Loma Stuewe (Posted 4/23/24)
Loma Stuewe (Posted 4/23/24)Loma Arlene Stuewe went to her eternal home on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the age of 99. She would have celebrated her 100th birthday in less than two months. Loma passed peacefully at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas due to complications from a fall.
Loma was born June 18, 1924, on the family farm north of McFarland, Kansas. She was one of six daughters born to Henry and Emma (Weith) Mathies. Loma received the rite of Holy Baptism on July 16, 1924, at Trinity Lutheran Church, McFarland. She later confirmed her faith in her Lord and Savior by rite of confirmation on June 5, 1938, at Trinity Lutheran. Loma’s faith guided her during her entire lifetime and her love for the Lord could be seen in her role as a wife, mother, and friend. Loma met her future husband at a Walther League meeting at church where they both attended youth services.
Loma Arlene Mathies married Milton John Stuewe on January 21, 1945, at St. John Lutheran Church, Alma, Kansas. Following a honeymoon to the Kansas City Livestock Auction, Milton and Loma returned to make their home on the family farm south of Alma. To this union were born five sons. The couple worked side-by-side raising their sons and livestock. During a typical summer Loma raised several hundred chicks. A routine summer day included butchering 12 to 15 fryers, three or four of which ended up on the table each day for lunch. In 1995 the couple retired and Loma’s dream to move to “town” was achieved when they moved to their new home in the city of Alma. Milton and Loma enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Milton died in September 2009. Loma moved to the Alma Manor five years ago and lived there until its closure a year ago. She spent her last year residing at Rolling Hills, Topeka.
Loma was a member of St. John Lutheran Church where she remained active until her health declined. Loma was a member of Friendship Circle and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She was famous for her coconut cream pies and glazed donuts which were always requested for the many meals served at the church, in the community and especially at family gatherings.
Loma was an artisan known for her quilting skills. She lovingly completed quilts for her children and grandchildren. For many years she worked countless hours making quilts that were sent to people in need abroad, to Lutheran seminary students, students at Lutheran colleges, confirmands, and the local shelter. Loma enjoyed being a participant of the “living quilt display” at the Wabaunsee County Historical Museum. Loma could be seen actively working with her church sisters serving decades of meals for the annual Alma Co-Op Association Supper, Cattleman’s Association Dinner, Soil Conservation Dinner, and AAL annual meetings. She helped serve countless funeral dinners for church members.
Loma is survived by her five sons: Milton Jr. and Candy, Alma, Ray, and Shiela, Wichita, Kansas, Gerald and Darcy, Alma, Ervan and Pamela, Alma, and Mark and Sharon, Maple Hill, Kansas. Milton and Loma have 15 grandchildren: Shaun Stuewe, Sarajane Waris, Darcy (Russell) Torrey, Melissa (Norman) Smith, David (Kim) Stuewe, Ryan (Alyssa) Stuewe, Heather (Todd) Orton, Brandon (Jackie) Stuewe, Brooke (Kohath) Ben-Israel, Morgan (Seth) Brees, Kristie Stuewe, Justin (Alicia) Stuewe, Travis (Katelynn) Stuewe, Richy (Carolyn) Richardson, and Jill (Jake) Graham. They were further blessed with 34 great-grandchildren: Lacie, Ashley, Chelsea, Seth, Ethan, Eve, Sage, Colton, Austin, Fletcher, Cameron, Karlee, Reagan, Ashton, Meghan, Jacob, Lucas, Hunter, Hanna, Sigil, Talen, Cyler, Amelia, Abram, Christian, Nolan, Soria, Hazel, Kaley, Levi, Jameson, Jacob, Kaleb and Luke. Expanding the family further are14 great great-grandchildren. Loma is also survived by her sisters Inez Theel, Laverne Falk, and sister-in-law Charmaine Stuewe.
She was preceded in death by her husband Milton, daughter-in-law Laura Stuewe, great great-granddaughter Ava Cheely, and sisters Esther Stuewe, Lillie Neff, and Ella Theel.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma, with burial following at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Reverend Robert Grimm will officiate. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Robert Beattie (Posted 4/21/24)
Robert Charles Beattie, age 63, of Ogden, passed away April 16, 2024 at his home in Ogden.
Bob was born on April 1, 1961 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Richard and Delores Beattie. He joined the U.S. Army and served for over 20 years until he retired in 2005. He earned many ribbons and awards during his years of service, including the Bronze Star. After his retirement he worked multiple contracting jobs on and off Fort Riley.
On March 9, 1985 in Delran, New Jersey, Bob was united in marriage to Kelly Horn. She survives at their home in Ogden.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his daughter Keri Enriquez (Jeremy), and his son Robert Beattie (Melinda), and also his five grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Beattie will be held at 10:00a.m. Thursday April 25, 2024 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, with Pastor Steve Ratliff officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley in Manhattan.
