Memorial Services for Joan Elaine Wohlers, 80, Lawrence, will be 1 pm, March 17, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
She died March 5, 2023, at her home.
Survivors include her husband Bruce E. Wohlers, Lawrence.
More info to come soon.
Author: RumseyYost
Joyce Ann Frye
Joyce Ann Frye, 87, of Lawrence, KS, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023. She was born June 21, 1935, to Ernest and Thema Stephenson. Though Joyce was not one to blow her horn, through her story-telling her friends and family came to learn about her many fascinating life experiences, zest for life and strong work ethic. For example, she lived above her dad’s restaurant off Main Street in downtown Kansas City, so she’d wake up, come down the back stairs, order her breakfast from the cook and head off to school. And the time spent on her grandmother’s farm formed her into the person she became. Grandma taught how to work hard and be self-sufficient.
Joyce was known for her joyful nature, fierce determination, and faithful living. She was a gifted crafter, able to make most anything without a pattern; she could just “see it” and make it; She loved coming up with new crafts to make. Her love of numbers led her to working in the banking business. She worked for Capital Federal Savings in Topeka Kansas for many years and retired from there in 2000.
Joyce deeply loved her family and did whatever she could to support her children and their families. Her children never looked up from a ball field or court and without seeing her there, usually at the scorer’s table. Joyce is survived by her daughter Gina Hoffman (Dennis) and her step-grandchildren Chad Hoffman (Melissa) and Jessica (Anthony) Brixius; step-great grandchildren Braden, Colin, Jasmine, Samantha, her son Mitch Williams (Jenny) and their children, Joanna (Kim), Leslie (Colin), MacKenna, and Nicolas, and great grandchildren Jacob, Charles, Audrey, and Jack, her step-children Robert Frye, Susie Stier, Richard Frye, and step-grandchildren Bobby, Amy, Marisa, Rachel, Bradley, and step-great grandchildren Aislyn, Preeley, Waverly and Liam. She is preceded in death by her brother Bill Stephenson, husband Robert (Bob) Frye, and son Michael Williams.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Friday, March 17, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9 – 10 am. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able make a donation to the Heifer International (https://www.heifer.org/), Interim Healthcare Topeka Hospice Program, or Youth Sports City of Lawrence Kansas.
Deana Dalene Reimer
Services for Deana Reimer, 76, Lawrence, will be at 2pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Deana left this world peacefully on Sunday, March 5th, 2023.
She was born on October 19, 1946, in Neodesha, KS, the daughter of Arlie Dale Hixon and Bonniemae Hixon. She graduated from Pawnee Rock High School in 1964 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and English in 1968 and her Master’s degree in 1983 in school administration from Fort Hays State University.
Deana and Keith were married June 11, 1966, in Pawnee Rock, KS, they settled in Dodge City, KS, in 1968 and later moved to Lawrence, KS, in 2002.
Deana started her work in education in the Cimarron school district teaching English and Spanish to students of all ages. Deana began working in Migrant Education in 1990.
She dedicated her life to helping migrant families and continued until her retirement in 2004. Deana enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
Deana shared her love for the KC Chiefs and KU Jayhawks with anyone who would listen. She enjoyed spending time on ‘Lucy’ her iPad, sending messages and jokes at all hours of the day and night. Deana never met a stranger and always had a hug and joke to give. She was an inspiration to all that met her, loved being on stage and left everyone with a smile on their face and a “Deana” story.
Deana is survived by her husband Keith; son Tyson (Val) Lawrence; daughter Keena Schmidt (Chet) Lawrence; five grandchildren, Crosby, Rileigh, Ava, Caeson, and Greysen; two brothers, Larry Hixon (Ronda) Pawnee Rock, KS ; Jon Hixon (Karen) Storm Lake, IA; sister-in-law Sally Hixon, Howard CO; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Skeeter.
Deana was preceded in death by her brother Jerry Hixon and parents, Dale and Bonniemae Hixon.
The family suggest memorials be made to the Interstitial Cystitis National Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.
