Dr. Ernest Kratina Passes Away

Dr. Ernest Louis “Doc” Kratina, Jr. 77, of Delia, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023.

He was born July 9, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Ernest L. and Wilma J. (Hotzel) Kratina, Sr. He was a graduate of Seaman High School and received his doctorate from Kansas State University. He served in the U.S. Army, Kansas Army National Guard and Army Reserves for a total of 23 years of service, retiring at the rank of Colonel.

Dr. Kratina owned and operated Rossville Veterinary Clinic beginning in 1975 until current.

He was a member of Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM, Kaw Valley Scottish Rite Bodies (K.C.C. H.); Auburn, Kansas Masonic Lodge; National Sojourners and Arab Shrine in Topeka. He served as past president and on the board of directors of TARC and was member and treasurer of Moravan Lodge No. 128.

Doc married Sheila R. (Green) Salsbery on September 30, 1978 in Topeka. She survives in Delia. Other survivors include two children, Michelle (Alfred) Vogeles in Portland, OR and Ernie (Brooke) Kratina of Delia; four grandchildren, Hans, Dieter, Isabela Vogeles and Charles “Charlie” Kratina; his mother, Wilma Kratina of Topeka; and his sister, Sharon (Doug) Brehm of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Bradley Kratina.

Doc was dedicated to his profession, military career and enjoyed farming and ranching.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the Parker Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka. A funeral ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at the funeral home with Masonic services conducted by Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM. Interment with military honors by Kansas Army National Guard will follow at the Czech-Moravan Cemetery, Rossville, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Rule Lodge # 90, AF & AM, 909 NW Lyman, Topeka, KS 66608 or TARC, 1800 SW 42nd, Topeka, KS 66609 or to Moravan Lodge No. 128, P.O. Box 518, Rossville, KS 66533. To leave a special message for the family online, visit   www.ParkerPriceFH.com.

Forrest Hoobler Passes Away

Forrest Jacob Hoobler, 96, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Forrest was born in Maple Hill, Kansas, on June 17, 1926, the son of Vern Perry and Mary Myrtle Rake Hoobler. He graduated from Rossville High School. Forrest proudly served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952 and was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. He married Eleanor Walker on March 23, 1957, in Topeka. Forrest worked for Southwestern Bell as a telephone repairman and retiring after more than 30 years of service. He was a member of Town and Country Christian Church and had a strong faith. Forrest was also a member of 4H and the Masonic Lodge. He volunteered at Auburn and McEachron Elementary, French Jr. High, and Topeka West High School, where his grandchildren attended. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the donut shop. Forrest had a passion for working with his hands, including farming, gardening, cooking and woodworking.

Forrest is survived by his children, Vernon Hoobler (Deanna), Diana Disney (Gary), and Sharon Birtell (Doug); grandchildren, Lauren Hoobler, Dylan and Ty Disney, and Sean and Austin Tabor; and brother, Les Hoobler (Evelyn). He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings, Harold Hoobler, Mildred Ronsse, Lloyd, Raymond, Dwight, William Albert and Everett Hoobler.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at Town and Country Christian Church, 4925 SW 29th Street, Topeka KS 66614, where funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Forrest’s family prefers masks be worn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church, or to Interim Hospice and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to

Www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Rebecca (Fouts)(52) Barber Passes Away

Rebecca (Becky) Mae Fouts-Barber was the ninth of ten children born to Smith Lincoln and Rebecca Louise Coffey-Fouts on August 01, 1934 in Bigelow, Kansas. She was the lone survivor.

Rebecca accepted the Lord as her personal savior as a young girl attending Lane Chapel C.M.E Church in Topeka, Kansas. As an adult, she was a member of Saint Peter's C.M.E Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where she served as an Usher.

 

Rebecca graduated from Rossville Rural High School in Rossville, Kansas on May 10, 1952. Later, she graduated with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Longview Community College in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

Rebecca served as a Gray Lady at Bethany Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. They were a special branch of American Red Cross volunteers who worked in the nation's hospitals (beginning) during World War II. They provided non-medical services to hospitalized soldiers like reading and writing letters.

 

Rebecca met and married Leneer Barber who was united with Christ on May 04, 1956 in Ottawa, Kansas.

 

A Claims Clerk for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for over 25 years. After retirement, Rebecca worked for Walmart Store in Overland Park, Kansas as a Cashier. In June 1997, she was named the "Star Cashier." It is rewarded for Outstanding and Dedicated support to the Wal*Mart Team.

