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See Barbara Neff Ladner
Wilbur A. Surdez, 58, a native of this area, died at his home here Monday noon following an illness which lasted about a year. He was a victim of lung cancer.
He was a former business man in Onaga, operating the Schwarz Standard Station under lease from Mr. Schwarz. After giving up his lease at the service station in 1955, he accepted employment with the city of Onaga, serving as Water Commissioner and Fire Chief. He held this position with the city until his illness caused him to retire late in 1964.
Prior to leasing the Standard station; Mr. Surdez had farmed in the Neuchatel area and before that in South Dakota.
He was born near Neuchatel, Kansas on August 24, 1907. While an infant of but a few days, his mother died, and his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Junod, took him to rear as their own.
Wilbur attended grade school at Wheaton, Kansas and high school at Onaga, graduating with the class of 1927.
He was a member of the Congregational Church at Onaga, and a member of Onaga Lodge No. 188, A.F.&A.M.
He is survived by his wife, Bertha of the home here; two brothers, F. A. Surdez of Sioux Falls, S. D. and Lester Surdez of Onaga; a half-brother, Tell Surdez of Kansas City, Mo., the aunt and foster mother, Mrs. Alfred (Esther) Junod; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at the Congregational Church in Onaga this afternoon, Thursday, at 2:00 p.m., the Rev. Millard Marshall officiating. Interment will be in the Neuchatel cemetery, and graveside services will be conducted by Onaga Masonic Lodge, with the Rev. R. E. Williams in charge.
Sarah Elizabeth Surdez, 84, Sabetha, died Monday, February 14, 1994, at the Sabetha Hospital.
Mrs. Surdez was born October 9, 1994, on a farm near Lillis, the daughter of Walter and Minnie Yarger Cogswell. She was graduated from Blue Rapids High School in 1926. Mrs. Surdez taught school in Marshall County and later worked in a Sabetha café.
She was a member of the former First Baptist Church in Sabetha.
She was married to Richard A. Surdez on July 20, 1927, in Seneca. He preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were an infant son, two sisters, a brother, a granddaughter and a grandson.
Survivors include two sons, Daryl Surdez, Sabetha, and Leo Surdez, Cathey’s Valley, California; four daughters, Bonnie Dreher, Humboldt, Nebraska, Frances Stewart, Gretna, Nebraska, Mary Kagle, Horton, and Joann Sawyer, Fair Play, Missouri; a sister, Nora Baker, Frankfort; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 20, at Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Burial was in the Vermillion Cemetery.
----------------SECOND OBITUARY BELOW
Sarah Elizabeth Surdez, 84, Sabetha, died Monday, February 14, 1994, at a Sabetha hospital.
Services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 20, from the Popkess Mortuary, Sabetha. The Rev. Blaine Shaffer officiated.
Iola Popkess was organist and John Walton sang “Sweet By and By” and “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere.”
Pallbearers were Allen Dreher, Terry Dreher, Robbie Flowers, Jim Graf, Brad Smith and Rod Smith. Derek Surdez was an honorary pallbearer.
Burial was in the Vermillion Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, in care of the Popkess Mortuary, Sabetha.
She was born October 9, 1909, the daughter of Walter Cogswell and Minnie Yarger, on a farm near Lillis. She graduated from Blue Rapids High School in 1926. She taught school in Marshall County.
She married Richard A. Surdez July 20, 1927, in Seneca. They spent much of their lives in Lillis before moving to Sabetha. After leaving the farm and moving to Sabetha, she was employed at the Midway Café.
At the time of her death she was a resident at the Sabetha Fountain Villa.
She was a member of the former First Baptist Church in Sabetha.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Richard, a sister and a brother, one grand-daughter, one grandson, one infant sister and an infant son.
Survivors are two sons, Daryl Surdez, Sabetha, Leo Surdez, Cathey's Valley, California; four daughters, Bonnie Dreher, Humboldt, Nebraska; Frances Stewart, Gretna, Nebraska; Mary Kagle, Horton, and Joann Sawyer, Fairplay, Missouri, one sister Nora Baker of the Frankfort Care Home; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Mr. Luther Strosnider, 75, of the Fairview community passed away on Monday morning, March 14, in a Topeka hospital.
Mr. Strosnider was a native of Pottawatomie County, having been born on the farm which was his home until the time of his death. He was a prominent farmer and also operated a rock quarry on Highway 63 south of Havensville.
Survivors include his wife, Zilda of the home; two daughters, Mrs. Pete Schilling of Mayetta, and Mrs. William Palmer of Nashville, Tennessee, and four grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Verschelden Funeral Home at St. Marys, with burial in the Fairview cemetery, depending on weather conditions.
Word was received here on Friday morning of the death of Mrs. Ana Strosnider of Manhattan, who had passed away in her sleep. She was the wife of the late Elymas Strosnider.
Funeral services were held in Emmett on Tuesday with burial at the St. Clere cemetery.
Arthur Surdez, Sr., 83, passed away on Thursday of last week at Community Hospital here following a short illness.
He was born June 2, 1881 at Peuchapatte, Switzerland, and moved to the United States with his parents when he was five years old. They settled in the Neuchatel community northwest of Onaga, and Mr. Surdez spent the greater part of his life there. He was a farmer all his life except for a few ears when he was employed by the railroad. At the time of his retirement in 1956, he and his wife moved into Onaga.
Survivors include his wife, Louise, of the home; two sons, Arthur, Jr. of Vermillion and Walter of Frankfort; three daughters, Mrs. Merl Berges and Mrs. James Everhart, both of Wamego, and Mrs. C. H. New of La Puente, California, three brothers, Oscar of Centralia, Aurel of Frankfort and Albert of Lennox, South Dakota; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Dodds of Centralia and Mrs. Freeman Ingalsbe of Onaga; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services were at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Congregational Church here with burial in Neuchatel Cemetery.
Almon F. Stelter, 73, Blaine died Monday, July 22, 1991, at Onaga Community Hospital following a tractor accident. He was a farmer and lived in the Blaine area all his life.
He was born February 8, 1918, near Blaine, the son of Albert Frank and Matilda Marten Stelter.
Mr. Stelter was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wheaton. He served in the Armed Forces from 1941 to 1945.
He was married to Rose Ella Schumacher June 10, 1962, at Holton. She survives. Twins William and Wilma preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Ella, of the home; two sons, Ronald Stelter, Manhattan, and Larry Stelter of the home; three sisters, Rosalinde Berg, Blaine, Elsie Larrison, Holton, and Dora Taylor, Topeka; and one brother, Herman Stelter, Wheaton.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wheaton. Burial will be in St. Luke Lutheran North Cemetery at Wheaton. A prayer service was held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Kufahl Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Mr. Oscar Surdez, 97, of Centralia, were at 2 p.m. Friday at Hayes Funeral Home in Centralia, with interment in Neuchatel Cemetery. Mr. Surdez died Tuesday, October 26, at Onaga Community Hospital after a short illness.
The son of Aurelia and Mary Cattin Surdez, he was born November 1, 1878 at Peuchappatte, Switzerland. At the age of seven he came to Kansas with his parents, three brothers and one sister and settled on a farm northeast of Neuchatel. He spent most of his life in the Neuchatel community where he farmed.
He was married to Mattie Morrison of the Baileyville community on April 19, 1906. She preceded him in death April 29, 1966. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and five brothers.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Beatrice Mars and Mrs. Bernice Mars, both of Centralia: a son, Richard Surdez of Sabetha; a sister, Mrs. Anna Ingalsbe of Onaga; 14 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
Hettie Summervill, 93, daughter of William and Matilda Carter, was born January 10, 1862, at Avon, Ohio and came to Kansas with her parents in 1868, at the age of six. She died at her home north of Neuchatel on July 11, 1955 at 2:00 a.m.
Her parents settled in Centralia and lived there until they moved to Neuchatel community, where she grew to womanhood.
On August 12, 1886, she was married to Isaac Summervill. To this union were born eight children, seven girls and one boy.
She was the eldest of ten children. The family included seven boys and three girls.
She came as a bride to her present home 69 years ago. It has been her home ever since.