Dawn Wenonah Anderson
Dawn Wenonah Anderson – February 18, 1964 – February 14, 2023.
On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Dawn Wenonah Anderson passed away at her home in Lawrence, Kansas. She was 58.
Dawn was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating high school from Mary Institute. Dawn graduated from the University of Kansas at Lawrence with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, her interests focused on theater and stage design. Dawn was involved in numerous productions as a stage manager in and around Lawrence and Kansas City. By day, Dawn worked in the customer services departments of several corporations.
Dawn is survived by a brother, Joel, of Columbia, Missouri and a nephew, Jonathan, also of Columbia, and by her birth sister, Cathy, who she recently located and with whom she formed a strong bond. Dawn is also survived by her aunt Hattie and by numerous cousins, most notably Chanda and Thiess who were very close to Dawn.
A small ceremony will be held in St. Louis at the gravesite of her parents, John and Dorothea Anderson, in late March. Friends of Dawn are encouraged to post their memories and stories about Dawn so that they may be shared at her memorial and passed on to her family.
Cameron Patrick Lee Bricker
Cameron Patrick Lee Bricker, son of Gregory Alan Bricker and Christina Marie Aldridge, was born October 1, 1996 in Overland Park, KS and departed this life on December 9, 2022 in Lawrence, KS. At the time of his passing, he was 26 years of age.
Cameron was preceded in death by his paternal Grandfather Duane Alan Bricker in 2005 and Grandmother Martha Ella Bricker in 2019 and maternal Grandfather Jerold Lee Aldridge in 2022.
Cameron is survived by his Father Gregory Alan Bricker of Eudora, KS, and Mother Christina Marie Aldridge of Eudora, KS. Cameron is also survived by two brothers, Michael Alan Bricker, Lenexa, KS and Brandon Ray Wiggins, Desoto, KS and two sisters Ashley Nicole Bricker, Lawrence, KS and Brooke Sophie Abram, Eudora, KS, a nephew, cousins, as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. Cameron loved his family and enjoyed being at family events.
Cameron was raised in Eudora, KS and went to school from kindergarten until graduation. Cameron was involved in a number of sports during his middle school and high school years. He played basketball, baseball, and was on the high school track team. Cameron never strayed far from home but always dreamed of seeing more of our country. He was the “baby” of the family growing up and quickly learned to hold his own with his older brothers and sister.
Cameron worked at several of the local factories, offices, and restaurant establishments in the Eudora, Desoto, Gardner and Lawrence area. His last job was at Amarr garage door factory, as a production worker. He was proud of his job there and often shared stories and pictures of his day at work. Cameron worked at Amarr the longest out of all his jobs and became proficient at many of the duties at the factory. He was a hard worker and well-liked by his supervisors and co-workers.
He had a passion for cooking and was quite a good cook. He worked at Paisano’s in Lawrence and always loved cooking there. He also worked for a short period of time at Wheatfields bakery, which was one of his favorite places to eat. He had a talent for making the food he prepared pleasing to the palate as well as to the eye. He enjoyed cooking a good meal and then sharing pictures with family and friends over social media.
Cameron spent a lot of time at the family home, cooking/grilling, out sightseeing, playing with Riley (family Yorkie), and just hanging out. He also enjoyed being with his friends and co-workers and hanging out on Mass Street in Lawrence. Cameron enjoyed skateboarding around Lawrence and the KU campus, often creating memorable videos. He enjoyed going to the driving range with his dad and showing off his golf skills. He loved his red Ford Ranger pickup and spent many hours with his dad maintaining and fixing it up.
Cameron had a kind heart and a wonderfully contagious smile. Those who knew Cameron understood he lived life fast paced, exactly the way he wanted to. Cameron was a fine young man with a lot of life to live and treated everyone with kindness and respect. We celebrate his love for his family and friends, his life and his accomplishments, and know that he will never be forgotten but greatly missed by all.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Cider Gallery. 810 Pennsylvania St, Lawrence KS.
