Author: RumseyYost

Harold F. Rosson

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Harold Rosson, 93, passed away January 12, 2023 at Bridge Haven Opa’s House. He was born in San Antonio, Texas but spent his early life in Marfa, Texas. He attended the Marfa public schools and the New Mexico Military Institute for his last two years of high school, graduating in 1945. He received two college degrees in chemical engineering, his B.S. in 1949 and his Ph.D. in 1958, from Rice University, Houston, Texas. Harold married Melissa “Missy” Potts on March 15, 1951, a marriage which lasted until her death, over 66 years later. He served four years in the United States Air Force during part of the Korean War, the latter portion as a nuclear weapons officer responsible for maintenance of nuclear components of atomic weapons.

Harold joined the University of Kansas faculty in 1957 in the Department of Chemical Engineering, (later the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering) and served 25 years, retiring in 1992. He served two terms as department chairman and several years as an associate dean in the School of Engineering. For one year he was on sabbatical leave from KU to work for the Upjohn Company in the area of pharmaceutical chemicals development and manufacture. In 1999 Harold and Missy moved to the Brandon Woods retirement community where he took up wood sculpture and cycling, activities which he much enjoyed, although interrupted for several years to devote to care for Missy. He began his sculpture work under the tutelage of an accomplished local Michigan sculptor, Leslie Scruggs, and also developed a close friendship with a famous artist and designer, Leslie Laskey, Professor Emeritus, Washington University, St. Louis, who summered in Michigan where they met, and who greatly influenced his work.

Harold was preceded in death by his daughter Diana Laird and by his wife. He is survived by two sons, Richard of Pacifica, CA, and Brian of Houston, TX, and a granddaughter, Larissa Laird of Lawrence. His ashes will join those of his wife and daughter in the waters of Portage Lake, Michigan, on the shore of which was their summer cottage for over fifty years, their Camelot. Harold did not expect to join either Diana or Missy in an afterlife, but the good part is that he no longer must live without them.

Wayne Allen Walker

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Services for Wayne Allen Walker, 59, Lawrence, will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday at River City Church with the Rev. William A. Dulin officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Walker died Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

He was born July 28, 1963, in Lawrence, the youngest son of Glen Howard Walker and June Wilma Wilhoite-Walker.

He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1982. He worked for Harris Construction and went on to work for other construction companies. He was a member of the Local Laborers Union #1290. Mr. Walker was a member of River City Church. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Delores E. Walker, and his brothers, Michael Lewis and Perry Walker.

Survivors include his wife, Lynn, Lawrence; his son, Scott, Lawrence; two brothers, Glen H. Walker, Jr. (Kristen), Lawrence and John W. Walker (Karen), Indiana; and two sisters, Wilma J. Walker, Lawrence, and Alice Walker-Flemming (Cedric), Texas, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces, and a host of cousins. 

 Mr. Walker loved the KU Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and was lovingly-called the “mayor of the block”. He was also a member of the McDonald’s tea social club at 6th and Michigan.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will meet with friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Diabetes Education Center at LMH Health or the American Diabetes Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Nancy Joy Kampschroeder

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Nancy Joy Kampschroeder, 84, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2023 in Topeka, Kansas. Nancy Joy was chosen by her mother, Thelma Leona Biver, on September 9, 1938 in Chillicothe, Illinois. She later made her way to Lawrence, Kansas with her mother, where she was then chosen by her father, Ernest Kenneth Clifton. Nancy was also blessed with the love and support of her loving uncle and aunt, Herb and Dora Hegeman.

Nancy attended Lawrence Memorial Central Middle School in Lawrence, Kansas where she would meet the love of her life, Errol Joe Kampschroeder. They both graduated from Lawrence High School, Errol graduating in 1955 and Nancy graduating in 1956. Nancy became Nancy Kampschroeder on July 25, 1959 when Nancy and Errol were married in Lawrence, Kansas for 57 years before Errol’s death in November of 2016. They resided in Lecompton, Kansas.