Mrs. Summervill was always ready to help care for the sick, or do whatever she could to help her neighbors and her family.
She was always cheerful, and loved children. Besides her own, she cared for three grandchildren.
At an early age she was baptized into the Christian church. She attended Sunday School and church as long as her health permitted.
She was preceded in death by her husband, who died July 15, 1913, and two daughters, Elvia and Mrs. Bertha Edmond, and a son, Al.
She leaves to mourn her passing, 5 daughters, Philura Surdaz of Frankfort, Bessie Landis of Topeka, Katie Maskil of Vermillion, Creta Schweitzer of Goff and Ruth Edmond of Onaga.
She also leaves her sisters, May Downer and Lina Liddle of Rogers, Arkansas, one sister-in-law, Nellie Carter***********
Written at the end in cursive: Buried Mulberry Cemetery.
Blanche S. Stotts, 93, Marysville, died Saturday, December 26, 1992, at a Marysville nursing home.
She was born August 10, 1899, in the Neuchatel community north of Onaga, the daughter of Jade and Rose Mentha Keeney.
She had been a teacher and had operated a tavern and liquor store.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church.
She was married to Charles Stotts in 1920 in Onaga. He died November 8, 1958.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Ida Umphenhour, and two brothers, Earl Keeney and Roy Keeney.
Survivors include a daughter, Lila Kossow, Marysville; a brother, Claude Keeney, Marysville; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
Services were at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. Burial was in Neuchatel Cemetery north of Onaga.
Ross Harold Stine, son of Thomas and Nancy Carder Stine was born at Simpson, Kansas on September 14, 1894 and passed away at Veterans Hospital, Wadsworth, Kansas on Tuesday, August 18, 1864.
While a small child he was baptized in the Methodist faith. He was a member of a family of 12 children, 10 boys and two girls. One sister Mrs. Ella Anderson of Beloit, Kansas, survives him.
Mr. Stine had resided in Onaga for the past 50 years, and had been employed by the Union Pacific Railroad for 35 years. He retired from the railroad on November 14, 1959.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Onaga Masonic Lodge.
His wife, Ethel Keeney, survives him.
Memorial services were held Saturday, August 22, at 2 o’clock at the Tessendorf Chapel here with burial in the Onaga Cemetery.
Relatives and friends from out-of-town who were here for the funeral were Mrs. Ella Anderson, and Dr. and Mrs. Pearl Anderson, Beloit, Dr. and Mrs. Max Anderson, Concordia; Mrs. Blanche Stotts, Marysville; Mrs. Ida Umphenour, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bowers, Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Bonjour, Topeka; Mr. and Mrs. Orville Jenkins, Emmett; Mrs. Duane McDaniel, Chanute; Dr. and Mrs. Frederic Zickefoose and Jane, Rossville; Mr. and Mrs., Marvin Kelly, Junction City; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Lay Manhattan and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Naaf, Oketo.
Onaga – Lester G. Surdez, 66, of Neuchatel, north of Onaga, died Wednesday at his home. He had been a farmer in the Neuchatel community since 1951.
He was born May 16, 1905 at Neuchatel, and had lived there most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of the Onaga VFW Post No. 7772, White Pigeon Grange and of the Neuchatel Township Cemetery Board.
Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Lester Surdez, of the home; two stepsons, Edwin Bryan, Neuchatel, and Leslie Bryan, Belle Fourche, South Dakota, and Tell Surdez, Kansas City.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Onaga Congregational Church. Burial will be in Neuchatel Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Onaga VFW Post No. 7772. Tessendorf Mortuary, Onaga, is in charge of arrangements.
ONAGA – Aurel F. Surdez, 96, died Sunday at his home here.
He was born September 8, 1876, in Switzerland, and lived in the United States since 1885. He spent most of his life in the Neuchatel community north of Onaga. He lived in Frankfort several years and also in California before he moved to Onaga.
He was a member of the Congregational Church in the Neuchatel community. He was a farmer before he retired.
His wife, Mrs. Philura Surdez, died in 1970.
Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Vera Jeanneret, Onaga, Mrs. Loreen Riddle, Muskegon, Michigan, and Mrs. Mickey Sumner, Westminister, California; a son, Roland Surdez, Santee, California; a brother, Oscar Surdez, Centralia; a sister, Mrs. Anna Ingalsbe, Onaga; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Neuchatel Congregational Church north of Onaga. Burial will be in Neuchatel Cemetery. Tessendorf Mortuary at Onaga is in charge of arrangements.
Wilbur Dean Sweet, 72, Onaga, died Monday, October 30, 1995, at his home.
The son of Amburs and Ollie Dick Sweet, he was born February 5, 1923 north of Holton. He graduated from Onaga High School with the class of 1941.
Mr. Sweet worked for the U.S. Government as a guard in prison systems and other related duties. He later worked for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga and Onaga Post No. 7772 of the V.F.W. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, having received the Purple Heart in Sicily.
He was married to Marie Ramsey on October 25, 1941, in Wichita. They were divorced in December, 1943. He was married to Letha Purtee on April 4, 1964 in Holton. She died February 17, 1992. He then re-married Marie on January 4, 1993 in Westmoreland. She survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Helen Marchiselli, East Northport, Long Island, NY and Judy Ann Dominguez, Topeka; a sister, Hazel Cashman, Holton; four grandchildren and a great-grandson, and a niece, Kay Jufford, Holton
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Wilbur Dean Sweet, Jr., on June 22, 1965.
Graveside services with full military honors were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, at the Holton Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Community Hospice of Onaga in care of Tessendorf-Chapel Oaks Funeral home, Onaga.
Bernard A. Stegeman, 79, Onaga, died Wednesday, January 31, 1996, at the Golden Acres Nursing Center in Onaga.
He was born December 25, 1916 in the Coal Creek community north of Onaga, the son of Barney and Elizabeth Von Schemde Stegeman. He was a lifetime resident of the Coal Creek community.
He was a graduate of Onaga High School and received a teaching certificate from St. Benedict’s College in Atchison. He taught school for one year in southern Nemaha County.
Mr. Stegeman was a farmer and stockman, and also did carpentry work in the Onaga area.
He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Johanna Stegeman, who died in infancy, Katie Becker and Ann Gunn, and three brothers, Frank Stegeman, Henry Stegeman and Louis Stegeman.
Survivors include five sisters, Clara Burns, Rose Olberding and Josephine Spielman, all of Seneca, Elizabeth Denison, Overland Park, and Mary Holthaus, Onaga.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with burial in the Coal Creek Cemetery. Parish Rosary was recited at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Tessendorf-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga.
Arthur Surdez, 72, Seneca, died Friday, September 9, 1994, at a Topeka hospital.
He was born June 18, 1922, north of Onaga, the son of Arthur and Louise Rossier Surdez. He attended school at Neuchatel and Onaga and graduated from Centralia High School in 1940.
Mr. Surdez served four years in the Navy during World War II.
He was married to Helen Alexander on December 6, 1047, at Topeka. They lived and farmed at Neuchatel for six years before moving to Vermillion, where they also farmed. He retired in 1982 and moved to Seneca, where he worked at the Strathman Locker Plant, the Bern Locker and the Seneca Furniture Store.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Vermillion, and the Earle W. Taylor American Legion Post No. 21, Seneca.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; a son, Todd Surdez, Vermillion; two daughters, Linda Johnson, Axtell, and Debra Boden, Topeka; two sisters, Louise Everhart, Wamego, and Marjorie New, Stockton, Missouri; and eight grandchildren.
Jack J. Swisher, 78, Seneca, died Tuesday, April 30, 1996, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.
He was born June 10, 1917, on the family farm north of Onaga, the son of John and Helen Richardson Swisher. He grew up0 in Onaga and attended school there. He graduated from Onaga High School in 1935. He moved to Los Angeles and worked for a pipe line company. He was a member of the home guard unit of Civil Defense during World War II.
Mr. Swisher was a former member of Christ Lutheran Church in Topeka; a member of a Masonic Lodge in Topeka, and a member of the Seneca Golf Club.
