinson, KS; sister LaVerne Soyland Miller (Eugene), Kansas City, MO. Grandchildren include Maria Compton (Justin Baccardo), Heidi Smith (Justin), Brendan Compton (Becky), Hannah Olson (Taylor), Breanna Compton; Leah Haden, Kyle Haden. Step-grandchildren Joshua Tollefson (Evette) and Tabor Dean Tollefson (Monica). Great grandchildren include Jude, Lucas, Benjamin, Landon, Tate, Channing, and Crew. Step-great Grandchildren include Joshua, Elizabeth, Caleb, Joaquin, Mateo, Camila. He was also survived by one Grand-dog, Molly; and was preceded in death by one Grand-dog, Jackson.

Cremation is planned with memorial services are planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, January 27, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Matt Matthias will officiate. Private family inurnment will be at the Ununda Cemetery, north of Robinson.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

Memorials are requested to Barrow Neurological Institute in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.

Debbie Ann Nell
1959-2018

Debbie Ann Nell 58, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at Mosaic life care hospital. She was born May 18, 1959 in Wathena, KS, daughter of Frances and Paul Hahn. She worked at St. Mary Preschool as a Bus driver she also was an in home care taker for special needs people. She loved spending time with her grandkids and her niece, and she enjoyed fishing with her husband Tom. She was a Christian. Debbie was preceded in death by husband, Thomas Henry Nell, her parents, sister Mary Jane Hahn, and brother, Billy Hahn. Survivors include, sons, Travis Nell, St. Joseph, MO, and Thomas (Heather) Nell, Excelsior Springs, MO, Grandchildren, Alexis, Maddie, Luke, Joslin, and Justin Nell, sisters, Jessie Fisk, and Sandy Puckett of Saint Joseph, MO, brother, Paul Hahn, Cameron, MO, and niece, Cayla Curley, St. Joseph, MO.
Funeral services; 10:00 am, Thursday, January 25, 2018, Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Dr. Roger Wilcoxen officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Brent Allen Michael Murphy
1996-2018

Brent Allen Michael Murphy 21, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018. He was born January 24, 1996 in St. Joseph, MO, He attended Benton High School and was very active in their baseball program. He loved spending time with his daughter and his family, and enjoyed growing up playing Little League and High School baseball and played on several travel teams. Brent was preceded in death by paternal great grandmother, Melba Murphy, paternal great grandparents, Bonnie and Richard Danner, maternal great grandfather, “Sonny” Scott, and maternal grandmother Linda “Grams” Spurr. Survivors include, parents, Tisha (Matt) Gibson, father, Bronson Murphy of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Madalynn Rose Murphy, paternal grandparents, Steve & Beverly Murphy, St. Joseph, MO, maternal grandparents, Sandy & Donnie Duncan, maternal great grandmother, Joyce Scott of TX, maternal grandfather, Randy (Amy) Brown of TN, brother, Hunter (Brittney) Gibson, sisters, Hope Gibson, Brianna Murphy and Aizlynn Murphy all of St. Joseph, MO.
Funeral services; 10:00 am, Friday, January 26, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Ricky Sands officiating, The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Madalynn Murphy Education Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Verl Dean Shaiffer
1952-2018

WATHENA,KS Verl Dean Shaiffer, 65, of Wathena, Kansas formerly of Highland, Kansas died Sunday, January 21, 2018 at his home.

Verl was born on February 29, 1952 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Russell and Helen (Mc Nutt) Shaiffer. He lived most of his life in Highland before moving to Wathena in 1994.

Verl was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wathena, was active in the DCSW and Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce. Verl was the first recipient of the Doniphan County Quiet Hero Award, also a member of the Troy and Highland Lions Club and Hiawatha Elk’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his brother, George William Shaiffer of Colorado Springs, CO

Nieces, nephews, cousins, special family friends, Larry & Theresa Rohrer, Genia & Luke Deets, Dalen, Dayton, Hope & Hayla.

FUNERAL: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 – 3:00 P.M.

At: Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas

Burial: Highland Cemetery in Highland, Kansas

Visitation: family will receive friends Wednesday 1 hour prior to funeral services (2-3 PM Wednesday) at the funeral home. Friends may call after 12 noon Tuesday.

Memorials: Mail a smile or Wathena UMC

www.harmanrohde.com

Jesse Francis Cooley
1959-2018

Jesse Francis Cooley 58, Saint Joseph, Missouri died Thursday January 18, 2018. Born May 21, 1959, Kansas City, Preceded in death Parents, Jesse Francis (Carol) Cooley. Survivors; companion, Kathy Howerton. three sisters. Cremation under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Jesse Cooley memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home .