Donald Gene Pelfrey Passes Away

With deep respect and heartfelt remembrance, we announce the passing of Donald "Gene" Pelfrey, who left us on August 14, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on June 20, 1932, in Rossville, Kansas, to Everett and Ora Pelfrey, Gene was known for his strong moral character and unwavering work ethic.

Gene was married to his beloved wife, Ila "Bernie" Pruessner on June 16th, 1956 in Kansas City, MO.

Gene served with honor in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a B26 crew chief, beginning his service in Nevada and being deployed to Germany. After being honorably discharged in 1955, he brought the same dedication to his career as an electrical contractor, founding G&G Electric and making significant contributions to homes, schools, and nursing homes.

A respected third-degree Mason and member of the Shrine Arab Temple, Gene was also a founding member and two-time commander of the Rossville American Legion.

Gene was deeply devoted to his family. He found joy in traveling with Bernie and cherished peaceful moments spent on their farm and fishing on Melvern Lake. His love for nature and passion for reading reflected his appreciation for knowledge and a simple, fulfilling life.

Gene's word was his bond, embodying a time when a handshake was as binding as any contract. His legacy of honor, reliability, and quiet strength will be cherished by all who knew him.

Gene's life was marked by a profound love for his family and community. He is survived by his loving wife, Bernie, and their children, Randall (Donna) Pelfrey, Lisa (Rick) Pelfrey, and Les (Amy) Pelfrey. Gene was a proud grandfather to John (Chelsea) Pelfrey, Sara (Lewis)Tams, Brock and Ty Dick, Paige (Saagar) Mehta, Adam Pelfrey, Abby (Kodi) Minocha, and Brooke Pelfrey, and a great-grandfather to Emma and Conner Tams, Harper Pelfrey, and Sai Mehta. Gene now rests in eternal peace with his loved ones who preceded him, including his parents, Everett and Ora Pelfrey; sister, Kathleen (Orville) Stocker; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Pelfrey.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 24th at 11:00am at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Community Center, 806 Nishnabe Trail, Rossville, Kansas 66533. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rossville American Legion, Jimmy Lillard Post 31, 442 Main St, PO BOX 338, Rossville, KS 66533 in honor Gene's lasting spirit of service. Gene's legacy of dedication, service, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. 

William Glotzbach Passes Away

 William “Bill” August Glotzbach, 87, Paxico, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. Bill was born March 8, 1937, on the family farm near Paxico, the son of Vincent M. & Juanita A. (Stitz) Glotzbach. He later raised his own family on the same farm where he was born. 

On June 14, 1958, Bill and Virginia H. Michaelis were united in marriage at Holy Name Catholic Church in Alma, Kansas. They celebrated 66 years of marriage and raised eight children.

Bill is survived by his wife Virginia; children: Donna (Mark) Lytle, Lansing; Charles Glotzbach, Georgia; Wayne Glotzbach; Vincent (Annette) Glotzbach; Mary (Randy Miller) Glotzbach, all of Paxico; Dorothy (Billy) Hughart, Shawnee; Lynn (Jack) Metz; Keith (Valerie) Glotzbach, both of Topeka; his brother Merle (Rita) Glotzbach, Paxico; and sister, Marian (Bob) Hutley, Oregon; 34 Grandkids, 60 Great Grandkids with one on the way, and six Great Great Grandkids.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Nadine Seitz, Laverne Hurla, Sr., Philomene Glotzbach, Rose Steck, and a great granddaughter Autumn Smith.

While he grew up farming and continued to farm the family ground, he had bigger dreams. He took mail order courses to become a refrigerator repairman and then started Bill’s Refrigeration in 1968. He proudly served the surrounding communities for over 50 years before he retired. It changed names over the years as his business expanded but he always took the time to get to know his customers on a personal level and took care of them like family. He would tell us of a high school teacher that told him he needed to study more or he’d end up being a ditchdigger. Years later he dug that teacher’s grave.