 

She enjoyed traveling and reading. Loved politics and worked as a Johnson County Election Poll Worker. Rebecca was a Lifetime member of the NAACP.  She looked forward to attending their annual National conventions where she was a delegate. 

 

Rebecca is survived by her husband, Leneer, son, Barry (Bridget), twin daughters, Robin and Rebecca, four grandchildren-Barry Jr, Marcus, Tai and Helen, seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, loving friends and church families.

 

 

Kenneth Marstall Passes Away

Kenneth P. Marstall, age 83,  Topeka, Kansas, passed away February 11, 2023 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

He was born December 20, 1939 in Wamego, KS, son of George H. and Nellie M. (Van Hole) Marstall.

Ken graduated from St. Marys High School and lived in Topeka, where he was employed for many years with Merchants National Bank and Bell Telephone Company before retirement. Ken was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka. He was a man of great Christian faith having visited Medjugorje twice and the Holy Land.

After retirement, Ken became involved with the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in America, Topeka Chapter, and was a Lifetime Member. He was also a member of the Point Man International Ministries of Kansas where he served as Treasurer for many years. Ken was a “Prayer Warrior” providing spiritual guidance as well as helping many others with their spiritual life and in times of need. Ken sang with the Happy Time Singers, visiting nursing homes and also serving as their Spiritual Leader.

He is survived by his brother, Lawrence E. “Larry” (Anita) Marstall, St. Marys, sister in-law, Roberta Marstall, Manhattan, & many nieces & nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brothers,  George L., James J., Charles S., and Norman F.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Inurnment to follow in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, St. Marys. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at which time a rosary will be said for the repose of his soul before proceeding to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Food Pantry, Midland Hospice House or the donor’s choice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.

 https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kenneth-marstall

Corey VanVleck (08) Passes Away

          Corey Alan "Kaağigasa ga" VanVleck, 34, of Topeka, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023. He was born August 1, 1988 in Sioux City, IA, the son of Larry A. VanVleck and Janeal Lenzini.

          Corey graduated from Rossville High School in 2008. He was a laborer, currently working for Mid America Landscape. He was a member of Native American Church.

          Survivors include his mother, Janeal Lenzini of Delia, KS; fathers, Larry A. VanVleck (fiancé, Christie Reigert) of St. Marys, KS and Lawrence D. Lovejoy of Topeka, KS; 3 children, Dakotah and Nehemiah VanVleck and Abi Balch; 3 sisters, Miriam Lovejoy of Dallas, TX, Shauntae Lovejoy of Topeka, KS and McKena VanVleck of Florida and 3 brothers, Justin VanVleck of Topeka, KS, Chase VanVleck of St. Marys, KS and Caleb Lovejoy of Nashville, TN; maternal grandmother, Lucille Littleman of Delia, KS; paternal grandfather, Omer VanVleck of Topeka, KS and many nieces and nephews.

          He was preceded in death by a brother, Riley VanVleck; maternal grandfather, Harold Lenzini and paternal grandmother, Judy VanVleck.

          Corey will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Native American Services will be Wednesday afternoon at the McKinney Homeplace. Burial will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at O’Bennick Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Mercer Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

Vic Miller (69) Is New House Minority Leader

 TOPEKA (KSNT) – Rossville High Graduate Vic Miller will be the new House Minority Leader for the Kansas Legislature.

Miller won the position with a 21-19 vote. GOP unity behind Dan Hawkins contrasted with a divide among Democrats over who should lead them for the next two years. They voted 21-19 for 71-year-old state Rep. Vic Miller, of Topeka, over 32-year-old Rep. Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, the first openly gay man to serve in the Legislature.

Miller has served 10 years in the House since 1979, filling a Senate vacancy briefly and holding jobs in the state Department of Revenue and local government in between three House stints.

Miller, a Democrat, represents District 58. His opponent was Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa. Woodard was first elected to the House in 2018.

Laverne Zlatnick Passes Away

Laverne Zlatnik, 97, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the Midland Hospice House after a brief illness.

He was born November 30, 1925, in a  small house on his family farm near Delia, the oldest son of Joseph and Cecile Thompson Zlatnik.  He graduated from Delia High School in 1944, during WWII.

Laverne was a farmer and stockman, and did many jobs during his life to help make ends meet.  He educated himself by reading and taking classes. Laverne did all of his own mechanical work on his vehicles and farm machinery.  He bought his first farm and tractor (A John Deere model A) before he was legally able to sign the contract. He did a great deal of electrical work, wiring many homes in the Delia community.

