GREAT BEND — Connie Jean Dandy, 67, Sept. 24, 2017, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. She was born Oct. 27, 1949, at Syracuse, the daughter of Neuell and Mary Wilmajean (Dirks) Nicolet. She married James Dandy. A long-time Great Bend resident, Mrs. Dandy worked for the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C., and then was a registered nurse, working for CKMC, Clara Barton Hospital, Woodhaven Care Center and Cherry Village.

She was a member of Central Baptist Church, DAV Auxiliary and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3111 Auxiliary.

Survivors include her husband, James Dandy, of the home; one son, Roy Dandy and his wife Chris of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Vince Dandy, Nikki Soderberg, Melissa Soderberg and Jessica Soderberg; three step-grandchildren, Casey Carrol, Gabriel Waudby and Kristin Carrol; and one great-grandchild, Alex McMaster. She was preceded in death by one brother, Kenny Nicolet.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at Central Baptist Church in Great Bend with the Rev. John Grummon and The Rev. David Walters officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials have been established with DAV or Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home        

1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas         67530

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Aaron Lee Blazek                                               Age: 44

Date of Death: October 15, 2017

Place of Death: Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas

Date of Birth: March 15, 1973 at Hoisington, Kansas

Parents Name: Edward and Rhonda (Smith) Blazek

OBITUARY INFORMATION

Aaron married Robin Monroe March 21, 1991 at Great Bend.  They were later divorced.  Growing up in Hoisington, Aaron raised his family in Hillsboro, living there from 1993 to 2014. Aaron was a machinist for Wear Technology, Hillsboro, worked for Casey’s General Store, Hoisington, and most recently worked for ATP, McPherson.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Parkview Mennonite Church, and was integral in the kids’ wrestling program, all of Hillsboro.  Aaron enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, pool, golf, Kansas City Royals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football, and was an active competitive wrestler during his school years.  Aaron served in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

SURVIVORS

Mother: Rhonda Lou Blazek of Hoisington, KS

One son: Brady Blazek of Hillsboro, KS

One daughter: Ali Jo Blazek of McPherson, KS

One brother: Eric Blazek and wife Kristy of Hoisington, KS

One sister: Chrystie Blazek of Salina, KS

Grandson: Styles Lee Blazek

Paternal Grandparent: Frank Blazek of Humansville, MO

Companion: Amanda Rose and her children of Hoisington

Ex-Wife: Robin Blazek of Hillsboro

He was preceded in death by his father Ed Blazek, an infant brother, Paul Lee Blazek, paternal grandmother, Ruth Carlson, and maternal grandparents, Chet and Louise Smith

SERVICE INFORMATION

Funeral Service: Friday, October 20, 2017

Time of Service: 1:00 pm

Place of Service: Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington

Officiant: Rev. Dick Ogle

Visitation:    1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.  Visitation will also be from 9:00 a.m. to service time, Friday, October 20, 2017 at the funeral home.

Memorial Fund: Aaron Blazek Expense Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Elizabeth Adeline Stoskopf, 100, died October 9, 2017, at Stoney Brook Living, Belton, Texas.

Elizabeth was born January 28, 1917, to Harrison and Ethel Mae (Wilson) McKinstry, in Hagerman, New Mexico. She was raised there and graduated from Hagerman schools in 1934.  At the age of 17 she began college at Hardin-Simmons at Abilene, Texas, from which she graduated magna cum laude with a BS in business in 1937.  While there, she was a member of the Cowgirls, an honorary social organization.

She met Willis Stoskopf in Lovington, New Mexico, where she was teaching business.  They married in Hagerman, New Mexico, on July 10, 1938.  Immediately they traveled to their home in Hoisington, Kansas, where Willis farmed.  She substitute taught in the schools till their first daughter, Elizabeth Lee, was born and then their next daughter, Ruth Dawn.  After 10 years of raising their daughters, Elizabeth returned to teaching in the Hoisington schools.  For 26 years she taught English, Geography, Homemaking, and Physical Education.  Over the years she took summer school and Saturday classes and earned her MSE in 1968 from Fort Hays State College.

Elizabeth was a farmer’s wife, a member of the local extension group, and a member of Beta Sigma Phi.  She and Willis were former members of the EUB church and more recently the First United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, playing bridge, and reading.

