Archived Marriage Records
Romeyn Thyra Mae Brocher 1916-2003
Romeyn Thyra Mae Lundquist Brocher, 86, of Great Bend, died July 6 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born Nov. 29, 1916, at Lindsborg, the daughter of Albert N. and Mabel V. Sundgren Lundquist. She married
Ernest E. Brocher Jan. 12, 1934, at McPherson. He died July 1, 2003. A resident of Great Bend since 1951, coming from McPherson, Elyria, Lindsborg, Scott City and Dighton, she was a former housekeeper of Central Kansas Medical Center and Phinney’s Garden Center. Mrs. Brocher was a member of First Church of the Nazarene of Great Bend, a church pianist and a member of the church choir. Survivors include one son, Richard “Bud” Brocher of Great Bend; three daughters, Donna Reed and Mary L. Smith, both of Great Bend, and Jan Reames of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one sister, Joan VanArsdel of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Howard D. Brocher; two daughters, Patricia Brocher and Diana O’Brien; one brother, Verome L. Lundquist; and two sisters, Lenore K. Dildine and Marjorie C. Train. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with the Rev. Mark Pennington officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Elmwood cemetery in Lindsborg. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m., all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church or Cheyenne Meadows Living Center, in care of the funeral home. July 8, 2003
Thelma Lou Haines 1908-2003
HUDSON — Thelma Haines, 94, longtime resident of Hudson, was promoted to heaven from the home of her dearly loved nephew and niece, Bob and Sharon Bliss in El Cajon, Calif., July 1, 2003. She had moved there in November 2001 in order to allow them to assist in her care. Thelma was born to Edward and Lula Wollam in Van Buren County, Iowa, July 4, 1908. She graduated from Logan County High School, Fleming, Colo., in 1928, and married
Wiley P. Haines at McPherson Feb. 21, 1940. They had no children from their marriage. “Aunt Thelma, ” as she was affectionately known by her many friends in California, suffered a stroke on June 20 and never recovered. Her beloved husband of 32 years, Wiley; a stepson, Kenneth; and many family and friends preceded her in death. She leaves behind three cousins, Helen Dickerson of De Land, Fla., Maurine Gould of Earlville, Ill., and Anna Morton of Cleburne, Texas. She also left behind many nieces, nephews and other relatives in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, California and other states. Her funeral was held Saturday at El Cajon Mortuary. Her body will be buried in the family plot in Hominy, Okla., July 10. A short graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. in Hominy Cemetery. Her nephew, Pastor Robert Bliss, will have preached at both services. “Aunt Thelma” was saved and loved the Lord Jesus Christ. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Hudson. She loved to travel, having been to Spain, Africa and New York. One of her greatest travel experiences was having been able to see the Rock of Gilbraltar, since that had been one of her nicknames used by family and friends during her youth. During her time in California she had been able to travel with the Blisses in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Texas. She loved reading, especially reading her Bible. She thoroughly enjoyed attending church and was very faithful as long as her health allowed. She also loved her special ladies clubs and was a longtime member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of World War I in Kansas. “Aunt Thelma” will be missed by all of us, but we know that this is just a short time of separation. We are so thankful for the assurance of her salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. El Cajon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. July 8, 2003
Dora B. Blue 1916-2003
RAYMOND — Dora B. Blue, 86, died July 5 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood. She was born July 26, 1916, at Anthony, the daughter of Alfred Manley and Julia Jane Pigg Hughbanks. She married
Clarence Orville Messick Oct. 11, 1933. He died July 18, 1962. She married
Byron Blue. He died Aug. 18, 1987. A resident Raymond for more than 65 years before moving to IHS Woodhaven in Ellinwood, she was owner and operator of Raymond Cafe for 18 years. Mrs. Blue was a member of Raymond Baptist Church, Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary of Lyons, Silver Threads of Sterling, FCE of Lyons, and a 25-year member of Carnation Chapter OES of Lyons. Survivors include two sons, Jack L. Messick of Great Bend and Bud R. Messick of Kingman; two daughters, Bobbie Shultz of Raymond and Kay Fore of South Hutchinson; two stepsons, Byron Blue Jr. of Wichita and Wayne Blue of Arlington; two stepdaughters, Wilda Enoch of Arizona and Joan Knight of Hutchinson; two sisters, Oral Hodges of South Hutchinson and Ruth Butler of Topeka; 24 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Bob Bethel officiating. Burial will be at Hilltop cemetery in Raymond. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home. July 8, 2003
Elsie Madge Blankenship 1918-2003
CATAULA, Ga. — Elsie Madge Blankenship, 94, died July 4 at Muscogee Manor Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Ga. She was born Nov. 22, 1918, at Gateway, Mont., the daughter of Charles and Lucindia Earnest Russom. She married
