Author: RumseyYost

Glenn Arlin Johanning

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Glenn Arlin Johanning, age 98, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on January 13, 2026, after a long and healthy life. He was born on November 15, 1927, to Otto and Ottilie (Schaake) Johanning. He was a lifelong resident of Lawrence, Kansas.

He is lovingly remembered by his survivors, son Bruce (Heather) Johanning, daughter Julie (Rob) Neff, daughter in law, Roxy Johanning, grandchildren Austin and Braden Johanning, David, Laura, Ryan, and Aaron Neff, Jared (Mandy Enfield) and John Johanning, great grandchildren, Anthony and Frankie Johanning, and a long list of nieces and nephews, including great-greats.

Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann (Stull) and son, Scott Johanning; his parents, Otto and Ottilie Johanning and stepmother, Mary (Giesmann) Johanning; his siblings, Elmer (Thelma) Johanning, Harold “Zeke” (Mary Alice) Johanning, and Mildred (William) Penny.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Douglas County Visiting Nurses, https://kansasvna.org/, 200 Maine St, Suite C, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Fond memories and condolences can be left at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Michael Gerard Brown Sr.

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Private family services for Michael Gerard Brown Sr. 68, Lawrence, will take place at a later date.

He died Friday, January 9, 2026, at his home where he resided with his brother.

Michael was born September 21, 1957 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Wilbur Ray and Mary Margaret Brown. He received this GED while he was in the Army National Guard.

He married Theresa Marie Baird, April 7, 1978, in Bonner Springs, KS, at the Bonner Springs Baptist Church, they later divorced on May 31, 1996.  Whom survives on still with a great amount of love remaining.

Other survivors include brother, Richard Brown, Sister, Leona Alpar, Brother Mark Brown, Sons. Joshua Brown and Michael Brown Jr, Daughters, Carmen Brown and Rachel Brown; 9 grand children, Jazzmine Brown, Vanessa Brown, Noah Brown, Devina Brown (Brookens), Anthony Brown-Henley, Derek Brown (Ben Brookens) Adam Brown (August Brookens), Dallas Brown, and Colin Brown; 2 great grand children, Livianna Hernandez, and Aryella Hernandez.

A brother Ronald Brown and sister Frances Bryant whom he is joining in Heaven.

Julie Ann Abel

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Julie Ann Abel 67, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Lexington Park Nursing Home in Topeka.

She was born November 21, 1958, and Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of George Allen Abel and Mary Virginia (Channel) Abel. Julie grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1977. She was a woman of fierce devotion, unwavering strength, and a spirit that could not be tamed.

She was stubborn and the best ways love deeply and without limits and never hesitated to stir up a little trouble when the moment called for it. No matter what life brought, she showed up for her family, her friends and the people she cared about most her presence was steady, protective and unforgettable.

Julie had a heart that loved hard and a personality that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She taught those around her the meaning of loyalty, resilience and unconditional love. Her laughter, her honesty and her fire will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Molly Abel; brother, David Abel; and many nieces and nephews and many more great nieces and nephews, who will carry her love and lessons forward every day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Abel.

Though she is no longer with us, her love remain strong, guiding, and forever, a part of us.

A visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will be at Reno Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Lawrence PACE, 319 Perry St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts her love remains our greatest gift.

Judith Kay (Kate) Walberg

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Judith Kay “Kate” Walberg, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Franklyn B. Walberg and Jeanette M. Walberg (Higbee), Known as Judy for half her life she grew up on the family dairy farm in Kansas City, Kansas, graduated from Rosedale High School in 1957, married David P. Rowlands and had three children: Michael, Mary Beth, and Mark. Later, she married James W. Mirick, welcoming two step-daughters, Karin and Michelle, into her ever-growing circle of family.

An eternal learner and lover of the arts, Judy earned her Bachelor of Arts (Art/Psychology) from Washburn University in 1990 and a Master of Science in Community Counseling (Art Therapy) from Emporia State University in 1994. She devoted her professional life to helping others—as a certified massage therapist, caregiver, realtor, secretary, Chi Omega house mother, and elder-care advocate—always blending compassion with creativity.

After moving to Lawrence in 1997, Judy became “Kate” and lived her life in her own colorful way. She found her people at the Lawrence Antique Mall and thrived in a community that celebrated her wit, humor, and creative spirit. Living independently until 2025 she transitioned seamlessly into assisted living where she brought her colorful ways to her new community. In her last days she was surrounded by her creative work space with classical music playing and being visited by family, friends and amazing care givers. She expressed her wish to move on to a new adventure.