Elizabeth and Willis both eventually moved to County Place Senior Living in Hoisington.  After Willis died in November 2012, she moved to Stoney Brook Senior Living in Belton, Texas.

Her survivors include; daughters, Beth Lee Flohr and husband Wayne of Belton, Texas, and Ruth Dawn Cain and husband Sid of Andover, Kansas; grandchildren, Desiree Snell and husband Greg, Amber Kousky and husband Mike, Jeffrey Roberts, Jeree Stewart; and step grandchildren, Alex Cain and wife Shanna, Bowen Cain; and 6 great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2017, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Rev. Reuben Lang ‘at presiding.  Inurnment will follow in Hoisington Cemetery.

Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to the Hoisington United Methodist Church, USD #431, or Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

GREAT BEND — Betty A. Wilkinson, 94, died Oct. 17, 2017, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. She was born Sept. 24, 1923, at Harrisburg, Pa., the daughter of James and Kathryn (Bixler) Bennett. She married Donald Wilkinson Feb. 9, 1946, at Harrisburg, Pa.  He died Aug. 31, 1989. A longtime Great Bend resident, Mrs. Wilkinson was a clerk for the Barton County Register of Deeds office.

She attended Bible Chapel and in later years worshipped at First Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include one daughter, Candace Jones and her husband Todd of Great Bend; three grandchildren, Matthew Jones and Shelly Leroy, Andrew Jones and his wife Andrea, and Jonathon Jones, all of Great Bend; and four great-grandchildren, Bailey Jones, Kaid Wagner, Jaxon Jones and Breckstin Jones.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Josh Foster officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home        

1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas         67530

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Austin Lee Strandberg, 18, died October 17, 2017.  He was born March 28, 1999, in Manhattan, Kansas, the oldest son of Jonathan Strandberg and Robyn (VanBrimmer) Dodge.

A 2017 graduate of Hoisington High School, he was currently attending Kansas State University. Austin had a great love of animals and was studying to become a veterinarian.  Like most typical teenagers he also loved playing video games and loved playing baseball too.

Austin was a member of First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Brandi Strandberg of Great Bend, and Robyn and Charles Dodge of Hoisington;  brothers, Zander and Grayson Strandberg, sister, Autumn Dodge; grandparents, William and Christine Polzin of Hoisington, James and Linda Strandberg of Derby, Gwendolyn Sigmund of Cannon Falls, MN, and Karen VanBrimmer of Hoisington; uncles, Clayton VanBrimmer of Hoisington, and Jesse Strandberg and wife Angie of Minot, N.D.; aunts, Chrystal Doty of Hidden Valley, MO, Melissa Allen of Independence, MO, and Shawna Case of Manhattan, KS.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Tom VanBrimmer.

Friends may sign the book only, casket will be closed.

Family will greet friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

A graveside service will held at 3 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017, in Hoisington Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

GREAT BEND – Betty Lee Lorraine (Krueger) Adee, 93, passed away peacefully Oct. 15, 2017, at Good Samaritan Villa Grace in Ellsworth.  She was born Nov. 19, 1923, in Salina, the daughter of Joseph Julius and Marie Elizabeth (Kindsvater) Krueger.  She was a 1941 graduate of Salina High School and attended Marymount College of Kansas in Salina where she received an associate’s degree in 1943, and began a career in education, a profession she continued for nearly sixty years.  She began teaching in Wells where she met her future husband, she also taught a year in Claflin.

She married Richard Glen Adee June 4, 1944, in Salina, and they moved to Clay Center, then moved to Great Bend in 1950.  Betty was a substitute teacher with the Great Bend School District for many years and was a teacher’s aide at Roosevelt Junior High School where she helped in the reading program.

She and Richard were charter members of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend, where Betty taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was a member of the church council for many years.  Betty was also active in Girl Scouting, and was a Girl Scout Leader for all three of her daughters.

Survivors include her husband of 73 years, Richard of Good Samaritan in Ellsworth; three daughters, Sharon Adee of Truchas, N.M., Julia Jilek of Manhattan, and Lynne Weiser and husband Don of Salina; four grandchildren, Melissa Ivey and husband Tony, and Laura Weiser of Salina, Jalen Byford and Drew Byford of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and four great-grandchildren, Jadrian Henan, Joshua Weiser, Cooper Ivey and Cayson Ivey.  She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Karl Krueger; and two sisters, Virginia Fry and Jeannette Hodges.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend.  Friends may call from 1-9 p.m., Sunday, October 22, 2017, with the family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Burial will be 3 p.m. Monday at Rose Meron Cemetery at Oak Hill.  Memorials are requested to St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend, Kansas or Good Samaritan Society in Ellsworth, Kansas.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home        

1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas         67530

PENDING FUNERAL NOTICE

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Brenton Jay Weathers                      Age: 60

Date of Death: October 21, 2017

Place of Death: Great Bend Health And Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas

Services are pending with Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, Kansas.

