Plumer-Gobber -- Oberlin Obituaries - Eulogy Assistant (2024)

Obituary Preview: Michelle, Anna, Hall, 54, passed away on May 14,2024 in Oberlin, Kansas. Michelle was born on December 9, 1969 to Albert Brunner and Kathleen (Smith) Tuller in Greenly, Colorado.

Michelle was raised Greenly, Colorado and graduated from Culbertson High School in 1988. After high school Michelle married to Mark Hall and start a family. She then got her CNA license and work passionately at Decatur Health.

Michelle loved going on walks and running with her Dachshunds. She also loved to draw art and loved helping people. But most of all she loved to spend time with her kids and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband: Mark Hall of Cozad, Nebraska; sons: Brady Hall of Oberlin, Kansas and Jacob Hall and his wife, Shelbi of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughter: Tasha Hall of Oberlin, Kansas; grandchildren: Alliyah Eder of Culbertson, Nebraska, Izaih, Jozeph and Nevaeh Hall of Hot Springs, Arkansas; sisters: DaNita Robinson and Lisa Cross. And many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Albert Brunner and Kathleen Tuller and second father Larry Tuller, a sister LaTisha Tuller, a grandchild Samuel Milton Hall.

Condolence can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Joyce JoAnn Hartzog, 83, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024 at Colwich Gardens Assisted Living Facility. This is where she resided for the past two years with her husband C.R. Bob Hartzog and son Kyle.

Joyce was born on June 26, 1940 to Ray and Esther (Olson) Carlson in Oberlin, Kansas. She was raised in Oberlin and graduated from the class of 1958 from Decatur Community High School. Joyce married Bob Hartzog on December 28, 1958 in Oberlin, Kansas. They have been happily married for a wonderful 65 years.

Joyce loved helping people and working in customer service starting with her working as a para at Oberlin Elementary School. Later, she went on to work at Farmers National Bank for many years. Joyce had a passion for people. She loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She exemplified the true meaning of compassion and caring. Over the years she was the caretaker for many family members and loved ones. Her church family and friends could always count on her for her gift of hospitality. Her faith in the Lord was unyielding. Church was the center of the family and all gatherings. Some of her favorite memories would be spending time with family making homemade ice cream and dinners after church each Sunday.

Joyce was a wonderful wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She will be missed greatly by many.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Esther Carlson and brother Ronald Carlson. She is survived by husband: Bob Hartzog; children: Cheryl Hartzog, Kyle Hartzog, and Clifton (Annette) Hartzog, all of Wichita, KS; grandchildren: McKenzie Hartzog and Alexis (David) Gauntt; great grandchildren: Callan Gauntt and Emilia Gauntt.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home at 11:00AM. Visitation will be from 9:00AM-11:00AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Oberlin Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be made out to DSNWK (Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas), Colwich Gardens Assisted Living, or Oberlin Covenant Church. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Danell Jay “Dan” Agan, 65, passed away on April 30th, 2024, in Kearney, NE. Dan was born on September 13, 1958, to Dennis and Darlene (Nelson) Agan in Colby, KS.

Dan was raised in Liberal, KS and graduated from Liberal High School in 1976. After high school Dan did variousconstruction jobs and production jobs. He worked for Homestead Nutrition and picked up the meals for the Golden Age Center meal site.

Dan enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling to see his friends and family. But most of all he loved to help others and spoiling his nieces and nephews with unique gifts during Christmas.

Dan is survived by his brothers: Daren and wife Charlene, Dustin and wife Laura, and many nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded by his parents and grandparents.

Memorial graveside services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at the Oberlin Cemetery at 2:30PM. Burial will be in Oberlin Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be made out to Golden Age Center for the Meals on Wheels program. Condolence can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Walter Wayne McCallister, 81, passed away April 24, 2024, in Kearney, NE. Wayne was born on September 9, 1942, to Walter Roscoe and Mildred (Snell) McCallister in Norton, KS.

Wayne was raised on a farm in Decatur County and graduated from Norcatur High School in 1960. After high school Wayne attended Fort Hays State University in Hays KS, graduating with a Bachelor’s in History and a teaching certificate in the Social Science field. Wayne also received several teaching licenses and certificates in instruction of carpentry, technical education carpentry and GED certificate vocational training. In 1967 Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was a Supply Sargent in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1970.

Wayne and Norma Kimble were married on August 9, 1964, then divorced in 2016, to this union they had two sons, Robert, and Michael.

Wayne had worked as teacher in central Kansas, then took over the family farm in 1976 until 1989, Wayne also owned and operated the Norcatur Service Station during that time. Wayne would later work at the Norton Correctional Facility, in the vocational building. Wayne was the wood shop instructor and a GED instructor before retiring in 2011.

Wayne was an avid reader, loved westerns, history, and enjoyed listening to Bluegrass festivals. He was a Norcatur Cemetery board member for 40 plus years and an American Legion member.

Wayne is survived by his two sons: Robert (Dodie) McCallister of Wamego, KS; Mike McCallister of Plainville, KS; two grandsons: Scott (Taylor) Nading of Chapman, KS, and Matthew (Britteny) McCallister of Maryville, TN; along with seven great grandchildren: Owen & Cashton Nading, Boone, Ellie & JoAnna McCallister and numerous other family and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Roscoe & Mildred; brother James Samuel; grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

A memorial graveside service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00AM at the Norcatur Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norcatur Cemetery, in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Cheryl “Cheri” Kastens, was born on April 27, 1957, to Virgil “Pete” and Eileen (Kleidosty) Portschy in Oberlin, Kansas. She attended school in Herndon, Kansas graduating in 1975. Cheri was always involved in several activities and sports throughout high school and beyond.