James O. Blankenship. She was a homemaker. Survivors include three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. McMullen Funeral Home in Columbus, Ga., is in charge of arrangements. July 8, 2003
Donald Weigel 1925-2003
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — Donald Weigel, 77, died July 4 at Independence Regional Health Center. He was born Oct. 10, 1925, at Victoria, the son of Joseph and Catherine Paul Weigel. He married
Beverly Wohletz Feb. 9, 1952. A resident of Blue Springs, he was retired from Sheffield/Armco Steel. Weigel was a member of St. John LaLande Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 449, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1000 and 40 and 8. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving with the 265th Field Artilllery Battalion. Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Jim Weigel, John Weigel and Joe Weigel, all of Blue Springs; one brother, Anthony Weigel of Overland Park; five sisters, Velma Giebler of Hays, Mary Jane Miller, Shirley Weigel and Doris Weigel, all of Victoria, and Leona Kuhn of Great Bend; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph Weigel, Michael Weigel and Robert Weigel; and one sister, Louise Weigel. Rosary will be at 6 p.m. today at Webb-Freer Funeral Home in Blue Springs. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at Blue Springs Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:30-8:30 tonight at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home. July 5, 2003
Esther H. Stout 1910-2003
LARNED - Esther H. Stout, 93, died July 3 at St. Joseph Memorial Nursing Home in Larned. She was born April 27, 1910, ata La Crosse, the daughter of Henry and Anna Appl Wiechen. She married
Frank Russell Dec. 2, 1942, at Wamego. He died Dec. 10, 1951. She married
Bert Stout Oct. 24, 1958, at Larned. He died July 31, 1988. A resident of Larned since 1958, she was a retired dietecian for Larned State Hospital. Mrs. Stout was of the Christian faith. Survivors include two step-sons, Donald Stout of Larned and Roy Stout of Nowata, Okla.; three step-daughters, Martha benefield of Wynne, Ark., Doris Moore of Larned and Brenda Evans of Hays; 17 step-grandchildren; 30 step-great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three step-sons, Bert Stout Jr., Edward Lamar and James Earl Stout; three brothers, Charlie Wiechen, Walter Wiechen and Edward Wiechen; and one sister, Rose Robinson. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Larned cemetery with the Rev. Brian L. Norvell officiating. Friends may call from noon until 8 p.m. today and Sunday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Memorials are suggested to donors choice in care of the funeral home. July 5, 2003
William Ross Spears 1947-2003
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — William Ross Spears, 56, died June 11 at Vanderbilt Hospital. He was born Jan. 16, l947 at Greeneville, Tenn., the son James L. and Lucille Bullen Spears. He graduated from the University of Tennessee. He was the executive vice president of Technical Resource Group and president of JobMaster, Inc., of Nashville. Spears was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Survivors include his wife, Ann P. Kaiser of Nashville; his mother of Johnson City, Tenn.; one brother, James L. Spears Jr. of Tiverton, R.I. Private services were held in Nashville and Johnson City. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Integrative Healthcare Center, 1711 19th Ave. South, Nashville. July 5, 2003
Esther H. Stout 1910-2003
LARNED — Esther H. Stout, 93, died July 3 at St. Joseph Memorial Nursing Home in Larned. She was born April 27, 1910, at La Crosse, the daughter of Henry and Anna Appl Wiechen. She married
Frank Russell Dec. 2, 1942, at Wamego. He died Dec. 10, 1951. She married
Bert Stout Oct. 24, 1958, at Larned. He died July 31, 1988. A resident of Larned since 1958, she was a retired dietician for Larned State Hospital. Mrs. Stout was of the Christian faith. Survivors include two step-sons, Donald Stout of Larned and Roy Stout of Nowata, Okla.; three step-daughters, Martha Benefield of Wynne, Ark., Doris Moore of Larned and Brenda Evans of Hays; 17 step-grandchildren; 30 step-great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three step-sons, Bert Stout Jr., Edward Lamar and James Earl Stout; three brothers, Charlie Wiechen, Walter Wiechen and Edward Wiechen; and one sister, Rose Robinson. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Larned cemetery with the Rev. Brian L. Norvell officiating. Friends may call from noon until 8 p.m. today and Sunday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Memorials are suggested to donors choice in care of the funeral home. July 5, 2003
Marie M. Komarek 1916-2003
ELLINWOOD — Marie M. Komarek, 87, died July 2 at Ellinwood District Hospital. She was born May 15, 1916, in rural Ellinwood, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Wenke Oberle. She married
