Author: RumseyYost

Dennis Edward Nystrom

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Dennis Edward Nystrom, 78, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, but fought hard and with immense courage until the very end.

Dennis was born on October 6, 1947, the son of Evar Walter Nystrom and Marie Elizabeth (Ross) Nystrom. He built a long and dedicated career at Hallmark Cards, eventually retiring after 42 years of service.

On October 30, 1982, Dennis was united in marriage to Cheryl Doonan. She survives at the home. The two shared a wonderful life together, and in their retirement years, they loved hitting the road to travel the country together as “Snow Birds.”

In addition to his beloved wife, Cheryl, Dennis leaves behind a loving family, including his children: Paul Nystrom of Lawrence, KS; Denise Nystrom of Belton, MO; Kenny Nystrom and his wife, Liz, of Perry, KS; Chellie Doonan of Lawrence, KS; and Nichole Doonan and Bob of Lecompton, KS. His wonderful legacy will continue to live on through his 10 cherished grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for a visitation and gathering to celebrate Dennis’s life on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Lawrence Humane Society or the Lawrence Cancer Center, which may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Glenn LeRoy Stowe

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Glenn LeRoy Stowe, 76, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on March 20, 2026. He was born on March 19,1950, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Clara Mae (Brightwell) and Paul Eugene Stowe.

Glenn married the love of his life, Sharon K. Rosebrough, on June 20,1977, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and raising three children.

He is survived by his children: Mekell Stowe, Amy Benjamin and her husband Jason, and Casey Vigil all of Lawrence. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Mackenzie Adams, Cody Benjamin, Jaden Battelle, Colton Smith, Kylie Smith, and Maeva Vigil; and one great-grandson, Cannon Weeks.

Glenn is also survived by his siblings: sisters Charlotte Lewis and Judy Berry, brother Robert Stowe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon; two brothers, Earl and Alvin Stowe; and one sister, Neva Stowe.

Glenn dedicated over 50 years of his life to the drywall trade, beginning as a young teenager and eventually building and operating his own successful drywall business starting in the 1970s. He took great pride in his work and the reputation he built through decades of dedication.

Outside of work, Glenn enjoyed hunting, fishing, country music, spending time with family, cheering on the Kansas City Royals, and watching Jayhawks basketball. He also loved politics- never afraid to voice his strong beliefs and opinions- and time shared with friends, family and his beloved pets.

Family meant everything to Glenn. He had deep roots in the North Lawrence community and was forever proud to call himself a “North Lawrence Sand Rat.” He will be remembered as a devoted father, a loving grandfather, always caring and generous with a smile on his face, and his Ford trucks. But most of all, a man whose greatest joy was the time he spent with those he loved.

His legacy of hard work, loyalty, and love for family will live on in all who knew him.

A visitation will be 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, also at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046.

Jennifer (Jenna) Lynn Coker

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JENNIFER LYNN COKER (known as Jenna) passed peacefully from this world into the glory of eternal rest alongside her husband and loved ones on 3/22/2026.

Born in January, 1950 in Tokyo, Japan, the daughter of US Army Major Ellis Clifton and Norma Jo Coker, the family returned to the United States circa 1952. Her early years were spent living on numerous Military bases around the world, including Germany, California, New York, Georgia, and Texas. Her family finally settled at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where her father passed away and she became a US Army Gold Star Family member.

She attended Leavenworth High School, and soon thereafter served several rural Kansas Utility companies as an accountant. 25 years of her career was devoted to Kansas University, Lawrence (Go Jayhawks!) in numerous capacities and departments until retirement: her longest-serving and most beloved position as Accounting Manager for the Geology Department.

Jenna was very active in the greater Lawrence community enjoying volunteering, concerts, visiting Art galleries and social and cultural events. She had many friends who enjoyed her vivacious arrivals in the red Mustang convertible (with personalized plate “FRE2BME”) to relish nice weather at lakeside gatherings, swims, picnics and events.

About this time in her life, Jenna became exceptionally passionate about gardening, obtaining a Master Gardener Certification. Her residence is and will remain well-known for the attractively alluring gardens she created. Her everlasting memory will live on through her joyful vocation in the Oak Hill Cemetery through her generously donated time caring for flowerbeds throughout the Cemetery. Jenna is well self-described by her phone greeting, “I’m out trying to change the things I can’t accept or I’m out diggin’ in the dirt: summer or winter”.

Her life became truly complete only after meeting her soulmate and future husband, Fredrick Sack. They openly blossomed together through their deep and devoted love for each other and life, their shared passions, and genuine thrill in all things joyful and beautiful. Jenna and Fred made priceless memories on countless pleasure road trips over the years: traveling more than 20,000 miles (early on with a camper) to visit family, friends and national treasures. She was especially impressed by the immense beauty and power of Niagara Falls and the stunningly enormous trees in Upstate NY.