Kate is survived by her siblings Michael, Frankie (Mock) and Linda (Bauer) children Michael, Mary Beth, and Mark Rowlands; step-daughters Karin Mirick and Michelle Swankowski; three grandchildren, Jimmy Mirick, Ethan Hernandez, and Macsen Rowlands; and her longtime friend and ex-husband, Jim Mirick, who became family in every sense.

A celebration of Kate’s life will be held later this spring around tulip time.

Rest well, Kate. The world is brighter for having had your spark in it.

Stephen Knowlton Ferrier

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Stephen Knowlton Ferrier passed away on December 19 after a long illness. He was born in San Francisco, California on August 29, 1946 to Philip K. Ferrier and Esther Christopher Ferrier. He was the first of four sons. His family soon relocated to Berkeley, California where he spent his childhood.

He attended Berkeley public schools (Emerson Elementary, Willard Junior High and Berkeley High), graduating in 1964. Childhood summers were spent at the family cabin in Dutch Flat, CA, swimming in the community pool and fishing with his paternal grandfather, William Warren Ferrier, Jr.

After attending a year of college, he enlisted in the Army Intelligence Corps, stationed in Stuttgart, West Germany until his discharge. After overcoming significant health issues, he graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1980 and relocated to Lawrence, Kansas. He worked as an analyst for the State of Kansas Department of Children and Families for more than 40 years, only recently retiring from that position.

He maintained a variety of passions in his life, including politics, literature, writing, and especially sports, including soccer, track and field, football, basketball, and the Tour de France. As a teen and young adult, he enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hiking and backpacking in the Sierra Nevadas and in the San Francisco Bay Area. In later life, he especially enjoyed reading mysteries and completing crossword puzzles.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Douglas Ferrier. He is survived by his children, Evan Ferrier (Kristin Feierabend) of Durham, North Carolina and Emily Moser (Todd) of Seattle, Washington; his two grandchildren, Asa Ferrier and Gabe Ferrier; and two brothers, Alan Ferrier of Tucson, Arizona and David Ferrier of Portland, Oregon.

No services are planned. Donations in his honor may be made to one of the following organizations to which he generously donated: Doctors Without Borders, Just Food of Douglas County, or Harvesters Community Food Network.

Patricia Jean Lindholm Gilges

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Patricia Jean Lindholm Gilges, age 101 of Balwin City, Kansas, was born May 9, 1924, in Little River, Kansas to Walter and Sarah Matilda Hubenett Lindholm. She passed away Jan 6, 2026, at home. Patricia married La Verne Gilges on April 4, 1945.

She started school at Stone Coral in rural Little River and finished grade school in Windom, Kansas. She went to Windom High for 2 years and then they moved to Baldwin City in 1940, and she graduated from Baldwin City in 1942.

She joined the Worden Church in 1940. This is where she met the cute guy in the yellow necktie that she later married. She was a past active member of the Ladies Group at the church and a 85 year member.

Patricia was a homemaker and farmer’s wife. She worked at Ottawa Tent and Awning and then worked at the H.D. Lee Company in Ottawa for 30 years where she blocked the ends on denim jackets.

Laverne and Pat moved to her current home in 1949 where they raised their family. She is survived by children, Elvin, Verlyn, Winston (Shirley), Ardyth Milburn (Mike), Rodney (Cathy), and Leslie (Theresa). She was preceded in death by two daughters, Gwendolyn and Audrey Elaine; her husband Laverne; her parents; a brother, Duaine Lindholm; and a sister, Elaine Hoopes.

Granny was loved by grandchildren, Jason (Heather), Amanda (Eric), Dusty (Jessica), Lauren (Luke), Troy (Dani), Brad (Jamie), Brian (Corinne), Matt (Ashley), Michelle (Mike), Cybill (Casey), Christie (Kaj), Jennifer, Kim, and Sarah. She has 24 great-grandchildren and was looking forward to a new one in March. Granny followed her kids’ sports and 4-H activities and kept up with the great-grandkids’ sports.

