Category: Obituaries

John David Fike

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John David Fike, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Lecompton, Kansas on Saturday, November 21, 2020, surrounded by family after an extended battle with lung cancer. Cremation is planned and a celebration of life will be at a later date.

John was the only child of Laverta (Graham) and Charles Fike. John grew up in and around Lawrence, Kansas. In the 1970’s, opportunities in the booming oil fields had John moving to Caspar, Wyoming. Soon, he was introduced to dirt track flat track motorcycle racing which he loved and remained dedicated to racing clear into his 60’s. He often told captivating stories of his racing experiences and the people he raced with. His loyalty to British made motorcycles, specifically BSA motorcycles, was evident throughout his racing years. As focused as he was on what he could do to make himself better at the sport, it was evident the sport had given back to him, enriching his life in the friendships made and the help that was selflessly supplied whenever needed. When the oil fields slowed down, John made his way back to the midwest and began working for Honda Motorsports as a mechanic on motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, and small engines. He worked in Topeka from the 1980’s to 1991. Then he worked at the Honda shop in south Hutchinson from 1991 to 1998. He made it back to Lawrence and successfully started and ran his own business, John’s ATV & Cycle, which was open until his retirement in 2018.

Both parents preceded John in death, as well as John’s significant other and partner of 33 years, Patricia Lawson, by just six months. Surviving family includes stepdaughter Lori Kampfer (Martin Lamar) of Leawood, Kansas, granddaughter Ashley Kampfer (Olivia Brien) of Overland Park, Kansas, an aunt Marjorie Rocker of Lawrence, Kansas, and several cousins.

In honoring John Fike, you may make a donation in his name to Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice or charity of your choice.

Richard (Dick) Joseph Drake

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Richard (Dick) Joseph Drake, 79, of Lawrence Kansas, passed on November 29,2020.

Richard was born November 24, 1941 to Ralph W. Drake and H. Louise (Pruitt) Drake. He graduated from St. Joe High School (Shawnee, KS) in 1959. He was married to Virginia (Gini) Whalen from 1964 to 1981: they had two children, Joseph R. Drake (married to Lee Anne) and Jane L. Drake (married to Chris Boyer).

He enlisted in the Navy Reserves in the early 1960’s. He was stationed at the Olathe Naval Air Station for 6 years. He was employed by the United States post office starting his Junior year of high school until mid 70’s.

Richard was married to Deriece Darnell-Drake from September 1994 until her death in February 2015.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Deriece. Richard is survived by his children, step children, four grandchildren, four Step Grandchildren and two Great Grandsons.

No services will be held. Richard was an organ donor, sign your driver’s license.

Memorials may be made in Richards honor to help defray cost. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.

Judith J. Wilson

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Judith (Judy) Wilson, 79, died peacefully at home on November 29, 2020. She was born on July 18, 1941. Adopted in infancy by V.H. and Esther Juncker, she grew up in Evansville, Indiana, attending F.J. Reitz High School. Reflecting a lifelong passion for music and theater, she was a member of her high school choir and participated in several plays. During her junior year, while doing makeup for a senior, one Ted Wilson, whom she first told friends was hopelessly incapable of direction, she reluctantly agreed to a double date. Their relationship was to endure for sixty-three years, following the pattern established that fateful spring of her telling Ted what she wanted him to do and he happily complying. At Indiana University, Judy majored in speech therapy and audiology. Married in September 1962, and following graduation the next year, Judy worked with children in school districts near Bloomington.

Judy and Ted arrived in Lawrence in July, 1965, just eight weeks before their first child, Laura, was born. For a time, until Andrew’s birth in 1969. Judy resumed her career as a speech therapist. Active in the community, Judy was a founder of the Friends of the University of Kansas Theater, President of the Schwegler Elementary PTA, and a Girl Scout Leader and board member of the Hidden Valley and regional Girl Scout councils. Her dedication to service to the community was recognized in 2004 when Judy was presented with the Wallace Galluzzi award for “exemplary volunteer service.”

The family temporarily relocated to Ireland in 1975 when Ted took up a visiting professorship at University College Dublin. Judy, already convinced of her likely Scots-Irish origins due to her complexion and flaming red hair, felt and looked right at home, as evidenced by the large number of tourists in downtown Dublin constantly asking her for directions. Over the next four decades, Judy and Ted were to spend more than twenty extended periods, from a few months to several years, in Ireland, England, and Scotland, a love affair with the region that was reaffirmed only recently by a DNA test showing Judy to be of 92 percent Scots-Irish ancestry.

