James E. Lederer, 73, Wakarusa, Kansas, passed away at his home, Monday, February 22, 2021. Survivors include his siblings, Kay Johnson, Jack Lederer (Terry) and Helen Ramshaw (Ray). Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, John and Nellie Johnson Lederer, his wife, Geraldine Cummings Lederer, and brother-in-law, Duane Johnson. Visitation is Monday, March 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Jim's Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Shawnee Center Cemetery, Wakarusa. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are required. Jim's service will be livestreamed on the...

James E. Lederer, 73, Wakarusa, Kansas, passed away at his home, Monday, February 22, 2021. Jim was born September 5, 1947, in Ottawa, Kansas, to John Sr. and Nellie Johnson Lederer. In 1965 he graduated from Pomona High School where he was on the football team and was voted most likely to succeed. Jim attended Emporia State University then enlisted in the US Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War. On December 22, 2008, Jim and Geraldine "Geri" Cummings Peterson were united in marriage. She passed away January 1, 2021. He enjoyed music, singing and accompanying himself on the guitar. Jim was generous to a fault, kind-hearted and loved everyone. He will be greatly missed. Survivors...

James E. Lederer, 73, Wakarusa, Kansas, passed away at his home, Monday, February 22, 2021. Jim was born September 5, 1947, in Ottawa, Kansas, to John Sr. and Nellie Johnson Lederer. In 1965 he graduated from Pomona High School where he was on the football team and was voted most likely to succeed. Jim attended Emporia State University then enlisted in the US Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War. On December 22, 2008, Jim and Geraldine "Geri" Cummings Peterson were united in marriage. She passed away January 1, 2021. He enjoyed music, singing and accompanying himself on the guitar. Jim was generous to a fault, kind-hearted and loved everyone. He will be greatly missed. Survivors...

Clyde S. Burton, 96, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021. Clyde was born June 17, 1924, in Murray, Nebraska, the son of James and Grace Bogenreif Burton. He served in WWII in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Clyde married Dora Jones on August 19, 1946. He retired from Southwestern Bell. Clyde is survived by his children, Jim Burton (Linda), Sandy Coyle (Mike) and Jeff Burton (Teresa Milligan); grandchildren, James Burton II, Matthew Coyle, Michelle Atchue, Derick Burton, David Burton, Allyssa Milligan and Madison Milligan; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Kaye Sumner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, grandchild, Colleen Coyle, and siblings, Jerry Burton, Bev...

Jerome R. Dolsky, 79, Topeka, Kansas, loved to travel and on Saturday, February 20, 2021, he reached his final destination, Heaven. Jerome was born September 6, 1941, in Leroy, Kansas, to Charles and Erma Malek Dolsky. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1959, earned his bachelor's degree from Emporia State University and his master's degree from Kansas State University. On May 26, 1962, Jerome and Dorothy Criqui were united in marriage, enjoying more than 58 years together. Jerome was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church where he was a long-time lector and Eucharistic minister, and the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 4254. Jerome taught business classes for 41 years...

Robert Francis Stich, 77, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021. Robert was born July 15, 1943, in Delia, Kansas, He graduated from Hayden High School in 1966 and served our country as a medic in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Robert worked as a printer, retiring from Hallmark Cards. He was a devout Catholic and a member of Mater Dei Parish. He had a blessed life. God always took him from one step to the next. Survivors include his sister, Doris Oseland; nephews, Timothy Stich (Kim), Gregory Alejos and Tony Alejos; nieces, Karyn Oliver (Rob) and Laura Schwerdt; grandnephew and grandniece, Tyler Green and Kayla Green; grandnephew and grandniece, Garrett Alejos and...

Composed by DeVern Phillips, 11/5/2020. DeVern Hunter Phillips was born April 6, 1946 and passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Mr. Phillips' parents, D.H. and Ruth Phillips, siblings, Judy McDowell, and Gerald Phillips preceded him in death. Rebecca Phillips shared fifty-one years of marriage with him. Their daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Stephen Shanks and their four children Stephen, Aspen, Devi, and Reili, survive. His brothers Donald "Two Star" Jacka, Larry "Fetch" Karns, and Terry "The Norwegian" Nygaard carry on the legacy. "Tell the guys I'm going up ahead to scout out this place". Mr. Phillips leaves behind a multitude of former students as well as family and friends....

