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Obituaries April 16th

Marjorie Morris Bennett
1918 – 2019

Marjorie Morris Bennett, St. Joseph, Mo., died April 15, 2019, at the age of 100. Her life was a grand adventure. She survived the Great Depression and the Dust Bowls of Oklahoma, lived all over the world with her husband and three daughters, made an impact on hundreds of children through her career in education, and left to enrich the world 40 wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren.

We believe that she was blessed to transition from this world to the next during this most significant of times: Holy week leading to Easter.

Born in Granite, Okla., in 1918, Marge was the daughter of Daniel Jacob and Etta Zula Morris. She was married for almost 76 years to Lt. Col. Frank Woodrow Bennett, who preceded her in death. She was the mother of Roberta June Swope, Joyce Coker Dreier, and Marilyn Jo Huff. She loved her family, excelled in cooking, created magical birthday cakes, Halloween costumes, and doll clothes, and enjoyed playing games (and cheating at them). She was smart, skipping two grades in school and starting college in Weatherford, Oklahoma, at the age of 16. She was pretty, artistic, feisty and fun. After Frank retired from the Air Force, Marge and Frank lived in St. Louis for 34 years, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in education. She taught emotionally and behaviorally challenged children for many years. Marge and Frank were long-time church members in St. Louis and active in a group called the KeenAgers. They moved to Olathe, Kan., in 2004 to be closer to family. She had been a resident of St. Joseph, Mo., for two years.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters and their spouses, Roberta June Swope (Nick), Joyce Coker Dreier (Ron), and Marilyn Huff (Dick) and 12 grandsons: Todd Trueblood, Tague Trueblood (Kim), Thor Trueblood, Nick Swope (Sonia), John Swope (Rachel), Chad Coker (Renee), Scot Coker (Melissa), Bret Coker, and Joel Coker (Kalie), Christopher Huff (Dusty), Cory Huff (Simone), and Adam Huff (Abigail). She also had 28 great grandchildren. She was brightened by the companionship of Nicole Kisling, Melissa Markus, and Brad Dreier and their families.

She was preceded in death by brothers and sisters Zula Smith, Oliver Conley, Cecil Morris, and George Morris. A private family service is planned in St. Joseph. Her remains will be interred in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery with husband Frank. Online condolence and obituary www.ruppfuneral.com

 

Gary Max Fuller
1937 – 2019

Gary Max Fuller, 81, Savannah, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, April 14, 2019 at Living Community of St. Joseph.

He was born April 15, 1937 in Guilford, Missouri. Gary married Lisa Rose Sibenaller August 17, 1996. She survives of the home. He graduated from Horace Mann High School in Maryville, Missouri, Class of 1955. Gary enlisted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959. He worked as a terminal manager at Crouch Bros. then later started his own trucking business. Gary taught 4-H Horsemanship and also was a youth baseball coach. He enjoyed life to the fullest, especially time spent with his family and friends.
Gary was a past member of St. Joseph Traffic Club, American Quarter Horse Association and Eagles Lodge of St. Joseph, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helen (Brown) Fuller; brother, Robert Fuller; father and mother in-law, Dominic and Jacqueline Sibenaller; and sister-in-law, Joyce Sibenaller.

Additional survivors include sons, Mike, Eric and Darin Fuller; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Albert Ellis Fuller, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Richard Sibenaller, Dean Sibenaller (Aura Lee); sisters-in-law, Joyce Clark (Doug), Nancy Schultes (Mike); numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Bolckow Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Mosaic Life Care Hospice or the American Heart and Lung Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

Dixie Lee Solonycze
1932 – 2019

Dixie Lee Solonycze, 87, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2019, at her home.

She was born January 3, 1932, in St. Joseph. Dixie married John J. Solonycze on June 13, 1953. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2018. She was a teacher for most of her life. Dixie was a member of Wyatt Park Baptist Church, the Moila Country Club, and Heartland Health’s Auxiliary Board.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Earl H. and Lucille (Vaughn) White Foster.