Judy also found opportunities to pursue two other abiding interests: cooking and the Unitarian Fellowship (now the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence). A sojourn in Washington, D.C. and employment with a catering firm led Judy to launch her own catering service in Lawrence for a time. Her engagement with UFL was deep and abiding, as an RE teacher and director, board member and chair, long time choir member, and head of the task force that brought about the congregation’s physical expansion between 2005 and 2008. Judy is fondly remembered for organizing Wednesday night dinners, a function that provided both good food and a sense of community for UUCL members and friends.

Judy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ted Wilson, of the home, daughter Laura, son Andrew (Kimberlee), and grandson, Alex. A celebration of life will be held at UUCL when conditions permit.

Louise Haugsby Lieske

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Louise H. Lieske, a decorated World War II U.S. Army Nurse and loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2020.

Louise was born in Hawkins, Wisconsin to Matt and Emma Fond Haugsby on January 5, 1922. Both parents immigrated from Norway. She attended the public schools in Hawkins and graduated from High School in 1939. She had always wanted to be a nurse and was accepted at Abott School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated in 1943 in the midst of World War II. When she took the state board exams, they asked which service she was going into, not whether is she going into the military. This was a popular war, and everyone wanted to help the Country.

She worked as a nurse at the Lutheran Hospital in Eau Claire, WI, where she was called into the Army at Camp McCoy, WI. Medical Units were assembled at Camp Ellis in Peoria, IL. From there, she was sent to Llundudano, Wales to await the invasion at Normandy. As part of a Hospital Train Unit, Louise was sent across the English Channel on August 15, 1944. They formed a Station Hospital with the 61st Medical Battalion that had served in the invasion, and the tent hospital provided a real learning experience with a potbellied stove for cold nights. Cherbourg was a rail center, and the train was ready in October for many trips to Belgium and Northern France. From mid-December to the end of July 1945, the Battle of the Bulge kept them working day and night. Railroad cars followed the troops as they fought into Northern France and Belgium, picking up casualties, treating them, and then taking the most seriously wounded to ships for transport back to the U.S. During this time, Louise was awarded four Bronze Stars for her service as a nurse in Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. Her hospital train was bombed by the Germans in Liege, Belgium in December 1944. It was exciting to be where history was being made. World War II changed her life. Louise made lifelong friends in her unit. She was discharged in 1946.

After her discharge, Louise worked at Camp Osoha, a girls only camp, in Boulder Junction, WI, which was a complete change from the War. Louise moved to Milwaukee, WI and continued nursing and met Edward Lieske who became her husband on July 3rd, 1948 in Hawkins. To this union, Ed and Louise bore five children: Harriette , who preceded her in death in a car accident in 1953 at the age of three, Karen Sanders (Larry), Roger Lieske (Kathy), Margo Koleski (Jim) and Jan Rogge (Edward). She was also blessed with four granddaughters, Amanda, Callie (Daniel and great granddaughters Kalani and Helle), Katherine, and Victoria (Ziyad).

A suburb of Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, was their home for forty-five years. Ed and Louise moved to Sun City West, AZ in 1992 but spent their summers at their daughter Jan’s home in Wauwatosa.

Louise was a member and former Commander of the Jane Delano Nurses Post #408, American Legion, Milwaukee, where she received the Civic Award in 1992 for the 5th District. She was a member of the Mount Carmel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee and was active in a circle and held various offices. She was an avid skier and played golf well into her 90s. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the Flambeau and in Iola, Wisconsin.

In Sun City West, Lousie was a member of Lord of Life Church, where she was Historian for the women’s WELCA. She also enjoyed being a member of the Writer’s Group, Woodworking Club, Rock Hounds, Lapidary Club, and was historian for the Nurses SCW Club.

Louise was preceded in death by sisters Arlaine Haugsby, Margit Goff; parents Matt and Emma Haugsby; and husband Edward Lieske.

Louise will be remembered for her sense of adventure, curiosity, kindness, gentleness, and her loving spirit. We will miss you.

A memorial service will be held a later date with burial to follow at Pine Lawn next to her husband, Edward.

Alfred Nelson Wingert

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Graveside inurnment for Alfred N. Wingert, 78, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Saturday, December 5, 2020, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 700 East 1217 Rd. Lawrence, Kansas 66047.

Mr. Alfred N Wingert passed away on Sunday, November 15th, 2020, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born March 17th, 1942, in Lawrence, the son of Jesse and Elsie Wingert. He was educated in Lawrence, and he lived in Lawrence most of his life.

Alfred worked for General Motors, COOP, Dunbar Trucking and Excavating, and finished his career as a self-employed Truck Driver. He was an, extremely, hard-working man that took extreme pride in everything that he did. He found an abundance of joy in spending time with his family, and especially found joy in watching his grandchildren at their sporting events.

He is survived by his daughter Shellie, two grandchildren Mya and Jaden Bhinhar, all of Owasso, Oklahoma. Other survivors are brothers Lloyd, Carroll and wife Donna, sister Katherine Koehler, and many nieces and nephews.