Laverne enjoyed computers, and was an early member of the Texas Instrument User Group back in the 1970’s. He loved music, and sang in the St Marys Town Corale and Silver Lake Community Choir for a number of years.  Other interests included photography, carpentry, and genealogy.  Laverne was an avid reader, and in his retirement years joined the Rossville Library Book Club.

For many years, Laverne served as the sexton of the Delia Cemetery.  He served on the Delia Grade School Board, the Jackson County Extension Council, and the Jackson County Conservation Board, serving a term as president.  Laverne’s interest in history played a huge role in him creating the Delia Centennial History Project, and assisting with the Rossville Library Genealogy Project.  He was a lifetime member of the Delia Presbyterian Church, and served in many capacities over the years.

On August 8, 1948, he married Velma F. Lewelling.  She preceded him in death on December 26, 2007.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Evelyn Parkinson, Judith Macha, Roger Zlatnik, and foster sister Della Blodgett.

Survivors include his children, Mark (Linda) Zlatnik, Topeka, Carolyn (Terry) Orozco, Topeka, and Alan (Tammy) Zlatnik, Rossville; siblings, Rosella Hoglund, Overland Park, and Mary Alice Huntsman, Topeka; seven grandchildren, Julie (Gary) Spring, Sheila (Bobby) Coons, Scott (Isabel) Zlatnik, Melissa (Kelly) Smith, Joe (Leah)Zlatnik, Duane Zlatnik, and Lexi Zlatnik; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; five step-grandchildren, and 11 step-great grandchildren.  He also has an honorary grandchild, Jennifer Hensley of Rossville.

The family extends their thanks to Kim Gillum and Oakley Place in Rossville for the care and love given to Laverne during his final years.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Delia Presbyterian Church, with burial in the Delia Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville Library and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

William Deiter Passes Away

William D. Deiter, 86, passed away Thursday, January, 26, 2023 in Canton, GA. with family by his side.

William was born on January 31, 1936 at Maple Hill, the son of Francis P. and Verna M. Stone Deiter. He was raised in the Maple Hill community and graduated from Maple Hill High School.

Bill worked at Hallmark Cards while helping on the family farm. Later he worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka and retired after 42 years of service.  Bill worked several part-time jobs after retirement always staying busy.  He was a member of the Catholic Faith. Bill enjoyed time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, boating, and traveling in their motorhome. He loved watching Kansas State games, Nascar races, and Kansas City Chiefs Football. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Joseph G., Robert, Harold, and Melvin Deiter, Dorothy Watt, and Shirley Meier.

On June 12, 1964, Bill and Eloise Patterson were united in marriage in Topeka.  She survives at their home.  Other survivors include  daughters, Pam, Julie, Cindy, Brenda, and Carla; a brother, Howard (Louise) Deiter; a sister, Maxine Bronaugh; seven grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Mr. Deiter will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the 7:00 P.M. Rosary on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Rex Lane Passes Away

Rex L. Lane of Atchison, KS, died peacefully with his wife Elizabeth at his side on Monday, January 16, 2023, following complications of a major cardiac event in June 2022.

On May 25, 1954, Marion L. Lane and Laura “Jean” (Peterson) Lane Christensen welcomed their first child, Rex L. Lane. The family lived in Rossville, Kansas. In 1956, the family welcomed their daughter, Kerye Jean (Lane) McEwan Jackson. In his early childhood, the family moved to North Topeka, Kansas where he spent his formative years.    Rex graduated from Seaman High School in 1972.

You can read Rex's very extensive obituary at:  https://www.beckerdyer.com/memorials/rex-lane/5128173/index.php

   

Jean Whittle Passes Away

Velma Jean “Jean” Whittle, 89, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2023, among family at the St Marys Manor.  She was born in Inman, KS, on March 24, 1933, to Nicholas and Elizabeth Schmidt. 

Jean was the eighth child of ten born into her family and they were all raised on a farm near Inman that was settled by her paternal grandparents who emigrated from south Russia, now known as Ukraine.   Jean attended grade and high school in Inman, KS and attended Bethel College in Newton.  While in college and working as a receptionist at Bethel Clinic she met her husband, Gary Whittle. They were married in Sedgwick, KS on August 17, 1956.  Gary passed away May 16, 1994.  His career was in agri-business and the family lived in Sedgwick, Inman, Buhler, Emporia, Emmett, and since 1968 in St. Marys, KS. 