Survivors include her sons, Gregg (Joyce) and David John (Loralyn) Solonycze; grandchildren, Lindsey, Christapher (Nikki), Brett, Ben, and Scott; great-grandchildren, Adin and Brice; brothers, John Paul and Phil White; sisters, Joyce Walsh and Judy Clark; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Farewell Services 1:00 P.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. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

Betty Ann Rotts
1941 – 2019

Betty Ann (Gomeck) Rotts, 77, St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away Monday, April 15, 2019, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born June 23, 1941 in St. Joseph, Missouri, and graduated from St. James Parochial School, the Convent of the Sacred Heart and St. Joseph Beauty University. Betty married Eric Carl “Ric” Rotts on November 25, 1961, at St. James Catholic Church. He survives of the home. Betty was a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where she served as greeter and prepared/donated meals for funeral lunches. She recently retired as a hairdresser at Beck Plaza Salon. Betty enjoyed creating elaborate ceramic nativity scenes with hand-crafted wooden mangers: She then gave a set to each of her five children. Betty also enjoyed hair-dressing herself and many others with the latest styles (frequently using her children, when they were young, as Guinea pigs). Betty was a wonderful cook, especially Cajun food, and loved entertaining large groups of family and friends for their birthdays and the holidays. She also enjoyed hosting “block parties” in New Orleans, where the food was fantastic! After transferring with Ric back to St. Joseph in 1986, she hosted dinner parties with her loyal card group. She also traveled with the group out-of-state and always spoke very highly each of its members. Betty cherished her multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren: She treasured the time she spent babysitting and attended most all of their numerous sporting events, plays, recitals, and graduations, both near-and-far.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Kathryn (Plekan) Gomeck.
Additional survivors include children, Deborah Lane (Brian), Kathy Lewis, Cindy Voltolina (Chip), all of St. Joseph, Ricky Rotts, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Michael Rotts, Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Erica, Ashleigh, Curt, Levi, Lauren “Kitty”, Tre, Adam, Jaymie, Aimee; great-grandchildren, Annabelle, A.J., Graham, Cora, and Ryker; sisters, Mary Weiland and Donna Daffron.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alderson, Dr. Sprague, and Three Rivers Hospice for their compassion and professionalism.

Mass of Christian Burial: 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Inurnment at Whispering Pines Cremation Garden at St. Joseph Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Parish Rosary 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 4503 Frederick Blvd., St. Joseph, MO, 64506, Mir House of Prayer, 6492 Hwy. 6, St. Joseph, MO, 64507, or The Alzheimer’s Association @ www.act.alz.org. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com

 

Barbara Jo (Ezzell) Landis
1939 – 2019

Barbara Jo (Ezzell) Landis, 80, Faucett, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 14, 2019 at Mosaic Life Care.

She was born February 20, 1939 in Villisca, Iowa. Barbara moved to St. Joseph with her family at 8 years old. She graduated from Faucett High School and married the love of her life, Walter Austill Landis, Jr on June 2, 1956.
She was a member of The Pentecostals of St. Joseph of which she sat on the board of Directors, and was also the Director of Foreign Missions. Barbara was a gracious woman, who never ceased to give of herself to all without hesitation. She loved so deeply and wanted everyone around her to feel it. Barbara enjoyed her family, gardening, specifically roses, her dogs, cooking and baking, but above all she loved Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Austill Landis, Jr.; parents, Ernest and Dorothy (Belding) Ezzell.

Survivors include children, Esther George (Kevin), Walter A. Landis, III, Mary McKnight (Jeff), Lura Kirby (CJ); 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lorna Young, Donna Young (Richard), Debra Ezzell; numerous nieces and nephews.

Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Mora Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Global Missions, Payable to The Pentecostals of St. Joseph, 1701 Jules St, St. Joseph, Missouri 64501, Mount Mora Cemetery or the American Rose Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com

 

Alaine Dooley Holmes
1954 – 2019

Alaine Dooley Holmes passed away on April 12, 2019.

She had an angelic voice and was an amazing pianist. She loved to garden, sew, quilt and made life beautiful. Her priority in life was being a loving wife to Harold, whom she was deeply devoted to, and raising a family. She is the proud mother of Nicole, Ryan (Jocelyn), Marissa (Scott), Joseph (Erin), Jordan (April), and Kelsey (Kevin).

She is survived by her husband, her siblings- Sharon Booras, Patrick Dooley and David Dooley, and her children. She leaves a legacy of 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was loved by all and will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on April 20th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 North Carriage Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64506. In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to LDS Humanitarian Services ldsphilanthropies.org

Sen. Blunt touts importance of literacy in new job market during MWSU visit

By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt speaks with a participant at the 29th annual Roy Blunt Literacy Award luncheon at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt say literacy is more important now than ever, not only to those students planning to go to college, but for those seeking a job in the new high-skill labor market.

Blunt, in St. Joseph for the 29th annual Roy Blunt Literacy Award luncheon at Missouri Western State University, calls literacy a workforce training activity, especially in an economy with more openings than qualified people to fill them.

“Frankly, the four-year college degree is not often the best way to make the kind of income you’d like to see for you and your family,” Blunt tells reporters.

Blunt says literacy efforts can inspire kids to seek the skills needed for the opportunities be out there.

Blunt says high-skill jobs from auto mechanic to computer programmer offer very good pay and do not require a college degree. The senator, though, says they do require good literacy skills.

 

St. Joseph Museums to present hands-on ‘Forensic Night’ program

An upcoming program at the St. Joseph Museums will give participants the opportunity to see what law enforcement, doctors, and anthropologists learn by examining human skeletons.

Kathy Reno with the Museums said, at Forensic Night, Ashley Mason Burns-Meerschaert, Director of Education at the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will present a hands-on program.

“You’re going to learn to read the features of a human skull, you’re going to look at what was their age, sex, was there physical trauma, were they ill,” Reno said. “(Burns-Meerschaert) will divide you up into teams… and you’re going to determine what happened to this person. Was it an accident? Was it trauma? Was it murder? Each case is unique, it’s an investigation of a different human skull.”

Forensic Night takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on May 31st at the Museum, 3406 Frederick Avenue. Space is limited.

Staff from the Museum of Osteology will also be presenting programs for students on June 1st. The Tale of the Tooth Workshop for students Kindergarten through 3rd grade takes place from 10 to 11 a.m., the Amazing Animal Adaptations Workshop for students 3rd through 6th grade takes place from 1 to 2 p.m., and Animal CSI/Animal Pathology for students 6th through 12th grades takes place from 3 to 4 p.m.

For more information on any of the programs, or to register, click here.

Humming down I-70 at 700 miles an hour? That might not be science fiction.

By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

Photo courtesy of Virgin Hyperloop One

A state senator representing northwest Missouri will be part of a panel reviewing whether a “hyperloop” between Kansas City and St. Louis is feasible.

Senator Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville has been appointed to serve on the Blue Ribbon Panel on Hyperloop.

“This is new, cutting-edge technology,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post. “Missouri, if we were to get the project, would be the first state in the country to have this type of technology deployed. And so, I’m excited to get to explore the issue further and to be part of that process.”

The so-called hyperloop is a different type of transportation. Passengers would ride in pods enclosed in a tube levitating along a magnetically-charged rail at amazing speeds along I-70, perhaps as fast as 700 miles an hour.

The company Virgin Hyperloop One is testing the technology in Nevada.

Missouri is being considered, because I-70 between Kansas City and St. Louis is relatively flat and the I-70 corridor has enough right of way access to build the hyperloop.