Carl Hoefler (Posted 4/18/24)
Carl Joseph Hoefler, age 95, of Manhattan, died April 16, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born March 16, 1929, in Westphalia, Kansas, the son of Vincent Joseph and Caroline Ann (Stahl) Hoefler.
Carl grew up in rural Westphalia on the family farm and graduated from Westphalia High School.
He farmed in the Westphalia area until 1955 when he moved to the Manhattan Area. He then worked for Mertz Farms, R&G Market, Frye Farms and at Doebele IGA Market prior to joining the Manhattan Fire Department. He worked for 22 years as a Fireman and then for 7 years for the Manhattan Water Department. While with the Fire Department he worked for Carl Drumm General Contracting as a laborer. Carl loved working and he was skilled in many crafts.
Carl was a very devout member of the Catholic Church and served as an Altar boy at his home church, St. Teresa Catholic Church in Westphalia, from 4th grade until the week before he got married. He was a member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan.
He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Konza Prairie Chapter of the United States Bowling Congress. He was a sports fan and enjoyed bowling, traveling, hunting and fishing. Most of all Carl loved his family and was a great father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved going to his family’s activities and spent many hours in the bleachers watching all of their events and activities.
On September 15, 1951, in Westphalia, Kansas, he was married to Patricia Joan Colvin. Patricia preceded Carl in death on March 21, 2003. He was also preceded in death by five siblings: Richard, Vincent and John Hoefler, Anna Huerter, and by a brother in infancy.
Survivors include five children: Carla Jacobia (Jim) of Wamego, KS, Marcia Roets of Manhattan, Rob Hoefler (Mary) of Manhattan, Steve Hoefler (Brenda) of Manhattan, and Mike Hoefler (Kim) of Pawhuska, OK; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:30 P.M. Sunday, April 21st, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. A Parish Vigil will be held at 5:30 P.M. Sunday, in the funeral home chapel.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 22nd, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan with Father Gale Hammerschmidt as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House or Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Nancy Songs (Posted 4/17/24)
Nancy Marie Songs, 72, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024, at University of Kansas St. Francis Hospital, Topeka, Kansas. She was a life-long resident of the area.
She was born January 22, 1952, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Alfred Paul and Fern Arlene (Ehrlich) TenEyck. Nancy moved to Alma as a young teenager where she attended Wabaunsee High School. She loved to go dancing and it was at one of these dances she met the love of her life Ray and at 18, married Ray Herman Songs on May 2, 1970. They celebrated 53 years together in 2023. Ray preceded her in death on January 12, 2024.
She worked as an office manager at Konza Veterinary Clinic in Manhattan for 20 years. Her love for animals was seen at the veterinary clinic and with her well known Saanen dairy goat herd. She loved showing her goats at club, county, and national shows throughout Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. She also worked as a meat packer and manager at Flint Hills Food in Alma for 17 years. Additionally, she assisted serving food at the Riley County Jail when it was located in downtown Manhattan, Kansas.
In her early years with Ray, they loved to go horseback riding.
She is survived by her daughter: Tina Marie McIntyre, and her husband, Larry; her three grandchildren, Bryant Michael Songs (Amber Sowell), Lucas Eugene McIntyre (Alicia Farmer), and Elizabeth Marie McIntyre (Kyle Ziegelmeier), all of Manhattan; her great-grandchildren, Eric Nowland, Nevaeh Sowell, D’Leah Songs, Doniella Songs, and Azalea Songs; her brothers, Alfred TenEyck, Jr. (Cheryl), Silver Lake, and Dean TenEyck, Alma, and well as many other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Inurnment will follow in Wabaunsee Township Cemetery. The family will greet friends, prior to the funeral service, beginning at 9:30 am. They suggest memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Anna Mae Slack (Posted 4/17/24)
Anna Mae Slack (Johnson) passed away on April 13th, 2024, at her home in Wamego, Kansas, at the age of 92. She was born on June 5th, 1931, in Baileyville, Kansas, to Oscar and Elizabeth (Thomas) Johnson.
Anna was married to Otto W. Slack in September 1954. They were blessed with four children, William, Sharon, Randy, and Karen Slack.
Anna was a housekeeper and cook at Seneca Convalescent Home, Kansas, for 14 years. Additionally, she was a savvy business owner and owned a restaurant, gas station, and truck stop in Belvue, Kansas. Anna worked as a custodian alongside her daughter Sharon at Kansas State University for 20 years.
Anna enjoyed playing bingo and visiting casinos in her free time. She always had a meal ready for family and friends, including homemade cookies and bread. She could talk to anyone anywhere and was well-liked by all who met her.
Anna is survived by her children William (Vicki), Sharon, Randy, and Karen; sisters Josephine Wiggins; half-sister Rita Chauza; and Jerry Sunnenberg.