On December 15, 1937, he married Helen Lair in Los Angeles, California where they lived and Jack played baseball on a semi-pro team as a catcher. They moved to Anaheim, California where he was a salesman for the Baker Supply Company. In 1946 they moved to Topeka where he worked for Sears as an appliance salesman. In 1967 he moved to Seneca where he managed the Sears catalog store for 16 years before retiring in 1983. Following retirement he managed the Seneca Golf Course for five years and gave free golf lessons to youth. He also coached with the American Legion Baseball organization for 20 years.
Survivors include his wife, Helen, of Seneca; two daughters, Barbara Wood, Hiawatha, and Janice Kessler, Seneca; two brothers, Wayne Swisher and Clayton Swisher, both of Seneca, a sister, Joy Bullock, Seneca; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Thursday, May 2, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
The subject of this sketch was born in Poppenhausen, Germany, on November 7 th, 1845, and died at his home at Burbank, Florida on July 2d, 1913, at the age of 67 years, and nine months of paralysis of which be was first afflicted in 1892 and which rendered him helpless ever since that time. The suffering which he has endured for the past twenty one years can not be described, yet his niece, Miss Josie Storch, testifies that he has born it with wonderful patience.
Mr. Storch spent his boyhood days in the place of his birth. At the age of 21 he came to America and for some time lived on a farm near Morrison, Mo. He was one of the early settlers of Onaga and for years was engaged in the general mercantile and banking business here. Those who knew him will remember him as a very energetic personality, with determination written in every fiber of his being. He was a kind hearted and generous man, yet he was shrewd and perfectly honest in his business dealings, and through his shrewdness and economy he had amassed considerable of this worlds goods, most of which rightfully belongs to his niece, Miss Josie Storch, who so patiently cared for him during his helplessness.
In 1873 he was married to Miss Alice Hagaman. No children were born to this union. He left Onaga in 1911 to make his home in Burbank, Florida, the land of palms and sunshine. The bereaved who mourn his demise are Miss Josie Storch, his niece, and Lepold Storch, his brother, both of whom have lived with him for years. He also leaves two brothers, Joseph Storch, who resides in Poppenhausen and Max Storch of Offenbach, Germany.
Mr. Storch was not an embracer of Christianity. However, he was not an atheist and claimed to be a believer in God and had faith in a hereafter. A few days before his death he said he had no fear of death and was ready to go and meet his God at any time. One of his strong characteristics was sharp, clean-cut conscientiousness, and his pride was to owe no man a cent.
His remains, accompanied by his brother and niece, arrived in the city last Saturday night, and were taken to the Buzbee Apartments, which property he owned. On account of the badly decomposed condition of the body, interment was given in the Onaga cemetery early Sunday morning. The funeral services were held at the Buzbee Apartments Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. P. A. Schenk, of the Baptist church. The bereft ones have to sympathy of the entire community.
“Thus star by star declines
Till all are passed away,
As morning high and higher shines
To pure and perfect day,
Nor sink those stars in empty night
They hide themselves in Heaven’s own light.”
Frank J. Suther, 78, died Friday, October 9, 1998, at the Onaga Hospital.
He was born August 12, 1920, in Dinklage, Germany, the son of Joseph and Anna Moser Suther. He attended schools in the Marysville area. He was a farmer and lived five miles west of Blaine many years.
Mr. Suther was an Army veteran of World War II, having served from March 1943 until November 1945. He received the Purple Heart Medal.
He was a member of St. Columbkill's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, both in Blaine and Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, both in Frankfort.
He was married to Anna H. Wapp, March 17, 1944, in Frankfort. She survives.
Other survivors include one son, Kenny Suther, Blaine; three daughters, Shirley Rusink, Omaha, Nebraska, Chris Smith, Manhattan, and Haren Grater, Riley; one brother, Henry Suther, Frankfort; two sisters Mary Brinker, Centralia, and Clara Erdman, Topeka; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services were at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Blaine.
Tech. sergeant Ray V. Stauffer, only son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Stauffer, was born December 22, 1919, near Soldier, Kansas. He attended school in Denison and Onaga and later attended Kansas State College at Manhattan. There he was affiliated with the Theta Xi fraternity.
On February 9, 1942 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent to San Diego, California for his boot training. He attended training schools in Logan, Utah; Corpus Christi, Texas; Cherry Point, N. C.; and Camp Murphy, Florida. He specialized in radio and radar. He left for overseas July 15 1943 and spent 18 months in New Zealand, New Hebrides and Guam. He wore the Asiatic Pacific ribbon with one star, the American Theatre ribbon and the Presidential Citation with one star.
He returned to the States January 4, 1945, and was united in marriage with Almira Collings at Logan, Utah on January 22. He was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station, Mojave, California and there he and his wife made their home from February 13 to October 15, at which time he was transferred to Santa Barbara, California. On October 29, Ray lost his life in a plane crash while enroute to Mojave from Santa Barbara.
He leaves to mourn his death, his loving wife; his devoted parents; his aged grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Stauffer of Holton, many other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at the Congregational Church in Onaga on Monday afternoon in charge of Dr. Thomas C. Hinkle. Interment was made in the Bucks Grove Cemetery, where a military burial was in charge of veterans from World War I and II from Onaga.
The following from out of town attended the funeral services: Mrs. M. G. Collings, Paris, Idaho, Mrs. Clifford Collings, Logan, Utah; Mr. and Mrs. Roland West and son, Liberal; Mrs. Milton McDonald, Aitken, Minnesota; M. T. Sgt Walter Weber, Santa Barbara, California; Mr. and Mrs. George Gardner and Everet, Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Grace Mahaffy, Topeka.
Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Miller Funeral home in Sioux Falls, S. D. for Floyd A. “Ted” Surdez, 70, who died Thursday in a Sioux Falls hospital.
Mr. Surdez was born May 12, 1902 near Neuchatel, Kansas. He married Doris Sisson on September 25, 1926 in Sioux Falls. He had farmed in the Sioux Falls, community since 1928 retiring last year.
Survivors include his widow; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Schmitz, of Sioux Falls, two sons, Floyd Surdez of Brea, California, Harlan Surdez of Sioux Falls, and Alan Surdez of Orange, California; 16 grandchildren and a great-grandchild and a half brother, Tell Surdez of Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. Surdez was a brother of the late Wilbur and Lester Surdez of Onaga.
Interment was a Hills of Rest Memorial Park at Sioux Falls.
Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Junod, Galen Dodds, Mrs. Lester Surdez, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ladner and Mr. and Mrs. Tell Surdez were in Sioux Falls for the funeral services.
Onaga – Bruce
Wayne Stallard, 21, Onaga, was killed Sunday, April 7, in a two-vehicle accident
on K-99 two miles north of Blaine in Pottawatomie County. He was alone in his
car.
Mr. Stallard was a student at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where he was studying music education.
He was born February 18, 1964, at Onaga, the son of Wayne M. and Wanda S. Bacon Stallard. He was graduated from Onaga High School.
He was a member of the Congregational Church at Onaga and of Kansas University College Singers, My Phi Epsilon music fraternity and the American Choral Directors Association.
Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Stallard, Onaga; two sisters, Deborah Stallard, Vail, Colorado and Carol S. Olson, Huntington Beach, California; and a grandmother, Mrs. Faye Stallard, Onaga.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Congregational Church in Onaga. Burial will be in Onaga Cemetery. Mr. Stallard will lie in state after noon today at Tessendorf Mortuary, Onaga Memorial contributions may be made to the Bruce W. Stallard Memorial Fund to be designated by relatives in care of the mortuary.
Services were at 12:30 p.m. in Bonham Brothers Mortuary for Dr. Harvey Stallard, 86, a San Diego orthodontist 47 years who was named Dentist of the Century by the San Diego County Dental Society in 1960. Inurnment was in Cypress View Mausoleum.
Mr. Stallard died November 24. He was a brother of Mr. Minor Stallard of Onaga.
In 1967, he received a rarely given award for outstanding service in the profession by the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. He was cited for outstanding achievement in a variety of scientific disciplines and for attaining an “international reputation as a pioneer…in gnathology,” the study of the human jaw.