Nancy enjoyed starting her career, working for the City of Lawrence. She was an intelligent and savvy business woman, co-owning and operating Kampschroeder Machine & Repair and Midwest Raceway.

Along with the aforementioned loved ones, Nancy is preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Waneta (Nemec) and Robert Kampschroeder; granddaughter, Katerina Kampschroeder; lifelong best friend, Marilyn Kay Bailey (Patterson); dear friend, Jeanette Spencer; other friends that were like family; & many beloved pets, most recently Marty.

Nancy is survived by son, Gregg and daughter-in-law Julie; son, Rick and daughter-in-law Vickie; granddaughter, Kami and great-granddaughter Aavya; grandson, Zachary; granddaughter, Kasi and great-granddaughter Aiyana; grandson, Kurt; grandson, Jared; granddaughter, Jada; granddaughter, Kiersten; granddaughter, Laness and great-grandsons Kaisen and Kallan & great-granddaughter Kalaya.

The family would like to recognize all of Errol and Nancy’s friends and extended family. A special recognition to friends Jerry and Dana Taliaferro, Dave and Laurie Shuck, Judy James, & Mark and Patti Ryan.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Nancy’s Celebration of Life services will follow at 11:00 AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society and/or Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Jerrold Louis Schinze

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Funeral Mass for Jerrold L. Schinze, 92, Lawrence, will be 1:30 pm Saturday, January 14 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  Burial will be 11 am, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048.

He was called Jerry by his family and friends, but he had nicknames of Mr. Flashlight and Mr. Fixit. Jerry served in the US Navy for 4 years during the Korean Conflict. After the Navy, he worked for Union Pacific Railroad for almost 40 years ending his career as Mechanical Foreman in Topeka, KS. He acquired the moniker of Mr. Flashlight because he seemed to “magically” be able to diagnose and fix locomotives by using his flashlight. After retiring from UPRR, he worked for Laidlaw Transit in Lawrence, KS for over 10 years. Several neighbors in Lawrence called Jerry Mr. Fixit as he helped with their home repairs. Also, as a young man, he initiated a grassroots campaign to become a member of Missouri’s House of Representatives.

Jerry had a good sense of humor, although a little sarcastic at times. He enjoyed spirited conversations and storytelling. He was known for his original and colorful sayings. Very often, if not daily, he regaled others with stories about the Navy, UPRR, growing up in St. Joseph, Missouri; basketball, and his generations of Boxer dogs i.e. Henrietta, Milo Phineas Farnsworth, Brutus, Buck etc.

He had a love of basketball as a player, coach and fan. Jerry played basketball until he was 70 years including playing in the Senior Olympics in Texas. From 1960-69, he coached for O.L.G.C. CYO in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a huge fan of NCAA basketball especially K-State basketball. GO WILDCATS!

Jerry was an interesting, intelligent man. He was a proud American and Catholic. Family and friends will miss him. God can rely on Jerry to maintain the Gates of Heaven with his own special light.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society, Special Olympics, Autism Society or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Robert Gary Rothwell Jr.

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Robert Rothwell Jr. 56, passed away with family by his side on January 7,2023. He was at Olathe Medical Center. Robert was the brother to Randy, Lisa and Nancy Rothwell all of Lawrence. Robert was the father of two daughters, Ellen Rothwell and Savannah Coons. He had two grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a lot of friends.

Robert was born on November 4, 1966 to Robert and Bonnie (Specht) Rothwell Sr. He was preceded in death by both his parents and a great nephew Caisen Hatch.

Robert worked as a handyman and in home restoration throughout his life.

Family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.

The family suggests donations to help with unexpected costs to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Dagen Michael Korynta

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Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has called Dagen Michael Korynta to live eternally with him in Heaven.  

Dagen Michael Korynta was born in Kansas City, KS, on February 18th, 2010, to Evan Mitchell Korynta and Heather Joy Korynta. He was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism on February 18th, 2010. On January 8th, 2023, God called Dagen home to Heaven. He is survived by his parents, Evan and Heather Korynta; Brother, Grady; Sister, Amelia; Grandparents, Harlen and Vicky Korynta, Terry and Sharon Rohlfing. 