Together, they visited Disney Land, toured Texas, Mount Rushmore, greatly enjoyed camping in Fred’s son’s back yard in Denver and her sister’s tiny house in the woods under the shadow of Mount Monadnock, boating around and exploring islands on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, touring the Northeast coastline and White Mountain National Forest during the height of fall foliage, and many, many more memorable local trips. Jenna will be greatly missed by the multitude of people she deeply touched throughout her life.

Graveside Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Hospice Care VNA of Lawrence or the Lawrence Humane Society.

Jay Dee Brecheisen

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Jay Dee Brecheisen, 87, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Friday, March 20, 2026 surrounded by family in his home. A visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home the evening of March 25, 2026 and the funeral will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene.

Jay Dee was born July 7, 1938 in Clearfield, Kansas to Edith and Philip Brecheisen. He grew up with four siblings, Marcella, Marvin, Dale and Philip. As a young child he had a passion for sports and excelled at basketball and baseball, leading Baldwin to many winning seasons before graduating in 1956. On January 17, 1957 he married Barbara Anne Penny at age 18. They welcomed five daughters together and reached their sixty-nineth year of marriage in 2026. Jay Dee sustained a long career at Farmland, where he worked as an electrician for approximately 35 years. He was a pig farmer and enjoyed raising cattle on his family farm. Outside of work, he was dedicated to his church, Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene for over fifty years. Jay Dee was a man of few words but many actions. He was known to have supported many people in his community, never shying away from the opportunity to help those in need. His athleticism was passed down through generations, allowing him to spend his retirement traveling the state to watch his grandchildren compete in various sports. Jay Dee illustrated a life well-lived led by the Lord and exemplified the meaning behind a good father and grandparent.

Jay Dee is survived by his spouse Barbara Brecheisen, brother, Philip (Charlotte) Brecheisen, his five daughters, Penny Baxter, Jo Polk, Jeri (Rob) Pringle, Deena Green and Robyn (Danny) Savannah along with eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Edith and Philip Brecheisen, Marcella Madl, Marvin Brecheisen, Dale Brecheisen and son-in-law Tim Baxter.

A visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place the following day Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene, 1470 N 1000 Rd. Lawrence, Kansas 66046. A procession will follow to the Clearfield burial site located in Eudora, Kansas.

Memorial contributions can be made to Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene. Please send flowers to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home located at 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Della May Hayden Hadley

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Della May Hayden Hadley passed away March 18, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence, Kansas at the age of 97. She lived a life of purpose in support of those on the margins of society, fighting for civil rights, fair housing, and the equal rights amendment. She had a quick wit, a ready smile, and kind words for all.
Della was born January 27, 1929, in Lawrence to Will H. and Mary R. Hayden. She is survived by her younger sister Vera Dellwig, and was predeceased by her older sisters Martha Milleret, Lucille Hansen and Pauline Nunemaker, all of Lawrence. She grew up on a farm in North Lawrence with her four sisters. She attended Oak Ridge School in Grant Township and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School, Lawrence KS in 1946.
Della met Stephen D. Hadley at KU, and they were married in 1948 in Danforth Chapel on the KU campus. They lived briefly in Milwaukee and two years at Purdue University where she earned her degree in Political Science. They made their home in Kansas City, Missouri until Steve’s retirement in 1983 and then returned to Lawrence. Steve died in 1990.
Della and Steve were active in Fellowship House, an interracial community group in Kansas City. Della served as President of the Missouri League of Women Voters. She was elected to the Kansas City School Board in 1970 and to three terms (1975-80) in the Missouri House of Representatives. After returning to Lawrence, she was active for many years in the Lawrence African Violet Club. She also participated in the Extension Homemakers Unit and attended the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence.
She is survived by her four children: Susan Rothschild (Sandy) of St. Louis MO; Kathleen Taylor (Jeremy) of Lawrence; Thomas Hadley (Barbara) of Kansas City MO; and Stanton Hadley (Rosalie) of Knoxville TN. Della has 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express its appreciation to the staff at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence for the kindness and consideration they gave to Della in her final years. Memorial contributions may be made to the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County, PO Box 1072, Lawrence KS 66044. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Gary Wayne Bartlett

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Gary Wayne Bartlett, of Lawrence, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Aldersgate Care Facility in Topeka, due to complications from ALS and dementia.

Gary was born in Lawrence on August 23, 1950, to Margaret “Peggy” Elston Bartlett and Norman Bartlett. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1968 and began his career at the FMC Chemical Plant in Lawrence. After one year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an air freight specialist and was stationed in Texas, California, Okinawa, and Alaska. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

Following his military service, Gary returned to FMC, where he dedicated 43 years of service before retiring in 2011.

On November 15, 1975, Gary married Susan Durkin. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past November. They welcomed two daughters: Cathy in 1977 and Melanie in 1979.