Several questions must be answered before Luetkemeyer gives his endorsement, with the state senator stating safety is his top concern, closely followed by security. He says a hyperloop would immediately become a prime target for terrorists.

Also, Luetkemeyer wants to explore the economic feasibility of the proposal by Virgin Hyperloop One.

“What is it that they are wanting in order to come to Missouri?” Luetkemeyer asks. “Will there be a sufficient economic benefit to the state to justify any types of incentive programs that they might need in order to pick Missouri?”

Luetkemeyer cautions against dismissing the concept as science fiction.

“You think back in the mid-1960s, we were sending a man to the moon,” Luetkemeyer points out. “The notion that we went from where we were technologically to having a man on the moon in a relatively short period of time, that seemed very fanciful and something that was out of fantasy, but we obviously made that a reality.”

 

 

Temps near 80 with chance of rain overnight

We’ll enjoy an afternoon high temperature near 80. Thunderstorm chances return to the area on Wednesday evening and night – a few may be strong to severe. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., then a chance of showers after 1 a.m. Low around 47. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: A chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. North northwest wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 65.

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

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.

Buchanan County Jail Activity 4/14-4/15/19

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Buchanan County Jail. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. These are courtesy photos.

This information is provided by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The St Joseph Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information.

Walk for the Paws 5K raises nearly $16,000

The 5th Annual Run/Walk for the Paws 5K on April 13th, 2019, raised nearly $16,000.

An event over the weekend raised nearly $16,000 for the new St. Joseph Animal Shelter.

According to Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter President Whitney Zoghby, 436 people registered for the 5th Annual Run/Walk for the Paws 5K and 417 participated Saturday morning, the largest turnout for the event. There were also over 170 dogs who joined their owners on the walk.

Zoghby said while they are still compiling sponsor and vendor donations, the event raised approximately $15,900. The funds will go toward the new St. Joseph Animal Shelter building renovation. The building is located at 5909 Corporate Drive.

For more information about the Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter’s Wags to Wishes campaign, click here.

Obituaries April 15th

James Samuel “Jim” Page
1921 – 2019

James Samuel Page, 97, of Rock Falls, IL formerly of Nortonville, KS died Friday, April 12, 2019 at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley, IL.

James was born on August 17, 1921 in Atchison County, KS the son of Charles and Emma (Davidson) Page. He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1939. Mr. Page served in the United States Army during World War II, in the 91st Infantry, serving in North Africa and Italy. After returning home he continued farming in the Nortonville Community. He had attended the Nortonville Christian Church, before moving to Illinois in 1984. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Rock Falls, IL, and enjoyed traveling, attending old thrasher and tractor shows.

He was married to Mary Eylar on Aug. 8, 1945, they were later divorced. He later married Clare Novak on April 14, 1987, they were later divorced. Survivors include three sons, Kenneth Page, Chino Valley, AZ, Charles (Chrissy) Page, Phoenix, AZ, and Gary (Cheryl) Page, Nortonville, KS and one daughter, Patricia Smith, LaGrange, GA., a sister, Dorothy Alderman, Littleton, CO, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His parents, and two sisters, Elizabeth Dimick, and Evelyn Lynn and one grandson, Trent Dedmon preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at the O’Trimble Chapel, 329 Main St. Nortonville, KS with Rev. Bob Carter officiating.. Burial will follow in the Nortonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends one prior to services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.


Larry E. Sprague
1941 – 2019

Larry E. Sprague, 77, Country Club, Missouri, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, Missouri.

He was born October 12, 1941, in Hemple, Missouri.