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Roy Lewis Jones, 91, died October 23, 2017, at Ellinwood District Hospital.  He was born October 22, 1926, in Buford, Arkansas, the son of William and Della F. (Fugate) Jones.

Roy served during WWII, in the United States Navy as a Seaman First Class, on the ship the U.S.S. Piaute. Where he earned the Victory Medal.

A longtime Hoisington resident, Roy worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, in the Bridge and Building Department.  He retired on October 21, 1988.

Roy enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees #1333.

On November 15, 1957, he married Marie T. Hoeffner, in Great Bend, Kansas.  She preceded him in death on December 6, 2004.

Survivors include; a daughter, Nadine M. Jones of Hoisington; and nieces and nephews, Mary Hart and husband Stephen of Russell, Michelle Root and husband Steve of Great Bend, Everett Hoeffner and wife Davina of Hoisington, Shawna Shadduck and husband Kelly of Beaver, Leonard Ray Jones of Mountain Home, AR,  Della Phillips of Jacksonville, FL, Linda Davis and husband James of Winchester, TN, Vernon Jones and wife Linda of Mountain Home, AR, Helen Perkins of Lycine, Delores Kaiser of Colorado, John Kaiser and Frances Adams and husband Gary all of Kansas City, KS, Raymond, William, and Dwayne Jones of Mountain Home, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Solomon N. Jones and William W. Jones, and a niece Carolyn Krawetzke.

Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 26, 2017, in Hoisington City Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Naval Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the Hoisington Veterinary Hospital or the Wetlands Education Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

SEWARD — Sandra Mae Wilhelm, 76, died Oct. 23, 2017, at Leisure Homestead, Stafford. She was born Jan. 29, 1941, at Bazine, the daughter of Emanuel and Evelyn (Bruse) Foos. She married Wayne Wilhelm Nov. 13, 1956, at Fort Morgan, Colo. A Seward resident since 1968, coming from Great Bend, Mrs. Wilhelm was a machine operator for Fuller Brush for 28 years, and previously was a cook at Radium Grade School.

Mrs. Wilhelm was a member of CrossPoint, Great Bend. She received the Lord as her Savior on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1999, at Haven Baptist Church and was baptized June 13, 1999.

Survivors include her husband, Wayne Wilhelm, of the home; two daughters, Kristi Kirkwood and her husband Les of Yoder, and Michele McEntire and her husband James of Freeport, Texas; one sister, Nancy Dunaway of Kilgore, Texas; one brother, Larry Foos of Olympia, Wash.; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, Sharon Kay Roach.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home with James C. McEntire officiating. Burial will be in Eden Valley Cemetery, north of Seward. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with Leisure Homestead, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home        

1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas         67530

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Loretta M. Morgenstern                                  Age: 96

Date of Death: October 25, 2017

Place of Death: Country Place Senior Living, Hoisington, Kansas

Date of Birth: May 31, 1921 at Hoisington, Kansas

Parents Name: Emil and Sophia (Sausen) Demel

OBITUARY INFORMATION

Loretta married LeRoy Morgenstern Feb. 14, 1942 at Wichita, KS.  He died Oct. 3, 1993.

Loretta, a lifetime Hoisington resident and dedicated farm wife and mother, worked for a short time at Valley Center Bank, Valley Center, after graduating from Wichita Business College.  She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Altar Society, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary, all of Hoisington.  She was active in several card groups and the Arturian Study Club, enjoyed traveling, and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.

