Category: Obituaries

Mark Wayne Rice

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Mark Wayne Rice, beloved father, brother, friend, and humorist extraordinaire, shuffled off this mortal coil on April 5 th, 2024. Leaving behind a world infinitely duller in his absence at the age of 68.

Born on September 24 th , 1955, in Kansas City, MO, Mark spent his formative years in various towns across Missouri and Nebraska and eventually settled in Omaha, NE. He graduated from Millard High School in 1973 and received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1985. With a heart as big as Memorial Stadium, Mark was a die-hard Huskers fan. Always loyal through wins and losses.

Mark had a passion for music that rivaled his love for Nebraska football. His taste in music was as eclectic as his taste in humor. Whether he was attending concerts of his favorite bands or spinning vinyl records from eras long past, he had a knack for hitting all the right notes. He believed music should be listened to all the way up to 11 and felt just as much as it was heard. His vinyl collection was the envy of audiophiles far and wide, with genres spanning from the Beatles to Primus and everything in between.

But perhaps Mark’s greatest talent was his ability to wield a “dad joke” with surgical precision. His legendary puns, infamous one-liners, and infectious sense of humor brightened the lives of all who knew him.

Mark will be dearly missed by his band of merry misfits, including his daughter Brandis (Pat Fielder) Rice, sisters Elizabeth Cassidy and Denise (Robert) McCauley, sister-in-law’s Barb Rice, and Carol Rice, along with a motley crew of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and fellow music lovers. Proceeded in death by father Billie Rice, mother Theresa Rice, brothers Michael Rice and Lynn Rice, along with a dearly departed band of grandparents, family, and friends. Though his final encore has come to an end, his legacy will live on in the timeless tunes and tall tales he left behind.

In lieu of somber serenades, the family requests that donations be made to LUNGevity Foundation for lung cancer research or a local music education program in Mark’s name, because even in death, he’d want to keep the music playing.

A jam session full of songs and stories in celebration of Mark’s life will be held on April 20th at the Uptown Theater – Broadway Room, 3700 Broadway, Kansas City, MO from 1pm-5pm. Come wearing your favorite Band, Nebraska or Chiefs apparel as we pay tribute to a man whose laughter and love were the ultimate chart-toppers.

Rock on in peace, dear Mark. Your symphony of silliness and soulful laughter will echo in our hearts for eternity.

With a final chord of gratitude, “Go Big Red.”

Lois Darlene Helm

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Lois Darlene Helm, 86, Lawrence, passed away on April 4th, 2024, in her home. A visitation will be held Friday, April 12th from 5pm to 6:30pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Following the visitation, the family welcomes all friends and family back to the Helm residence to gather for stories & an evening of remembrance.

Lois was born on March 15th, 1938, in Lawrence, KS and is the daughter of Harry & Elizabeth (Lamb) Bouton. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1955. That same year, Lois married the love of her life Odis “Lee” Helm on March 26th. Following high school, she worked at John Haddock Ford, but most of her career was spent at Curtis 1000 & Capitol Federal, all in Lawrence. After retiring, she longed for something more. She spent many years loving kids when she opened Lolo’s Daycare.

She was an animal lover, especially dogs. In her younger days, she was a member of Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge. She enjoyed camping with friends & loved ones and enjoyed a night on the town going dancing with her husband at the Shiloh Club. Lois enjoyed fishing, painting ceramics, crocheting & needlepoint. She was a life-long night owl who used to stay up into the wee hours playing Pinocle & Pitch with her siblings. She had a fondness for filling up carts while shopping and could often be heard hooting and hollering over Kansas Basketball rooting for the Jayhawks. She loved her family fiercely and had a great fondness for all her grandkids.

Lois was preceded in death by her siblings Edwin Bouton, Sara Ruth (Bouton) Davenport, Joan (Bouton) Peavler, Daryl Bouton and her son Larry Helm.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Odis “Lee” Helm of the home, her daughter Lori Petrie (Matt Schmidt) of Baldwin City, Granddaughters Kari (Ken) Brungardt of Lawrence, Amanda (Kyle) Davis of Lawrence, Grandson Brandon (Chandler O’Neal) Schmidt of Baldwin City. Great-grandchildren Faythe Brungardt (Henry Peal), Jackson Brungardt (Brooklyn), Brayden “Bray” Ballew, Lawson Brungardt, Cohen Davis, Nash Davis, Bowie Fuller. Great-Great grandchildren Kenzleigh Brungardt, Lily Peal, James Brungardt, along with many nieces & nephews and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Lois name to Douglas County VNA Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope.