Larry married Lydia Saleem Hilwy on November 4, 1989. She survives of the home.
He was a Master Plumber for many years and owned L.S. Contracting. Larry was a member of First Baptist Church, Savannah, Missouri. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and traveling. More than anything, he loved his children, grandchildren, and wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ocle and E. Marie (Gregory) Sprague, and brothers, Jackie, Bob, and Gale.
Survivors also include his children, Lisa Scott (Brad), Debbie Foster (Toby), Timothy Sprague (Lisa), Mary Lou Meier (Jason), and Haneen Guhde (Steven); grandchildren, Emily Blue (Harrison), Katie Scott, Megan Sprague, Madlyn Sprague, Zach Meier, Lexi Meier, Hallie Foster, Ella Foster, Ava Guhde, and Saleem Guhde; brother, Dale Sprague; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Kerns-Freeman Cemetery, Easton, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Tarkio College, closed in 1992, on the verge of re-opening, this time as a technical school

By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

Rankin Hall on Tarkio College/Photo courtesy of Tarkio College Alumni Assoc. by Jon Wiemann

Tarkio College, closed since 1992, hopes to re-emerge; this time as a technical college.

A long process to revive the college in extreme northwest Missouri seems to be moving closer to becoming reality after the Tarkio College Alumni Association bought the campus from Heartland Educational Institute and then transferred it to Tarkio College Corporation.

Tarkio College Interim President John Davis says the college initially sought state approval for a four-year liberal arts school.

“And, what they discovered was that there really was not a need for another four-year institution, but rather there was an extremely high need for a career and technical type program in our area,” Davis tells St. Joseph Post.

An application is pending before the Missouri Department of Higher Education. After the department suggested the different approach, the application was modified and Tarkio College re-applied as a career and technical school, offering courses in plumbing, wind energy, and computer technology. Davis says the college eventually hopes to expand its offerings, granting associate degrees in a number of fields.

The Tarkio College Alumni Association has been working for years to bring the college back to life. It finally secured enough money to buy the campus, at least most of the campus, from Heartland. The fieldhouse has been donated to the local high school. The alumni association transferred ownership to Tarkio College Corporation March 7th, which Davis says is more than a technical move. He says the transfer of ownership had to be taken for the college to apply for grants.

“The other issue, of course, would be just donors who would have an interest such as area industries or alumni. They would also have some concerns about donating to repair buildings that the institution doesn’t actually own,” according to Davis.

Davis says several buildings need repair.

Tarkio asked for permission from state officials to open in June, but that likely will not happen.

“We feel pretty confident that, at the latest, we would be able to do that in the fall, providing that we get certification from them.”

Tarkio College has a 60-acre campus and considers a 60-mile radius of Tarkio as its service area. Tarkio returned a modified application to the Department of Higher Education March 30th and received a response from the state that the official review of the application began April 2nd.

Tarkio College was founded in 1883. It declared bankruptcy and closed in 1992.

 

Beer Walk for the Arts scheduled for Saturday afternoon, the 27th

An entryway to one of the historic homes on the Beer Walk for the Arts/Photo courtesy of the Allied Arts Council

By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

An annual fundraiser for the Arts Fund, which features locally brewed beer, food from local restaurants, and tours of historic homes has been set for Saturday afternoon, April 27th.

The Allied Arts Council has announced its annual Beer Walk for the Arts will take place between two and five that Saturday afternoon in the Historic Hall Street District, featuring homes such as the historic Benton Club and Shakespeare Chateau

Wristbands and maps will be available at the Benton Club, which serves as the check-in.

The final pour will be held at the parsonage of the Zion Church, often called the “Beer Church,” because Michael Karl Goetz, found of M.K. Goetz Brewery, was a member of the church along with many of his employees.

Beers from Liberty Cap Brewing, Drekker Brewing, Kansas Territory Brewing, Aero Plains Brewing, Brickway Brewery, Big B’s, Wichita Brewings Company, Levi Garrison & Sons, and Broadway Brewing will be featured. A different brewery will be featured at each home, along with food pairings from local restaurants.

Tickets may be purchased online by clicking here. To learn more about the event or to make a donation to the Arts Fund, call the Allied Arts Council at 816.233.0231 or visit the office at 118 South 8th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501.

 

 

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