There will be a variety of appetizers and drinks (non-alcoholic) provided, please feel free to bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert if you would like to share.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Cameron Bricker please visit Owens Flower Shop in Lawrence, KS. (785-843-6111) (www.owensflowershop.net)
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Artists Helping the Homeless, www.AHH.org (3625 Warwick Blvd, KCMO 64111).
Dawn Michelle Pritchard McDermott
We are sad to announce the passing of Dawn Michelle Pritchard McDermott was born January 14th, 1977 in Ft. Campbell, KY. She is the daughter of James Douglas Pritchard, and Janell Sue Pritchard.
Dawn passed away on 02/25/2023, in San Diego, CA.
Dawn grew up in Baldwin City, KS and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1996. She attended Southwest State University in Marshall, MN.
On January 13th, 1997 Dawn married Joe Tomaszewski in Baldwin City, KS and they had two sons, Taylor and Alex Tomaszewski. The couple later divorced in 2002.
Dawn has worked for Wex Inc. for 6 years, and was a Workforce Analyst I.
She lived in Lawrence, KS for many years before moving to Brookings, SD to be with her boys.
Dawn moved back to Lawrence in 2021, and married Shane McDermott on 02/22/2022.
She is preceded in death by her husband Shane, grandparents Donald and Joyce Pritchard, and grandparents Gerald and Dorothy Puckett.
Dawn leaves behind two amazing sons, Taylor Tomaszewski and wife Brooklynn , and Alex Tomaszewski, all of Brookings, SD. Her parents, Doug and Janell Pritchard, from wherever the road takes them. 2 brothers, Sean Pritchard and his wife Candice, and their daughters, Jocelyn and Regan Pritchard of Olathe, KS. Keith Church and children Zak, Katelyn and her son James, and Shylah Church, of Lawrence, KS, and one sister, Staci Stuart and her husband Jeff, and their children, Greyson, Jayden, and Rylan Phillips, of Baldwin City, KS, and niece Rye Garcia and Aspen, of Olathe, KS. And many, many loved ones and friends, who will miss her very much!
Memorial services will be 2 pm, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost funeral home in Lawrence, KS.
Donations to the family can be made at:
Online streaming of the service will be at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3OTU5NDQxNTI0MjU5OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Gary Leo Kroeger
Gary Leo Kroeger, age 81, of Lecompton, KS, passed away Friday, February 24th, 2023 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, KS following a brief illness.
Gary is survived by the love of his life and inseparable partner, Linda Kroeger; sons Troy (Lisa Lysne) Kroeger of Cincinnati, OH; Todd (Stephanie) Kroeger of St. Louis, MO; daughters Brenda Frankenfeld (Mike McKinney) and Robin (Todd) Kofford, both of Lawrence; and his six wonderful grandchildren who were his absolute pride and joy (Margaret and Samuel Kroeger; Cypress, Estrella, and Oliver Frankenfeld; and Dylan Kofford); and many beloved fur grandbabies.
Gary was born on September 27th, 1941 in Ellis, KS as the third of five children of Joseph and Margaret Kroeger. He attended Fort Hays State University to earn his undergraduate degree in art history and worked at Weisner’s Meat Market to put himself through school, little knowing how that job would eventually define his future. He earned graduate degrees in art and education, and taught art in various school districts throughout Kansas, eventually becoming the State Art Director for the Kansas Department of Education. He retired from the education field as the Director of Fine Arts in the Lawrence School District USD 497 to focus on the business, Kroeger Country Meats, that he and his wife Linda opened in 1984 in Lecompton – a lifelong dream that had been sparked by that part-time job so many years before.
Gary plowed his creative energy and talent as well as his administrative skills to building a very successful business that eventually expanded beyond their store to an apartment complex and mini-storage facility, persevering even through the numerous medical challenges he faced over many years. He and Linda quickly became fixtures in the community. Gary welcomed every person who walked into the store with a smile, a story and exceptional customer service – he
and Linda made every single person feel special, and he never met a stranger.