A native of Onaga and a San Diego resident for 54 years, Stallard received his PhD in Botany from the University of Minnesota in 1917 and his DDS from the University of Illinois in 1920 after serving in the Army in World War I. He graduated from Angle School of Orthodontia and was named a diplomat in orthodontia. He also received an honorary doctor of science from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, from where he was graduated in 1909.
He was a member and past president of the San Diego County Dental Society, served as an officer in the International Academy of Gnathology and also was a member of University Club and the American Association of Orthodontists.
Survivors include his widow, Bernice; the brother here and another Brother, David Stallard of Boston, Massachusetts, and a sister, Mrs. Glee Chappell of Des Moines, Iowa.
Onaga – Minor R. Stallard, 88, Onaga, died Monday, May 21, at an Onaga hospital.
He was a farmer and dairyman at Onaga and formerly was Lyon County extension agricultural agent at Emporia.
Mr. Stallard was born June 29, 1895, south of Onaga, the son of Albert L. and Harriet Humphrey Stallard. He graduated from Onaga High School in 1914 and attended Ottawa University at Ottawa, where he was an all-Kansas guard on the university’s 1916 Kansas Conference championship basketball team. He returned to the Onaga area in 1919 and lived there until he moved to Emporia in 1944. He returned to the Onaga area in 1948, and retired and moved into the town in 1968.
He served with the Army during World War I.
He was past president of the Pottawatomie County Farm Bureau and the Onaga community and Business Club. He was a member of the Congregational Church and Onaga Post No. 85 of the American Legion and was a former member of White Pigeon Grange, all at Onaga.
He was married to Faye Randall October 8, 1919, at Manhattan. She survives.
Other survivors include a son, Wayne M. Stallard, Onaga; and three grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Onaga Congregational Church. Burial will be in Onaga Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of to Onaga Congregational Church. Mr. Stallard will lie in state until 11 a.m. Wednesday at Tessendorf Mortuary, Onaga, and from 1 p.m. until service time at the church.
Services Were Monday For Julius O. Stallard – Memorial services for Julius Orlando Stallard were held at Jones Funeral home, Lebo, Kansas at 9:30 a.m. May 11 with Rev. Seymour Bruce officiating.
Mr. Stallard died May 9 at a nursing home in Osage City. He was born January 10, 1884 on a farm near Onaga and spent his early life on this farm. He later worked for ten years in a lumber yard in Calumet, Oklahoma. During World War II he was employed at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita. Later he worked 35 years at the Jones Hatchery where he was employed at the time of his retirement.
Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Glee Chappell of Des Moines, Iowa; three brothers, Dr. Harvey Stallard of San Diego, California, David Stallard of Sedona, Arizona, and Minor Stallard of Onaga; three nephews and two nieces.
Graveside service was held at 12:30 at the Stallard family lot in the Onaga Cemetery.
Richard Telfer Stallard was born on October 20, 1881, the son of Luther and Harriet Elizabeth Stallard, of Onaga, Kansas. He passed away at 2:30 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, April 15, 1951 at the Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas, at the age of 69 years, 5 months, and 25 days.
Mr. Stallard had been in failing health for some time. He grew to manhood on his father’s farm in Pottawatomie County, attending the rural schools and the Onaga High School. He served on the election Board, was county committeeman for the Democratic, and was township trustee. He manages his father’s farm for several years. For the past 26 years he has lived in the vicinity of East Leavenworth, Missouri and has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cannon for 23 years.
He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Glee Chappel of Des Moines, Iowa; four brothers, Julius O. Stallard, Osage City, Kansas, Dr. Harvey Stallard, San Diego, California, David W. Stallard, Yonkers, New York and Minor Stallard of Onaga; also three nephews and two nieces.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon at Sexton Funeral Chapel in Leavenworth, conducted by Rev. S. S. Scherer. Organ selections were played by Mrs. Lillian Bleakly. Burial services were held at the Onaga Cemetery, in charge of Rev. Scherer, and Dr. Heinz Schwarz of Onaga.
Clayton C. Stauffer, son of A. F. and Mazie Long Stauffer, was born near Holton, Kansas, on October 11, 1894. He departed this life October 11, 1965, on his birthday, at the age of 71 years, at a railroad crossing near Emmett. He spent his boyhood and received his early education in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. He attended high school at Circleville. Following graduation there, he began teaching in the rural schools of Jackson County, a career which was to last 24 years.
On April 24, 1918, he married Loneita Wile, and to this union was born a son, Ray V. Stauffer, who gave his life in his country’s service in the Marine Corps on October 29, 1945.
Clayton became a member of the Mount Olive Methodist Church and served there as Sunday School Superintendent for eight years. During the early years of his marriage he taught at Springdale, Avoca, Little Cross Creek and Olive Hill, returning for a few years to teach at Pleasant Hill, where he had attended school. Leaving Jackson County, he became principal of schools – first at Denison and then at Onaga. In Onaga he took an ever-increasing interest in the business activities and welfare of his community. While operating a grocery store and insurance business in Onaga, he retained his interest in farming and at the time of his death was maintaining a large farming and livestock operation in Jackson County.
Every venture in life was a great challenge to Clayton and he met each venture with determination, integrity and above all, a great concern for others. He was liked and respected by all who knew him and because of his many interests, he had a large scope of acquaintances and friends. One person, in a passing comment, paraphrased a saying of Will Rogers in saying, “I never saw a man who didn’t like him”. He was a devoted husband, father and grandchildren, being never too busy to take time to visit with and enjoy the grandchildren, when they could be with him.
Second only to his devotion to his family was his dedication to the successful operation of the hospital in Onaga. He was instrumental in building the hospital and has served as chairman of the board and administrator. This was personal with him; the hospital was his pride and joy. No problem was too small or too great to receive his individual attention. Patients far and near came to know him, as a day seldom passed that he did not visit the hospital. Often in the evening after a busy day, he would make the rounds at the hospital to chat with each and every patient. To each he brought words of cheer, a friendly greeting, or words of comfort or sympathy. This was a labor of love, truly above and beyond the call of duty. He will be gratefully remembered and sadly missed.
Clayton met tragedy early in life when two brothers were taken in young manhood. This was followed by the loss of his only son, Ray, then his parents, a brother-in-law, Dewey Wile, and his surviving brother, Russell. These were borne with quiet suffering, dignity and faith. He was a man of many talents and he used them wisely and well. As in the Biblical parable, it can be said of him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.
Survivors include his wife, Loneita of the home; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Almira Hawkes; three grandchildren, Clayton Ray Stauffer, Alan and Carol Ann Hawkes; an aunt, Mrs. Sibbett Hurst of Chautauga; an uncle, Joe Stauffer of Soldier, who assisted him in farming for many years; three nephews, Auswell, Thayne and Lauren Stauffer, their families and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. October 14, at the Congregational Church with burial in the Bucks Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers were Russell, Auselll, Bradford, Rodney, Dennis and Darrell Stauffer. Honorary pallbearers were Hal Falkenstien, John Zima, Milton Henneberg, Russell Sumner, Chas. Grutzmacher, Sr., Wayne M. Stallard, Dr. C. S. Fleckenstein and Wm. F. Harder.
In loving remembrance of Loneita Jayne Stauffer, only daughter of Alexander and Mary Rachel Phillips Wile, who was born at Wadesville, W. Va. On November 5, 1894 and passed away at the Onaga Community Hospital on August 17.
Due to the death of her father when she was quite young, Loneita, her mother and brother, Dewey came to Kansas when she was eight years old. They lived in the Avoca neighborhood south of Soldier, where she grew up and was educated; later teaching school in the same community.
On April 24, 1918 she was married to Clayton Calvin Stauffer. To this union was born one son, Ray Virgil, on December 11, 1919. They lived in the Avoca and Denison communities before moving to Onaga where they spent the major part of their lives.
Loneita will be remembered by all who knew her as a person of many talents and the ability to accomplish the high goals she set for herself, her family, and the community.
In addition to her teaching, being a good wife and mother, and helping on the farm, she operated a beauty shop and helped manage their grocery store for many years, all of which she enjoyed a great deal. She still found time to serve her church and enjoy her many hobbies, which included extensive traveling, Growing flowers and taking care of her yard, and participating in Unit work and Bridge groups.