SURVIVORS

Three sons: Jerry Morgenstern and wife Lou Ann of Hoisington, KS

Bob Morgenstern and wife Jan of Hoisington, KS

Donald Morgenstern of Hoisington, KS

Three daughters: Joan Rziha and husband Leonard of Hoisington, KS

Roxanne Bell and husband Tom of Salina, KS

Pam Willis and husband Greg of Hoisington, KS

16 Grandchildren:  Mike Rziha, Scott Rziha, Gary Rziha, Brenda (Morgenstern) Kaiser, Jim Morgenstern, John Morgenstern, Ann (Morgenstern) Buesing, Matt Morgenstern, Crista (Morgenstern) Robinson, Karla (Morgenstern) Wilkens, Austin Bell, Jennifer Bell, Liz (Willis) Radi, Adam Willis, Nathan Willis, Katy (Willis) Hekele

28 Great Grandchildren

She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Virginia Demel, and an infant twin brother, Lawrence Demel.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 am Monday, October 30, 2017, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington

Vigil and Rosary: 7:00 pm Sunday, October 29, 2017, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington

Officiant: Father Dwight Birket

Interment: St. John Cemetery, Hoisington, Kansas

Visitation:    1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 415 N. Main, Hoisington, KS

Memorial Fund: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

GREAT BEND — Brenton Jay Weathers, 60, died Oct. 21, 2017, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. He was born March 21, 1957, at Larned, the son of James L. and Elaine (Bauer) Weathers. A lifetime Great Bend resident, Mr. Weathers worked in the oilfield.

He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Great Bend.

Survivors include one son, Joey Meier of Kansas City; two daughters, Heather Marie Weathers of Great Bend, and Crystal Maureen Unrein of Virginia; one brother, James M. “Jimmy” Weathers of Great Bend; one sister, Karen Cedeno and her husband John of Great Bend; and several grandchildren.

Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, at Great Bend Cemetery with Pastor Mike Munz officiating. Inurnment will be in Great Bend Cemetery. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials have been established with First Congregational United Church of Christ or Kindred Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home        

1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas         67530

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Clarissa “Mickey” Blessing                          Age: 85

Date of Death: October 28, 2017

Place of Death: Country Place Senior Living, Larned, Kansas

Date of Birth: July 5, 1932 at Great Bend, Kansas

Parents Name: Emil R. and Mary Theresa (Kinzel) Zecha

OBITUARY INFORMATION

Clarissa married William Robert “Bill” Blessing Aug. 25, 1951 at Russell, KS.  He died Feb. 13, 2002.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Clarissa worked on the meat cutting line for Theis Packing Co., and earlier worked as a seamstress for Marlette Homes. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish and the Altar Society, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Central Kansas Medical Center.  She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, walking, coffee fellowship, and time with her family.

SURVIVORS

One son: Gary R. Blessing and Paulette Deutscher of Great Bend, KS

Three daughters: Lois Parsons and husband J.B. of Ponca City, OK

Julie L. Mitchell and husband Clark of Great Bend, KS

Nancy Ramey and husband Dennis of Great Bend, KS

Two brothers: Norbert Zecha of Portland, OR

Bernard Zecha of Cheyenne, WY

Two sisters: Bernice Henderson of Great Bend, KS

Ethel Ricker of Nashville, KS

Seven Grandchildren:  David Blessing, Lisa (Drouhard) Cole, Matthew Drouhard, Kelli (Mitchell) Seibert, Mika Mitchell, Ryan Helsel, Stacy Achatz, and Morgan Ramey

11 Great Grandchildren

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Irvin Zecha, Joe Zecha, and Norman Zecha; and by one sister, Marcella “Sally” Vink.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 am Thursday, November 2, 2017, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend

Altar Society Rosary: 4:00 pm Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Bryant Funeral Home

Vigil with Rosary: 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Bryant Funeral Home

Officiant: Father Ted Stoecklein

Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, Kansas

Visitation:    Noon to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Bryant Funeral Home

Memorial Fund: Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

GREAT BEND — Denis L. Hertel, 79, died Oct. 31, 2017, at his home in Great Bend. He was born June 30, 1938, at Salina, the son of Philip A. and Lorraine (Miltonberger) Hertel. He married Claudia Schulte May 29, 1965, at Victoria.  A long time Great Bend resident, Mr. Hertel worked in production and the news department for KCKT TV-2, Great Bend, for 21 years. He was a National Guard veteran.

