Thomas Wade Passes Away

Thomas F. Wade, Sr., 93, Silver Lake, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2020.
You can read his obituary at:  https://www.parkerpricefh.com/Obituary/183429/Thomas-Wade%2c-Sr/Topeka-KS

Mary (Cobler) Warner Passes Away

Mary Schiefelbein Warner, 94, of Topeka, died on May 28, 2020.

She was born Mary Ellen Cobler on November 9, 1925, in Rossville, KS, to Barbara and Walter Cobler. She was the sixth of eleven children and grew up in Topeka. In 1942, she married Sylvester Schiefelbein, the fourth of eleven children. Their big, loving families were always important in their lives and shaped the lives of their own six children.

Mary enthusiastically embraced Sylvester's Roman Catholic faith, which she faithfully practiced her whole life. She and Sylvester were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and their children attended Sacred Heart School. Mary served as a Eucharistic minister at church and for the homebound. She was a member of the Legion of Mary, Daughters of Isabella Little Flower Circle #503, and the Altar Society.

Sylvester died in 1979. Mary married Loren Dale Warner in 1982. Both Mary and Dale retired from Ohse Meat Company. They enjoyed traveling and attending Dale's Air Force reunions. Dale died in 1988.

Mary was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and 61 nieces and nephews. Her family and friends will remember her for her delicious apple pie and her homemade noodles, spread across the kitchen counter to dry, and for the Volga German specialties she learned to make from Sylvester's mother, Amelia. They will remember her for her hard work, both at home, and in the jobs she took to help support the family.

They will also remember her devotion to her mother and Sylvester's mother, both of whom died on her birthday. They will remember all the times she cared for her sick and dying siblings. They will remember how well she and Sylvester danced waltzes and polkas, played on the dulcimer by Sylvester's brother Joe at the wedding dances that were an important part of family life. Her children will remember with great love the sacrifices she made for them as they were growing up. They will remember her tremendous will to live, seen in her survival of a major illness when she was 83, and in her determination in the years afterwards to be with her family through the challenges of aging.

Mary is survived by her six children: Lyle (Sharon), Richard (Ann), Linda Burghart (Steve), Michael (Steve Klinkerman), Mark (Heidi), and Craig (Carolyn). She is also survived by her brothers Walter Cobler (Nancy), Robert Cobler (Donna), and Fred Rogers (Norma).

She will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. and a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2nd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3rd, at 10 a.m, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish and sent in care of
Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Brad Bush Passes Away

It has been reported that Brad Bush has recently passed away.  No details or obituary are available at this time. 

Darrel Heslet Passes Away

It has been reported that Darrel Heslet has passed away.  No details or obituary are available at this time.

Paul Brennan (77) On KSNT

Paul Brennan is interviewed briefly in this video about the Topeka Library.

https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/topeka-and-shawnee-county-public-library-starts-curbside-pick-up-personalized-browsing/

Shirley Voight Passes Away

Judy Lundin reports a death a few weeks back that was never in any paper  that she could find.

It was Shirley Bond Irwin Voight of Tennessee. She grew up in Delia & attended Delia schools. 

She died the first part of May. Her parents were Oren &  Marguerite Bond of Delia. 

Two of her daughters, Kim Dick & Karen Lira attended Rossville schools. 

They survive along with another daughter Tracy. Other survivors include a  brother, 

Robert Bond of Missouri. 

Gale Bennett Passes Away

Gale E. Bennett, 85, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020. He was born March 1, 1935 in Delia, Kansas, the son of Leo C. and Mary (Morris) Bennett.

Gale attended Rossville Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. He worked at the Sinclair station while in school and then at Kaw Valley Dehydrating Plant after graduation. He went on to work for Wagner Construction as a carpenter for 30 years and then with Senne Construction for another 5 years. He retired in 1995. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #1445, The Knights of Columbus and The Still Waters Evangelical Church.

Gale married Edna M. Bennett on June 4, 1960 in St. Mary’s, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Scott Bennett of Topeka, Brian Bennett of Topeka, his grandson, Kurtis and his siblings, Kenneth Bennett of Rossville, Kansas, Mary Homan of St. Mary’s, Kansas and Judy Merriman of Lawrence.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2020 at Still Waters Evangelical Church, 4412 SW 21st St. where the family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Auburn Cemetery.

Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd. is assisting the family.

To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option at   https://www.dovetopeka.com/Obituary/185013/Gale-Bennett/Dove-KS

John Gibbons On History Channel

John Gibbons, formerly of St. Marys, Kansas, was interviewed on the show WWII in Color as part of its Heroic Missions programs for Memorial Day on the History Channel.  Gibbons was part of the Eighth Air Force which flew bombers over Germany as bait for the Luftwaffe for the Allies to gain air superiority.

Here is John's obituary:

Gibbons, John P. Ret. Col. USAF Passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 24, 2013, after living a full and rich 93 years. Reunited with his dearest and beautiful wife Dorothy (nee Hagen). Loving father of Dianne (Richard Borzych), John, Terrance and the late Mary Jane (Harris). Proud grandpa of Michelle Harris. Father-in-law of Thomas Harris. Beloved patriarch and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Joseph and Mary (Meany) and brothers Joseph, Bernard, Lawrence, Maurice and Thomas. Dedicated to unselfish service to his country John had a distinguished career in the Air Force (26 years) highlighted by his 49 missions, undaunting courage and superb airmanship during WWII as a B17 pilot in the European theater. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. Visitation at ST. DOMINIC CATHOLIC CHURCH, 18255 W. Capitol Dr., on Wednesday, January 30 from 10:30 AM-11:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Procession to Wisconsin Memorial Park for committal prayers and military honors. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to your favorite charity in memory of John is appreciated.

Born: Nov. 2, 1919 in St. Marys, KS
Died: Jan. 24, 2013 in Wisconsin
Buried:  Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield, WI

Delores (Lambert) Casey Passes Away

Dolores J. Casey, 87, Meriden, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 at a local care center.

Dolores was born October 26, 1932 in Kanopolis, KS, the daughter of Joseph and Ella (Young) Lambert. She graduated from Rossville High School and attended Emporia State Teachers College.

She was a senior software analyst with Blue Cross & Blue Shield for over 40 years, retiring in 2001. She later was Site Manager for Meals on Wheels in Meriden. She attended Meriden Community Church and was a member of A.B.W.A.

Dee was an avid cook, gardener, and sports fan. She enjoyed going to Royals baseball games and her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother.

She lived life to its fullest. She was a trailblazer and had two careers, working up until the end of her life. She had an extensive network of friends and was well loved by many. She was an active member of her community and volunteered with many organizations throughout her life.

Dee was a blessing to many, always thinking of others, and leaves behind a positive legacy. She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include sons, Bob Casey, Rossville, John (Beverly) Casey, Kansas City, KS; 3 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, Heather (Brent) Adams and sons Ty and Zac; Kyle (Crystallynn Quigley) Casey and children Kaiden, Karrick, Journey, Khloe, and Kheaven; Megan (Virgil) Barnard and daughter Hadley; and a sister, Vivian Cantwell. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dorothy Young; brother, Vernon Lambert; and daughter-in-law, Peggy Casey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at the Meriden Community Church. Burial will follow at the Rossville Cemetery. Dolores will lie in state from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 2134 SW Westport Drive, Topeka, KS 66614 or the Good Samaritan Fund at Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka, KS 66614.

To leave a special message for the family online.  go to    https://www.dovetopeka.com/Obituary/184603/Dolores-Casey/Dove-KS

Kenneth Bennett Places Flags

ROSSVILLE, Kan. (KSNT) — A Korean War veteran is remembering those who died for our country with a yearly tradition.

Eighty-six-year-old Kenneth Bennett has been placing American flags at the Rossville Cemetery for the past 60 years in honor of Memorial Day.

With the help of Evergy crew members and other volunteers, he was able to put up 140 flags this year.

“I served my tour of duty in Korea and I come home safe,” said Bennett. “Ever since then, I’ve been involved with the American Legion and this cemetery here in Rossville.”

This is Bennett’s last year doing this. He said all of the help he’s received when putting up the flags has meant a lot to him.