Although her life dealt her many disappointments, she started each day new, never complaining about her yesterdays, always a pleasure to see, talk to and be with. In all her living she seemed to exemplify the well-known Prayer of St. Francis Assisi: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
She was preceded in death by her son, Ray, who, while serving his country in the Marine Corps was killed in a plane crash near Palmdale, California on October 29, 1945; her husband, who met with a tragic accident on October 11, 1965; her mother, and her brother, Dewey.
She leaves one grandson, Clayton Ray Stauffer, his wife, LaRue, and two great-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Nicole and Ryan R. of Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition she is survived by a daughter-in-law, Almira Hawkes, her husband, Jim, and children Alan and Carol Ann of Paris, Idaho, all of whom she loved as her very own.
Other survivors include three nephews: Auswell, Thayne and Lauren Stauffer and their families of Holton.
Many other relatives and friends mourn his passing.
Services were Tuesday, August 20, 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church, Onaga, with the Rev. Robert E. Williams and the Rev. Clifton Kruse officiating.
Casket bearers were Russell E. Stauffer, Brad Stauffer, Auswell Stauffer, Jr., Rodney Stauffer, Dennis Stauffer and L. Darrell Stauffer. Interment was in Bucks Grove Cemetery.
(Written by Lauren and Saxton Stauffer, who loved and enjoyed her deeply.)
Elizabeth Von Schemde was born April 28, 1873 at Steinfeld, Oldenburg, Germany, and passed away October 20, 1958 in the Community Hospital, Onaga, at the age of 85 years, 5 months, and 23 days.
She came to this country in the fall of 1891 and was united in marriage to Bernard Stegeman on January 12, 1892 at St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict, Kansas. They lived around Seneca community until 1903 and then moved to the farm at Coal Creek, which has been her home since.
Mr. and Mrs. Stegeman were parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living. The oldest son, Francis, died in 1928, and one daughter in infancy.
The surviving children are: Mrs. Howard (Katherine) Becker, Centralia; Henry of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Clara Burns, Onaga; Mrs. Ed H. (Rose) Olberding, Seneca; Louis, Frankfort; Mrs. Leon ( Elizabeth) Denison, Mrs. Howard (Ann) Gunn, both of Overland Park; Mrs. Laurence (Mary) Holthaus, Centralia; Mrs. Anthony (Josephine) Spielman, Oneida, Kansas and Bernard of the home at Onaga.
Mrs. Stegeman had 29 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church where she faithfully attended, and a member of the Altar Society. She was a kind and loving mother and a good neighbor who will be greatly missed by all.
The funeral service was Wednesday October 22, 1958 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Coal Creek. The Solemn Requiem Mass was offered by the Pastor, Father Carl Dekat as Celebrant, assisted by Father Thomas Clune of Nortonville, Deacon, and Father William Lobeck of Frankfort as Sub Deacon, both former pastors. Burial was at the parish cemetery beside her husband.
The active pallbearers were all grandsons: Leonard and Clarence Olberding, Ed Becker, Maurice Holthaus, Donald Spielman and Kenneth Lechner. The honorary pallbearers were William Flaherty, Martin Weber, Ed Shields, Jr., William Shields, Jr., Victor Gaughan and Wilbur Jeanneret.
The Rosary was recited at the Hayes Funeral Home in Centralia on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Many friends and relatives attended the Rosary and funeral service.
Services for Albert F. Stelter, 91, of Blaine, were at 2 0’clock Sunday afternoon at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wheaton. Burial was in St. Luke’s Lutheran North Cemetery.
Mr. Stelter died Thursday at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Onaga following an illness of two weeks.
He was a retired farmer and had lived in the Blaine and Wheaton communities all his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Matilda Stelter, in 1962.
He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Ida Kirkpatrick of Rogers City, Michigan, Mrs. Rosa Berg of Blaine, Mrs. Elsie Larrison of Blaine, and Mrs. Dora Taylor of Topeka; three sons, Herman Stelter of Wheaton, and Walter Stelter and Almon Stelter, both of Blaine; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Frederick William Stelter was born April 2, 1871 near Blaine, Kansas. He was baptized as a child and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on April 8, 1900. On March 18 th, 1903 he was joined in marriage to Elisa Kopplen. This union was blessed with 3 children – Erick, Oswald and Selma, Erick died in infancy. Elisa, Mr. Stelter’s wife, passed away in the year 1913. On November 6, 1917 he was married to Marie Teske. Four children were born to this union, Mabel, Herta, Ralph and Adele.
In 1903 Mr. Stelter left the Duluth district and moved to a farm 6 miles southwest of Wheaton. Here he became a member of the St. Luke’s Lutheran church and remained a faithful member until his death. He served for many years as a member of the church board and willingly rendered his services at all times to assist with the work of his church. He had been ailing for many years. However, his illness became more grave during the past year and forced him to remain in bed since last October. He was relieved of all his suffering on Thursday night, February 3 when God called him from this world to Himself in heaven at the age of 72 years, 10 months and 1 day.
Those remaining to mourn his departure are: His wife Marie; his sons, Oswald and Ralph, of Onaga; his daughters, Selma Falk of Onaga, Mabel Becker of Summerfield and Herta and Adele at home. There also remain one brother, Albert of Blaine; one sister, Amelia Pheifer of Kress, Texas; 3 grandchildren and many other friends and relatives.
Funeral services were conducted on Sunday afternoon from St. Luke's Lutheran Church with Rev. A. E. Oldenhoeft officiating. Interment was made in St. Luke’s Cemetery.
Mrs. Marie L. Stelter, 95, Onaga, died Wednesday, March 7, at an Onaga hospital.
She was born December 27, 1888, near Wheaton, the daughter of Albert and Margaret Wagner Teske. She spent her life in the Wheaton and Onaga communities. She suffered a stroke in 1974 and lived at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Onaga since February 12975.
Mrs. Stelter was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth.
She was united in marriage to August Stelter, November 6, 1917 near Wheaton. He died February 3, 1944. A son, Ralph Stelter, died September 27, 1982, and a stepson, Oswald Stelter, died December 13, 1980.
Survivors include three daughters, Mabel and husband Richard Becker of Emporia, Herta and husband John Bauer, of Topeka, Adele and husband A. B. (Jack) Bolejack of Greenleaf; a stepdaughter, Selkma, and husband Raymond Falk of Wamego; 15 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 120 at 1:30 p.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth, with Rev. Allen Woelzlein officiating. Mrs. Allen Woelzlein was organist. Casket bearers were Floyd Becker, Rex Becker, Bon Boling, John McElfresh, Wesley Rezac and Allen Weber. Interment was in St. Luke’s Lutheran South Cemetery, Wheaton.
Kufahl Funeral Home, Wheaton, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Hour radio program or to St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth, 66421.
Services for Oswald A. Stelter, 73, were at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth. Burial was in St. Luke’s South Cemetery southeast of Wheaton.
Mr. Stelter died Saturday, December 13, at a Topeka hospital after an extended illness. He had recently been a resident of the Valley Falls nursing home and prior to that was a resident of Golden Acres Nursing Home, Onaga.
The son of August and Elisa Kopplin Stelter, he was born June 21, 1907, near Wheaton.
Mr. Stelter farmed near Onaga for many years before he retired.
Survivors include his stepmother, Mrs. Marie Stelter, Onaga; a sister, Mrs. Selma Falk, Wamego; three half-sisters, Mrs. Mabel Becker, Emporia; Mrs. Herta Bauer, Topeka; and Mrs. Adele Bolejack, Greenleaf; and a half-brother, Ralph Stelter, Plainville.
Blaine – Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton for Walter R. Stelter, 58, Blaine, who died Sunday, January 22, at a Westmoreland hospital. He had cancer.
He was born May 13, 1925, near Blaine, the son of Albert and Mathilda Marten Stelter. He spent his life in the Blaine community.
Mr. Stelter was a farmer.
He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church at Wheaton.
He was married to Lois Taylor August 23, 1959, at Manhattan. She survives.