Gary’s greatest loves (after Linda) were his grandchildren. He was a devoted grandpa who, in the words of the kids, was playful, sharp, kind, and involved; and nurturing of their unique individuality and talents. Not only did his direct impact on the grandkids make them into the amazing humans they’ve become, but he also was an incredible role model as a father who taught all his kids how to do it right. After all, he and Linda were the original Brady Bunch (before it was cool) in merging their families of his two boys with her two girls, making him the consummate expert of a dad having had to navigate that band of four crazy hooligans.
Other joys during Gary’s life besides his family were sailing and dancing; a passion for detailing, buying and selling cars (which his kids growing up were forbidden to touch); channeling his artistic and creative talents in many different ways; taking pride in his keen sense of style; and having great conversations and telling stories. He was still telling stories the very last days of his life.
Gary was dearly loved by so many – his smile, sense of humor and friendliness, along with the nicknames he had for everybody coupled with weird sound effects and unique catchphrases, will be greatly missed. The world is a little less bright without his light in it.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS. A Celebration of Life at High Tide 21 at Perry Marina (10772 Perry Park Dr., Perry, KS) will follow the service. Flowers are welcome; contributions can be made to The Historical Society of Lecompton or the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Edna J. Van Schmus
A memorial service for Edna J. Van Schmus will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 15 at Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence. Edna passed away in her home in the presence of family on Thursday morning, February 23, 2023, after a prolonged illness.
Edna was born in July of 1938 to Arthur and Elizabeth Evison. She grew up in Liverpool, England during and following WWII. Although the years were difficult, Edna had fond memories of growing up surrounded by a close-knit extended family. Edna did her primary and middle schooling in Liverpool, then emigrated with her family to Montreal, Canada and then Chicago, where she graduated from Kelly High School.
After graduation, Edna worked for United Airlines, then transferred to Los Angeles where her father moved the family once again. In 1959 Edna resumed schooling, enrolling in the Nursing School at Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena & Pasadena City College. At this time, Edna also became a U.S. Citizen
In 1960 Edna met her future husband, William R. (Randy) Van Schmus, who was a Senior at Caltech in Pasadena. They were married in Monterey Park, CA on June 30, 1961, and made their home in Pasadena where Edna completed her schooling in 1962. She then worked as a Registered Nurse for Huntington Memorial Hospital while Randy finished his PhD at UCLA. In 1964 the couple moved to Bedford, Massachusetts where Randy served on active duty as a research officer in the United States Air Force and Edna enjoyed the comradery of the other young Air Force families.
In August 1967 they moved to Lawrence where Randy took a faculty position in Geology at the University of Kansas. Edna became an active member of the community lending her time and talents to local schools, scout troops, the university, and Plymouth Church. She also enjoyed several social groups, through which she made many treasured friends. She resumed her professional career as a nurse at the Pediatrics office of Drs. Branson & Gilles and continued pediatric nursing until 1996, when she retired after more than 20 years.
Edna was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a skilled craftswoman and is especially remembered for her beautiful needle work, including knitting, crocheting, embroidering and quilting. She also enjoyed both cooking and baking and took great pride in entertaining and serving traditional holiday meals. An avid traveler, Edna enjoyed adventures throughout the U.S. and England in addition to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil.
Edna was beloved by many and is survived by her husband, Randy, of the home; daughter-in-law Nina Van Schmus; son, Derek (Pam) VanSchmus; daughter Jennifer (Michael) Chartier; grandchildren Emily, Anthony, Devin, Molly, and Olivia and a brother-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by son Brian Van Schmus, sister Pauline Dolinski, and her parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to VNA & VNA Hospice of Douglas County or Lawrence Habitat for Humanity sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be left at rumsey-yost.com
Augusta ‘Ann’ Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald, Augusta Ann (nee Schelter), 85, formerly of Amherst and Tonawanda, NY, passed away in Lawrence, Kansas on Feb. 21, 2023.
Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walt (2002), her son, Scott (2008), and her grandson, Max (2021). She is survived by her son, Barry (Lori) of Lawrence, Kansas and her daughter Kathleen Radak (Rob) and her granddaughter, Paige Radak, age 15, of Chesapeake, Virginia. She is also survived by her sisters Nancy Janelle and Jo Davis, her brother Hank Schelter, and their families.