Cheri had 2 main loves in life, her family and KU Basketball. Cheri loved her grandkids very much and took any chance she could to see them.

Cheri was an avid basketball fan and hardly ever missed an opportunity to watch her Jayhawks! She enjoyed a special time getting to go to a game in Lawrence with her son Elijah and was even able to get some autographs from players as well as Bill Self.

Cheri worked as a secretary for St. Mary’s Catholic Church, but she was most known for her position as a teller at The Bank in Oberlin. Cheri loved visiting with customers and hardly knew a stranger.

She met her Lord and Savior and entered into Heaven on April 7, 2024, at the age of 66 after her final well fought battle with cancer. She was greeted in Heaven by her father, Pete Portschy, Uncle Gene Kleidosty, as well as several other family and friends.

She is survived by her mother, Eileen Portschy; sister: Rita (Greg) Marintzer; brother: Dean (Deb) Portschy, all of Herndon, KS; two sons: Caleb (Linde) Kastens of Ludell, Kansas, and Elijah (Becca) Kastens of Hays, Kansas; grandchildren: Emma, Bentley, Baize, Ella, and Charlee of Ludell and Damon and Salem of Hays.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 12, 2024 at 10:30AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Herndon, KS. A rosary will be said at 10:00AM at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to McCook Community Hospital Foundation or the Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Helen Marie Brooks was born on June 7, 1930 to Fred Otto and Tenie Opal (Moler) Ehler on a farm northwest of Dresden, KS.

Helen was raised in the Dresden area and attended grade school in Dresden and then later high school in Oberlin.

Throughout her life she liked being outside. She had a great love for her family, cats, and some of her favorite things to do were to hang laundry on her clothesline and watch the birds in her backyard. She was a kind, loving, and generous lady whose door was always open to family and friends.

She worked several jobs in her life, most of all as a secretary for Oberlin Service Center, retiring after 28 years there.

She was affectionately known as “Moe” to her family and to several at the Good Samaritan in Oberlin, where she resided her last 2 ½ years.

She met her Lord and Savior and entered into heaven on March 30, 2024 at the age of 93.

Helen leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her daughters: Sharon Black, Betty Heisel, Vicky (Vivan) Heisel; grandchildren: Kevin (Tami) Black, Shelby (Brad) Uehlin, Darci (Brice) Meitl, Gena Woodward, Gavin (Jodi) Heisel, along with many great and great great grandchildren, relatives and friends.

She was greeted in Heaven by her parents, son-in-law, Ron Black and granddaughter, Carlyn Black.

Memorial graveside services will be held on Thur., April 25, 2024 at Dresden Cemetery at 2:00 PM. Burial will be in Dresden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made out to the McCook Humane Society. Condolence can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Mary Jo Larson, 74, passed away on March 18, 2024 in Oberlin, KS. She was born on October 26, 1949 to Thomas and Donna (McClary) Eskew in McCook, NE.

Jo went to elementary school and middle school in Olathe, CO. The family then moved back to Oberlin where she attended Decatur Community High School. She loved to travel and met many people and saw many places before settling back in Oberlin. Jo married Wayne E. Larson on March 15, 1985 in Oberlin, KS.

Jo was an active member of the Oberlin EMS for 30 years, which she was very proud of. She also worked in the healthcare field as a CNA and later as a housekeeper. She explored many other employment opportunities from road construction, grocery and convenience store clerk, pizza maker, and bartender. She always had to be busy. Before her health declined she loved to spend time at the lake, read, play the lottery, crossword puzzles, shopping, but most of all spending time with her family.

Jo is survived by her husband of 39 years, Wayne E. Larson of Oberlin, KS; daughter: Julie (Doyle) Richardson of McCook, NE; son’s: David (Belinda) Larson of Brooklet, GA, Aaron (Patty) Larson of Hays, KS, and Jeff (Tichelle) Larson of Whitney, TX; sister: Beverly Reiter of Oberlin, KS; brothers: Bruce (Rose) Eskew of Buffalo, KS, Robert (Barb) Eskew of WaKeeney, KS, and David Eskew of Oberlin, KS; grandchildren: Tyler, Clay, Christopher, Timothy, Emily, Blake, Ashtyn, Mikaela, Kyler, Brycen, and Riyah; great grandchildren: Zya, Ryatt, Aisling, Elara, and Tethys; sisters-in-law: Joan Larue of Oberlin, KS Ona Malleck of Indianola, NE, Lelah Larson of Sante Fe, NM, Nikki Eskew of Glade OR, Jeanette McConnell of Strasburg, CO, and Gloria Godtel of Roca, NE. She is also by several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Jo was preceded by her parents, and brother, Dennis Eskew and mother-in-law, Tina Wimer.

A memorial service will be held on March 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, Oberlin, KS. Burial in Oberlin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made out to the Oberlin Public Library, in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Bob Gaskill strove to live his life with joy and integrity. His core value was to take care of his family as well as his bank customers. This value was fundamental to his life, informing his business dealings as well as other aspects of his life.

Robert L. Gaskill was born to Ira and June (Harris) Gaskill in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 10, 1928. He died age 95 at the Good Samaritan Society Home on March 14, 2024.

In 1950, he completed a degree in Animal Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. During college in Fort Collins, he served as a ski patrol at the Hidden Valley ski area. With a few friends, he began the first known commercial river running opportunity for guests on the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, near Glenwood Springs. This enterprise received positive press in the Denver Post and the Glenwood Post, praising them for having launched a business “on the proposition that tourists will pay for such an adventure”. As seasoned rafters in rubber boats, Bob and his brother David are now officially recognized at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Center as the first river runners to make a run down that previously unknown and dangerous river. He has run all the tributaries of the Colorado River System, and was Trustee of the Powell Society of Denver, which published a river guide for the Colorado River.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War, serving mostly in the Pacific, earning the Korean Service Medal. After his discharge, he managed the family feedlot south of Goodland, and ran thousands of lambs on wheat fields in the Bird City area.