Dagen was a beautiful, creative, caring, and strong-willed soul, who inspired many through his courageous fights with a congenital heart defect, and his battle with Neuroblastoma cancer. His tenacity and positive outlook on life were and are a beacon of hope to many he encountered. Dagen was an avid fan of anything big and had an engine, including sanitation vehicles, excavators, and semi-trucks. The bigger, the better. His dream was to own an excavation company someday. Dagen was also a lover of Chiefs and Jayhawk football. He often dressed in his entire football gear to tune into the games and watch side-by-side with his daddy. Lastly, Dagen was a true homebody and loved nothing more than being at home with no plans and hanging out with his family. Twelve years was far too short, but Dagen loved and was loved by so many during his extraordinary life.  

The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. So, therefore, we give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our son Dagen. 

-Visitation will be held at River City Church (3001 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence, KS) on Friday, January 13th, from 5:00-7:00 pm.

-Funeral service will be held at River City Church on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 am, with burial services following at Oak Hill Cemetery. (1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KS)

-Friends and family are welcome to gather for lunch and remembrance at River City Church (3001 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence, KS) immediately following the burial service.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please consider donating to two of Dagen’s special charities: Noah’s Bandage Project or Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer. Please put “Dagen” in the subject line or the “In Memory” section on the links below: www.noahsbandageproject.com www.bradenshope.org

Susan Maxine Whitaker

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Susan “Susie” Maxine (Ireland) Whitaker, 67, of Perry, KS, peacefully passed away on January 4, 2023.

Susie was born on September 7, 1955 to Billy Eugene and Viola “Maxine” Ireland in Lawrence, KS. She studied Elementary Education at Washburn University and later completed graduate school at Emporia State studying Library Science. She taught 6th grade at Perry Lecompton Schools for 5 years and then was the Library Media Specialist until she retired in 2019.

In 1969, Susie met Raymond “Richard” Whitaker, and they became fast friends who quickly grew to be inseparable. After they wed on September 29, 1973, they moved to Yuma, AZ where Richard was stationed with the United States Marine Corps. They traveled and lived in many states during the first 22 years of their marriage. When Richard retired from the USMC they decided to move their family one more time and retire in the state they grew up in.

Susie dedicated her life to being a loving wife and mother. She excelled at propping up her family, friends, and students and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was helping them to find a love of reading or through something heartbreaking, Susie made it her mission to improve the lives of others.

After retiring from teaching, Susie became passionate about crafting. She loved making jewelry, wreaths, kitchen towel, and quilts. She loved to make things that her family and friends loved and could use in their homes.

Susie was predeceased by her parents, Billy and Maxine Ireland, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, she is survived by her husband, Richard, her daughters, Kimberly, [Matthew], Debra, [Drew], and Rachel; her son, Raymond; granddaughters, Susan, Paulette, Shaunna, and Lillian; grandsons, David, Carter, Henry, Jaxon; great granddaughter Chrissy Sue; her sister, Sandy; 2 aunts, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. There will be a visitation from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Sunday, January 8 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with funeral at 10am Monday, January 9. A small graveside service will also be held following the morning service.

Dixie Deems Harper

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Dixie Deems Harper, 90, passed away peacefully, January 3, 2023, at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, KS, after a short illness.

She was born February 21, 1932, in Butler, MO, to John Clyde Deems and Elizabeth (Searfus) Deems. She was married to her high school sweetheart Theron J. Harper at the home of her parents on July 17, 1949. They were happily married for 73 years. He survives at Bridge Haven.

Theron and Dixie had five children:  Stephen Kyle, Kathi Sue Hunsinger, Theron Kevin, Roderick Deems, and Elizabeth Ann Spring. She was a homemaker all of her life. Dixie and Theron, along with their children, owned and operated Deems Farm Equipment in Lawrence for more than 30 years. She was a member of University Community of Christ Church in Lawrence.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, all seven of her siblings, her oldest son Kyle, her youngest daughter Libby, son-in-law Chris ‘Elvi’ Hunsinger, and her great-grandson Reese Massey.