His pride and joy, besides his kids, was his 1954 Bel Air that he and mom refinished after he retired. We thought he was nuts when he drug home this packrat-filled, rusty old car but he proved us wrong. He was a member of the Flint Hills Eliminator Car Club. He and mom enjoyed taking the ’54 to car shows over the years and won many awards. Together they traveled the first half of the Route 66 trip from Chicago down to Oklahoma in the ‘54. 

Bill also refinished his 1979 Chevrolet dually work pickup truck and a John Deere 60 tractor that he farmed with. He enjoyed driving his tractor through the Flint Hills as a member of the Flint Hills Tractor Club. 

He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, never had enough flowers growing around the yard and he would crochet during the winter months. Every child, grandchild and some great grandchildren have a treasured crocheted blanket from him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Saturday August 10, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22298 Newbury Rd, Paxico, Kansas 66526. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Bill will lie in state at Sacred Heart Church and the family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until the Rosary at 7:00 pm on Friday, August 9, 2024. Bill was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council, and he was a 4th Degree Knight. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus Council #1392.

Three Dawgs To Watch In 2024

The Capital-Journal has recognizedthree  2024 RHS Football players that are some of the top athletes in Shawnee County

Jack Donovan, Rossville

The junior will be a key player at the wide receiver position this fall. Donovan was impressive as an underclassmen last year. The three-sport athlete will bring a level of leadership at a young age as he will be a main target for the quarterback room.

Tayson Horak, Rossville

The senior was named Rossville's offensive MVP last season. Horak scored 17 touchdowns last year as he played multiple positions on the offensive side. This summer, he is competing with Canaan Mitchell for the starting quarterback position.

"Athletically, Tayson is our top returner, we just haven't determined how we are going to use him yet," Rossville head coach Derick Hammes said.

Canann Mitchell, Rossville

The junior quarterback is the other half of the position battle for the Bulldawgs. Hammes explained that Mitchell and Horak will be competing for the job and that both have impressed him so far this summer. Mitchell was a main piece on last year's scout team that prepared Rossville during the week. After a year of development, he has the chance to prove himself as a starter on the varsity level.

Mary Ellen Fengman Passes Away

 

Mary Ellen Fangman, 84, passed away on July 29, 2024. She was born to Leo and Teresa Skoch Reicherter near Lillis, Kansas on January 24, 1940. 

The family moved to Seneca four years later. She and Richard G. Fangman were married February 5, 1958. They lived on a farm near Centralia for six years before moving to Silver Lake in 1964.

Mary and her husband enjoyed going to garage sales and playing cards. She loved trying new recipes, crocheting, embroidering, making quilt tops and quilting. She was known as the “quilt lady.”

She worked 23 years as a cook in Rossville Valley Manor and two years at USD 321 dietary department. She and Richard took the Marriage Encounter, Richard, the Cursillo, and Mary, the Women’s Day. At Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, Mary and Richard participated in the adoration each week. She made craft items for the church’s yearly craft shows, quilts for auctions, and pies for funeral dinners.

Her husband, Richard, and brothers, Charles and Douglas, preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua, at age 32.

She is survived by her five children; Mike (Emilie) of Silver Lake, Brad (Colette) of Shawnee, Gail Duncan (Kelly) of Johnstown, CO, Debbie of Overland Park, and David of Silver Lake; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Surviving siblings are Norma Bennett of Rossville, Margaret Feldkamp of Seneca, and Connie Kroemer of Bern.

Mary will lie in state at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street in Topeka, from 7:00 – 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 1, 2024, followed by a family visitation from 8:00 – 9:30 AM. The rosary will be recited following the visitation and immediately prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery by way of 46th to Thomas Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church or the Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, KS, 66536.

Donald Miller (56) Passes Away

 Donald David “Don” Miller, age 85 of Rossville, passed away on July 25, 2024. He was born on December 30, 1938 in Topeka, KS, the son of John C and Violet Miller. Don attended Willard Grade School and graduated from Rossville High School in 1956. After spending one year at K-State, he was called to join his father to run the family farm. 

Don married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” Miller on March 1, 1958. Don and Betty enjoyed 60 years of marriage, before Betty’s passing in 2018. Their marriage weathered the ups and downs of building the family farm and raising their 6 children.