Due to drought years, Bob took employment as an assistant county agent in Chase County, working in the historic courthouse in Cottonwood Falls, where he did research projects for Kansas State University.

The following year, he earned an M.S. in Animal Science at the University of California, Davis, where he published papers on animal nutrition and endocrinology. He then returned to raising lambs and cattle, and was named to the National Lamb Council, a special honor.

Bob’s banking experience began as a borrower to finance his feedlot and pasture operations. He then served as a Livestock Loan Officer at City National Bank, Kansas City, Missouri, now called United Missouri Bank. In 1963, he purchased the charter of the Farmers State Bank, Winona, Kansas. Throughout Bob’s 56 years in banking, he expanded The Bank to include locations in ten counties in northwest Kansas, serving as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Bank.

The Bank was recognized by the Farm Journal as “the best place in Kansas to get farm financing”. His dedication to excellence in banking was rewarded when Bob was 68 years old, when The American Banker, a trade journal, named The Bank as, “the best all-around ag lender in the country”.

In addition, in 2007, The Bank was awarded a rating of “Outstanding in Community Development” by the FDIC, one of only four Kansas banks winning the designation. This award was given for excellence in investing in and serving the communities where it operated.

During this time, Bob’s fun and refreshment for over thirty years was raising cattle on his ranch in southeastern Colorado, the Maverick. The ranch was beautiful and full of picturesque canyons. He found fulfillment in optimizing the productive capacity of the large ranch by increasing grass production and clearing significant areas of cedar trees. Later, Bob developed prairie grass for cell grazing at The Turkey Creek Range Ranch, in Wallace County, Kansas.

Bob’s dedication to community service was shown as he served 24 years on the Logan County Hospital Board, as a Powell Society Trustee, and as a member of the USD #567 School Board. He served on the Kansas Banking Association Governing Council and the KBA Board of Directors. He was also a member of various community and international service organizations.

Bob Gaskill and Kay Crumly Gaskill were married in August, 1963, in St. Francis, Kansas. Kay is the daughter of Ken and Lois Crumly of St. Francis. They lived in Winona, Kansas for twenty-three years, before moving to Oberlin in 1986. They had three children, son Guy and daughters Lori and Jody.

Bob’s interests included collecting Native American artifacts and pottery. He was a pilot, and would occasionally fly to Canada or Mexico for fishing or sailing trips. He loved music, especially opera. He and Kay enjoyed travel, visiting Europe, Asia, India, Africa, Australia, and Central and South America.

Bob’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, who were the lights of his life. He also took great pride in assisting others achieve their personal goals through the astute management of The Bank. He had a life long love of learning, was visionary in his approach to life, and had an unparalleled sense of adventure.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister, two brothers, a two brothers-in-law, and four sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his wife Kay; son Guy Crumly Gaskill, Winona; daughters Lori June Gaskill, Lakewood CO, and Jody Gaskill Metcalf (Shad), Colby; grandchildren Maximillian, Orion, Ferdinand and Ulysses Kreighbaum Gaskill, Lakewood; Bryson and Seanna Metcalf, Manhattan; and Jude Metcalf, Colby, and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggests that you consider a memorial gift to a local organization dedicated to community development. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 4:00PM-6:00PM at the City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave., Colby, KS 67701.

Obituary Preview: Roger Ward Carlisle, 62, passed away on March 5, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. Roger was born on April 27, 1961 in Oberlin, KS to Dale and Lenore (Hochmeiser) Carlisle. Roger was raised in Traer, Kansas and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1979. After high school Roger went to work for KDOT until he retired in 2014. He married Rhonda Jane Fortin on October 25, 1988. They then moved to Cedar Bluffs where they raised their three sons: Jesse, James, and John.

Roger loved music, enjoyed playing his guitar and enjoyed reading. He was very active in the church community by leading Bible study, teaching Sunday school and was a board member and deacon. His love for Jesus was very evident in his daily life. Not only did he love his friends and family, but he would go out of his way to help others.

Roger is survived by his wife, Jane Carlisle of Cedar Bluffs, KS; sons: Jesse (Joy) of Goodland, KS, James (Jessica) of Pratt, KS, and John (Shawnda) of McCook, NE; sisters: Donna (Tim) Urban of Lenexa, KS, Cheryl (Randy) Thull of Victoria, KS; In-laws: John (Jane) Fortin of Overton, NE, Judy (Don) Macha of Planview, TX, Jack (Donna) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Jerry Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Joe (Jan) Fortin of St. Francis, KS, Jill (Terry) McCorkle of McCook, NE, Jay (Shelli) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Jamie (Lisa) Fortin of Oberlin, KS, Joyce (Dave) Juenemann of Selden, KS, Jeff Fortin of Cedar Bluffs, KS, and Jason (Gwen) Fortin of Oberlin, KS; grandchildren: Callie, Jon, Auna, Cameron, Gunner, Alyvia, Aubree, and Oliver; great grandchild: Tajo. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law: Jolene Fortin; nephew: Michael McLain; great nephews: Jayden McLain and Brogan McCorkle; great niece: Alys Wangari.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, Oberlin at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be Monday, March 11, 2024, from 1:00-7:00 PM at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home Oberlin, KS, with family receiving guests from 5:00-7:00 PM. Burial will be in Cedar Bluffs Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be made out to Roger Carlisle Memorial Fund or Helping Hands. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: James “Jim” Plotts, 79, Norcatur, a retired carpenter and a full-time evangelist, died Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Hays Medical Center.

