Harvey Morris “Swede” Olson, 90, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 in Concordia. Harvey was born July 24, 1925 on the family farm in Saline County to Albin J. and Martha Elizabeth (Burch) Olson.

Harvey was one of the last of the Greatest Generation. He landed at Normandy France 15 days after D-Day, fought in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 with the 39th Infantry, 9th Division, and served as an MP in France and Germany after the war. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, European Theatre Medal (EAMET), Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and M1 Expert Badge Rifle.

Harvey was drafted while a student at Kipp County High School and did not receive his diploma. On May 20, 2001 Harvey proudly accepted an Honorary Diploma from South East of Saline High School in Gypsum, KS.

On January 25, 1947, Harvey married his war-time sweetheart, Joyce Erline Lockstrom. Over time he became an expert glazier, achieving his own business with Concordia Mirror and Glass in 1966. His work may be seen on a multitude of buildings in Concordia and surrounding areas including the Central National Bank, Cloud County Courthouse, and Nazareth Convent. After the loss of his first wife, Harvey married Rosalee Farmer on April 18, 1992.

Harvey was a member of the First United Methodist Church, VFW, American Legion, and Salina Antique Car Club. After retiring from his glass business, Harvey volunteered 25 years at the Cloud County Historical Museum, receiving awards for volunteering his time. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees, Harvey’s skills included building glass showcases and refurbishing farm machinery for display. Miltonvale families enjoy the large wooden train he built and donated to Tootleville Park. Harvey could build, refurbish, repair, or renew anything he put his mind to.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Joyce Lockstrom Olson, his parents, brothers Harry, Milton, and John Robert, and sister, Mary Keeler.

Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Rosalee of the home; son, Richard Olson and wife Linda, of Kechi; daughters, Dorothy (Dot) Anderson and husband Lyle, of Courtland, Kimberly Webster and husband Steve, of Keller, TX, and Nancy Ebanks of Houston, TX; adult step-children Jana and Joe Strecker of Concordia and Mike and Mary Farmer of Salina; fourteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am, Tues., Feb. 23, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Tessa Zehring officiating. Graveside services with Military Honors by Ft. Riley will be at 2:00 pm, Tues. in the Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Salina, KS. Visitation will be from 10 am to 9 pmwith family greeting friends from 6 to 8 pm, Mon., Feb. 22, 2016 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 740 West 11th Street, Concordia, KS 66901.

///////////////////////////////////////////////

Abilene, Kansas

Lois M. Sleichter

84, passed away Thursday, February 18th, in Abilene. She was born November 19, 1931 in Abilene, the daughter of Charles and Cleo G. (Davey) Wilson. Growing up in Abilene, Lois attended local schools and graduated from Abilene High School with the class of 1950. On August 11, 1950 she was married to Lawrence W. Sleichter in Abilene. Most all of their married life was spent in Abilene. Lois had been employed by Central Kansas Cooperative Education District #305 for 30 years before retiring. She enjoyed her flowers, sewing, being a Cub Scout Den Mother and baking wonderful pies. Lawrence preceded her in death November 23, 2014. Lois was also preceded in death by a son Steve, 3 sisters and 5 brothers. She was a member of the Community Bible Church.
Survived by: Daughter Stephanie (Gordon) Bush of Colorado Springs, CO
Son Tim Sleichter of Abilene
2 Sisters Joyce Harp of Warsaw, MO
Cheryl Becker of San Francisco, CA
Brother Mike Wilson of Billings, MT
4 Grandchildren
8 Great-grandchildren
The family has chosen cremation. Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, February 27th, at the Danner Funeral Home with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Abilene cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions in her name be given to the Abilene Clothing and Food Bank. They may be left at or sent in care of the Danner Funeral Home POIB 758 Abilene, Kansas 67410.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////

Gloria Lee (Burns) Canfield, age 78, died after multiple surgeries, on February 19, 2016, at Cloud County Health Center. Gloria was born March 4, 1937 in Concordia, Kansas. Gloria was the loving wife of David G. Canfield for 48 years; they were married on December 27, 1968.