Other survivors include a son, Robert Stelter, Blaine; a daughter, Mrs. Shirley Ivy, Olsburg; two brothers, Herman Stelter, Wheaton, and Almon Stelter, Blaine, Mrs. Elisa Larrison, Holton, and Mrs. Dora Taylor, Topeka; and two grandchildren.
Burial will be in St. Luke Lutheran Cemetery at Wheaton. Mr. Stelter will lie in state from 1 p.m. today until 11 a.m. Wednesday at Kufahl Funeral Home, Wheaton, where a prayer service will be recited at 7:30 p.m. today. He will lie in state at the church after noon Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Hour radio program, the American Cancer Society or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Eula Frances Burdette, second daughter of Thomas and Etta Burdette, was born at their farm home in the Highland District seven miles north of Onaga, on December 6, 1907 and departed this life at her home in Onaga, Kansas, on January 28, 1959, at the age of 51 years, 1 month and 21 days. All of her life was spent in the vicinity of Havensville and Onaga. She attended Rocky Scrabble and Highland Grade Schools and Onaga High School, from which she graduated with the class of 1926.
Eula was united in marriage to Roy Edward Stephenson of Onaga on January 30, 1929 by Rev. Mayfield at Soldier, Kansas. To this union two sons were born, Jackie Doyle and Gary LeRoy.
She leaves to mourn her sad loss, her husband Roy, of the home, her two sons, Jack and his wife of Holton and Gary, who is stationed with the Armed Services at Fort Gordan, Georgia; two grandchildren, Cindy and Robbie; her father and mother, Thomas and Etta Burdette of Onaga; two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Tressie Florence of Onaga, Mrs. Wilma Ballentine of Havensville, and Clyde Burdette of Newton; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Minnie Gertrude, Who passed away on March 1, 1935.
The funeral was held at the First Baptist Church in Onaga on January 31, 1959 with Rev. Seymour Bruce in change. Music was furnished by Bill Dodds and Donnie DeGroff, accompanied by Cecilia Martindale. The pallbearers were her three nephews, Wayne, Lyle and Marion Florence; a cousin, Floyd Kelly; and Franklin Teske and Roland Teske. The body was laid to rest in the Onaga Cemetery.
She was a kind and gentle mother and loved her home and family dearly. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mr. Roy e. Stephenson, 75, died Sunday at Community Hospital here, where he had been a patient about two weeks. Services were at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Onaga, with burial at Onaga Cemetery.
He was born November 16, 1899 at Halls, Missouri and moved to Circleville in 1909. He was an employee of the Union Pacific Railroad from 1942 until his retirement in 1965, and had lived in Onaga more than 35 years.
He was married to Eula Frances Burdette on January 30, 1929. She preceded him in death January 22, 1959.
Mr. Stephenson is survived by two sons, Jack Stephenson of Holton and Gary Stephenson of Lawrence; a brother, Jim Stephenson of Holton; two sisters, Mrs. Martha Foltz of Holton and Mrs. Cora Ladner of Onaga; and seven grandchildren.
Martha W. Stevens, age 77, passed away at Onaga Community Hospital, Onaga, Kansas, on February 15, 1967, after several months illness.
She was born October 5, 1889, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Wegner, near Onaga, Kansas. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith in infancy at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Duluth, Kansas; attended the St. Paul’s Parochial School, and was confirmed March 27, 1904, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Kansas. She was also a member of the St. Luke’s Ladies Aid. She later transferred her church membership to St., Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth.
On May 24, 1911, she was united in marriage with Cecil F. Stevens, and to this union seven children were born; two sons and one daughter dying in infancy. Most of her married life was spent in Kansas, much of it in or near Onaga, except for a short time spent in the states of Arkansas and Missouri, and several years spent in South Dakota. Her husband preceded her in death March 27, 1958. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her immediate family; one daughter, Mrs. Viletta Pyle, and husband, Henry; three sons, Francis F. and wife Rose of Schenectady, New York, Alvin A. and wife Neva of Wamego, Orville O. and wife Beatrice of Elgin, Nebraska; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; six sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Sophia Buum of White River, South Dakota, Mrs. Johanna Wilke of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Delila Valburg and Mrs. Erna Graf both of Onaga, Kurt Wegner of Wamego, Mrs. Velma Millsap of Junction City, Mrs. Viola Pyle of Duluth, and Louis Wegner of Manhattan; three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews and other close relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. W. A. Becker from St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth on February 19, 1967. Interment was in the south St. Luke’s Lutheran cemetery at Wheaton.
Mrs. Faye Stallard, 90, of Onaga, died October 31 at Golden Acres Nursing Home.
She was born October 29, 1896 on a farm in the Fairview Community, the only child of Henry and Lettie Slater Randall. She graduated from Onaga High School in 1916 and taught at the Independence and Lone Tree schools near Onaga.
She was married to Minor R. Stallard of Onaga on October 8, 1919 at Manhattan. They celebrated sixty-four years of marriage. He died May 21, 1984
The Stallards operated a livestock and dairy farm south of Onaga except from the years 1944 until 1948 when Mr. Stallard served as County Extension Agent at Emporia. They retired to Onaga in 2969.
Mrs. Stallard was the 4-H Club leader of Victory 4-H Club at Onaga from 1937 until 1944. She was also active in and served in several offices in the Pottawatomie County Farm Bureau. She was a charter member of the Onaga Homeworkers Extension Unit and was given special Pottawatomie County recognition in 1986 as a fifty-year extension unit member. For several years, she was active in the American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 85 at Onaga, and a member of the Art Needle Club. She was a member of the Onaga Congregational Church in Onaga. Burial was at Onaga Cemetery. Tessendorf Mortuary, Onaga, was in charge of arrangements.
Luther H. Stallard died suddenly before noon today when he suffered a heart attack while visiting friends. Mr. Stallard was nearly 68 years old.
Born December 21, 1880 at Onaga, Kansas, Mr. Stallard was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stallard. He married Miss Mary Crews, February 10, 1915 at Columbia, Missouri. He was a former Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Co. foreman, leaving there in 1917 to work for the Helmer Manufacturing Co., until it closed in 1931. He then opened a grocery store at Eighth and Miami street in Leavenworth, which he sold in 1946. He purchased a store at 818 North 9 th Street, and sold the business a month ago to retire.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Mary Stallard of the home; a sister, Mrs. W. M. Chappell, Des Moines, Iowa, and five brothers, Dr. Harvey Stallard of San Diego, California; Richard Stallard, of Platte City; Julius Stallard, Wichita, Dave Stallard, New York City, and Minor Stallard of Onaga.
Funeral services were held at Leavenworth on Friday afternoon.
Tragedy In Stoltz Family – Donald Stoltz, age 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl C. Stoltz, former residents of Onaga, now residing at Greeley, Colorado, lost his life in the collision of two Burlington Trailway busses on an icy snow-bordered western Utah highway, last Saturday about noon.
Donald was a naval enlistee studying at the Radar school at the Navy base in San Francisco, and was en-route to his home for the Christmas holidays. Donald was critically injured and taken to the Veterans hospital in Salt Lake City, where he passed away on Monday. His parents were with him when he died. The crash of the two buses took 13 other lives and injured forty-two, several critically.
Donald was born and raised in this community, and was a fine young man of sterling qualities. The deepest sympathy of the community goes out to the grief-stricken parents in their great loss. Funeral services will be held in Greeley on Friday morning at ten o’clock.
Mrs. Rosemary Stadler, 56, Topeka, died Wednesday, March 4, in a fire at her home.
She was born January 31, 1931, at Onaga the daughter of John and Julia DuLac Clay. She moved from Onaga to Topeka in 1947.
Mrs. Stadler was a group leader and supervisor in the proofreading department at Josten’s Yearbook.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Topeka.
She was married to Andrew Stadler in 1949. He survives.
Other survivors include four sons, Mike Stadler, Carbondale, Mark Stadler and Marvin Stadler, both of Topeka, and Matthew Stadler, Albuquerque, New Mexico; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Mae Spacek, Mayetta, Mrs. Florence Filburn, McCook, Nebraska and Mrs. Catherine McDonald, Seattle, Washington; two brothers, Lawrence Clay and Calvin Clay, both of Onaga; and four grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 9 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Graveside services were at 11:30 a.m. in the Onaga Cemetery.