Jim was born March 15, 1944, in McCook, Neb., to James W. and Marjorie (Bogart) Plotts. He was raised on a Decatur County farm and graduated in 1961 from Decatur Community High School.

In 1965, he and Tammy Aase were married. They had four children. They divorced in 1985.

Jim graduated from the Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock, Texas in 1966, and planted a Church of Christ in Norton. He left full-time ministry in 1972 and moved his family to Colorado where he worked as a carpenter and construction foreman. He was a member of the Southwest Carpenter's Labor Union. While in Colorado, Jim became involved with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and became a Scout Master and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He encouraged both of his sons to became Eagle Scouts, an accomplishment he was very proud of.

Jim moved back to Decatur County in 1986, where he worked for a boat factory in the upholstery department. He eventually started his own business, Plotts Construction.

On Oct. 8, 1994, he and Carolyn (Kelley) Roberson were married in the gazebo at Centennial Park, downtown Oberlin. Jim and Carolyn almost immediately began remodeling his house in Oberlin, readying it for sale. Later he became the prime subject of his wife's columns.

The Plottses relocated to Norcatur, where Jim again tackled another house remodel. Jim had many interests. In addition to construction, Jim was a professional sign maker, an amateur astronomer, geologist, a good shade-tree mechanic, a welder, singer and guitarist … but, always and foremost, he was an evangelist. It was his mission to spread the Gospel message to as many people as he could.

Together, he and Carolyn, led a prison ministry at Norton Correctional Facility for more than 26 years and they participated in more than 35 home builds in Juarez and Acuna, Mexico with the ministry, Casas por Cristo.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeremy; a great-granddaughter, Freya Pieper; his sister, Mary Bennett; his in-laws, Claude and Dorothy Kelley; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Bob (Bert) Kelley, Bill (Betty June) Kelley, Don (Liz) Kelley, and Jim Kelley.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of the home; one son, James (Charlotte) Plotts, Norcatur; two daughters, Jennifer Auxier and Becky Yancey, both of San Antonio; two step-daughters, Kara Bravo, Dallas, Halley Roberson, Beloit; one brother, Gene (Mary Lou) Plotts, Oberlin; a brother-in-law, Roger Bennett, McCook; one brother-in-law, Dick (Donna) Kelley, Oberlin; two sisters-in-law, Linda Kelley, Lawrence, Kathryn Kelley VanZandt, Orlando, Fla.; six granddaughters, Angelia Yancey, Chantelle (Zack) Pieper, Aniston Auxier, all of San Antonio; Alexandria Auxier, Denver, Taylor (Levi) Knight, Dallas, Chanel Carbillon, Alaska; one grandson, Liam Carbillon, Alaska; five great-grandchildren Kayden, Lucian, Davina, Ivar, Natias and Alora (due in June).

Funeral services were held March 9 at the Norton Christian Church with Nate Hagen and Darel Boston officiating. Burial was a private family service in the Oberlin Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following non-profit 501(c)3 organizations; The Haven or Lori's Place, 813 N. Grant Ave., Norton, Kan. 67654 or to Christian Evangelizing Association of Kansas, Box 3252, Shawnee, Kan. 66203.

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, Oberlin was in charge of arrangements.

Obituary Preview: Dale Francis Meitl, 63, passed away on February 4, 2024. Dale was born on June 30, 1960, to Walter and Rosella (Bange) Meitl in Colby, KS.

Dale grew up on the family farm south of Oberlin and attended Leoville and Oberlin Elementary Schools and graduated from Decatur County High School in 1978. After high school Dale went to Colby Community College and received an Associates of Arts Degree. Then he attended Fort Hays State University to study Art Education. After Fort Hays, Dale enrolled for a short time at Conception Seminary in Conception, MO.

Dale had many jobs in his life from construction, nursing home maintenance, lawn care, and many others. But Dale loved art, any type of art. He loved to draw in pencil, colored pencil, ink, and all kinds of paint. While at Fort Hays the Denver Zoo decided to purchase three of Dale’s art pieces and printed them on shirts that the zoo would sell. Dale had many pieces of art, but one piece was extra special to him, and it was called “The Passion”. “The Passion” was sold statewide, nationwide, worldwide and can be seen in Catholic Magazines.

Dale was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus for 45 years. Dale’s road through life was tough but he always kept a strong faith in God.

Dale is survived by mother: Rosella Meitl; brothers: Charlie (Debbie) Meitl, Gary (Tina) Meitl, and Carl (Stephanie) Meitl; sisters: Joyce (Robert) Miller and Karen (Shawn) Dooley; he is also survived by 4 nephews, 8 nieces, and many extended family and friends. Dale was preceded by his grandparents, father: Walter Meitl; 4 infant siblings and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held on February 9, 2024 from 1:00-7:00PM at Plumer – Gobber Funeral Home, with family receiving guests from 5:00-7:00PM. A Rosary will be held at 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oberlin, KS at 10:30AM. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leoville, KS. Memorial contribution may be made out to the Dale Meitl Memorial Fund. Condolence can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Mayme Ruth DuBois was born December 26, 1930 in Stanton County, KS to James and Leah (Keesling) Lofland. She passed away at the age of 93 on January 24, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Society of Decatur County.

Mayme started her life in Stanton County before moving to Great Bend and graduated from Great Bend High School in 1948. She married Don A. DuBois on December 30, 1949 in Great Bend. Mayme spent most of her career at Dodge City Humara Hospital in Dodge City, KS as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Mayme spent several years working as an EMT in the ambulance that her husband Don drove.