Gloria is survived by: her husband, Dave; her sister, Juanita (Burns) Demars; and seven children, Mary (Canfield) Davis, San Antonio, Texas; Michael Lambert and his wife, Hoberta, Joyce (Lambert) Jasper, Donna (Lambert) Huber and her husband, Doug, Terry Lambert and his wife, Robin, David L. Canfield and his wife, Lisa, all of Concordia, and Kimberly (Canfield) Boling, Phoenix, Arizona. She was very proud of her 13 grandchildren; Christopher Bieker, Timothy Bieker, Benjamin Davis, Leah and Keaton Lambert, Amber Lindberg, Lexie, Linzie, and Lacie Huber, Gage Canfield, and Taylur, Tyler, and Tara Boling, and her 15 great-grandchildren.

Gloria is preceded in death by her mother and father, Clara and Jack Burns; two brothers, Jack and Joe Burns; two sisters, Colleen Livengood, and Oleato Perret, son-in-law, Jerry Jasper, and her first husband, Raymond Lambert.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home with Rev. Dean R. Frazier officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8 pm with family greeting from 6-7 pm, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Assoc. in care of the funeral home.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

Leota Hall, 82, of Inman, Kansas, passed away at 3:49 p.m., Thursday, February 18th, 2016 while in the company of family members, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

Leota was born in Junction City, Kansas on March 3, 1933, daughter of Susie (Clark) Morland and Frank Morland.

Leota attended grade school, Junior High and High School at Junction City, Kansas and attended Cranford Business College, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Leota was a homemaker and she took great pride in providing for her family in this manner. She also worked for Kemps Restaurant and later for Starlight Restaurant as a waitress, worked for Kit Manufacturing as a assembler, worked for several gas stations in Hutchinson, and retired from U.S.D. 308, Hutchinson as a custodian. After her retirement she worked for her son’s company, LTJ Maintenance as a landscaper.

Leota enjoyed reading her bible, and being with her family especially her grandchildren.

Leota Morland was united in marriage to Dewain “Jess” Hall on April 4, 1950 at Junction City, Kansas. They established their first home together in McPherson, Kansas. They later moved to Hutchinson, Kansas until after Dewain’s death she later moved to North Carolina for several years until she moved to Inman, Kansas.

Leota is survived by her children, Curtis Dean Hall and his wife Robin, of Inman, Kansas, Earline Martin and her husband Allen, of Great Bend, Kansas, Dana LaGrange and her husband Robert, of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Deean Hall, of Belton, Missouri; her sister, Paula Brissett, of Hutchinson, Kansas; her 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Leota was preceded in death by her parents, Susie Morland Starks and Frank Morland; her husband, Dewain Hall; sons, Dewain Jesper Hall, Daniel Hall, and Clark Lee Moore and sister, Winona Jamie Jones.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 3 to 7 p.m. with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Glidden – Ediger Chapel.

Graveside service will be held at McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th, 2016 with Chuck Baker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association and they can be sent in care of the Glidden – Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Malinda Mae (Strauss) Ensz Hassman, 92, of McPherson, died on Thursday, February 18, 2016, at The Cedars in McPherson, KS. She was born on October 19, 1923, in Paxton, NE, one of seven children born to John L. and Marie (Schroeder) Strauss. When Malinda was a child, the family moved to Kansas where they eventually settled in Buhler. She graduated from Buhler High School in 1942.

On July 17, 1943, she married Abe Ensz, who was later sent to Germany to fight in WWII. Abe was killed in the war on March 19, 1945, a silver star recipient, leaving behind his young wife and infant son of only eight months. Malinda went on to beautician school in Wichita, and was a hair stylist in Hutchinson for several years. She married Richard Hassman on July 24, 1949. Richard and Malinda made a living as custom harvesters from 1954 to 1979. They then owned and worked together at Hassman Oil Company for many years until Richard became ill.

In her younger days, Malinda enjoyed horseback riding and was an avid bowler. She especially enjoyed playing cards with her friends. Her favorite pastime was watching sports on TV, especially basketball.

