Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Milton Thomas “Pete” Roberts, Sr.
Milton Thomas “Pete” Roberts, Sr., age 77, died April 5, 2007, at the Leonardville Nursing Home.
He was born June 11, 1929, in Arlington, Virginia, the son of Milton B. and Grace Lee (McPherson) Roberts. He lived in Junction City from 1969 to 1989 when they moved to Manhattan, and then returned to Junction City in 2002.
Mr. Roberts joined the Army in June of 1946 and served until April of 1948, and then re-enlisted in January of 1951 and served until his retirement in November 1969. He served as a Staff Sergeant and had two tours in Korea, one tour in Vietnam and had also served in France and Germany.
Following his military service he worked as a clerk at the Fort Riley Credit Union, a Building Inspector for the City of Junction City and was a van driver for Pawnee Mental Health.
He was a member of St. Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City and a former member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. He was also a 4th Degree Knight’s of Columbus with # 1029 in Junction City, a 50 plus year member of Masonic Lodge AF & AM # 35 in Reno, Nevada, AARP and Alcoholics Anonymous for 25 years.
On July 2, 1954, in Miami, Oklahoma, he was married to the former Ida J. Kauer. Mrs. Roberts survives of the home in Junction City. Additional survivors include four children: Dianna Sorenson of Council Grove, KS, Debra Walsh of Kansas City, Kansas, Deidre Back of Topeka, KS, and Milton T. Roberts, Jr. of Olsburg, KS; two sisters: Ellen Lee Brown of Milpitas, CA, and Deidre Smith of Reno, NV; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews in Nevada and California.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Grace Lee Roberts, and one brother, John S. Roberts.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday at St. Xavier’s Catholic Church in Junction City with Father Al Brungardt as Celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Ogden.
A Christian Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan, with the family receiving friends following the Vigil until 8:30 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or the St. Xavier’s Catholic School. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Dale Loren Roberts
Dale Loren Roberts, age 32 of Marionville, MO, died Sunday, April 8, 2007 at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan, KS.
He was born on September 3, 1974 in Sandwich, IL, the son of Elwin “Butch” L. and Patsy L. (Porter) Roberts.
On May 15, 1999 in Manhattan, KS, he was united in marriage to Amy Denise Kuhl. She survives of the home.
Dale was a recreation specialist for the Parks and Recreation Center in Nixa, MO. He was the director of U.S.A. Bassin’ and a member of American Bass Anglers and the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Billings, MO. He enjoyed softball, hunting and fishing, and he participated in all types of tournaments. Dale loved organizing all types of activities to enhance the lives of kids and was a “die hard” OU fan.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents, Butch and Patsy Roberts of Dwight, KS; a brother, Daniel Roberts and his wife Kristin of Cadiz, KY; two nieces, Emily and Ava Roberts; a grandmother, Patty Porter; a father-in-law; Gerry Kuhl, three sister-in-laws, Amanda Kuhl and her husband Brad Elder, Bethany Kuhl-Croucher and her husband Gary and Emily Haug and her husband Brian; and also his two labs, Cody Jay and Chance Wade.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Helena Roberts; two grandfathers, Elwin “Shorty” Roberts and Edwin Porter; a grandmother, Helen Roberts and a mother-in-law, Lisa Kuhl.
Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2007 at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan with Fr. Keith Weber as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Dwight Cemetery in Dwight, KS.
A Christian Wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Fr. Don Zimmerman as celebrant. A visitation will follow until 8:30 p.m. at the church.
A memorial has been established for the Dale Roberts Memorial Fund, with proceeds to be given to charitable organizations in his name. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Robert “Red” McGrath
Robert “Red” McGrath, age 75, of Ogden, died April 8, 2007, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born April 10, 1931, in Bronx, New York, the son of Robert Christopher McGrath, Sr. and Mary Hickey.