Gerald E. Komarek April 21, 1936, in rural Ellinwood. He died July 4, 2000. A lifetime resident of Ellinwood and seasonal resident of Yankee Run at Kanopolis Lake, she was a part owner of Classic Lanes Bowling Alley in Ellinwood for more than 15 years. Mrs. Komarek was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, both of Ellinwood. Survivors include five sons, Jerry Komarek and Tom Komarek, both of Ellinwood, Henry Komarek of Salina, Jim Komarek of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Steve Komarek of Hutchinson; three daughters, Evelyn Duke of Buckeye, Ariz., Ruth Ann Komarek of Alexandria, Va., and Mary Standlee of Ellinwood; one sister, Cecelia Komarek of Great Bend; 21 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six brothers, Joe Oberle, Herman Oberle, Pete Oberle, George Oberle, John Oberle and Leonard Oberle; one sister, Frances Stellflug; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter. Altar Society rosary will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, both at Kimple Inc. Funeral Home of Ellinwood. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. John Maes officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 1-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, both at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s School Endowment Fund or St. Joseph Altar Society, both in care of the funeral home. July 3, 2003
Julitta Basgall 1911-2003
HUTCHINSON — Julitta Basgall, 91, died July 1 at Hester Care Center in Hutchinson. She was born Aug. 27, 1911, in Victoria, the daughter of Anton J. and Rosa Younger Kuhn. She married
Wendelin E. Basgall Nov. 27, 1933, in Pfeifer. He died March 13, 1982. A resident of Hutchinson since 1987, coming from Hays, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Basgall was a member of Church of Holy Cross of Hutchinson and former member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays. Survivors include one daughter, Rita Birzer of Hutchinson; two brothers, John Kuhn of Emporia and Tony Kuhn of Overgaard, Ariz.; eight sisters, Mary Bollig of Ellis, Minnie Dipman of Pratt, Leona Keller of Great Bend, Ann De Rosier of Milwaukee, Wis., Laura Frogge of Riverside, Calif., Elizabeth Fontaine of Hampton, Ga., Agnes Zwenger of Hays and Rosalie Porter of Overgaard; three grandchildren, Kevin Birzer of Leawood, Todd Birzer of Sydney, Australia, and Brad Birzer of Jonesville, Mich.; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Richard Kuhn, Fred Kuhn, Adolph Kuhn, William Kuhn and Ralph Kuhn; and one sister, Leona. Rosary will be at 7 tonight at Elliott Chapel in Hutchinson. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Holy Cross in Hutchinson, with the Rev. Joseph Eckberg officiating. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph cemetery in Hays. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 9 tonight and from 2-9 p.m. Friday, all at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic School, in care of the mortuary. July 3, 2003
Eunice Ailene Dobratz 1921-2003
COUNCIL GROVE — Eunice Ailene Dobratz, 81, died July 1 at Council Grove Healthcare Center. She was born July 21, 1921, in Cassoday, the daughter of Everett Norton and Alma Elizabeth Harmon Hamilton. She married
Lloyd Edmond Dobratz July 26, 1946, in Council Grove. He preceded her in death. A resident of Council Grove, she was an licensed practical nurse at the local nursing facility as well as Morris County Hospital and In Home Health Care. She had worked in the clerk of the district court office, was desk clerk at Cottage House and had been hostess at Hays House. Mrs. Dobratz was a member of Council Grove Christian Church, American Legion Auxiliary and Polar Bears Swim Club. Survivors include three sons, Lloyd Benjamin Dobratz and David E. Dobratz, both of Council Grove, and Donald W. Dobratz of Dodge City; one brother, Earl B. Hamilton of Eugene, Okla.; one sister, Renetta Friesen of High Rolls, N.M.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille Bell Hamilton and Beth Sanders. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood cemetery in Council Grove. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 8 tonight and from noon until 6 p.m. Friday, all at Memorial Chapel of the Flint Hills in Council Grove. Family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Inc., in care of the funeral home. July 3, 2003
Genevieve ‘Jean’ S. Riffel 1918-2003
OLATHE — Genevieve “Jean” S. Riffel, 84, died July 1 at Villa St. Francis in Olathe. She was born Aug. 8, 1918, at Dubuque, the daughter of Alexander and Frances Hitschman Woydziak. She attended grade school at St. Catherine’s in Dubuque, high school in Dorrance and graduated from Great Bend High School. She married
Russell Foelgner in 1936. She married
Emanuel Kutz Riffel Nov. 4, 1961, at Russell. He died Oct. 5, 1985. A longtime Ellinwood resident, she was a beautician in Great Bend and Ellinwood for over 50 years. Mrs. Riffel was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, Altar Society, Grandfriends program at St. Joseph School and a reading helper at Ellinwood Elementary School. Survivors include one son, David Riffel of Mission; four daughters, Mary Komarek of Topeka and Linda Pearson and husband Clayton of Great Bend, Rob Walker and husband Jim of Topeka and Connie Lewis of Longmont, Colo.; one sister, Betty Schroeder of Great Bend; seven grandchildren, Russ Reeves, Spencer Reeves, Lacy Matthews, Kip Walker, Kelly L. Kelley, Katie Komarek and Jessica Pearson; and five great-grandchildren. Altar Society rosary will be at 3 p.m. today followed by a wake service at 3:30 p.m., both at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. John Maes officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Villa St. Francis Special Care Unit of Olathe, in care of the funeral home. July 2, 2003