Mayme was preceded in death by her parents: James and Leah Lofland; husband: Don DuBois; siblings: James Lofland, Mary Alice Biskeborn, Arthur Lofland, Pauline Crowley, Letha Luther, and Elsie Hiss; sons: Dan and David DuBois; great-granddaughter: Danielle DuBois. Mayme is survived by her sister: Darlene Unruh, Cypress, TX; daughter: Diana Sue Fillpot of Roanoke, VA; daughter-in-law: Ut T. Tran of Wichita, KS; daughter-in-law Tami DuBois of Hill City, KS; grandchildren: Darla Myhre of Roanoke, VA, Dale (Kat) Fillpot of Roanoke, VA, Tahnee Webster of Wichita, KS, Wesley (Ann) DuBois of Norton, KS, Whitney (Jay) Nickelson of Penokee, KS, Clayton DuBois (Ashley) of Norton, KS; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the Jennings United Methodist Church, Jennings. Inurnment will follow in the Jennings Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Society of Decatur County. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Obituary Preview: Linda Joan (Kinser) Stanley, 76, passed away peacefully in her home in Oberlin, KS with loved ones by her side on December 28, 2023 after a battle with lung cancer. Linda was the eldest daughter born to Joe and Josephine (Von Schuetz) Kinser on September 10, 1947 in Norton, KS. The Kinser family lived on a farm south of Jennings - near Allison. She attended Allison Rural School for three years then went to Jennings Grade School and High School where she graduated in 1965. After graduating, she went to Stormont-Vail Hospital School of Nursing in Topeka for a 36-month Diploma program on a generous scholarship from the George Robb Fund. After nursing school, she worked at Norton County Hospital and then continued her career with Decatur Health in Oberlin as a Registered Nurse dedicating 45 years of care to her patients. It brought such joy to Linda that two of her granddaughters, Emily and Malilah, followed in her footsteps and are currently Registered Nurses with successful new careers.

Linda married John Stanley in July of 1969. They were blessed with four children - Chad, Chanda, and twins - Chaylene and Christina. John and Linda first made their home in Norton, KS and then settled in Oberlin, KS where they lived happily for nearly 50 years. Over the years, Linda developed a love of gardening and reading. She was known to spend countless hours nurturing her garden and flowers throughout the spring and summertime. Linda had a knack for grabbing the unwanted plants at the end of the season and nursing them back to their intended beauty. Her home was filled with plants of all types and books in every corner. Some people have car chapstick, purse chapstick, bedside chapstick … Linda had car books, purse books, bedside books, living room books, garage books, and kitchen books - always reading more than one at a time.

Linda is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, her parents, Joseph and Josephine Kinser, her brothers, Tim Kinser and Jerry Kinser and his wife Sandi, her sister, Kay Reedy, and her parents-in-law Norman and Dorothy Stanley.

Linda is survived by her children - Chad (Susan) Stanley, Chanda (Leonard) Fleckenstein, Chaylene (Andrew) Buzard, and Christina (Eric) Green, grandchildren - Addeson, Ryder, Emily, Hannah, Mickey Ann, Hunter, Haisly, Malilah, Mason, Madilyn, and Maddix, great grandchildren - Amelia and Gwenivere, her sister - Janet (Damon) Morrin, her brother - John (Kay) Kinser, and countless in-laws, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and several lifelong friends. She was dearly loved and will be truly missed by many.

Obituary Preview: Carey Leorin Berry, 66, passed away on December 8, 2023, in McCook, NE. Carey was born on November 23, 1957, to Rex Berry and Betty (Richards) Berry in Oberlin, KS.

Carey was raised in Oberlin and attended Decatur Community High School. After high school Carey traveled around the country for several years and then met his future wife, Terry VanPelt. They married July 28, 1990, and settled in Cedar Bluffs where he assumed the unofficial role of Mayor and transportation director of Semi-trucks.

Carey’s love of motorcycles was only surpassed by his love of family and friends. Carey loved life to the fullest and made great friends wherever he went.

He is survived by wife Terry Berry; daughters: Stephanie Chadwick of Gardner, KS, Rachel Klotz of Garnder, KS; sisters: Vicki Gillett of Wichita, KS and Linda (Rick) Deibert of Overbrook, KS; brother: Kevin (Barb) Berry of Cedar Bluffs, KS; granddaughters: McKenzie (Zach) Banks, (Paislee & Oakley) of Olathe, KS and Raven Diduargleuth of Gardner, KS; grandson: Kyler Johnson of Gardner, KS; nephews: Lonnie Morford (Lynn, Kwynn Layth), Garrett (Andrea) Berry (Alina), Logan Berry (Shelby), Mason Berry; niece: Renelle (Chris) Aytes (Joshua & Elijah); father-in-law: Charles VanPelt; brother-in-law: Randy VanPelt; the entire High Plains Drifter Family and cousins and friends.

Carey was preceded in death by parents: Rex and Betty Berry; grandparents: Leorin and Edith Richards and Clyde and Bessie Berry; nephew: Eric Gillett; mother-in-law: Anita VanPelt.

Obituary Preview: Elmer Lloyd Zierlein, 80, formerly of Lenora and Norton passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Beaver City Manor in Beaver City, NE. The son of Elmer and Maxine (Hughes) Zierlein was born on December 22, 1942, at the family farm northwest of Lenora, KS. Lloyd attended school in Lenora graduating in 1960 and attended Good Hope Community Church until its closing in 1972. He was also a member of and served as president of the Good Hope Boosters 4-H club.