Don’s dedication to the family farm was tremendous. His extraordinary work ethic and countless hours in the field/tractor/barn built the farm to where it could support 4 families - a rare feat for a family farm. Don was proud to pass his knowledge to his sons, David and Daniel, when they joined the farm after they graduated from college. Don also saw the unique skill sets that his sons could bring to the farm that would enhance the operation. He loved driving by fields that David had planted and commenting on how straight the rows were and reaping the benefits of David’s mechanical skills that could fix anything that was broken. He enjoyed watching Daniel successfully build out the feedlot feeding program that has multiplied its earnings many times over.

His children fondly remember spending time with Don on the farm - fixing fence, feeding cattle, working on 4-H projects, and other chores. Maybe not as fondly, they remember how ornery he could be. He loved to laugh, kid, tease and play practical jokes on his family and friends. He always had spearmint gum in his pocket and a joke or story to tell. In the small amount of time he wasn’t working, Don loved to join Betty in attending Rossville sporting events, even if they had no children or grandchildren to cheer on. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Miller and a son, David Miller.

He is survived by his 4 daughters - LuAnn Baumchen and husband Paul (Lawrence), Diana Iseman and husband Jim (Burlington), Suzanne Tull and husband Ronnie (Willard) , Sarah Meinershagen and husband Kevan (Lawrence); 1 son – Daniel Miller and wife Jennifer (Willard); a daughter-in-law – Noel Miller (Dover); as well as 14 Grandchildren and 7 (almost 8!) great-grandchildren. 

Don wished for a private burial next to his wife Betty at the family farm. A private graveside service was held for immediate family on Saturday, July 27. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in his name to the Piper Funeral Home. All donations will be added to the “Don & Betty Miller Athletic Scholarship Fund”.

James Stadler (61) Passes Away

James Parr Stadler (Jim) of Silver Lake, Kansas went to be with his Lord on Monday, July 22, 2024. Jim was born February 15, 1943, in Bremerton, Washington, the son of George and Thora Stadler. He spent his adolescent days on a farm 3 miles SW of Rossville attending both grade school and high school in Rossville. Upon graduation from high school in 1961, Jim joined the USAF and was honorably discharged in 1965. 

Jim met his wife Warrene M. Glace March 5, 1965, and they were married in Topeka, Kansas March 5, 1966. Warrene survives along with their two adult children, Jay W. Stadler of Kansas City, Kansas and Jana R. DeLuca of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Darren J. Skitt and Brooklyn DeLuca both of Gulf Breeze, Florida, a brother David Stadler of Rossville, and a sister Rose Brown (Fred) of Willard, Kansas. 

Jim worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 30+ years retiring in 1995 when the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad joined forces to become BNSF. Jim was a member of the Silver Lake United Methodist Church since 1974 serving several administrative posts and also maintaining the mechanical and electrical systems for 20 years. From 2006, Jim has been a volunteer in re-plotting and mapping the two Rossville Township cemeteries: Rossville Cemetery and Franklin/Olive Branch Cemetery. 

Jim was preceded in death by three sisters, twin sisters Frances and Margaret in 1947 and Helen Huffman in 2006. Also preceding Jim in death was his father, George Stadler on September 17, 2004 and his mother Thora Stadler May 8, 2014.

Per Jim's wishes an inurnment will be held at the Rossville Cemetery with family and friends. There will be no memorial service. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution it’s suggested they be sent to the Silver Lake United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 188, Silver Lake, Kansas 66539.

George Bell Passes Away

 

George Lynn Bell, known for his hard work ethic, kind heart, and selfless nature, passed away on July 14, 2024, at Midland Hospice. Born on August 30, 1952, in Holton, KS, George’s legacy spans his successful career as an electrician and the proud owner of Bell Electric.

George's love for nature was evident throughout his life. He cherished moments spent fishing with his sons and grandchildren. His family fondly remembers his enthusiasm for Halloween, where he delighted in handing out treats to trick-or-treaters. Additionally, building forts out of boxes with his grandkids brought immense joy to both him and them. George's family recalls him not by specific actions or achievements but by the all-encompassing love he showered upon them.