Ann worked for many years as the secretary for St. Edmunds Catholic Church and School. After retiring in 2005, she worked part time for Buffalo Hotel Supply until her second retirement in 2014 at age 77. In addition to working, which she loved, Ann loved traveling, nature, live theatre, art, the Buffalo Bills, her children, and grandchildren, and her many friends in the Buffalo area. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always up for an adventure, including ziplining at the age of 80. Ann loved visiting National Parks, with her favorite being the mountains of the West. Ann volunteered for many different leadership roles at her church. She also worked long shifts at the polls for every election, well into her 80’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the National Parks Foundation.
Cremation has taken place in Lawrence, Kansas and interment will be with Walt and Scott at Acacia Park Cemetery in North Tonawanda. A memorial service will take place at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Tonawanda, on April 15 at 10 am.
Paul Delbert “Del” Brinkman
A Celebration of Life for Del Brinkman, will be Saturday May 20th from 2-4 pm at the Adams Alumni Center, 1266 Oread Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045.
Paul Delbert “Del” Brinkman, who began his career as a journalist for a newspaper once edited by William Allen White and retired 48 years later as a distinguished journalism educator and dean, died February 19. He was 86 and lived in Overland Park.
Del was born in Olpe, Kansas, to Paul and Delphine Brinkman, the oldest of five children who lived on the family’s farm. It was there he first heard the St. Louis Cardinals on the radio, sparking a lifelong love of baseball and kindling an interest in journalism. He graduated from Olpe High School and attended Emporia State University, where he earned a degree in English and Social Science.
While in college, he worked for The Emporia Gazette and after graduation taught English and journalism at Leavenworth High School before pursuing graduate studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, where he earned a master’s degree in journalism in 1963 and a doctorate in mass communication in 1971. He was on the journalism faculty at Kansas State University from 1965-1968 before joining the William Allen White School of Journalism at Kansas in 1970, where he worked until 1993.
While at KU, Del led the journalism school as dean for 11 years before serving as vice chancellor for academic affairs for seven years. He was KU’s faculty representative to the Big Eight Conference and NCAA for 15 years. He twice chaired the Big Eight Conference and led the search committee that hired Carl James as conference commissioner. He also served on numerous search committees at KU, including in 1988, when Roy Williams was named KU’s seventh basketball coach.
Del left KU in 1993 to become Director of Journalism Programs at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Miami, where he oversaw the foundation’s journalism grant programs and new education initiatives. In 2001, he left the Knight Foundation to become dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he retired in 2002. Throughout his career, he also was active in journalism education curriculum development and national accreditation. He was president of the accreditation committee of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. He received numerous awards, including recognition as a distinguished alumnus from Emporia State and Indiana University’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
In retirement, Del remained active in numerous professional and civic organizations. He served on the Colorado Journalism and Mass Communications Advisory Board and was an Honorary Trustee of the William Allen White Foundation at KU. For 15 years, he served as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Knight International Press Fellowship and was a public member of the American Bar Association’s Council on the Accreditation of Law Schools.
In a commencement address, Del once told journalism graduates at Colorado about the “six G’s” of life: a person who is great and good, grateful and gracious, generous and glad is likely to live a happy, successful life. Friends, students and colleagues will remember Del for all of those qualities, and will miss his curious mind and kind spirit.
Del was a doting father and grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Del was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Evie; second wife, Carolyn; and his sister, Rosie Pounder. He is survived by his sister Barbara Becker; brothers Ronnie and Marvin; son Scott; daughter Susan Moeser (Chris); stepchildren Cindy Cummings (Bill), Debra Baker and Jeff Backer (Jennifer); grandchildren Kelsey Brinkman, Jack and Claire Moeser; step-grandchildren Chris Baker, Kim Bergman (Dan), Nicole Cummings, Katie and Jack Backer; and five step-great grandchildren. He will be buried at Pioneer Cemetery at KU next to his wife, Evie, who died in 1988.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dean Del Brinkman Journalism Scholarship at KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