After graduation he began his life of farming with his dad until he took over the farm when his dad retired. On November 13, 1976, he and the love of his life, Linda Wagoner, were married at the United Parish Church in Lenora. They lived briefly in Lenora before moving to the farm in May 1978. In addition to farming, Lloyd served on the boards of the Lenora Fire Fighters and the Lenora Mercantile Association. In 2004 they sold the farm and moved to Norton. During his semi-retirement, he worked for Car Parts and enjoyed delivering parts and meeting people in northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska. Some of Lloyd and Linda’s favorite trips were to New Orleans, Nashville, and Las Vegas, but they really enjoyed one or two day drives throughout western Kansas and Nebraska exploring the area they loved so much. They also wintered in south Texas for a couple of years but preferred their home in Norton. In 2018 they moved to Holdrege, NE, and later to Beaver City Manor where Linda passed away on January 19, 2022.

Lloyd was a self-taught accordion and harmonica player. He mostly played for himself and family, but most recently he was known to wheel down the halls at Beaver City Manor and play for residents he thought might enjoy some entertainment. He once said he felt his purpose in life now was to make people happy. He had a unique ability to make one feel better for having spent time with him. A cousin said he was “the light of the family”. He had a great interest in family history, and through his research, gathered extensive information on the Zierlein and Hughes sides of the family.

He is survived by daughter: Andrea (Dennis) Baranowski; grandchildren: Ashley, Phoenix, and Eric; great granddaughter: Novah, all of Wichita, KS; great step-granddaughter: Brittany of Austin, TX; brothers: Larry (Marcia) of New Braunfels, TX, and Lynn (Sharon) of Manhattan, KS; stepsisters: Deanna (Steve) Blankenship, Gin Harper and Lyn Smiley, all of Edmond, OK; stepbrother: Ron (Beatrice) Heikes, Wichita of KS, and several nieces and nephews.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Maxine, his wife Linda and stepmother, May (Heikes).

Obituary Preview: Lynn Arlen Johnson was born November 9, 1938, in Loveland, CO and departed this life on November 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by family and precious dog, Snookie.

Lynn was the youngest of five children born to Floyd and Hazel (Williams) Johnson. In 1943 the family moved from Loveland, CO to Longmont, CO to pursue farming. The family moved in 1947 to Oberlin, KS to a farm Northeast of Oberlin. His education began at Saint Varian in Longmont. After moving to the Oberlin area, Lynn attended Sunny Slope country school until 8th grade graduation. In 1952 he attended DCHS and graduated as a Red Devil in 1956.

After graduation he spent a summer on a harvest crew that traveled from Cherokee, OK, to Mohall, ND. Upon returning he was employed at Don’s Supermarket for 13 years.

Lynn wed Roberta Wurm on September 27, 1959, at St. John’s Lutheran in Oberlin and were married for 61 years before Roberta’s passing. Before marrying, he completed the confirmation classes and was baptized. He was very involved over the years at St. John’s serving as Sunday School teacher, church council board member, and elder. His walk with Christ deepened greatly in his final years. He enjoyed daily devotions with his caregiver, Chantelle, and openly spoke of his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lynn and Roberta were blessed with two daughters, Sherri in 1962, and Shelli in 1965. For 16 years the young family enjoyed life on a farm in Harlan Township. Some of Lynn’s favorite days were working the soil, harvesting the wheat, raising cattle, horses, and hogs. He especially embraced his neighbors and built lifelong friendships.

In 1985, they sold their farm, obtained real estate licenses, and were employed by Farm and Ranch Realty. Lynn was the top land salesperson for several years in a row. Johnson Reality was established on Main Street of Oberlin in 1991. They maintained a very successful business selling land and houses until their retirement in 2020.

Lynn enjoyed so many things throughout his 85 years. He was known to have 9 lives, as he survived many life-threatening accidents and health issues. He loved people, gardening, long drives in the country, rodeos, and horses. He loved visiting with longtime friends, having a cold one and corny jokes. But most of all, he cherished his family and good friends. Lynn was blessed with a huge 85th birthday celebration 20 days before passing. Family and friends rallied around him expressing their love and friendships. Lynn was indeed a man that left a legacy that impacted so many.

He survived by 2 daughters and 2 sons in laws: Sherri and Terry Ramsey of Derby, and Shelli and Jay Fortin of Oberlin; 4 grandchildren: Josh and Lisa Fortin, Jacob and Mika Fortin, Bryson and Megan, and Bryanna Ramsey; 8 great grandchildren: Brody, Aubree, Lane, Kasen, Kruze, Olivia, Jovi, Demi; sister-in-law: Jackie Votapka of Clifton, KS; Chantelle Fortin, primary caregiver and a team of outstanding caregivers: Diana, Jessica, Kristin, Mary Jane, Gabbie, Gracie, Karina, and Megan. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents: Floyd and Hazel; wife: Roberta; brothers: Lowell and Lyle; sisters: Alice Capps and infant Ardis Johnson; sister-in-law; Georgia Johnson; brothers-in-law: Vidal Capps and Neil Votapka; niece: Kimberly Capps-Gautier; and parents in law: Bob and Merna Wurm.

Obituary Preview: John Ray Gould was born September 10, 1943, at the St. Thomas Hospital in Colby, Kansas. He was the third of the three children born to Clarence Marion and Beatrice Blanche (Simmons) Gould.

He grew up on the family farm northeast of Rexford, living there until he moved into town with his mother. He attended the Rexford Schools, graduating in 1961.

He attended church at the Rexford Community Church and most recently the Colby Independent Baptist Church.

He worked for many farmers in the area until beginning a career as an electrician. He received his training while working with Smith Electric in Colby. He later opened the Bullseye Electric business in Rexford. Here he continued doing electrical and other handyman jobs for the community.

John enjoyed hunting and fishing all his life. He helped teach his nieces and nephews, as well as other community youth through the Hunters Safety Courses, the safe ways to handle guns and ammunition.

After serving in the Kansas National Guard for many years he joined and continued membership in The American Legion. Continuing his membership in Post 0324 in Rexford for 56 years.

