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Obituary- Hennessey, Jack 2 Full transcription in image 1 file	Jack A Hennessey	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Hennessey, Jack 1 Jack A. Hennessey was born June 10, 1938 in Topeka, Kansas and passed from this life to be with the Lord on August 6, 2019 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Lee’s Summit, Missouri at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 27 days. Mr. Hennessey was the son of John Hennessey, and Patricia and Leo Dohrman. Mr. Hennessey grew up in St. Mary’s, Kansas. After graduating from High School in 1956, he attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas for two years. He then proudly served his country in the United States Marines. After his honorable discharge from the military, he returned to college and received a degree in Business Administration. In 1960 Mr. Hennessey married, later divorcing after 22 years. From this union his beloved daughter, Kristi was born. Most of Mr. Hennessey’s career was spent as a Divisional Credit Manager to International Paper and the Mobay Corporation. The last ten years of his career, he served as the Financial Manager for Secretary at Law, a legal recruiting firm in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Hennessey met Brianne Hampton in August of 1987 at a dance. Brianne became the “love of his life” and they were never separated during their life together until his passing. Mr. Hennessey loved anything connected to “sports”, having been an extremely qualified athlete while growing up. “Notre Dame and the Final Four!!”. Later in life he took up golfing and it became a favorite pastime until declining health prevented it. Mr. Hennessey was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia and Leo Dohrman and his father John Hennessey. He is survived by his loving companion and life partner, Brianne Hampton of the home; his daughter, Kristine Hennessey Bryan and husband Charles of Jacksonville, Florida; his twin grandsons, Justin and Jeremy Bryan; one brother, Richard Dohrman and wife Linda of Delia, Kansas; one sister, Janice Dohrman of St. Mary’s, Kansas; his maternal aunt, Phyllis Hirst and husband Darold of Overland Park, Kansas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. The family of Mr. Jack A. Hennessey will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 12, 2019 at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Funeral Service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Kent Deubner officiating. Casket Bearers will be Matt Dohrman, Lucas Dohrman, Jacob Dohrman, Scott Whitmore, Joe Gutowski and Steven Flanders. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Fr. Curt Vogel officiating. *Full transcription for both images here	Jack A Hennessey	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Koch, Dorothy Dorothy Dohrman Koch Passes Away Dorothy Louise Dohrman Koch, Newton, gained her eternal reward on Thursday (Aug. 15, 2019). Dorothy was born Feb. 23, 1941, in her grandmother's bedroom in Delia. Though she was an only child, she never saw herself that way and, instead, liked to think she was blessed to be "everyone's child." She attended Catholic schools her entire life and it would be upon that foundation that she would build her life. On Dec. 31, 1961, Dorothy and Vern were married at Immaculate Conception Church in St. Marys and began their life together, where they were blessed with almost 58 years of marriage. Her family was her greatest joy and a source of immense pride. From an early age, she taught her four daughters the value of hard work and to believe that they could do anything they wanted if they simply put their mind to it. She and Vern owned and operated Newton Livestock, where they bought hogs for 40 years. She was also a partner and clerk for Auction Specialists in Newton and thoroughly enjoyed the thousands of people she met along the way, considering each one a friend. Dorothy was the woman behind the man, supporting Vern in all of his endeavors. She was her grandchildren's biggest cheerleader and supporter, attending every activity or event they were ever involved in. Dorothy was a world-class pie maker, wedding cake baker, sugar Easter egg maker and caterer extraordinaire, feeding as many as 1,000 people in one meal. She was a perpetual student and traveled the world. She boasted being a skilled weighmaster, daily Mass attendee and famous radio personality, giving the daily hog markets for more than 25 years. She and Vern had faithfully given one hour each week to the Perpetual Adoration since its inception in 1990. She was a charter member of the Divine Mercy Prayer Group, church lector, Eucharistic minister, birdwatcher, avid reader, Harvey County 4-H supporter, Sunday school teacher, dominoes enthusiast, Girl Scout leader, card shark, hoarder of rosaries and other religious relics, trailblazer for medical advancements and scientific research, 22-year cancer survivor and a call-it-like-she-sees-it-straight-shooter who, as surrogate mother to the masses, single-handedly taught more kids to drive hogs and stick-shift - all in the same summer. She opened her home to anyone and everyone, whether they were Labo Exchange students, kids needing summer jobs or just someone down on their luck. She had a gracious heart and loved people. She had a fiery spirit, a quick wit and was a strong and brave soul showing immense courage, grace and conviction. She loved her family and she loved Jesus. Her devotion and faith were an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Those lucky enough to be loved by her in this life will miss her loyalty, laughter, glass-half-full attitude, fighting spirit, unending friendship and unconditional love. She will be deeply mourned and eternally loved but, most of all, she will be celebrated. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Vern; her four daughters: Rae Niles (Doug) of Sedgwick, Dana Knott (Terry) of Hesston, Joy Gehrer (Kory) of Zimmerdale and Jana McKinney (Kyle Headrick) of Zimmerdale; as well as her beloved grandchildren: Abby and Mark Walker, Megan and Aaron Austin, Andy and Donna Niles, Morgan and Nathan Simmons, Garrett and Laura McKinney, Chance and Tayler Gehrer, Madi Gehrer; Wyatt McKinney, Ellie McKinney and Kyle Rutschman; great-grandchildren: Madden, Sam; Winston, Abel, Kade, Lin, Logan, Lance, twins Coleman and Peyton, Elliott and baby boy Gehrer; and stepbrothers, Gary Burgett, Terry Burgett and Greg Burgett. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raphael J. Dohrman and Helen L. Dohrman Burgett; and son-in-law, Lance McKinney. Family was present for visitation from 4 to 6:45 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 18, 2019), with recitation of the rosary immediately following at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Newton. Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m. Monday (Aug. 19, 2019) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton, with private burial following at Eastlawn Cemetery, Zimmerdale. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Food Pantry or St. Jude' Children's Research Hospital, c/o Petersen's Funeral Home, Newton.	Dorothy Louise Dohrman Koch	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Cormack, Jerry 2 Full transcription on image 1 file	Jerry Michael (Mike) Cormack	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Cormack, Jerry 1 Jerry Michael Cormack Passes Away A visitation for Jerry Michael "Mike" Cormack, 83, Lawrence, will be 9-10:30 am, Saturday, September 7, 2019, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Mike Cormack passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Mike enjoyed a long life filled with love both given and received. He was born in Rossville, Kansas on September 3, 1936, the oldest child of Walter Vernon Cormack and Leona Emily (Williamson) Cormack. He lived in Rossville for the first few years of his life, then moved with his family to Topeka, Kansas. Shortly after the outbreak of WWII, he and his mother and younger brother Tom lived briefly in Greenville, South Carolina, and then with his grandparents in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He had fantastic stories that he would tell his sons over and over about growing up in Nebraska City while his father was stationed overseas. Many of those stories were about his Irish grandmother who had an enormous influence on his life. After the war the family moved back to Topeka, where he lived for nearly 20 years, and where he met his future wife, Shirley Rae (Absher) Cormack. After graduating from Topeka High School they were married on April 8, 1956. They lived in Topeka until moving briefly to Mobile, Alabama and then quickly back to Topeka. They have three sons, Michael Shawn Cormack, Jonathan Patrick Cormack, and Timothy Joseph Cormack. Mike and Shirley were very happily married for over 63 years. After graduating from high school Mike joined the Kansas National Guard, B Company, 174th Military Police Battalion and served for eight years and eight months before being discharged. He worked as a draftsman for the Topeka City Engineers then the Topeka County Regional Planing Commision becoming a Junior Planner and Chief Draftsman. Although excelling as a draftsman, Mike decided he wanted to be a teacher. He received both his undergraduate degree (1964) and master's degree (1969) from Washburn University, and then taught 5th and 6th grades at Whitson elementary school from 1964–1968. In 1969 the family moved to Rossville where he was the principal of Rossville and Delia elemetary schools from 1969–1975. In 1975 the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas where Mike was principal at East Heights elementary school (1975–1978), and then Kennedy elementary (1978–1986). He returned to teaching and finished his career as an 8th grade english and history teacher at Central Junior High from 1986–1996. As a result of his passion for teaching, he had a positive effect on countless students over his many years in education. Since his retirement, many former students have told him of the effect he had on their lives, a kind compliment and evidence of a life well lived. Mike was a kind, generous, and compassionate person, who showed endless love for his family. These positive qualities served him well after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Mike had a rich inner life that he expressed through story telling, a trait he picked up from his