Malinda was a longtime resident of McPherson and was a member of the Free Methodist Church. She was a charter member of The National WWII Museum.

Malinda was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Abe and Richard, an infant sister, sisters, Leona and Edna, and brother, Arnie.

She is survived by: her son, Ron D. Ensz (Joannie) of Hutchinson, KS; grandson, Casey Ensz of Denver, CO; sister, Marie Siemens of Buhler, KS; brother, John Strauss of Garden City, KS; and many nieces & nephews.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, February 22, 2016, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 23, at McPherson Free Methodist Church. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Central Christian College of Kansas Scholarship Fund or McPherson Free Methodist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

/////////////////////////////////////////////

Walter Edwin Holdren, of Mankato, Kansas, was born December 23, 1940 to Robert “Edwin” and Ruth (Jacobs) Holdren, in Superior, Nebraska, and passed away, Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems, Beloit, Kansas, from a long battle of lung cancer, at the age of 75 years, 1 month, and 24 days.

He graduated from Montrose High School in 1958. Walt married Vergaline (Hanson) on February 23, 1963. The following year, he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in History from Fort Hays State University. In 1973, he received his Master’s Degree in Math from Emporia State University.

Walt’s joy in life was being a teacher. His teaching career started off in Sylvan Grove, Munden, and Republic. Thirty-four of 39 years was spent teaching 7th and 8th grade math at Belleville. After retiring in 2003, Walt continued to substitute for many more years in Belleville and Mankato Jr. High School. During this time, he also coached multiple sports like football and basketball, but his favorite was probably girls’ softball in the summer.

After retirement, he spent his days reading (about a paperback a day) and going to all his grandchildren’s events. Every February, he also looked forward to going to Texas with friends. One of his favorite past times was playing cards with family and friends. He always had a cribbage board and cards handy, ready to go. Later in life, he also found a love for bowling.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Holdren.

Survivors include his wife – Virgaline of Mankato; three daughters – Rebecca Holdren and fiancé, John of Salina, Kansas, Roxanne and husband, Todd Kimminau of Beloit, Kansas, Crystal and husband, Blake Vacura of Omaha, Nebraska; six grandchildren – Elliott Kimminau of El Dorado, Kansas, TeJay and Garrett Kimminau of Beloit, Kansas, Jacqueline Holdren of Salina, Kansas, Ashley and Zachary Vacura of Omaha, Nebraska; his mother – Ruth Holdren of Beloit, Kansas; three sisters – Mary Folson of Maize, Kansas, Betty and husband, Bill Meis of Hays, Kansas, Janet and husband, Dave Wilcox of Beloit, Kansas; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends.

A celebration of life service for Walter Edwin Hildren, will be (was) Monday, February 22, 2016, at the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Jim Brackett officiating. Mrs. Pat Grout will be (was) the organist, and Phil and Kristi Vetter preformed the service music. Casket bearers will be (were): Elloit Kimminau, TeJay Kimminau, Garrett Kimminau, Zachary Vacura, Jerry Anderson, and Roger Rightmeier. Interment will be (was) in the Pleasant View Cemetery, (Montrose) rural Formoso, Kansas. Visitation will be (was) Sunday, February 21, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Memorials may be given in Walter Edwin Holdren memory to the Mankato City Library in care of the mortuary. Service arrangements were arranged by Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////

Ernie Hiesterman, 66, died Thursday, February 18, 2016.

Visitation: Monday, February 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Linn. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, at Immanuel Lutheran Church west of Linn.

Burial: 1:30 p.m., God’s Hill, South of Barnes, KS.

Memorial Fund: Established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, P.O. Box 157, Washington, KS.

////////////////////////////////////////////////

Kay E. (Pekarek) Casner passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Rooks County Health center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 72. She was born on December 8, 1943 in Herington, Kansas to the late Gordon and Florine (Schlegel) Pekarek. As a child she grew up and attended school in Ellis, Claflin, Byers, and Offerle, Kansas before graduating from Elkhart High School in Elkhart, Kansas with the Class of 1962. From there she went on to graduate, as an English major, from Panhandle Agricultural and Mechanical College in Goodwell, Oklahoma in 1967. She taught school for a few years in Colby, Kansas before working as a financial manager for St. Anthony Hospital in Denver, Colorado for over 30 years.