He also loved his dogs, he had a special liking for black Labs and owned serve during his lifetime. Ruby being the last lab that he owned.

John loved to take his motorcycle out for rides. His family never really knew where he would go but enjoyed finding out about his rides when he returned home.

John passed away at the Swedish Hospital in Denver, on November 28, 2023.

He is survived by his sister: Delores I. Dible; nephews: Darrel Dible and David Gould; nieces: Cindy Shubert, Darla Kaye Dible and DeAnn Dible; great-nephews: Matthew Gould, Jeremy Gould, Marty Boutte, Brandon Boutte, Ryan Altman, and Casey Gould; great-nieces: Bailey Boutte and Shayna Altman. Many other family and friends also survive him.

John was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Beatrice; brother: Carrol Gould; sister-in-law: Lorraine Gould; brother-in- law: Keith Dible; nephew-in-law: Mike Shubert; nephew: Kenneth Gould; nieces: Teri Gould and Brandy Boutte.

Because of his love for Labs, the memorial is designated for the KSDS Assistance Dogs of Washington, Kansas as they use labs trained as service dogs. Donations may be sent to Paul’s Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749, or direct to KSDS in his name, KSDS Assistance Dogs, 120 West 7th Street, Washington, Kansas, 66968.

Obituary Preview: Roger Harold O’Hare, son of Elton Ray and Mildred May (McCashland) O’Hare was born October 14, 1946 in Oberlin, KS and passed away peacefully at his home in Grove, OK on November 17, 2023 at the age of 77.

Roger grew up in the Lyle, KS community and attended Spring Branch School and Norcatur High School. He attended Wichita Technical Institute before entering the U.S. Army in 1966. Roger served domestically and in Europe until his honorable discharge in February 1972. On November 9, 1968, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Connie Lee Michel. Together, they raised two sons, Patrick John and Michel Ray.

Roger and Connie were self-employed, owning O’Hare Oil Company in Norcatur, KS and the Amoco service station in Goodland, KS. Roger also worked for Yost Farm Supply in Goodland, KS where he enjoyed traveling the Midwest visiting with farmers while making his favorite sales of 4-wheel drive tractors and No-Till drills. Roger volunteered for 20+ years on the Norcatur Fire Department.

Roger loved teaching his sons to hunt and fish. He enjoyed NASCAR, dirt track stock car racing in northwest Kansas, boating, and road trips throughout the U.S. During the summer months, Roger and Connie enjoyed exploring various lakes in their RV. Roger always claimed he couldn’t wait “to get on the road again” and would play the song in their truck any time they began their travels. In fact, as they would leave a campground, they would open their windows and Roger would turn up the volume on the stereo and they’d wave to everyone as they made their grand exit. Roger and Connie were huge Denver Broncos fans and relished a family rivalry when their sons became KC Chiefs fans.

In December 2018, Roger and Connie purchased a home on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Grove, Oklahoma, which had fast become their favorite lake. From their deck, they enjoyed not only the lake view, but the deer and other wildlife passing by their backyard. Every summer, Roger would supervise as Connie planted brightly colored flowers in pots for their enjoyment all summer long. Many of these flowers brought in hummingbirds and cardinals which the couple began feeding.

Roger’s personality was full of wit and humor. He loved a good laugh, usually at his own expense, although he enjoyed telling stories of other’s silliness as well. He had the ability to talk with any stranger and immediately make them feel like they had been friends for years. Roger’s lively spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joleen O’Hare. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Connie, of 55 years; sons Patrick O’Hare (Wendy) of Topeka, KS, and Michel O’Hare (Jennifer) of Lincoln, KS; grandchildren Connor O’Hare of Hays, KS, Landon O’Hare and Kaden O’Hare of Lincoln, KS, Dalton Cooper, Del Rio, TX, Evan Gronau (Megan) of Baldwin City, KS and Avery Gronau of Lawrence, KS; great-grandchildren Maggie Gronau and Garrison Gronau of Baldwin City, KS; brothers Rodney O’Hare (Janice) of Norton, KS and Ronald O’Hare of Denver, CO; sisters Mary Morse of Beaver City, NE, Devra Byers (Kurt) of Hays, KS, and Cynthia Hattrup (Steve) of Coppell, TX. A memorial graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 10:00AM at the Norcatur Cemetery in Norcatur, KS where Roger participated for many years in the Memorial Day veterans’ service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Norcatur, KS Avenue of Flags in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com

Obituary Preview: Dorothy M. Lawn was born on January 17, 1926, in Corning, KS to Douglas & Pearl (Bobbitt) Foster. She passed away November 12, 2023, at Emerald Care Nursing & Rehab in Cozad, NE at the age of 97.

When Dorothy was 1½ years old the family moved by horse drawn covered wagon to Dresden, KS where she grew up with older siblings Flave, Irene, Maurice (Buster), Elfred and Lucile.

At the age of five she started school and graduated 8th grade receiving her first watch. Dorothy graduated high school in 1943 and later moved to Norton, KS and lived with her sister, Lucile, helping her care for her nephew Stephen while her brother-in-law Howard was in the army, while also working at Stapleton Drug Store as a soda jerk.

In August of 1947 she met John Joe Lawn. Their first date was to the county fair, and they went fishing the next day at the Prairie Dog Creek.

On July 28, 1948, Dorothy and John were married at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton, KS. Religion was a great part of Dorothy’s life. Though the years she read the family bible twice.

Dorothy lived in Norton until 1955 before moving to the family farm in Norton County; where she resided before the family moved in 1963 to Norcatur, KS, because the Norton Reservoir was constructed.

While raising her family, Dorothy worked at the Cardinal Café in Norcatur for 20 years. There she cooked, waited on customers, and bussed tables.