Here is a nice KSNT video of Kenneth and friends placing flags:   https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/86-year-old-korean-war-veteran-places-flags-at-rossville-cemetery-in-honor-of-memorial-day/

Douglas Hohman Passes Away

Douglas Hohman (53) of St. Marys passed away May 21, 2020.  You can view his obit at:   https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/notices/Douglas-Hohman

Arrest For Kidnapping & Robbery

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- A man was taken into custody on Thursday on kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges.

Stephen Cooney, 20, was arrested in Rossville and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges related to an incident that occurred in Topeka on April 28.

Topeka Police could not comment on the investigation or what happened.

Quarter Sized Hail Reported

According to StormerSsite.com, quarter sized hail was reported at 8:57:00 AM CDT on 05/04/2020 about 3 miles from the center of Rossville, KS. The exact location that this hail report originated from was 39.09, -95.94. The area around Rossville has had 2 hail storm reports within 10 miles in the last 3 years.

Remembering John Kratina

John was the last of the original Kratina family who were BEST FRIENDS with Grandma & Grandpa Smatla & our WHOLE family.  They’d known each other in “the old country’, and were absolutely splendid folks.   [did you know that the elder Mr. Kratina had driven an ambulance in WW-1?]  Ha!  I remember how Mrs. Kratina had the LOUDEST laugh on the planet, and was one of the VERY FEW people who could get Grandma to laugh out loud!  John was the LAST of the Czechs near Rossville with whom I could speak in the native tongue… not because there aren’t a few left who can ALSO speak it, but the particular variety (dialect if you will) that I’d learned as a little kid isn’t that common.. being oriented with when our forbearers came OVER here to the USA… i.e. pre WW-1.  As I’ve learned in the past few years, it’s the “Old Czech” and only used by the “older” folk…  mostly over here.  John was warm and friendly, like his parents, LOVED a good laugh, and a wealth of history and stories about the old AND new days.    Being with him in his house, sipping a cup of coffee… well, it was almost like being at the farm again.  Telling farm & military stories to each other, the hours would easily slip away.

 The last time I saw him was over Memorial Day last year.. he and his wife were at a large assisted-living/nursing center in Topeka and they were quite surprised that I’d make the effort to find them… I sat with them while they had their lunch, and remember John saying “no flavor…  guess we need some sauerkraut!”  I’d actually promised to bring one of the few remaining jars that Mom had made, that I still had… so he could have some REAL stuff…  owing to the virus’s effects on our social community and travel.. I never got to do that.

I’m filled with sorrow at his passing… not just because he was a friend for MANY years, but because he represented a last-remaining thread of connection to those hallowed times of yesteryear we can all remember.  I’ll find it SO very hard to pass by his place on 86^th. Street (remember when the roads DIDN’T HAVE NUMBERS OR NAMES?), just up the hill, East of the Bohemian Hall without stopping or honking as I always did.  His not being present atop the hilltop Czech cemetery for our Memorial Day gatherings will leave a very large hole.  …and oh, in years back, how I remember him coming into “the yard” on the farm on Docking Road in that beautiful dark-green, perfectly preserved 1940 Ford he used to drive.  It was absolutely original with NO modifications whatsoever, and he was so very proud of it… gosh, how I would have loved to have taken a ride in it.

How tough to see pieces of our history fade away…  To realize that those familiar faces that surrounded my existence for all these years, will no longer smile when they see me, and hear me speak my “fractured Czech”, owing from not hearing it much, anymore.  The grasses on the fields surrounding the cemetery will still resemble an ocean when winds blow across them, just as it was when I was a boy – plowing through them in Willard, with one of the dogs (Teddy & Bert).. back by the fence at the top of the cemetery, the big tree’s leaves will still make those comfortable rustling sounds and provide bountiful shade.. the far-off drone of train whistles will still float up, and the voices that live in our memories will be the only ones to remind us of simple times and warm people… who graced us with their love and friendship.

 Dobro Notz, Kluku… Tom Daily

John Kratina, Tom Dailey, Don Dailey, Tom Smatla – approx. 1952