On September 18, 1981 Kay was united in marriage to Walter Casner in a log cabin in Fraser, Colorado. Together, they loved to travel, especially in the RV. During their time in Colorado, annual trips were taken to scenic Moab, Utah for weeks at a time in order to enjoy camping and 4-wheeling. After retiring, Rockport, Texas, became a favorite hangout for 3 to 4 months each year, where she enjoyed watching the cargo ships coming in and out of the busy Port Aransas shipping lanes. Another of her favorite destinations was the beautiful islands of Hawaii. She was an avid reader and could enjoy a good book for hours at a time, as well as being a huge fan of Italian classical tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Kay is survived by her husband Walter Casner of their home in Stockton; brothers Rodney Pekarek of Summerville, FL, and John Pekarek and wife Ann of Atlanta, GA; and sister Paula Pollart and husband Jerry of Castle Rock, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Florine Pekarek.

Kay was a unique woman of refined taste who loved having fun and didn’t mind getting a little muddy in the process. She had a huge heart, full of love, and lived to serve others more than herself. Her life, her love, and her legacy will live in our hearts forever.

Funeral Services are planned for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton with burial to follow in Stockton Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society-High Plains of Hays and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, Kansas 67669.

///////////////////////////////////////////////

Bill Jon Hoeting, Sr. passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at his home in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 64. He was born on December 29, 1951 in Larned. After graduating from high school he went on to attend Colby Community College for two years.

Bill lived in several different communities but always stayed busy working in construction until his retirement. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Plainville and enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. A man of strong faith, he never grew tired of learning more and growing closer to God.

Bill is survived by his mother Evelyn Hoeting of Hill City; son B.J. Hoeting, Jr. and wife Jean Ann of Stockton; daughter Crystal Plante and husband Tim of Hill City; brother Ben Hoeting and wife Jeanette of Rexford; sisters Glenda Peltier of Reno, NV, and Kay Parks of Penokee; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Delmer Hoeting.

The Apostle Paul said, “Stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong.” Bill lived his life day by day with courage, strength, and faith. The same God who sustained him here now welcomes him home with love and rejoicing.

A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2016.

//////////////////////////////////////////////

Viola Lucille (Karst) Dumler, 96, of Russell, Kansas passed
away Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas.

Viola was born April 9, 1919 on the family farm near Galatia, Kansas, the daughter of Ben and Lena (Dietz) Karst.  She grew up and attended school in the Galatia area.

Viola was united in marriage to Paul E. Dumler on January 28, 1940 in Russell. This union was blessed with three children; Denny, Barbara and Sylvia.  They made their home on a farm southeast of Russell in the Pioneer area.  Viola was a devoted farmer’s wife and homemaker.
She helped Paul on the farm until they retired in 1976 and moved into Russell. Paul preceded her in death on June 12, 1997.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and church circle.  She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends and would submit cooking items for the Russell County 4-H fair.  She was an avid reader and taught herself a higher education, she always dreamed of being a Librarian.  She loved taking care of her grandchildren and always being there for them.  Her personality was one where she never knew a stranger.

Surviving
family include her son, Denny Dumler (Judy) of Scottsdale, Arizona; two daughters, Barbara Bremer (Bob) of Castle Rock, Colorado and Sylvia Noller (Stan) of Russell, Kansas; two brothers, Art Karst of Great Bend, Kansas and Leon Karst (Wanda) of Rush Center, Kansas; six grandchildren, Robyn Davis, David Dumler, Heather Archuleta, Pam Dumler-LaFrenz, Christopher Noller and Brian Noller; and nine great grandchildren. 

Viola was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, brother Carl Karst, sister Florence Veech and step sister Esther Nuss.

Celebration Viola’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas with PMA Nancy Mitchell officiating.  A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday, February 19, 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Vintage Place of Russell.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.