Havensville – Mrs. Cora Cleo Sumner, 92, Havensville, died Saturday, January 18, at an Onaga nursing home where she lived the past several years.
Mrs. Sumner taught in Pottawatomie County schools several years.
She was born April 15, 1893, at Havensville, a daughter of Owen and Anna Bo Harris. She was reared at Havensville and was graduated from Havensville schools. She later was graduated from Campbell College at Holton.
She was married to Russell Sumner of Havensville at Topeka. He died September 11, 1969. A daughter, Mrs. Anabel Schnier, also preceded her in death.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Nedra Brammer, Indianapolis, Indiana; three sons, Glenn Sumner, Yucca Valley, California, Leo “Bill” Sumner, Havensville, and Dale Sumner, Topeka; a sister, Mrs. Flosse Gulick, Goodland; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Service arrangements are pending at Tessendorf Mortuary in Onaga.
Roland A. Surdez, 69, of Santee, California, died September 2(?), 1985 at Grassmount Hospital. The son of Aurel and Phulura Summerville Surdez, he was born August 12, 1916 in the Neuchatel community.
Mr. Surdez was a farmer in Kansas until he moved with his family to Santee in 1946. He was a member of the Santee Volunteer Fire Department and the Lakeside Sportsman Club. He was employed for fourteen years by the Santee Supply Co. and until his retirement in 1981 was employed by Santee Auto Parts.
He was married to Ella Spacek on November 13, 1939 at Seneca.
Infant twins, Ray Dean and Joann Marie, preceded him in death.
Survivors include two sons, Everet and Alvin; a daughter, Rose; three sisters, Loreen Riddle, Muskegon, Michigan; Vera Jeanneret, Onaga and Mickie Sumner, Yucca Valley California and a granddaughter, Michele Surdez.
Memorial services were September 5, 1985 at Paris Mortuary at El Cajon, California. Memorial contributions may be made to the Neuchatel Church or Cemetery.
In the death of George Stewart, prominent figure around town was taken suddenly. “Rummy”, as he was known to all, devoted his lifetime to the contracting and building trade in Onaga, and active until the last. He will be greatly missed along main street.
George H. Stewart was born at Boise, Idaho, on November 28, 1883. When a boy seven years old he came with his parents to Onaga, Kansas and he lived in this community since that time. He was a member of the Methodist Church.
On July 10, 1906 he was united in marriage to Ruth May Gentine.
For several years George had been in failing health, but he did not complain and went about his work as a carpenter, trying to serve his friends in a satisfactory way. He was connected with several business firms in Topeka who will miss him.
On Tuesday, July 29, 1952, he was suddenly taken seriously ill and was rushed to a hospital where doctors did everything possible but there was on help. On Tuesday evening, August 5, he passed away at the age of 68 years, ** months and 7 days.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth. He was a good and kind husband, and took great pride in his home. He will be missed by many friends and townspeople.
Funeral services were held at the Congregational Church on Thursday afternoon with Rev. Alex Ekart of Mayetta conducting the services. The singers were Mrs. Virginia Force and Miss Mary Jean Grim, accompanied by Mrs. Dorothy Knipp. Pall bearers were Gene Grim, Wilbur Surdez, Lloyd Bays, Richard Junod, Merle Gaume and Gene Falkenstien. Burial was in Onaga Cemetery.
Richard A. Surdez, 74, Sabetha, died Friday, November 18, at his home.
He was born July 26, 1909, at Centralia, the son of Oscar and Mattie Morrison Surdez.
Mr. Surdez farmed in southwest Nemaha and Marshall Counties until he retired and moved to Sabetha in 1966.
He was married to Sarah Cogswell July 20, 1927, at Seneca. She survives.
Other survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Frances Stewart, Omaha, Nebraska, Mrs. Mary Kagle, Horton, Mrs. Bonnie Dreher, Humboldt, Nebraska, and Mrs. Jo Ann Sawyer, Prairie Village; two sons, Leo Surdez, Merced, California, and Daryl Surdez, Wamego; twin sisters, Mrs. Bernice Mars and Mrs. Beatrice Mars, both of Centralia; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services were at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Hayes Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial was in Vermillion Cemetery.
Robert E. Stelter, 26, Route 1, Blaine was killed Monday, June 8, 1987 in a two-vehicle accident on K-99 about a mile north of Blaine.
Mr. Stelter was a farmer.
He was born July 21, 1960, at Manhattan, the son of Walter and Lois Taylor Stelter. He attended Wheaton Grade School and was graduated from Onaga High School. He lived north of Blaine all his life.
Mr. Stelter was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church at Wheaton.
He was married to Tanya Matthews January 25, 1982, at Westmoreland. She survives.
Other Survivors include three daughters, Casey, Courtney, and Cheyenne, all at home; his mother, Mrs. Lois Stelter, rural Blaine; and a sister. Mrs. Shirley Ivy, Olsburg.
Services were at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton. Burial was in St. Luke Lutheran Cemetery at Wheaton. A Prayer Service was held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Kufahl Funeral Home in Wheaton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Stelter Trust Fund for the education of his children or to the charity of the donor’s choice and sent in care of the funeral home.
Cecil Fred Stevens, only son of Oscar H. and Florence Stevens, was born at Wheaton, Kansas, August 2, 1885, and died at his home in Onaga, Kansas after an extended illness, on Thursday, March 27, 1958, at the age of 72 years 7 months, and 25 days.
He grew to manhood near Wheaton. On May 24, 1911 he was united in marriage to Martha Wegner, Onaga, Kansas. To this union seven children were born, of which two sons and one daughter died in infancy. He spent his entire life in the trades of carpentry and farming in Atchison, Kansas, White River, South Dakota, and in and near Onaga, Kansas, retiring from the trade of carpenter in 1954. Following his retirement in 1954 he lived on the farm of his daughter and husband near Holton, Kansas, later moving to Onaga, Kansas in October of 1957.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church at Holton, Kansas, and upon moving to Onaga he transferred his membership to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Duluth, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Martha, of the home in Onaga; one daughter, Mrs. Viletta Pyle; three sons, Francis F. of Denver, Colorado, Alvin A. of Wamego and Orville O. of Denton; one son-in-law and three daughters-in-law; four grandsons and one granddaughter, one great grandson and great-granddaughter and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Wheaton at 2:00 p.m. March 30, 1958, with Rev. Middendorf officiating and Kufahl Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Burial was in St. Luke's Lutheran Cemetery (South). Pallbearers were the brothers-in-law, Jack Millsap, Wm. Pyle, Bernard Hetzler, Otto Graf, Kurt Wegner, and Louis Wegner.
Mrs. Ruth steward Dies in Wamego – Mrs. Ruth Stewart, 92, a long-time resident of Onaga, died Sunday in a rest home in Wamego, where she had lived since 1971.
She was born December 3, 1885 at Wheaton and spent most of her life in the Onaga and Wheaton communities. At one time, she was employed as a hand typesetter for the Onaga Herald. She also worked as a seamstress in Topeka.
She was married to George Stewart, July 10, 1906, at Westmoreland. He died many years ago.
Several nieces and nephews survive.
Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Tessendorf Mortuary Chapel in Onaga with burial in the Onaga Cemetery.
Isaac Henry Stoltz, son of William and Mary Stoltz was born December 23, 1873 near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and passed away at the home of his son in Onaga, Kansas, October 18, 1934, at the age of 60 years, 9 months and 25 days, after a lingering illness of several months.
At the age of 12 years, he moved with his parents to a homestead near Stella, Nebraska, where he grew to manhood.
On December 24, 1899, he was united in marriage to Estella Story. To this union was born two children, Earl C. of Onaga, Kansas and Helen Celeste, who passed away in 1922 at the age of 14 years.
In the spring of 1912, he moved his family to a farm near Onaga, where he has resided until his death. At the age of 14 years, he united with the Baptist church of Prairie Union, Nebraska, later transferring his membership to the Baptist church at Laclede, Kansas where he was an active member at the time of his death.