Graduating from Holton High School in 1970, George excelled in athletics, playing basketball and baseball, and was a proud member of the HDT. He and his wife Nancy(Kranz) were married October 2nd, 1971, and celebrated over 52 years together. Additionally, he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve that same year and was proudly stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. His commitment to service extended to being a member of the Jimmy Lillard Post 31 American Legion.

George's passion for sports continued well into his later years, as he played softball with remarkable skill and enthusiasm.  His dedication to the game was a testament to his enduring love for athletics and his ability to stay active and engaged with his community.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, George prioritized his family above all else. Nothing made him prouder than being a loving father and grandfather. One of the most significant gifts he bestowed upon his family was their farm, where they created countless memories through fishing, camping, and hunting adventures.

In every interaction, George had a remarkable ability to make others feel special. His easy-going nature, combined with unwavering kindness, created a haven for all who knew him. George's non-judgmental attitude and steadfast support made him the pillar of strength for his family.

George is survived by his loving wife Nancy Bell; siblings Carol Totten, Ron Bell, Barbara Diggs, and Brian Bell; sons Jason Bell and Michael Bell; and grandchildren Jonah Bell, Halle Bell, Taryn Bell, Trina Bell, and Isaac Bell. He is also remembered by deceased family members Roy Bell (father) and Jan Bell (mother).

While we mourn the loss of George Lynn Bell from our lives, we find solace in the countless memories he has left us with. His impact on all who knew him will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, George Lynn Bell - you were the best of us.

Instead of a formal service, George wanted to have a celebration of life.  This will occur on August 24th at 6-8pm at the Jimmy Lillard Post 31 American Legion in Rossville Kansas.  Please join his friends and family in honoring his incredible life.

Sherry Ann Taylor Passes Away (updated)

Sherry Ann Taylor, 67, of Rossville, Kansas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 28, 2024.

She was born on June 13, 1957, the daughter of Bill and Cloreen (Smith) Taylor in Topeka, KS.

Sherry was married to Michael Cowen and bore two children. They later divorced.

She was a very free spirit, an artist through and through in every way you could imagine. She was a writer, a photographer and an avid painter.

Sherry was rebellious with an enigmatic smile. She was a pillar of strength as she endured a life filled with trails and tribulations. She loved her family intensely.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Beth Baker.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Talia Cowen, son Joshua Cowen, three grandchildren Alexis, Zola and Maya, and brother-in-law, Randy Baker.

Bill Sullivan (71) Passs Away

Bill Sullivan passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family including his wife, children, grandchildren and sisters. Bill battled throat cancer and its numerous affects for the last twenty years.

Bill was born in Salina, Kansas and grew up in Rossville, Kansas. He participated in the Boy Scouts and the Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club. He graduated in the class of 1971 from Rossville High School. Bill also attended Emporia State University. He went on to complete his Masters in Business Management from Oklahoma City University in August of 1990.

Bill had a distinguished career in the Air Force starting in 1973. Bill was stationed in Germany in 1978 and in Sicily in 1984. He was deployed and served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War. He retired from the Air Force in 1993 as a Master Sergeant.

Bill then had a career working for the Federal Aviation Administration (Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City) working as a high-ranking technician on radars.

 After retirement Bill moved with his wife Kay to Rossville to live in the Sullivan home. With the help of his wife, he set about honoring his roots by starting to restore their family home.

Bill was an amazing father and grandfather. He was our baby whisperer. He loved to hold the babies and could console them even when no one else could. He was a lover of all thing’s technology. He was the family go to for tech problems. He was always there for everyone in the family. He made a point of attending all his children’s activities and life events. He was always there for his parents, George and Marie Sullivan. When they passed away, he stepped in as patriarch of the Sullivan family. Cheering on the KU Jayhawks was one of his passions and he proudly displayed the KU flag. Bill loved his young son Chase; his last gift to him was an outdoor play fort that he recently constructed.

Bill was a devoted member of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.