Red graduated from high school in New York and then entered the United States Army. He had received six Good Conduct Medals, Bronze Star Medal with OLC, Civil Action Honor Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Korean Service Medal with Silver Service Star and several other awards and commendations. He retired in 1974 after 24 years of service with the rank of Sergeant First Class.
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden, Eagles, American Legion in Manhattan and Ogden, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and TREA – The Retired Enlisted Association.
Red enjoyed fishing, hunting and collecting coins and stamps.
He was preceded in death by his lifetime companion, Anna Harris on February 2, 1997. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and by three step-sons: Benjamin F. Harris III, Ronald L. Harris and James D. Harris.
Survivors include three daughters: Monica, Linda and Pat; two brothers: Thomas McGrath of New Jersey and John McGrath of New York; four step-children: Butch Harris and his wife Maureen of Manhattan, Robert Harris and his wife Debra of Marysville, KS, Susan Adey of Greensboro, NC, and Flora Edwards and her husband Rick of Belt, Montana; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ogden with Father Joseph S. Popelka as Celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow in Fort Riley Cemetery.
A Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Dialysis Service. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Leon Dale Spain
Leon Dale Spain, age 72 of Manhattan, died Friday, April 13, 2007 at the St. Joseph Village.
He was born on June 20, 1934 in Manhattan, KS, the son of Jess Robert and Beryl Louise (Cross) Spain.
On September 6, 1968 in Beatrice, NE, he was united in marriage to Johanna Weiland. She survives of the home.
Leon was a self-employed mechanic and iron worker for a local union. He attended First Christian Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Johnny Lee Spain of Newport News, VA, Leona Dale Spain Staab of Manhattan, KS and Kim Spain Pitken of Baytown, TX; six sisters, Dee Kytta and her husband Ed of Wooster, OH, Pat Reid of Manhattan, KS, Linda Hern of Topeka, KS, Vicky Spain Berg of Topeka, KS, Martha Spain Broxterman of Topeka, KS and Donna Pickett Woodward of Wakefield, KS; one brother, Jim Clouse and his wife Judy of Silver Lake, KS; six grandchildren, Josh Staab, Brandi Peil, Colton Pitken, Connor Pitken, Kade Johnson and Jenny Spain and one great-grandson, Tray Mcnutt.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Joyce Spain Smith and Sandra Kaye Spain Warbritton and one brother, Robert Spain.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2007 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home with Rev. Neil Engle officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley View Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for Homecare & Hospice, Inc. of Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Roberta Maxine Hedman Wood
Roberta Maxine Hedman Wood, age 89, died April 15, 2007, at the Leonardville Nursing Home.
She was born April 26, 1917, in Manhattan, the daughter of Euclid Theodore and Elsie Orpha (Hays) Murphy. She lived in Manhattan until 1950 when she moved to Keats and then returned to Manhattan in 1971.
Maxine had worked at Woodward’s and then in food service at Kansas State University.
She was a member of the Keats Methodist Church in Keats. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, flowers, car trips, listening to Christian music, reading the Bible, Bob Barker on the Price Is right, and her favorite food was chicken legs.
In April 1935, in Manhattan, KS, she was married to Dale Vernon Hedman. He preceded her in death on October 18, 1959. She later married George Donald Wood on April 17, 1971, in Manhattan. He preceded her in death on October 18, 2000. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Donald Murphy, and one sister, Pauline Conwell.
Survivors include her four children: Richard Hedman and his wife Mandy of Huntington Beach, CA, Marilyn Noyes and her husband Don of Manhattan, Larry Hedman and his wife Ann of Tyler, TX, and Jim Hedman and his wife Pam of Manhattan; one brother, Virgil Murphy of Keats, KS; seven grandchildren: Marty Hedman, Geffery Noyes, Dawn Searles, Brent, Aaron, Jason and Alyssa Hedman; and eight great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at the Sunset Cemetery with Reverend Angela DeFisher officiating. Family and friends are invited to meet at 1:30 P.M. Friday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home to form a procession to the cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. Thursday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Clay Center. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Jenny Yi
Jenny Yi, 19, passed away on Friday April 13, 2007 at the Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO of natural causes.