The family encourages all to come casually or in your favorite KU Jayhawks gear.

Paul Wayne Findley

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Paul W. Findley, 84, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at his home in Lawrence, Kansas. Paul, son of the late William R and Ruth Courtney (Gilmore) Findley, was born August 8, 1939, in Lawrence, Kansas, and was the youngest of seven children.

Paul lived in Lawrence all of his life. He attended Pinckney Elementary School, Lawrence Junior High, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1957. He married Virginia Lee Coffman on November 18, 1962, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Paul joined the Lawrence Fire Department on December 1, 1960, and served for thirty years, rising to the rank of Major, and retiring in December of 1990. He also worked at the City of Lawrence Street Department as a mechanic, and as a Gas Meter Reader for the Lawrence Gas Company, later Black Hills Energy. Paul enjoyed Model Railroading and was also a past member of the Elks Lodge of Lawrence.

Survivors include his wife Virginia; and two sons: Troy R (Jennifer) Findley of Topeka, Kansas; Kyle W Findley of Lawrence, Kansas; and one grandson, Zachary. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Catherine (Findley) Crowl and Dorothy (Findley) Koger; and four brothers, Bill Findley, James Findley, Frank Findley, and David Findley.

A graveside service with inurnment will be Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11am at Hubbel Hill Cemetery in Tonganoxie. The family requests no flowers, and that memorial contributions be made in Paul’s name to Visiting Nurses Hospice (VNA) in the care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Carl Edward Flory

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Carl Edward Flory (77) passed away on March 28, 2024 after sustaining injuries from a farm accident on the family farm.

Carl lived his entire life on the family farm in rural Baldwin City, and was born on January 20, 1947 to Alva Jacob Flory and Ethel “Goldie“ (Carpenter) Flory.

Carl graduated from Lawrence High School in 1965. He met his wife, Velma, at Allen’s Drive-In in 1969.

Carl married the love of his life, Velma Darlene (Holladay) Flory, on June 13, 1971 and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage together. They raised their children, Donna (Flory) Hughes and Dale Flory on their farm and ran a dairy for many years. Carl was still farming wheat and soybeans up until his death. He also enjoyed collecting Allis-Chalmers tractors and working on them. When people came over, he enjoyed showing them off.

He is survived by his wife, Velma, of the home, his daughter Donna (Todd) Hughes, Baldwin City, his son, Dale (Kirsten), Baldwin City, his brother A. Allen (Mickele) Flory, Eudora, and grandchildren Jacob Hughes, Taylor Flory and Carter Flory all of Baldwin City plus a large extended family.

Carl was a lifelong farmer, and worked alongside his Dad and brother and eventually took over the family farm. His love of God and his family, friends and community was evident in his handwritten notes, his drop by visits and storytelling. He always ended a phone call or a visit with the words “Be Careful.”

Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 3 from 6-8pm.

The funeral service will be held at Worden Cornerstone Church on Thursday, April 4 at 10am with burial following at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. A luncheon reception will follow at Worden Cornerstone Church. The family requests “farmer casual” dress attire for the services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to BHS FFA, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Michael A. Viebrock

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Michael A. Viebrock passed away on January 27th, 2024 at the St. Mark’s Living Center in Austin, Minnesota. He was born in Clinton, Missouri on September 4th, 1951 to Fred and Shirley Viebrock. The family moved to Leavenworth, KS for his primary years and then to Lawrence, KS where he graduated from Lawrence High School in 1969. He attended the University of Kansas and spent time working for Kansas Color Press before starting his law enforcement career. He joined the Lawrence Kansas Police Department on June 5, 1973 where he served his community for 28 years. For 17 years he was a patrol officer and then assigned as a juvenile investigator in January, 1990. In October, 1991 he was promoted to detective and served in that position until retiring on September 24, 2001. He moved to Grand Lake, OK after retirement to pursue his passion for bass fishing. He returned to law enforcement in 2004 as an officer at the Tulsa International Airport Police Department. He served there until 2016. He moved to Minnesota in 2022
Mike was preceeded in death by his parents, Fred and Shirley Viebrock. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his siblings, Dave (wife, Connie), Juli (wife, Julie) and Paul (wife, Anna). He found great joy in his niece, Lisa, nephews, Andy, Matt, Blake, Dusty, Dima and Max and their families. Marriage to Diane brought step children, Erin and Adam and their families – of which there was mutual adoration. Mike enjoyed fishing, watching sports and was incredibly loyal to his family.
We will celebrate Mike’s life on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. Visitation will be from 2-3 pm with the funeral service at 3 pm. A brief graveside service with police honor guard will follow at Oakhill Cemetery where he will be interred with his parents. In the spirit of Mike, please dress casual and wear your favorite sports team jersey. If you would like to honor Mike, please make memorial contributions to Outside for a Better Inside/Kids Fishing Derby in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. Finally, his family would like to thank the staff at St. Marks Living Center for the loving care they provided and for being strong advocates for him when he was most vulnerable.

