Obituaries
Stephen James Podszus
Jan 23, 2025
Steve passed away January 23, 2025 in Wichita.
Although he was born in McAllen, Texas on March 22, 1948, he was a Kansas boy through-and-through. Steve grew up on a farm across from the baseball field in Lincolnville and later lived in town close to the grain elevator.
He graduated from Centre High School in 1966 and then studied electronics. Steve also...
Norman Lee Smalley
May 4, 2025
Norman Lee Smalley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on May 4, 2025, at the age of 95.Norman was born on September 23, 1929, to Eugene and Abigail (Powell) Smalley. He was raised alongside his brothers, Jack and Bob Smalley, in a home that valued hard work, integrity, and...
Lisa Faith (Vinduska) Wittrig
Apr 28, 2025
Lisa Faith (Vinduska) Wittrig, 79, retired inspector for Beechcraft, died on April 28, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Grant Township Cemetery. Lisa was born on August 31, 1945 in Marion, Kansas to Vida Mae (Soyez)Vinduska and Sylvester Edmund Vinduska. She was quick witted, exceedingly kind and generous to a...
Otis and Ethel Ward
Jun 14, 2025
In memory of Otis (Otie) G Ward and Ethel (“Don’t Look Ethel”) I Ward
Ethel passed away on June 3, 2002, and Otis passed away on December 30, 2023. Otis was born on July 31, 1936, to David and Anna (Wise) Ward in Newton, KS. Ethel was born on November 13, 1939, to Leonard and Nellie (Dimick) Donaldson in Eureka, KS....
Louis William Voelker
Jun 11, 2025
Lou’s life began on January 10, 1940, in St. Louis, MO, as the son of Robert V. and Marian E. (Schilling) Voelker. He attended high school in East St. Louis, MO and started working at his father’s metal plating shop at the age of 14. Lou continued with the family business and later founded his own metal finishing company, L....
Joseph "Bud" John Sager Jr.
Jun 8, 2025
Bud’s life began on November 11, 1934, in Herington, Kansas. He was the son of Joseph John and Anna May (Vogt) Sager, Sr. Bud was the baby of the family, the last of eleven doting brothers and sisters. He would share stories of his star high school athletic days and his time in the military. You might even hear about...
Janice D Gradert
Jun 8, 2025
Janice Diane Pierce was born in December 1938 to her parents Donald and Laura Pierce. She grew up and went to school in Peabody, Kansas in 1956, and attended for a time at Emporia State University. Janice was an animal lover her whole life. She always had pets and helped strays that came along. Janice was an incredible cook and...
Roger Frank Peterson
Jun 2, 2025
Roger Frank Peterson, 92, of Burdick, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at Legacy Nursing Home. He was born on December 11, 1932, on the family farm near Burdick, the son of Iver L. and Stella H. (Hanson) Peterson.
Roger was a lifelong farmer and rancher. He was a dedicated member of Hebron Lutheran Church and the Burdick American Legion....
Dale Vincent Smith
Jun 1, 2025
Dale Vincent Smith passed away peacefully on Ascension Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Marion, Kansas. Dale was born on July 1, 1941, in Marion to Fred P. and Adele (Lefert) Smith. Dale married his high school sweetheart Mary “Pat” Schneider on August 19, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic church in Olpe, Kansas. They were blessed with four children. Dale graduated...
Catherine Louise Whitaker
May 30, 2025
Catherine Louise Whitaker died Friday, May 30th, at her home in Marion, Kansas.
Catherine Louise Bishop was born August 19, 1959, to Wilber Daryl and Anna Marie (Deters) Bishop. She was the 7th of 11 children born into a close, loving Catholic family. Cathy was raised in Axtell, Kansas. She attended St. Michael's Grade School and Axtell High School where she...
Wayne Dean Langhofer
May 29, 2025
Wayne Dean Langhofer’s life began the 6th of June, 1947 in Herington, KS. He was the son of Harry and Elva (Adam) Langhofer. Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy August 10, 1964 and reported to Recruit Training Command, Naval Training Center, San Diego, California where he received his basic training. Subsequent duty assignments were to the U.S. Naval Station,...
Nathaniel Haney
May 24, 2025
Nathaniel’s life began on July 3, 2016, in Tucson, AZ. He was the son of Dawn Rae Peel and Grant Haney. Nathanial had just finished 3rd grade at Centre School. Nathaniel was a bright light with a heart full of love and laughter. He brought joy to everyone around him with his sweet smile, curious mind, and caring nature. He...
Dawn Rae Peel
May 24, 2025
Dawn’s life began on July 25, 1995 in Tucson, AZ. She was the daughter of Donald R. Peel and Paticia (Skinner) McIntire. Dawn was known for selfless heart, always putting others first and lending a hand to friends and family in need. She was the one person people could count on, no matter what. More than anything, Dawn was a...
Peggy Ann Sutton
May 24, 2025
Peggy’s life began on December 28, 1953 in Muskogee, OK. She was the daughter of John “Bill” William and Ruby Ella (Sisco) Hall. Peggy was the youngest of eight children.
Peggy attended Muskogee High School. Peggy was the kind of soul that would give you the shirt off her back and do anything she could for anyone.
Her family was very important...
Carolyn Irene Staatz
May 19, 2025
Carolyn had a smile for the world. After meeting Carolyn, you knew that she was a child of God. She was a strong prayer warrior. She spent a large part of her life cooking at Rock Springs 4-H camp where she was a year around employee. She also blessed her church family with her cooking whether it be a cake...