Bill is preceded in death by his loving parents, George and Marie Sullivan. He is survived by his devoted wife Kay and his children Jason Sullivan (Mona), George C. Sullivan, David Sullivan (Alicia), Stephanie DuBose, Katie Kincheloe (Matt) and Chase Sullivan. His ten grandchildren Hunter Sullivan, Gavin Sullivan, Abi Sullivan, Ryan Sullivan, Alex Sullivan, Zayne Saddison, Gabriel DuBose, Oliver Kincheloe, Liam Kincheloe, and Riley Kincheloe, his siblings and their children Anna Marie Alvarez, Peg (Margret) Sullivan, Janice Craven (Kelly), Cody Alvarez, Caitlin Alvarez, Rob Heil, Chris Heil, Garret Heil, his brother in-law Norman Foster (Shirley)  and sister in-law Gail Kemp.

The family would like to thank the expert care and kindness from the professionals at Stormont Vail Hospital.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Newborns in Need at newbornsinneed.org in Bill’s memory.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Piper Funeral Home in St Marys, KS; the Rosary will be said from 7:00-7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 29th at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville KS with burial following at the Rossville Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the church hall after the burial.

Potawatomi Tribe Gets Land Back After 175 Years

 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Some 175 years after the U.S. government stole land from the chief of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation while he was away visiting relatives, Illinois may soon return it to the tribe.

Nothing ever changed the 1829 treaty that Chief Shab-eh-nay signed with the U.S. government to preserve for him a reservation in northern Illinois: not subsequent accords nor the 1830 Indian Removal Act, which forced all indigenous people to move west of the Mississippi.

But around 1848, the U.S. sold the land to white settlers while Shab-eh-nay and other members of his tribe were visiting family in Kansas.

To right the wrong, Illinois would transfer a 1,500-acre (607-hectare) state park west of Chicago, which was named after Shab-eh-nay, to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The state would continue providing maintenance while the tribe says it wants to keep the park as it is.

“The average citizen shouldn’t know that title has been transferred to the nation so they can still enjoy everything that’s going on within the park and take advantage of all of that area out there,” said Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation based in Mayetta, Kansas.

Mary Lee (Ronnau) Fields Passes Away

Mary Lee Ronnau Fields, 79, of Saint Marys, Kansas, beloved wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother passed following a long struggle with COPD at Midland Hospice House on June 17, 2024, surrounded by family. 

Born April 2, 1945, in Wamego, Kansas to John C. Ronnau and Marjorie June (Melenson). Mary Lee was a 1963 graduate of Saint Marys High School. She was united in marriage to William Russell Fields on June 18, 1963, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Mary’s Kansas. 

Mary Lee was a homemaker while the kids were young, then enjoyed working at the St. Marys Manor, St. Marys State Bank, and later St. Marys and Rossville grade schools. She also served on the IC parish council for several terms and was involved in her parish community.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by both her parents and a sister, Judy (Ronnau) DeVader and is survived by her husband, Bill Fields, of the home, brother John Patrick Ronnau, three children, Jay Fields, Dee Fields Gockel, and Mark (Donna) Fields, grandchildren, Christopher Gockel, Brady Gockel, Riley (Sam) Stowe, Erin Fields, Kelsey Fields, and Jake Fields. Mary Lee was also blessed with two great grandchildren, and one on the way. 

The family will receive friends at Piper Funeral Home on Friday, June 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and recite the rosary at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys; burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 208 W. Bertrand Avenue, St. Marys, KS 66536. 

Hurla Is Female Athelete Of Year.

 Rossville's outstanding fremale wrestler, Kendra Hurla, was named by the Capital-Journal as the Topeka  Area Female Athelete. Of The Year

Horak On All-Area Baseball team.

The Capital Journal All Area Baseball team included Camden Horak of Rossville,  who was also on the All MEL team.  Camden pitched 40 innings which included 77 strikeouts and a 1.40 ERA.  He also batted .403 with 14 RBIs in 22 games.

All Mideast League Baseball Team

The first team members of the MEL All League Baseball Team for 2024 are Avery Crosswhite, Camden Horak, Cameron Miller, and Conner Bush.  Logan Fufahi was Honorable Mention