The family will miss all the crochet afghans, doilies, and hot pads that she made and shared. She always had hot pads to give to all of us when we got together. She told us often she was going to quit, but she always needed yarn to make more. Granny was proud of her Swedish heritage and has passed it on to her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Worden Cornerstone Church at 294 E 900th Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006.  Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M.to 8:00 P.M. on Friday evening also at the church.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence. Memorials in honor of Patricia may be made to the Wordon Church Ladies.

Donna Jean (Hemelrick) Strom

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Donna Jean Hemelrick (Strom) passed away January 5, 2026 unexpectedly, at University of Kansas Hospital.

She was born May 13, 1978, in Lawrence, the daughter to Donald (deceased) and Sylvia Hemelrick. She attended Oskaloosa, KS schools, then received her GED and later attended Pinnacle Career College.

Survivors include her mother Sylvia Hemelrick, two sisters, Karen Woelk and Mary Hemelrick.
Five brothers David Wilks, Jeff (Amber) Wilks, Shawn Reid,  Justin Hemelrick and Seth Parker. Four children: Zachary Hemelrick, Morgan Hemelrick, Autumn Hefner and Abby Hemelrick. Also twelve grandchild and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Proceeded in her death was her father Donald Hemelrick, brother Chipper Wilks and son Aaron Hemelrick. Grandparents Frank and Ivy Reid and Deloris Jean Becker.

Donna loved to live life to the fullest, her love for her family, children and grandchildren was unconditional. She spent her life taking care of others as a home health care provider and then became an assistant manager at Joe’s Kwik Mart.

Donna was known for her kind heart, beautiful eyes and smile. Always wanting to help everyone else.

Donations can be made to Rumsey Yost Funeral home in care of Donna Strom funeral expenses.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Benjamin Brabant Allen Jr.

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Ben Allen Jr.  passed away Saturday January 3, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas with his family by his side.  He was born December 18, 1960 in Alton, Illinois to Ben and Trudi, Benjie was the oldest of three children. Ben graduated from Alton High School in 1979 and went on to attend The University of Oklahoma.  He was a talented and self-taught musician and artist. Ben began playing the piano as a child and quickly became prolific in classical and later contemporary music. He was in constant pursuit of knowledge, curious about the workings of the world. From antiquities to current events, he was a wealth of knowledge, which, sometimes to the chagrin of his family, was usually superior. Ben had a mind of his own and informed opinions that he was happy to share. He was a skilled and avid chess player as well. Benjie enjoyed childhood summers in Saugatuck, and one special summer spent with his Uncle Hube managing the archeological dig in Morgantina, Sicily.  Ben moved to Lawrence in 2004 to be closer to his beloved University of Kansas.  Ben was preceded in death by his dear friend and cousin Lee Allen, and his grandparents, Hub and Berta Allen and Al and Na Weber.

Benjie is survived by his parents, Ben and Trudi, his brother Peter (Gina), and his sister Betsy (Eddie Sholar), 7 cousins and 5 nieces and nephews.  Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.  Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.

Robert Henry Hess

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Robert Henry Hess, 87, of Lawrence died January 4, 2026 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Bob was born April 29, 1938 in Iola, the son of James George and Genevieve (Ellis) Hess, the fourth of eight children. He grew up on the Hess family farm southwest of LaHarpe and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1957. On October 5, 1957 he married Ellen Susan “Susie” McVey at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Humboldt. They celebrated 68 years together. They initally lived in Fort Scott, where Bob worked for the Singer Sewing Machine company as the local manager. He was transferred to Lawrence in 1958 to manage the Lawrence Singer store. Over the years he also worked for Lawrence Furniture and White’s before opening Bob’s Bernina Sewing and Vacuum Center in Holiday Plaza in December 1980. He sold the business in 2010 and retired at that time.

Bob had a boundless curiosity and love of life. He enjoyed gardening, a yearly trip to Mazatlan and getting to know everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife; sons Michael (Kathleen) and Mark (Ty Fuller) of Lawrence; granddaughter Gretchen Hess of Chicago, IL.; three grandsons Scott Fuller, Seth Fuller and Spencer Fuller; sister Mary Joan Brigham of St. George; and brother Bernard of Humboldt. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Jerome, Phillip, and Charles; his sisters Ann Ballenger and Julie Hess; and infant sons Timothy and Patrick.

On Friday, January 9th a visitation is scheduled at 9:30am with the Funeral Mass starting at 10:30am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence.  Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery in Humboldt at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society. Bob’s family is very appreciative of the excellent care he received at Lawrence Memorial Hospital during his illness.