She was born on March 6, 1988 in Manhattan, Kansas the daughter of Sung Hui and Eun Ju (Kum) Yi. She was a junior at Manhattan High School.
Jenny loved her family very much and also enjoyed being a big sister to Carly. Dora the Explorer was her favorite character and her favorite computer game at school was Elf Bowling. She made many friends at school with her classmates and her teachers. After school, Jenny enjoyed working at her parents’ store, Yi’s Oriental Market. Jenny enjoyed pricing merchandise, opening grocery bags from Mom, and greeting customers as they came in the store.
Survivors include her parents of the home; a sister Carly Yi, of the home; her paternal grandparents: Sang Yu and Pyong Ok Yi of Manhattan, KS; maternal grandparents: Dong Sik and Chun Ja Kum of South Korea; two uncles: Chang Yi of Manhattan, KS. and Chong Yi of Garden Grove, CA; two aunts: Stacy Yi of Garden Grove, CA. and Kristi La of Fullerton, CA., along with many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday April 18, 2007 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Kansas 66502 with Revs. Moon-Hee Chung and Jong Chang Park officiating. Interment will be in the Sunrise Cemetery, Manhattan, KS.
Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the service on Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mrs. Haefke’s and Mrs. Crook’s Functional Curriculum Class at Manhattan High School. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Melvin R. Loar
Melvin R. Loar, age 88, of Manhattan, died Thursday evening, April 19, 2007, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born on January 21, 1919, in Orleans, Indiana, the son of Walter E. and Bertha (Baker) Hoar.
Mr. Loar was a structural engineer for various aeronautical companies throughout the United States. He retired from the Northrop Grumman Corporation in California in 1984.
Mr. Loar had been a Manhattan resident since July of 2006 where he was a member of the University Christian Church.
On November 23, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio he was united in marriage to the former Alice L. Johnson. She survives of their home. Also surviving is one daughter: Marcia Messer and her husband John of Alta Vista, Kansas, one son: Raymond Loar and his wife Sandra of Austin, Texas and a sister: Iris Hodgin of Orleans, Indiana. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Thomas Loar, Philip, Daniel, Alicia, Andrew, Charisa, Elizabeth, Rachel, Joel and Anna Messer.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Pastor David Pape officiating. Interment will follow in the Moss Springs Cemetery near Alta Vista, Kansas.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for the University Christian Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Xavier Allan Hinkson
Xavier Allan Hinkson, infant son of Heather Swart and Christopher Hinkson passed away on April 17, 2007 at the Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.
He was born on April 4, 2007 in Wichita along with his twin, Zane Hinkson.
Survivors include his parents; twin brother: Zane; sister: Andrea; maternal grandparents: Connie Cash of St. Joseph, MO and Terry Charbonneau of Solomon, KS.; paternal grandparents: Rhonda & David Hinkson of Manhattan, KS.; paternal great-grandparents: John & Jean Miller of Humansville, MO., and Sandra Douglas of Gardner, KS.
Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday April 25, 2007 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502 with Rev. Matthew Williams officiating. There will be no visitation, the body was cremated.
Inurnment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Xavier Allan Hinkson Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.
Margaret E. Rice
Margaret E. Rice, a longtime Manhattan resident, died April 23, 2007, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
She was born in Agenda, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Daisy (Archer) Lisher, and had been a Manhattan resident since 1949.
Mrs. Rice taught in a one room school for several years in Happy Hollow in School District # 44. She worked at Kansas State University Army ROTC from 1949 to 1965 and later became the Chief of Army ROTC Cadet Personnel at Fort Riley for 14 years. She retired in 1984.