Gary and Susan were active members of the River City Cosmopolitan Club, a service organization devoted to diabetes education and research. Together, they traveled throughout the United States and Canada attending international conventions and formed many lifelong friendships. Gary served the organization in numerous leadership roles, including Club President, Federation Governor, and International Vice President of Membership and Club Building. He also co-founded the Emerald City Club in Topeka.

Gary treasured time spent visiting Cathy and her family in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Melanie and her family in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He especially enjoyed sitting in his driveway, listening to Jimmy Buffett music, and keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood.

In January 2023, Gary was diagnosed with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. His health gradually declined over the following three years. After developing pneumonia and sepsis, he was cared for by the compassionate staff at Aldersgate until his passing.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Susie; daughter Cathy Jones (Stephen) and grandsons Dillon and Porter Jones of Fort Collins, Colorado; daughter Melanie Thomson and granddaughter Finley Thomson of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada; sister Gaylene Beatty of Carbondale, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; and his Durkin brothers- and sisters-in-law: Dave and Phillis, John and Barb, Jim and Janet, and Don and Monica.

The family extends special thanks to Bert from Grace Home Health Care; VA Home Health Care; Lawrence Fire Department for lift assistance; Sean and Kristin Shore for their many acts of kindness; and the wonderful family, neighbors, and friends who provided support and help while Gary was still at home.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be 1 pm, Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be from 2-4pm at Wayne and Larry’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to

ALS Association
St. Paul Donor Service
1919 University Ave W, Ste 175
St Paul, MN 55104
Grace Home Health Care Agency
2127 E 26th Street
Lawrence Ks 66046
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Suite 200, PVA Rm 207
9111 E Douglas
Wichita, Ks 67207

David Joseph Berkowitz

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Services for David Joseph Berkowitz, 84, of Lawrence, will be at 2 PM on Monday March 16, 2026 at the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation 917 Highland Drive, Lawrence, Kansas. He passed away at home on Friday, March 13.

He was born July 8, 1941 in Chicago and grew up in Wichita. After graduating from Wichita State College he attended KU School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate. With a legal career spanning over fifty years, David served as a lawyer for the State of Kansas Corporation Commission, was elected Douglas County Attorney in 1972, and conducted a solo practice until 2020. In his later years he received an award from the Kansas Bar Association for his continuing Pro Bono work.

In addition to practicing law, David was a committed lifelong Democrat, serving as Douglas County Party Chair from 1976 to 1986, and on various state and local level party committees for the rest of his life.

He married Katherine Kline on January 13, 1980. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son William, of Edwardsville, Kansas; a son, John, and daughter-in-law Sana, of Seattle. The family suggests donations in David’s name to the Lawrence Humane Society and the Lawrence Public Library.

Jarrell Leonard Jones

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Jarrell Leonard Jones, 83, died March 12, 2026 at Bridge Haven Memory Care in Lawrence, KS.

Jarrell was born September 11, 1942 in Hoisington, KS, the son of Leonard P. and Ella M. Jones. He was the oldest of three children. He grew up near Beaver and graduated from Claflin High School. Jarrell attended Fort Hays State University for two years and then graduated from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson.

Jarrell then joined his family who had moved to Newton. There he began working at Hesston Manufacturing/Agco. He enjoyed traveling for Hesston demonstrating their farm equipment in many states. When he returned he worked in the shipping/parts department, later as crew chief. He worked his entire career at Agco and retired in 2006.

Jarrell joined the Air National Guard and then served in the United States Navy from March 19, 1968 to October 22, 1969. As a Seaman, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

On February 24, 1973, a 70 degree day, he married Mary K Schroeder. They enjoyed fifty three years of marriage. Together they raised their son Matthew. Jarrell enjoyed the many mini vacations to a number of states while they took Matt BMX bicycle racing.

Jarrell had a life long interest in history and was very knowledgeable about the Civil War and World War II, early military forts, Indian wars, and wagon trails. His passion was hunting for and collecting antiques. After retirement, he enjoyed meeting with his friends for morning coffee.

Jarrell loved to watch birds and wildlife. He even taught a squirrel to eat out of our hands. He dearly loved all the dogs and cats he and Mary owned. He could often be seen walking Maggie, his last dog, along 1st Street in Newton.

On May 1, 2021, Jarrell and Mary moved to Lawrence to be near Matt and his family.

He was a kind and compassionate man.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; son Matthew, daughter-in-law Heather and sweet granddaughter Mira, all of Lawrence. Other survivors include his two sisters, Verla Dickey, Odessa, MO; Cheryl Andrews, Blue Springs, MO; and three nieces and two nephews

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard, and his mother, Ella; three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. A graveside service will follow in the natural section of Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or Lawrence Humane Society sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Livestream the service at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/97BVPQ