In fall of 2004, Dorothy moved back to Norton where she resided until fall of 2017 (after being a longtime resident of Kansas) moving to Gothenburg, NE to be closer to her daughter Patty and family. In 2018 she moved to Emerald Care in Cozad, NE where she resided until she passed.

Dorothy learned to sew and embroidery at an early age by getting ideas from catalogs. Creating her own patterns and making clothes for her dolls and for herself. She had an eye for design making her daughters dresses, shirts for her sons, pillowcases, dresser scarves and quilts, which she made for her grandkids and great grandkids until her eyes would no longer let her.

At the age of nine she started collecting salt & pepper shakers and at one time had over 3,000, which included a lot from her brothers while they served in the armed forces. She also collected pens, pencils, and refrigerator magnets.

Dorothy was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals (baseball) and Kansas Jayhawks (basketball). She also had a sweet tooth for DQ strawberry sundaes that her granddaughter’s April and August always brought her. Her ideal time was reading the bible, romance novels or doing word searches.

Survivors include her daughters Priscilla Duncan, Aurora, CO; Patricia (Fred) Beachel-Darnall, Gothenburg, NE; Donna Wiscombe, Bradford, Ontario, Canada; Brenda (Gabriel) Palma, Salome, AZ; sons Jim (Lea) and Kevin (Lori) both of Kearney, NE; son-in-law Ed Fowler, Norton, KS.

Grandchildren: Melanie, Joshua, Coleen, Corey, Toby, Aaron, Becky, April, August, Jennifer, Chris, Matthew, Dawn, Lynn, Melisa, Kyle, Samantha, Blake, Lance, Jordan, and Caiden.

Great grandchildren: Kristofer, Jacob, Hannah, Kenna, Morgan, Lauryn, Madison, Tristan, Marley, Jude, Perry, Jaron, Lily, Joseph, Donovan, Brandon, Hannah, Taylor, Trever, Tiara, Trent, Addison, Keegan, Delaney, Camden, Cody, Elliott, Mitchell, Kristen, Dayton, Preston, Carrington, Katie, Devon, Bresarias, Karis and Sophia.

Great-great grandchildren: Kalyn, Brodie, Avalon, Elsalyn, Braden and Atlas.

Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Dorothy’s family was her world. After visits from family and friends she would blow you kisses and tell you “Don’t take any wooden nickels.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband John Joe, son John Richard, daughters Marlina and Loretta, son-in-law Michael Duncan, granddaughter Berkly Millan, grandson Michael Beachel and great granddaughter Mary Jane Hernandez.

Funeral service on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Joshua officiating with burial at the Norton Cemetery. Rosary will be held at 10:00 am Friday morning. Visitation will be Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, KS. Live streaming will be available on the funeral home’s website.

Obituary Preview: Rudi Nel, 51, passed away on November 11, 2023 in Hoxie, Kansas. Rudi was born on September 20, 1972 to Ferdinand Martinus and Magdalena Johanna (Dewet) Nel in East London.

Rudi was raised in East London and graduated from John Orr Tech in 1990. After high school Rudi went to Port Elizabeth and met Christina Johanna Van Der Schyff who he later married. He then became a father to a son Ricardo Nel and a year later had a daughter Kharlista Nel. In 2022 he became a proud grandfather of Sebastian Tevin Marx who he loved so very much. Rudi lived for his family and would do anything and everything to make them happy and make sure they are cared for. Rudi loved anything motor related, spending time with his friends and family and dancing, he really enjoyed dancing! Survivors: (wife) Christa, (Son) Ricardo, Daughter (Kharlista), (Grandson), Sebastian, (granddaughter) Kaylin, (sister) Adri, (Brother) Zayn Preceded: (Mother) Magdalena, (Father) Martinus

Obituary Preview: Romajean (Unger) Hahn, 92, passed away on October 30th, 2023, in Aurora, Colorado.

Romajean was born on December 11th, 1930, to Carl and Lydia Unger in Traer, Kansas.

Romajean was raised on a farm near Oberlin, Kansas. She graduated from Decatur County High School in 1949. Following graduation, she worked at Decatur County National Bank. In 1953, she married Harold Hahn. During that time, she attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and graduated with a BS in Education. The family moved to Hutchinson, KS, in 1971. Romajean was a successful teacher and obtained a master's degree from Wichita State University. Romajean was a devout Missouri Synod Lutheran. She also enjoyed art, especially calligraphy. She was very family-orientated and was a wonderful grandmother. She eventually settled in the Denver area to be close to her daughter and family.

Romajean is survived by her son Howard Hahn (Sherry) Manhattan, Kansas. Her daughter HaLeigh Chase (Joseph), Aurora, Colorado. Two grandchildren, Lucy (Chase), Juranek (Nathan), and Joseph L Chase III (Megan). She said many times, her grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Obituary Preview: Cheryl Ann Votapka, age 79, passed away on October 19, 2023, in Oberlin, Kansas. Cheryl was born on June 14, 1944, to Everett and Odene (Bradley) Koehler in Oberlin.

Cheryl was raised in Oberlin and graduated from Decatur Community Junior/Senior High School in 1962. After high school, Cheryl studied at Fort Hays State University. She married Dale Votapka on August 8, 1965. Together they raised three daughters, Beth, Pamela, and Luanne.

Cheryl was a homemaker and also served as an EMT, election worker, swim instructor, and volunteer at the Decatur County Museum. She loved quilting, sewing, baking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her three daughters: Beth, Pamela (and her husband, Eric) Huerter, and Luanne (and her husband, Rick) Rowlison; grandchildren: Matthew, Kelly, Finnegan, Maxwell, Jack, Joshua, Jonathan, and Jonah. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Odene and her husband, Dale.