Anna is preceded in death by Hank Sunnenberg, Donald Sunnenberg, Oscarine Sunnenberg, Vincent Sunnenberg, Roberta Ross, and Alma Simmons.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego. A rosary will be held before Mass at 10:00 a.m. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and may be made payable to St. Judes Children’s Hospital which may be sent in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.
Delmar Roberson (Posted 4/13/24)
Delmar Louis Roberson died on April 4, 2024 at his home in Manhattan Kansas.
Delmar was born on the family farm north of Burr Oak in Jewell County, Kansas, on June 7,
1937, the youngest of four children of Loren and Ethel “Mae” (Ford) Roberson. His early
education was in one-room country schools before attending high school at Miltonvale Wesleyan
Academy and then junior college at Miltonvale Wesleyan College where he met the love of his
life, Virginia Frances Buck. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and later a
master’s degree in education, both from Kansas State University.
Delmar and Virginia were married on June 18, 1958, and this union was blessed with four
children. Delmar was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and spiritual role model for his
family. His kind and gentle spirit will be missed by those who knew him.
His first job out of college was teaching Vocational Agriculture at Bird City High School in
northwest Kansas, which was interrupted when his National Guard unit was activated during the
Berlin Crisis. After completing his service, he returned to Bird City to finish his teaching
contract and then took a job teaching Vo-Ag at Mankato for two years. The family then moved to
Washington, Kansas where he began his career with the USDA as a soil conservationist. His
appointment as the District Conservationist in Mitchell County took them to Beloit, where he
served for the next 27 years. In 1999 he and Virginia retired and moved to Manhattan where
Delmar embarked on his next career of painting houses, which he continued for the rest of his
life.
Delmar had a natural love of the land and the heart of a farmer, feeling a special connection to
the family farm north of Burr Oak, where he spent as much time as possible. He was also an avid
reader and a life-long fan of K-State basketball. He and Virginia enjoyed traveling in their
retirement, visiting every state except Hawaii. They especially enjoyed a six-week long trip
exploring Alaska. Although quiet and introverted, he had a genuine interest in people and often
returned from their trips with stories of people they met along the way.
A humble and generous man, he was known to be ready and willing to help anyone in need.
More than anything, Delmar was a servant of the Lord. He was a devoted member of the Glen
Elder Friends Church and taught adult Sunday school for many years before moving to
Manhattan where he was a member of Westview Community Church and an active member of
the local Gideons, including the jail ministry.
Delmar is survived by his wife, Virginia of Manhattan; daughter Dawn Kingery and her husband
Scott of Overland Park, Kansas; son Derrick Roberson and his wife MaryKris of Manhattan,
Kansas; daughter DeAnn Silvia and her husband Patrick of O’Fallon, Illinois; son David
Roberson and his wife Heather of Glenwood, Iowa; grandchildren Ellen DeBord and her
husband Blair of Columbia, Missouri and their children, Evie and Ruthie; Keagan Hogan and her
husband Xavier of Merriam, Kansas and their children Creed, Charlotte, and Aubree; Anne
Sexton and her husband Curry of Manhattan, Kansas and their children Ellie and Theodore;
Zachary Silvia of O’Fallon, Illinois; Sarah Santarelli and her husband Caleb of St. Louis,
Missouri and their daughter Brynn; Daegan Kingery of Geneva, Switzerland; Grant Roberson
and Leah Roberson, both of Glenwood Iowa. Delmar is also remembered by his sisters-in-law
Rita Roberson and Linda Roberson, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by
his parents, Loren Louis Roberson and Ethel “Mae” Roberson, brothers Beryl Roberson and
Arlen Roberson, and sister Donna Mae Buckley.
A Celebration of Delmar’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 20th , at the Westview
Community Church, 615 Gillispie Drive, Manhattan, KS, with Pastor Brian Smith officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 P.M. Friday, April 19 th , at the Yorgensen-
Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Tad Thompson (Posted 4/11/24)
Veteran produce industry journalist Tad Thompson succumbed to pancreatic cancer on April 8, 2024. He died in his hometown of Manhattan, KS.
He is survived by his wife, Debra (Hardin) Thompson, a native of Manhattan, and his children Reece Everett Thompson and daughter-in-law Rajee Kanagavel, who reside in Cairo, Egypt, as well as daughter Claire Thompson, of Miami. He is also survived by his mother, retired Manhattan real estate developer, Rosalie (Germann) Thompson, and his sister, Teresa Dunn, both of St. Louis, MO. He is also survived by his nieces Tiffany Dunn (Brad Funk) and Andrea Dunn (Steve Winterberg).
Preceding Thompson in death were his father, Paul Thompson and Reece and Claire’s mother, Glynis J. Bean, who died in Philadelphia after a three-year battle with cancer in Sept. 2004.