Irish grandmother, and also in acting. He, Shirley, and their youngest son Tim were in many community theater productions both in Lawrence and Topeka. Another passion of Mike's was his love of automobiles. He restored antique cars most of his adult life, and the list of cars he owned and restored is extensive. Mike and Shirley have been members of antique car clubs in Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City. Mike also esxpressed his artistic abilities in drawing, painting, singing, and an eye for good design, many of those traits he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Lawrence), younger brother Thomas Joseph Cormack (Topeka), sons Mike (Lawrence), Jon and wife Janie (Knoxville, Tennessee) Tim (Lawrence), and grandchildren Emily Jill Cormack (New York City) Anna Marvelle Cormack (Chicago), Jordan Riley Cormack and wife Katie, Rachael Marie (Cormack) Duplantis and husband Brandon, and Rebakah Michelle Cormack (Knoxville). The family wishes to thank the staff of Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Douglas County Visiting Nurses for the invaluable care and support they provided. Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. *Full transcription here (on two images)	Jerry Michael (Mike) Cormack	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Holzmeister, Marjorie 2 Full transcription on image 1 file	Marjorie Jean Nadeau Holzmeister	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Holzmeister, Marjorie 1 A Memorial Mass for Marjorie Jean (Nadeau) Holzmeister, 80, Lawrence, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS. Rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m. preceding the Mass. Inurnment will be at the Corpus Christi Columbarium. Jean passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Jean was born May 8, 1939 in Sliver Lake, KS the daughter of Paul Edward and Roxie Marjorie (Mitchell) Nadeau. She was enrolled as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, where she was aptly named WISHKOSE 'Walking Strong,' a name that exemplified her strong-willed personality throughout her life and her strength in battling her illness. She attended Rossville High School and Washburn University where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She married Richard James Holzmeister on October 8, 1960 in Topeka, KS. He survives of the home. Jean was a homemaker, a faithful and loving wife, and a proud mother and grandmother whose devotion to her family was unmatched. She showed her support for her loved ones whenever the opportunity arose, attending countless sporting events, celebrations, and other life-milestones for all 15 of her grandchildren. She never missed a high school or college graduation ceremony. She was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and a volunteer for various Catholic charities. A true Kansas sports fan, she was a Kansas City Royals supporter and devoted follower of Kansas University basketball. Jean was an active racquetball and later pickleball player, enjoying the fellowship as much as the games. She was also a talented seamstress who lovingly crafted quilts, clothes, pajamas and detailed Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. A warm-hearted matriarch, she fostered a supportive and close-knit family environment filled with love, laughter, and card games. She regularly gathered family members from near and far around her home for holidays and special occasions. Jean especially loved the Christmas season, which always included her annual Christmas Eve family gathering, with grandkids looking forward to a new set of her hand-sewn pajamas and a unique tree ornament she had selected especially for each of them. In addition to the love and adoration she shared with her family, Jean exemplified the meaning of unconditional love and respect throughout her 59 years of blissful marriage to her husband, Dick. During the many happy years they shared together, she set a wonderful and important example of a true partnership and a loving relationship for her children and grandchildren to aspire to. This environment of warmth and love she created and lived by will be carried on by her loved ones for generations to come. Jean will be greatly missed. Other survivors include her daughter Jill ( Steve) Patton, Lawrence; three sons, Jeffery (Lea Ann) Holzmeister, Tempe, AZ, Scott (Deborah) Holzmeister, Gilbert, AZ, Jon (Michelle) Holzmeister, Overland Park, KS; 15 grandchildren; three sisters, Jeanette Lister, Edmond, OK, Sally Carnevale, San Mateo, CA, and Susan Nadeau, Shawnee, KS; and three brothers Michael Nadeau, Silver Lake, KS, David Nadeau, Rossville, KS, Dennis Nadeau, Rossville, KS. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Corpus Christi Catholic School and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com. *Full transcription here--two images	Marjorie Jean Nadeau Holzmeister	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Larson, Ruth Ruth Larson Passes Away Ruth E. Larson 88, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Brewster Place in Topeka. She was born March 5, 1931 in Topeka, the daughter of LaVerne and Edna Vilven Spears. Ruth grew up in the Rossville community and graduated from Rossville High School. She attended Kansas State University. She lived most of her life in Rossville moving to Topeka in 2009. Ruth worked at Midwest Machines in Topeka. She later worked many years at the People's State Bank in Rossville and served as the treasurer for the city of Rossville. She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church and Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka. Ruth was a life member of the Eastern Star and was Grand Ruth for the state of Kansas in 1962. She held many offices in local chapters. She was a past member of the ABWA and was women of the year in 1983. On January 24, 1957 she was united in marriage to William "Bill" Larson at the First Presbyterian Church in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include two sons, Robert (Annie) Larson, Topeka and James Larson, Olathe; a sister, Helen C. Miller, Rossville; three grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, August 9, 2019 at the Brewster Place Chapel in Topeka. Inurnment will be in the Rossville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brewster Foundation and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.	Ruth Elaine Spears Tripp Larson	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Harkness, Charles E. Charles Eric Harkness, 68, of Topeka, Kansas passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019. He was born July 9, 1951 in San Bernardino, California, the son of Josephine (Barney) Harkness and Charles A. Harkness, III. Eric earned a B.S. from the University of Illinois in 1973; in 1981, at the University of Kansas, he completed the requirements to become a Registered Pharmacist; in 1983 he earned a M.S. at K.U. in Computer Science. Later, he completed advanced Computer Science studies at City University of New York. He returned to Topeka in 1996 and became deeply involved in initiatives to support and improve mental health programs in Kansas, a cause to which he remained devoted for over 20 years. Eric was an active contributor to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and served on the NAMI Kansas Board of Directors as a board member and as Board President from 2015 until his passing. In addition to his work with NAMI Kansas, Eric served on the NAMI State Presidents’ Council and Council President in the past year. Eric also served as the President of the Kansas Mental Health Coalition. Eric had been a board member of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC) and was the immediate past chair of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness board, which is an advisory board to the DRC. Finally, he served as the vice-president of the Topeka Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Eric is survived by his brother, Tom (Cynthia) Harkness of Woodstock, Illinois, and his sister, Megan Harkness-Madole of Woodbury, Minnesota and fiancé and best friend, Mindy Baccus. In addition, two nieces, EJ Harkness of Oakland, California, and Anna (Joe) Harkman of San Francisco, California. He was preceded in death by his parents. Private graveside services will be held at Rossville Cemetery. In collaboration with NAMI Kansas, the family requests donations to the Eric Harkness NAMI Kansas Scholarship Fund. This Fund honors Eric’s memory and his passion to develop awareness concerning mental illness and to extend NAMI resources and services. The Fund supports scholarships to help others participate in NAMI Kansas events such as the NAMI Convention, the NAMI Kansas Annual Conference, and the Mental Health Advocacy Day at the Kansas Capitol. Donations can be made at https://namikansas.org/donate_now or at NAMI Kansas, P.O. Box 675, Topeka, KS 66601.	Charles Eric Harkness	20 Oct 2019
Obituary- Spiker, Janice Janice Marie (Colson) Spiker, 76, of Topeka, passed Saturday, June 15, 2019, peacefully at home surrounded by family, after brave battles with breast and liver cancer. Janice was born May 1, 1943, in Beloit, Kansas, to Alvin and Rose (Simmons) Colson. She grew up in the Iona Kansas area and attended Rossville High School where she graduated in 1961. She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Lonnie and her son, Timothy “Scott” and daughter-in-law June Spiker of Silver Lake. Janice leaves behind a brother, Dennis (wife Kathy) Colson of Ponder, TX and her grandchildren Codi Spiker of Kansas City, MO, Chelsey (husband Tyler) Boxberger of Olathe and Corey of Silver Lake, sister in-laws, Judy Seitz, Topeka, KS Jackie Colson, Idaho, Traci Parkin of Nevada. Other survivors include numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Janice was proceeded in death by her parents Alvin and Rose Colson and siblings, Bill Colson and Dean Colson. Janice was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, she very seldom missed her grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events. Janice was employed at Goodyear for 37 years. She was a Creative Memories consultant for several years, she always loved crafting. She also belonged to the Red Hat society. She and Lonnie were very active in the Arab Shrine community. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial Contributions in her memory may be made to: KMF, Cancer Research, 5835 SW 29th St.,Topeka, KS 66614.	Janice Marie Colson Spiker	20 Oct 2019