Mr. Stoltz was a devoted husband and father. His friends and neighbors always knew he could be depended upon for help in time of sickness or need.
His death is mourned by his wife, Estella Stoltz, a son, Earl C. and wife and grandson, Donald Earl, of the home address; five brothers, Charles E. of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jacob D. of Aurora, Illinois, Samuel E. of Winter Park, Florida, William F. of Stella, Nebraska and Ezra W. of Onaga, Kansas; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Bobbitt, Jerome, Idaho and Mae Stoltz, Onaga, Kansas and numerous other relatives.
Funeral services were held at the Congregational Church, Sunday afternoon, in charge of Rev. J. H. Cone. Interment was given in the Onaga Cemetery.
Barney Stegeman, one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of the Coal Creek neighborhood, died at his home last Thursday, September 22, 1921, after an illness of several months duration. Funeral services were held at the Coal Creek Catholic church last Monday, and interment was made in the Coal Creek Cemetery.
Mrs. Albert Stelter – Mathilde Marie Stelter, daughter of Gottfried and Wilhelmine Marten, was born May 7, 1888; on a farm northeast of Wheaton. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith on June 10, 1888, by the Rev. Adolph Schmidt. She was confirmed by the Rev. Th. Juengel on April 5, 1903. On September 19, 1906, she was married to Mr. Albert Stelter by the Rev. Th. Juengel. She fell asleep in Jesus in the early morning of January 20, 1962, at the age of 73 years, 8 months and 13 days.
She is survived by her husband Albert; four daughters, Mrs. Ida Kirkpatrick of Birmingham, Michigan; Mrs. Rosalinda Berg of Blaine; Mrs. Elsie Larrison of Holton; and Mrs. Dora Taylor of Topeka; three sons, Herman of Wheaton; Almon of the home, and Walter of Blaine; two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Marjorie Stelter, and Mrs. Lois Stelter; four sons-in-law, Roy Kirkpatrick, Gustav Berg, Edgar Larrison and Willard Taylor; eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Five sisters, Mrs. Bertha Krohn of Blaine, Mrs. Ida Biesenthal, Mrs. Augusta Bosse, Mrs. Anna Bosse and Mrs. Marie Teske, and one brother, Frank Marten, all of Wheaton. Seven brothers-in-law, Emil Krohn of Blaine, August Falk, August Biesenthal, Richard Bosse, Ernest Bosse and Emil Teske all of Wheaton, and Emil Brunkow of Fairbury, Nebraska; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Frieda Marten of Wheaton and Mrs. Marie Stelter, of Onaga, and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, William, and one daughter, Wilhelmina, both of whom died in infancy; three sisters, Sophie, Mrs. Wilhelmine Brunkow, and Mrs. Emma Falk; and one brother, William.
Services were held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wheaton on January 22. She was laid to rest in St. Luke’s Cemetery at Wheaton. Pallbearers were Ray Falk, Lawrence Krohn, Lester Biesenthal, Orlin Bosse, Olin Valburg and Lloyd Marten.
Honorary pallbearers were Galen Bosse and Melvin Teske.
Frank Strosnider was born on a farm south of Havensville, Kansas, February 23, 1882. He was the eighth child of a family of nine children born to I. N. and Catherine Strosnider. All have preceded him in death except Luther. Frank died of a heart attack on June 27, 1959, on the farm near Onaga at the age of 77 years, 4 months and 4 days.
Frank spent his entire life in this county and community. He was a fine husband, neighbor, friend and community worker. He was a charter member and first master of Fairview Grange Post 1603. He served a number of years as clerk on the Lincoln Township Board.
Frank is survived by his widow, Mary, his brother, Luther, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Nephews served as pallbearers.
Funeral services were held at the Congregational Church Tuesday, June 30. Burial was in Onaga Cemetery.
Former Resident Dies in California – Mary Pinick Strosnider Bottom, 88, a long-time resident of the Onaga community, died Sunday, September 22, at Monrovia, California after an extended illness. She was born January 19, 1896 in the Laclede community south of Onaga and was a teacher in the Onaga community for many years. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Grange.
Her first husband, Frank Strosnider, died in 1959; her second husband, Oscar Bottom, died in 1970.
She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Flora Kidd of Monrovia, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Congregational Church in Onaga with interment at Onaga Cemetery.
Mrs. Zilda Strosnider, 86 of Havensville, died Tuesday, June 30, at Onaga Community Hospital where she had been a patient for several weeks. Mrs. Strosnider fell and broke her hip several months ago and was confined to a Topeka hospital for some time. She was later transferred to the hospital here before being discharged, then was re-admitted to Community hospital.
She was born march 20, 1884 at Irving, Ks and spent most of her life in the Havensville community. She was a member of Havensville Christian Church and the Fairview Grange.
She was married December 17, 1907 to Luther Strosnider. He died in 1960.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Lucille Schilling of Hoyt, and Mrs. William Palmer of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey; two sisters, Mrs. Emil Immenschuh of Eskridge and Iris Ewing of Las Vegas, Nevada; a brother, Eric Ewing of Russell, Kansas; four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are being held at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Christian Church in Havensville. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery.
Ezra Stolz, former resident of this community, passed away at his home in Jerome, Idaho on last Thursday evening. Mr. Stoltz, who was almost 68 years of age, had suffered a heart attack on the previous Monday, and failed to recover. Funeral services were held on Monday at two o’clock at Dawson, Nebraska. Mr. Stoltz and his sister, Mae, had just recently moved into their new home at Jerome.
Those from Onaga attending the funeral services were: Mr. and Mrs. Gene Conaway and baby, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bonjour, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Keeney and Gene, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Robbins, Mrs. Charles Allen, Mrs. George Weber and Marcell Mentha.
Edna Henderson, daughter of William and Cora Henderson, was born in Osage County, Kansas, July 24, 1899, and died at St. Francis hospital in Topeka on May 6 th, 1943 at the age of 43 years, 9 months and 12 days, after a lingering illness of several months.
She became the wife of Phillip Spacek on December 20, 1925 and to this union were born four children, two boys and two girls, Philip Jr., Cora, Frances and Herman. In early life she was converted and baptized in the Christian faith. She was an adherent to the Baptist faith.
She leaves in her passing her husband and four children; Her father, William Henderson of Onaga; a sister, Mrs. Pearl Richmond of Onaga and a brother, Eugene Henderson of Long Beach, California, besides a large number of neighbors and friends who mourn her passing.
Funeral services were held at the Tessendorf Chapel, Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. A. Lower, and burial was in the Onaga Cemetery.
Mr. Fielder L. Sparks, 59, of Clyde, Kansas, died Sunday afternoon at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Concordia after a long illness. He had cancer. Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist Church in Clyde with burial at Delavan, Kansas.
A prominent Kansas educator, Mr. Sparks was a former principal of Onaga High School, having served in that capacity from 1955 to 1965. At the time of his death he was superintendent of Clyde Clifton School District No. 224. He had also taught school at Perry, Lost Springs and Bern, Kansas.
Mr. Sparks was a veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Onaga Congregational Church, the Masonic Lodge and various educational organizations.
His wife, Mrs. Vida May Sparks, died August 3, 1965.
Survivors are a son, John David Sparks of the home; his mother, Mrs. Lillie Sparks of Perry, and a sister, Mrs. Zelma Greenlee of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Mrs. Vida May Sparks, 42, of Onaga passed away early Tuesday morning at Bishop Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska following a long illness. She was the wife of Mr. F. L. Sparks, principal of Onaga High School.
Born October 26, 1922 in Herington, Kansas, she attended grade and high school at Burdick, Kansas, graduating in 1940. She attended Emporia State Teachers College and taught school in Lone Star District, Lost Springs, and Bern, Kansas.
She was a member of the Onaga Congregational Church and was active in the work of the church and its affiliated organizations. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star and Past Matron of that organization.
Survivors include her husband and a son, J. D., both of the home; her mother, Mrs. E. D. Linde of Burdick, Kansas and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her father and an infant daughter.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 Friday morning at the Onaga Congregational Church, with graveside services at 1:30 Friday afternoon at Delavan, Kansas.