Thompson graduated from Kansas State University in Journalism and Mass Communications in 1976 and soon entered the fresh fruit and vegetable specialty, working for The Packer newspaper in Kansas City. He worked widely in that industry until his cancer diagnosis on November 29, 2023. The 47-year career led him to live in metropolitan Philadelphia, New York City, Atlanta, Edgartown, MA, and Sun City West, AZ. Tad and Debbi permanently returned to Manhattan in 2017.
Beyond working across the U.S., his career was highlighted by constant global travels, including repeated work involving produce industry export development in Mexico, Central and South America, and production and exports from Africa, Europe, Israel, Afghanistan and China.
Photography was always a major part of Thompson’s professional work and became a volunteer avocation when he returned to Manhattan, as he shot photos for Manhattan Rotary Club, Manhattan Catbackers, KSNT weather, and anyone passing on the street.
The two pillars of Thompson’s life were rooted in Tuttle Creek Lake and Kansas State. His Germann grandparents bought their homestead in the Blue River Valley five miles north of Manhattan in 1919. They chose this site because it would eventually be convenient for their children to attend what was then named Kansas State Agricultural College.
It happened this ranch site – in the fertile Blue River Valley and the towering, rich Flint Hills above in the 1940s became the first farm located upstream of the U.S. Corps of Engineers’ proposed flood control project, Tuttle Creek Dam.
Despite many years of political fighting, the Germanns and their valley neighbors were displaced in 1957. The valley was flooded. In 1959 Paul and Rosalie built a home in their new Terra Heights subdivision. And Rosalie spent the next 35 years developing much of the southwest shores of the lake.
For young Tad the new lake became a summertime dream as sailing and water skiing were key hobbies. In 1969 he had the chance to join a high school rowing program with the K-State crew, which he enjoyed until graduating from K-State.
Also, at K-State, Thompson was a sportswriter and savored the university experience. Thompson notes, “I was a Wildcat for 35 years before I was born. My parents bought season football tickets in the new stadium in 1968 and determinedly attended through thick and thin. The last game that Mom was able to attend was beating number one Oklahoma a few years ago. I finally had to give up on season tickets for the 2024 season. It was a great run. I will truly always be a Wildcat.”
He continued sailing with his family along the Atlantic Coast, which brought countless exciting, memorable experiences.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Saturday April 20, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, 801 Leavenworth in Manhattan.
A Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation at 10:30 a.m. Saturday April 20 at the church. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Tad to the Manhattan Catbackers or the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House Inc. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Darlene Sweeting (Posted 4/11/24)
Darlene S. Sweeting, age 67, of Manhattan, passed away April 7, 2024, at her home, peacefully surrounded by family after bravely battling cancer.
She was born August 11, 1956, in Washington, DC, the daughter of William and Marlene (Mills) Sohns.
After graduating from High School, Darlene pursued a career as a bookkeeper, showcasing her meticulous skills and dedication. Her final employment was with Tim’s Backhoe Service, where she contributed her expertise and commitment to her work.
Darlene embodied love and compassion as a devoted wife, nurturing mother, cherished daughter, supportive sister, and loyal friend. She found fulfillment in selflessly giving to others, never seeking anything in return but the joy of making a positive difference in their lives.
Her deepest wish was to enrich the lives of her husband, children, and grandchildren, showering them with love and wisdom. Darlene found immense joy in imparting knowledge and crafting timeless memories, whether through teaching cherished family recipes like her famous meat sauce or upholding beloved holiday traditions. Among all celebrations, Christmas held a special place in her heart. She reveled in the happiness of loved ones unwrapping meticulously chosen gifts, her eyes twinkling with delight. Darlene’s love for the holiday season knew no bounds, as she delighted in watching Hallmark Christmas movies and shows, regardless of the time of year.
Darlene cherished tigers and found joy in watching “Days of our Lives” and “General Hospital,” as well as in her collection of animal figurines. She was an avid baseball enthusiast, relishing the sport’s excitement, and found solace in the pages of Danielle Steele’s novels. Yet, above all, her heart belonged to her family. She delighted in attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, finding immense happiness in their achievements.
On October 8, 1996, in Manhattan, she was married to Don Sweeting. Don survives of Manhattan. Additional survivors include their four children: Dallas Duncan (Sandy) of Raleigh, NC, Kayla Duncan, Kole Duncan (Sheena) and Rachael Wood (Mike) all of Manhattan; one sister Linda Sohns of Riverview, FL; and three grandchildren: Taylor Duncan, Landyn Duncan and Bryson Rester.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Marlene, father, William, twin sister, Denise, and grandson Bryan.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:30 P.M., April 17, 2024, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. In honor of Darlene, please wear something red or colorful as her favorite color was red.
Online condolences & shared memories may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society or the Cedar Cove Conservation & Education Center. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.