He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council #862, both of Great Bend. He was active in Boy Scouts and enjoyed woodworking, computers, playing the accordion and photography.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia Hertel, of the home; two sons, Philip Hertel of Wichita, and Chris Hertel of Haysville; two brothers, Richard Hertel of Salina, and Don Hertel of Hays; three sisters, Patsy Staab and her husband Omar of Hays, Phyllis Mendes and her husband Raymond of Hugoton, and Dolores Myers of Hays; and one granddaughter, Jessica Hertel of Fort Worth, Texas. He was preceded in death by one brother, Valerian Hertel; and sister, Lolita Hertel.

Vigil Service with Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Don Bedore celebrating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home        

1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas         67530

PENDING FUNERAL NOTICE

GREAT BEND — Michael Orion Blackman, 36, died Oct. 31, 2017, at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend. Services are pending with Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend.

HUDSON — JuneAnna Marie Cruz-Gray, 12, died Oct. 31, 2017, at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend. She was born May 13, 2005, at Great Bend, the daughter of Tabitha Gray. A Hudson resident for nine years, coming from Hoisington, JuneAnna was a seventh grade student. She enjoyed tap dancing, animals and birds.

Survivors include her mother, Tabitha Gray of Hudson; maternal grandparents, Don and Tambra Cartlidge of Hudson; maternal grandfather, Philip Gray of Hutchinson; and aunts and uncles, Heather and Carlos Castelan of Harrisonville, Mo., JoAnna Gray of Bedford, Iowa, Michael Gray of Ellinwood, and Chris and Missy Gray of Minneola; and 10 cousins.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Dwight Dozier officiating.  Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the JuneAnna Cruz-Gray Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home        

1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas         67530

Dateline: Bushton, Kansas

John K. Habiger, 69, of Bushton, Kansas, passed away on October 29, 2017 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas.

John was born in Great Bend, Kansas, on September 6, 1948, the son of Paul and Anna (Heinz) Habiger.  He was a graduate of Holy Name and Bushton High School.  He earned a bachelor’s degree at Fort Hays State University in 1970.

John served his country as a United States Peace Corp Volunteer in the Kurdistan Providence of Iran.  He was an Agricultural Agent and traveled in parts of Turkey and Afghanistan.  Back in Bushton he was an agent with Federal Crop Insurance Corp.  He was also the Postmaster Relief in Bushton.

He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

John was preceded in death by his father, Paul Habiger, May 15, 1983 and Mary Mickel, January 2, 2017, his partner for 26 years.

John is survived by his mother, Anna (Heinz) Habiger, Bushton; sister, Roberta Habiger and her partner John, St. George, S.C.; three brothers of Bushton, Virgil Habiger and his wife Geri, Raymond Habiger and his wife Roxanna, and James Habiger and his wife Sharon.

John has donated his body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine and will then be cremated, per his request.  Funeral services are pending and will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Holy Name Cemetery Fund, Bushton, Kansas in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

GREAT BEND —

It is with great sadness that Michael Orion Blackman was called home, from Great Bend Regional Hospital, on  Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, at the age of 36.  Michael was born on Dec. 19, 1980, at St. Joseph Hospital, Wichita, to Priscilla (Woodward) and Wayne M. Blackman.

Growing up, Michael was a mischievous little boy living in Jacksonville, NC. In 1998, he moved to Great Bend, where he graduated proudly from Great Bend High School – Class of 2000.  Michael worked at Wal-Mart as a customer service representative. He then moved on to be a manager at McDonald’s for a while.  He was known most for his sense of humor and his caring heart. His hobbies included his love of dragons, playing video games, and spending time with his family.

Michael will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Priscilla (Woodward) O’Connor of Great Bend; father and step-mother, Wayne and Kristin Blackman of NC; step-father and companion, Matt O’Connor and Faye Taylor of Great Bend; five sisters, Crystal Harshman and her husband Andrew of Enid, Okla., Kim Roach and her husband Cody of Milberger, Kaylene Vaughn and her husband Michael of Wichita, Marissa O’Connor of Dodge City, and Jamie Harden and her husband Joe of PA; nephews, Hunter and Eathan; and nieces, Caitlyn, Jaila, Breezy, Kenzy, Annabelle, Leabella, and Alyssa.  Michael will also be forever remembered by his numerous aunts, uncles, extended family, and dear friends.

Memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Don Paden officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are requested to Michael Blackman Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

GREAT BEND — Jerry J. Stoecklein, 85, died Nov. 1, 2017, at his home in Great Bend.  He was born in Ellinwood Sept. 19, 1932, the son of Alexander C. and Anna Margaret (Wolf) Stoecklein.  He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1952.  Mr. Stoecklein was a United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict from 1953 thru 1955.  He married Merlyn L. Fischer Aug. 20, 1960, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend.  She died July 7, 2015.  A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Mr. Stoecklein retired from Central Kansas Utilities.

Mr. Stoecklein was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, American Legion Argonne Post 180, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3111.  In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed hunting, bowling, camping, dancing, tinkering in his garage and fixing things around his house.

Survivors include two sons, Karl Stoecklein of Houston, TX, and Alan Stoecklein of Olmitz; two sisters, Aggie Stueve and her husband Ken of Great Bend, and Esther Staub of St. John; and many nieces and nephews, including Lea Ann LeRoy of Great Bend, Gordan Simpson of Dodge City, Monty Simpson of Bay St. Louis, MS, Audrey Fry of Great Bend, and Father Ted Stoecklein of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by six brothers, infant George Stoecklein, Eddie Stoecklein, Virgil Stoecklein, infant Alvin Stoecklein, Ted Stoecklein and Les Stoecklein; and three sisters, Florine Stoecklein, Virginia Shawn and Theresa Mortimer.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home with Father Don Bedore officiating.  Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery with military rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Remi Mauler Medical Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

FRANCES   W. “DOVIE”   COTTON 

Frances W. “Dovie” Cotton, age 95 years, of Ellinwood, Kansas, passed away on Thursday evening, November 2, 2017 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend, Kansas.   Dovie was born on January 2, 1922 in Ionia County, Michigan to Harry and Cora (VanLeuvan) Riker, and grew up in the Portland, Michigan area. She was united in marriage to Ralph K. Cotton on August 6, 1939 at Portland, Michigan, and the couple owned and operated bakeries for all of their working life.   They moved to Deadwood, South Dakota in 1961, and lived there for eleven years until moving to Ellinwood, Kansas in February of 1972.   The couple owned and operated Alpine Ovens bakery in Ellinwood from 1972 until 1991, with Ralph doing the baking and Dovie working the sales counter.   She attended the First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend, Kansas for many years.

Dovie is survived by three sons: Larry (and his wife, Kay) Cotton of Howell, Michigan, Jerry (and his wife, Donna) Cotton of Deadwood, South Dakota, and Terry (and his wife, Sarah) Cotton of St. Joseph, Missouri; two daughters:   Vicki (and her husband, Charles) Myers of Aurora, Colorado and Niki Cotton of Great Bend, Kansas; eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert (and his wife, Sylvia) Riker of Portland, Michigan; several nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ralph K. Cotton in 1991, three sisters and one brother.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Lakin-Commanche District Cemetery at Ellinwood, Kansas.   Memorial donations may be made in care of the family.   Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php.

Arrangements Entrusted To

Charter Funerals

2115 Washington St.

Great Bend, KS   67530

(620) 793-6161

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Gerald Frank Hamilton, 83, died November 3, 2017, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  He was born July 24, 1934, in Moundridge, Kansas, the son of Theodore Frank and Katherine (Head) Hamilton.

Gerald graduated from Hoisington High School in 1953.  He served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.

A longtime Hoisington resident, Gerald was a truck driver for Graves Truckline of Great Bend.

He was a former member of the United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the V.F.W., and had served as commissioner of the V.F.W. and the 7th District V.F.W., and was a Buddy Poppy Chairman, for the state of Kansas V.F.W.

On July 18, 1975, he married Lucille Yager in Las Vegas, Nevada.  She preceded him in death on March 31, 1988.

He is survived by his companion of 29 years, Ruth Brack of Hoisington; two stepsons, Charles Yager of Holyrood, and Larry Yager of Lee’s Summit, MO; step daughter, Marji Heiken of Blaine, WA; and a step grandchildren, Brian Yager and wife Sherry of Great Bend, Dori Cariker and husband Brent of Dallas, TX, Christy Lewis of Blue Springs, MO, and Kim Klug and husband Chris of Kansas City; and a good friend, Jackie Pritchard of Hoisington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ted, Bill, and Don Hamilton; and two sisters, Nadine Sears and Peggy Torrez.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, November 10, 2017, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Reuben Lang ‘at presiding.  With military rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.  There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.  Inurnment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Holyrood.

Memorials may be made to Country Place Senior Living or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.