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Kerry Lee Pierce

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Kerry Lee Pierce, 75, Lawrence, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024. He was born in Holt, Missouri on Oct. 16, 1948, to Glen H. Pierce and Doris I. Hopkins Pierce. He moved to Lecompton, KS in 1951 and graduated from Lecompton High School in 1966. In 1971, Kerry married Mary Lou Romero, and together they raised their son Kevin and daughter Amanda. He graduated from Johnson County Community College with an associate degree in electronic engineering and worked in the electronic service industry for 18 years before retiring as a shop supervisor from Lineage Kansas City. Kerry enjoyed spending time with his dog, Star, and drinking coffee every morning at McDonald’s with his friends.

He is survived by his children, Kevin, Amanda, son-in-law Tom de Man, and grandson Luke de Man. He is also survived by his family Lazara Romero, Anna & Eric Dawson, Diana Romero, Mark & Lori Romero, and Amy & Gabriel Chavez.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Celebration of Life Services will be at his home on Saturday March 30, 2024.

Duane Leland Petersen

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Duane Leland Petersen passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on March 26th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence on Saturday, March 30th,from 10:00-11:00 AM with Funeral Services immediately following in the Chapel.

On March 4th, 1949, Duane was born to Leland and Leah Petersen at Horton Hospital in Horton, Kansas. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1967. After high school, Duane went into the workforce and was hired by the GoodYear Tire and Rubber Plant in Topeka where he worked until retirement, 36 years later. Duane was an extremely hard worker, on top of working 7 days a week, every single week at GoodYear, he also took every opportunity to earn extra income by working on his vegetable farm, driving a taxi, working as a security guard, running a climbing wall, umpiring softball games, providing people with life insurance and annuities and helping people prepare their taxes.

Duane was a proud volunteer Police Officer with the Topeka Police Department in his younger years. He also volunteered with the American Kennel Club and enjoyed helping with dog shows when his health allowed. In his spare time, he loved reading books and anything that talked about history, guns and hunting. His dream was to hunt Moose, Elk and Black bear while visiting or living in Alaska.

On March 30th, 1974, Duane was set up on a blind date. Just five short months later, on September 7th, 1974, Duane Petersen and Shirley Blakley were married at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton, Kansas. The couple enjoyed 49 wonderful years of marriage together. They had four children, Jason Lee Petersen, Kelley Jo Grammer (Tracy Grammer), Jaime Lee Werner (Jeff Werner), and Andrea Lynn Vogts (David Vogts). Their three daughters blessed them with nine grandchildren: Lenley Bonham, Thomas Bonham, Jasen Grammer, Logan Werner, Serenity Vogts, Tessa Werner, Carson Vogts, Haylee Vogts, Piper Vogts and one great-granddaughter: Baylor Bonham.

Duane was best known for his intelligence, passion for politics, work ethic, and his sense of humor. Duane watched a lot of Jeopardy and often knew the answers when the contestants did not. He was the “go to” when his kids or their friends (his other kids) had questions about school work or life in general. He was always a wealth of knowledge. Duane was a very proud, outspoken, Republican and a dedicated advocate for the party. His sense of humor was larger than life and his most well known answer when someone would ask him how he was doing was always “I’m Wonderful, but don’t forget Handsome, Sexy, Marvelous and of course, Modest”, with the biggest smirk on his face.

Duane was a family man. He made sure his daughters were super spoiled and never went without. He played an active role in all of their activities and was always supportive. He often showered Shirley with lavish gifts of jewelry and long vacations. Their last vacation together took them to the Hoover Dam, multiple national parks and the San Diego Zoo. Duane’s love for Shirley ran deep. He said he was always prepared to go before her and was not ready to live without her. Seventeen days after her sudden, unexpected passing, Duane took his final breath. Their love will live on forever.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Leah Petersen, his sister Leona “Vicki” Umshied, his brother Tony Petersen, his son Jason Petersen, and his wife Shirley Petersen. He is survived by their three daughters, Kelley Grammer of Shawnee KS, Jaime Werner of Ozawkie KS, and Andrea Vogts of Kansas City KS; and his sister, Kris Serrault of Topeka KS.

Flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home or Donations can be made to Jefferson County Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com