To read the complete obituary,  go to:    funeralhome.com/velma-whittle

"Bill" Wild Passes Away

 William S. “Bill” Wild, 87, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2023, at his home.

Bill was born April 10, 1935, in St. Marys, the son of William C. and Blanche Ellen Fauerbach Wild, and grew up in the Turkey Creek community.  He graduated from Rossville High School and attended Kansas Agricultural College in Manhattan.  He served as an M.P. in the Kansas National Guard.

Bill worked at the Topeka Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant for 38 years.  He was a member of Local No. 307 Rubber Workers Union.

Bill and Catherine “Kay” Jacobson were married in Topeka on October 31, 1959.  She preceded him in death on November 22, 2021; a son, William C. “Billy” Wild, preceded him in death on November 27, 1989.  Bill was also preceded in death by his sister, Carleen Kelly.

Survivors include his son, Lonnie (Angie) Wild, Topeka; his daughter, Connie (Chris) Royer, Manhattan; six grandchildren, Becky (Kris) Logsdon, Lindsay Royer, Dr. Gavin Royer, Lauren, Joe, & Brock Wild.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Burial will be at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  A Memorial Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or St. Marys Food Pantry and sent to Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences, go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Wrestling Ranked #7

 In the current reankings put out by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assn,  Rossville is number 7 in 322A.  The only Dawg wrestlers in the top six of their  class are:

Paxton Willett                 Fifth        157#

Jacob Carver                   First         284#

Barrett Lietz                    Fourth     147#

Virginia Romero Passes Away

Virginia Leaños Romero reunited with her husband, Ramon E. Romero Sr., in Heaven on Friday, January 6th. She was born on May 21, 1926 in Rossville, Kansas to father Jose Christino Leaños and mother Maria Nicolasa Trujillo Marquez Leaños. Orphaned by the age of three, she was raised by Luis and Maria Jimenez in Williamstown, Kansas. Virginia married Ramon Sr., a WWII veteran, on May 16, 1946, and together they raised five children in Lawrence.

Having a close and loving family was very important to Virginia. She was the corner stone and pillar of the family. Known for her delicious traditional Mexican cooking, her kitchen was a home for all. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting; and hand-made blankets for her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved attending Mexican dances and fiestas with her husband and family, including the annual St. John's Mexican Fiesta. She enjoyed traveling the United States and Mexico with her husband, children, and grandchildren; and she was particularly fond of a trip she and her husband made to Australia in 2000.
After her children were grown, she owned and operated Romero's Liquor Store in downtown Lawrence for 25 years. Virginia enjoyed serving as a Democratic Party poll worker and precinct supervisor at the New York School on nearly every presidential election day from President Dwight D. Eisenhower's first election in 1952 until 2016, missing only one election due to heart surgery in 2005. She was featured in the Journal-World for her poll worker service in 2006 and 2014. When asked in the 2006 Journal World interview to identify her favorite elected official, she said, "Kennedy. He was just a friendly president, just trying to do good for his country." Also, she was appointed to the Kansas State Cosmetology Board by Governor Robert Docking, Jr. in 1973.
Virginia was preceded in death by Ramon Sr., her husband of 62 years; two brothers, Antonio Marquez and Feliciano Leaños; four sisters, Linda Leaños Limones, Agrippina Marquez, Cuca and Carmen Marquez-Lopez; and foster brother Fidel Jimenez, Sr. She is survived by her children: Judy Romero; Ramon Romero Jr.; Antonio Romero (Kyoko); Guadalupe Romero Kosa (Rodney); and Michael Romero. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Adrianne Jones (Seth); Andrew Weibel; Christina Romero; Antonio Romero, Jr. (Cassandra Majus); Rosalina Romero (Brent Vignery); and Jason Romero (Jackie). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Boyd Jones; Dexter Vignery, Sylvia Romero and Lydia Romero; Vale, Brynn, and Pierce Romero; and Hunter Romero. She is also survived by foster brother, Johnny Jimenez and foster sister Mary Jimenez Knowles, as well as many nieces and nephews from Kansas and Washington.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence. A rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 with the visitation to follow the rosary until 8:00 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Family suggests memorials in her name to American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the mortuary. For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

Leola Kolde Passes Away

Leola Kolde  of Rossville passed away Jan. 7, 2023 just six months shy of her 100th birthday.  No obituary available  at this time.   It will be posted here when available.