On June 27, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas, she was married to Glenn H. Rice. He preceded her in death on February 3, 1970. She was also preceded in death by one son in infancy, Howard Glenn Rice; and by two brothers: Marion and Lyle Lisher.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Auxiliaries, National Association of Miniature Enthusiast, National Button Society, Life Member of the Manhattan Women’s Bowling Association, a Charter Member of the Manhattan Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame in 2001, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Toy Dish Collectors and the Riley County Genealogical Society.
Margaret served in several positions on the Manhattan Women’s Bowling Association Board from 1954 to 1966, won several City Bowling titles, was a charter member of the 600 Club, served as the association scrapbook historian for over 40 years, and organized the Manhattan Youth Bowling Program in 1959 in association with the American Youth Bowling Association.
Survivors include one son, Derald Rice and his wife Gloria of Fort Collins, CO; two grandchildren: Michelle Troy and Joe Rice; and four great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Cassandra, Aliciana, and Cameron.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jim Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery.
The family of Mrs. Rice will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rice Scholarship Fund for Manhattan Youth Bowling. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Joseph Frank Sommers
Joseph Frank Sommers, age 87, of Manhattan, died Monday evening, April 30, 2007, at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan.
He was born on November 29, 1919, in Coplay, Pennsylvania, the son of Adolph and Genevieve (Yost) Sommers.
Mr. Sommers was retired from the United States Army. During his military career he served in World War II, the Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. Following his military retirement he went to work for the Federal Civil Service at Ft. Riley, Kansas as a cook leader. He retired from this position in 1992.
Mr. Sommers was a longtime Manhattan area resident where he was a member of the St. Thomas More Catholic Church. For many years he contributed to the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund at Kansas State University.
On December 23, 1952, at Ft. Devins, Massachusetts, he was united in marriage to the former Elaine Clara Avery. She preceded him in death on February 4, 1994. Mr. Sommers was also preceded in death by seven brothers.
Survivors include two sons: Thomas Sommers of San Bernardino, California, Allon Sommers and his wife Carol of Manhattan, Kansas, one daughter: Ramona Fulgham of Thomasville, Georgia, one brother: Raymond Sommers and one sister: Rose Bodish both of Coplay, Pennsylvania. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Joseth, Lainen and Shannon Sommers, Todd and Mark Fulgham, Cindy Osborne and Naomi Patterson and thirteen great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2007, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan with Father Don Zimmerman as celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Ft. Riley Cemetery at Ft. Riley, Kansas.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. Sunday with a Rosary Prayer Service to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
A memorial has been established for the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Amos E. Brock
Amos E. Brock, age 88, of Manhattan, died May 3, 2007, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community.
He was born October 24, 1918, in Wamego, Kansas, the son of Fletcher and Rose (Domeny) Brock, and had been a Manhattan resident since 1940.
Mr. Brock served in the United States Army during World War II as a Master Sergeant with Battery C 142nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion as an automotive mechanic. He entered active duty on October 18, 1943, and was honorably discharged on January 19, 1946. He had served in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe and had received the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Ribbon and the EAME Theatre ribbon with three bonze service stars.
Amos owned and operated Manhattan Wrecker Service in Manhattan for 20 years, which is now operated by his grandson Todd Gillmore.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, life member and past Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 1786, life member of American Legion Post # 17, Eagles Lodge and 40 & 8.
On May 3, 1941, in Manhattan, he was married to the former B. Grace Meredith. Mrs. Brock preceded him in death on September 16, 2002. He was also preceded in death by two brothers: Porter and Russell Brock; and one sister, Edna Welter.
Survivors include one daughter, Jan Gillmore and her husband Glen of Manhattan; two grandsons: Todd Gillmore and his wife Ginny, and Travis Gillmore and his wife Jennifer, and six great-grandchildren: Jesse, Jeryn, Connor, Meghan, Caden and Carson Brock.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jim Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:30 P.M. Sunday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, First United Methodist Church or the Meadowlark Hills Good Samaritan Fund. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