She is survived by daughter Kathi Hunsinger, sons Kevin (Becky, Theresa, Theron Craig), Rod (Barbara, Erica, Rod Jr.), son-in-law Jim Spring (Travis, Kelly Renick), grandchildren: Jeanne, Julie, Jennifer, Branden, Whitney, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

As per her wishes, no public services are planned at this time. The family suggests memorials to Ascend Hospice and University Community of Christ Church. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Connie Sue Arp

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She passed peacefully January 1st, 2023 at The Arbors at Monterey Village in Lawrence, Kansas from Frontotemporal Dementia.

Connie was born on February 19th, 1954 to Adolph & Gertrude Jacobsen Arp.

She graduated from Sioux City Central High in 1972.

Connie married Lester Tillman Jr in Sioux City, Iowa. They later divorced.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Briar Cliff University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa.

Connie went on to focus her work on those she found most needing help, in various school districts in Iowa and New Mexico.

She enjoyed beading, attending powwows, and spending time with her friends and grandkids.

Connie is survived by her children, Lester Tillman III, Celeste Tillman, and Tanaeya Tillman, grandchildren Keirian Tillman & Jalen Jacobe Tillman, and her sister Betty Sadler of Waterloo, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, paternal & maternal, mother and father in-law, as well as several other aunts & uncles.

Her final resting place will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, in Sioux City, IA on July 31st, 2023 at 3PM in the Sunrise garden.

Shirley Rita (Smith) Garfield

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Shirley Rita (Smith) Garfield, 92, died peacefully in her sleep on January 3, 2023, surrounded by her beloved children in her Lawrence home of 53 years.

Shirley was born on Sept. 2, 1930 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Baruch and Esther Smith, who were part of the wave of Jewish immigrants from Poland and Central Europe who came to the United States before the immigration limits of the 1920s.

She was the oldest child of her dad’s second marriage and fourth of his five children. A serious and diligent student, Shirley received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from Brooklyn College, graduating Cum Laude and inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She went to graduate school at Columbia University, where she earned a master’s degree in social welfare.

In 1954, she met her future husband, Goodwin “Goody” Garfield, at a social work conference in Atlantic City. They soon knew they would spend the rest of their lives together, and enjoyed 64 memorable, heartfelt years until Goody’s death in 2021.

In 1969, Goody was recruited to a faculty position at Kansas University School of Social Welfare, and he and Shirley moved to Lawrence with their three children. It was culture shock for this Brooklyn girl, but Shirley gradually embraced the Midwest and became active in the Lawrence Jewish Community Center, making countless lifetime friends and volunteering there.

Shirley continued her social work career after serving previously as children’s supervisor at Bronx River Community Center in New York. She worked at Jewish Family and Children Services in Kansas City, and from 1970 until her retirement in 2003 she worked as a field instructor at KU, mentoring and impacting the lives of thousands of social work students. In an era when most women stayed at home, Shirley worked most of her adult life.

She was a fierce Democrat who supported many progressive causes. She made and brought food to the ill in the community and volunteered at Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK) after retirement, serving meals to the homeless and needy.

She was a lifelong learner, a devotee of mystery novels, the theater, the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle, and a fashionista, who loved to knit for loved ones. She was an extremely strong and courageous woman, feisty as can be, and she never minced words. She was a truly loving and devoted mother and grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Goodwin Garfield, her parents, and her four brothers and sisters — Max, Muriel, Kate, and Martha. She is survived by her children: David Garfield of Lawrence, KS; Deborah Garfield of Ashland, MA; Michael Garfield (Catherine Marquardt) and their son Noah of Ann Arbor, MI; her nephews, nieces, adopted children, and a wondrous community of friends.

Her memory and unconditional love will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Lawrence Jewish Community Center, and the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK), in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS., 66044.