Beloved father, grandfather, and musician, Michael Ray Cowell, passed away on the 16th of February at the age of 67. His enduring legacy in our hearts and the notes he expertly crafted with his guitar will remain with us always. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 25, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Celebration of Mike's Life is 11 a.m. February 26, at the Funeral Home. Mike's full obituary can be found and condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Nita, 89, Topeka, Kansas, died peacefully Sunday morning, February 14, 2021, at Aldersgate Village where she was receiving hospice care for the past several days. She exerted much effort against multiple medical problems over the last six years which finally weakened her and she could not remain at home since early January. Nita was born April 16, 1931, in Cuthbert, Georgia, to George and Ethel Kuykendall. Her brothers were John Baker, James Baker, Louis Kuykendall and Bill Kuykendall. Nita's sisters were Florence McMillan, Lois Jahn and Elizabeth Read. Lib and Louis remain in Florida. The family moved to Central Florida in her early years. Nita graduated from high school in Winter...

Avis Irene Riggin, 96, Harveyville, Kansas, passed away on February 12, 2021. She was born July 3, 1924, five miles northeast of Harveyville to Clarence and Ida Grieves. Avis attended Fairplane Grade School and Harveyville High School graduating in 1942 and lived her entire life in the Harveyville community. During WW2, she supported the war effort working as a welder. On April 17, 1944, Avis married Gail L. Riggin. Gail passed away on February 17, 2013. Avis and Gail partnered in the operation of their farm north of Harveyville. She also worked as an Avon representative for 15 Years and a real estate agent with Mohler Real Estate for 28 years. Avis had been a member of the Harveyville...

Jack E. Freeman, 74, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Jack was born August 7, 1946, the son of Eldon and Vi Holden Freeman. He graduated from Highland Park High School. Jack was a facility manager for the City of Topeka before owning Freeman Painting and then Forever NR Heart Memorial Urns. He married Brenda Long on September 7, 2001, in Topeka. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus and former member of The Shrine. He was an avid Chiefs, K-State and Nascar fan. Jack loved spending time with his family and enjoyed playing golf. Jack is survived by his wife, Brenda; children, Scott and Nichole Freeman; stepchildren, Jerry...

Michael Lewis Beckett, 78, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Michael was born September 26, 1942, in Garden City, Kansas, to Vincent and Lelia Scheer Beckett. He was a proud Garden City High School Buffalo, graduating in 1960. He served our country in the US Navy. On February 10, 1963, Michael and Helen Louise Griffith were united in marriage, enjoying 58 years together. Michael spent many years in radio and TV broadcasting. He served as an EMT instructor coordinator and started Stormont-Vail Ambulance Service. When Michael began working disaster relief he traveled the world bringing aid to many in need. He assisted in the wake of 9/11 in New York City...

Michael Lewis Beckett, 78, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Michael was born September 26, 1942, in Garden City, Kansas, to Vincent and Lelia Scheer Beckett. He was a proud Garden City High School Buffalo, graduating in 1960. He served our country in the US Navy. On February 10, 1963, Michael and Helen Louise Griffith were united in marriage, enjoying 58 years together. Michael spent many years in radio and TV broadcasting. He served as an EMT instructor coordinator and started Stormont-Vail Ambulance Service. When Michael began working disaster relief he traveled the world bringing aid to many in need. He assisted in the wake of 9/11 in New York City...

Michael Lewis Beckett, 78, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Michael was born September 26, 1942, in Garden City, Kansas, to Vincent and Lelia Scheer Beckett. He was a proud Garden City High School Buffalo, graduating in 1960. He served our country in the US Navy. On February 10, 1963, Michael and Helen Louise Griffith were united in marriage, enjoying 58 years together. Michael spent many years in radio and TV broadcasting. He served as an EMT instructor coordinator and started Stormont-Vail Ambulance Service. When Michael began working disaster relief he traveled the world bringing aid to many in need. He assisted in the wake of 9/11 in New York City...

Lee R. Schreiner, 87, Topeka, Kansas, died February 5, 2021. Lee was born during the Great Depression on April 21, 1933, in St. Peter, Kansas, to Lawrence and Mary F. Wasinger Schreiner. They were descendants of the Volga Germans who emigrated to America from Russia. Lee was a successful self-employed General Contractor, Schreiner Brothers Construction Company, for over 50 years. He served in the Army National Guard. Lee married Jean Nelson on February 12, 1955, at Assumption Catholic Church. Lee's wife, Jean, preceded him in death in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents, siblings, granddaughter, Tyla Snyder, great-grandson, Logan Snyder, and son-in-law, Bruce Snyder....

Andrew Paul Cox, 32, Topeka, Kansas, lost his battle with addiction after a long struggle on Friday, February 5, 2021. Andrew was born December 11, 1988, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Wendy Cox and Paul Cox. He attended Topeka High School and participated in the JROTC program. Andrew had a sweet, gentle soul, contagious smile and loved his friends and family. He enjoyed looking good, clothing, animals, children, and helping others. Andrew is survived by his mother, Wendy Cox, Topeka; father, Paul Cox (Marcia), Washington; maternal grandparents, Dan and Sharon Deming, Hutchinson, Kansas; paternal grandmother, Diana Leuschner, Washington; aunt and uncle, Shannon and Doug Guild,...

Andrew Paul Cox, 32, Topeka, Kansas, lost his battle with addiction after a long struggle on Friday, February 5, 2021. Andrew was born December 11, 1988, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Wendy Cox and Paul Cox. He attended Topeka High School and participated in the JROTC program. Andrew had a sweet, gentle soul, contagious smile and loved his friends and family. He enjoyed looking good, clothing, animals, children, and helping others. Andrew is survived by his mother, Wendy Cox, Topeka; father, Paul Cox (Marcia), Washington; maternal grandparents, Dan and Sharon Deming, Hutchinson, Kansas; paternal grandmother, Diana Leuschner, Washington; aunt and uncle, Shannon and Doug Guild,...

Mary Joan Maher Kennison, 80, Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home with her family beside her, Friday, February 5, 2021. Mary was born January 12, 1941, in Independence, Kansas to John and Marian Nielsen Maher. She graduated with honors from Yates Center High School in 1959. She won the P.E.O. Scholarship to Emporia State Teachers College where she graduated with honors in 1962, majoring in mathematics and physical education. Mary served students at Highland Park Junior High School, Hayden Catholic High School, Chase Middle School and retired from Topeka High School. Mary devoted more than 40 years of her life to students. During those years she continued her education and...

Robert "Bob" Eugene McCaffrey, 68, Topeka, Kansas, was born December 3, 1952, and passed away on February 3, 2021. Bob was baptized and raised Catholic. He graduated Hayden High School in 1970, and attended Washburn University. He volunteered for the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. Bob worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. As per Bob's wishes, he has been cremated. A Celebration of Life gathering and his inurnment at Mount Hope Cemetery will be at a later date. Bob's full obituary may be viewed and condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Mariann Desch, 90, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benedict and daughter, Michelle. Survivors include Mariann's children, Cynthia Desch-Main (Tony Rodriguez), Bennette Clark (Curt), Shelly Pickett (Kurt); nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Cremation is planned and in keeping with Mariann's wishes, there will be a graveside service later in the spring at Mount Calvary Cemetery. To read Mariann's complete obituary and to send condolences online, please visit www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Marion Wietharn, 84, Allen, Texas, passed Monday, February 1, 2021. Marion was born February 20, 1936, in Baileyville, Kansas; son of Edwin and Irmena Rettele Wietharn. He graduated from Baileyville High School and enlisted in the US Army. Marion married Phyllis Stueve in St. Michael's Church in Axtell, Kansas, on September 7, 1959. He worked for almost 40 years for the State of Kansas, most of it with the Information Systems Division. Marion was a member of Most Pure Heart Church. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and working on small engines and was known as the neighborhood handyman. Marion is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Kent, Jule Rook (David), Ross (Jenny); six...