Alfred was preceded in death by his daughter DeAnna Lynn, brothers Leo, Merle, Gene, Clarence, and Jim.

The family suggests memorials to American heart Association and American Lung Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Robert Gideon Carlson

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Robert Gideon Carlson of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on November 26, 2020, at the age of 82. Robert died of complications relating to COVID-19 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 4, 1938, to father Reverend Carl Gideon Carlson and mother Ethel Marie Osterberg Carlson. He was an only child. Robert met his wife Nancy Beatrice Rohrbough Carlson in Boston and they were married in 1962. They lived almost all of their 58 year marriage in Lawrence, Kansas. Robert was an avid fan of KU Basketball.

Robert G. Carlson received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1959 and the Ph.D. degree in synthetic organic chemistry from M.I.T. in 1963. In the fall of 1963 he joined the faculty at the University of Kansas as an assistant professor of chemistry. He was soon promoted to associate and then full professor, held an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (1970-72), and engaged in teaching and research until his retirement in 2013. At that time some of his former students established the Robert Carlson Travel Fund to support undergraduate travel to chemistry meetings.

Professor Carlson was an inspiring teacher and colleague. He was the recipient of two of the most prestigious University of Kansas teaching awards: the Mortar Board Outstanding Educator Award (twice; in 1982 and 1999) and, in 2007, the Kemper Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching. His undergraduate and graduate-level classes on the principles and applications of organic chemistry were among the most popular in the Chemistry Department. His presentations raised students’ interest and supplied a foundation for further study and careers in the chemical and biological sciences, medicine, and engineering. Most of his graduate students went on to academic or industrial positions in these fields. Comments from some of them include: “We were lucky to have studied under one of the best teachers of chemistry of our era and to have been influenced by such a gentleman” and that he “had a special way of teaching that made one think scientifically and was encouraging to all students.”

His expertise in organic synthesis attracted faculty from other departments, e.g., biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, and medicinal chemistry to seek out his collaboration in solving chemistry problems in their fields, the work with these researchers and with his Ph.D. and other graduate students resulted in dozens of publications in leading journals of Chemistry and Pharmacy and a number of patents.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Nancy Beatrice Carlson; children Christina Ann Carlson and Kenneth Lynn Carlson; grandchild Natalie Anne Carlson.

There will be an online memorial service for Robert on Saturday, December 5th at 1 PM. Those wishing to attend can go to https://mrcl.ink/rgcmemorial. The link will be live starting at 12:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations supporting the Dr. Robert G. Carlson Undergraduate Travel fund be made to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow or donations in Robert’s name to First United Methodist Church Lawrence; 946 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044-2832.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Especially the nurses of 3rd Floor North who made his last days so comfortable.

Erma M. Fisher

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Graveside services for Erma M. Fisher, 85, Lawrence, will be at 1 pm Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Valerie Miller-Coleman officiating. Social distancing and masking will be observed. Mrs. Fisher died Monday, November 23, 2020, at her home with family at her side.

She was born Nov. 24, 1934, in Torrance, Calif., the daughter of Carl E. and Erma Mabel Wraith Carstens. She graduated from high school in Torrance, and later earned a teaching degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles. She taught girls Phys. Ed. in Berkeley and San Leandro.

Erma met Charles F. Fisher and was married June 24, 1960, in Torrance. They moved back to Lawrence, where she taught Phys. Ed. at Haskell Juco. After taking a break to raise her kids, she taught briefly at Hillcrest Elementary. She was active in PEO, Meals on Wheels, and Plymouth Congregational Church and its women’s groups. In her spare time she enjoyed counted cross stitch, bridge, and quilting.

Survivors include her husband Chuck of the home; a daughter, Lisa Gilbert and husband James, Eudora; and two granddaughters, Mallory and Loralei Gilbert. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Brad Fisher, and three siblings, Barbara Jordan, Fred Carstens, and Bill Carstens.

Friend may call Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Social distancing, masking, and assembly limits will be observed.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brad Fisher Memorial Bell Choir Fund at Plymouth Congregational Church, or to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

David Lee Hodges

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David Lee Hodges of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on November 20, 2020. 

David was born in Lawrence, as was his father and his father’s father. His dad Glenn now resides in Lumberton, Texas, with his wife Glenda. His mom Nancy Alstrom Hodges Wells resides in Tonganoxie, Kansas. David is survived by his siblings, whom he loved very much: Eugene Hodges, Michelle Tannehill, Shelly Pruitt, and Bill Wells. 

David grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. Later, he and his family moved to Tonganoxie, Kansas. There he attended high school, enjoying friends and playing football. It was in Tongie that he met his sweetheart and future spouse Mary Fales…all thanks to the ‘foresight’ of his science teacher Mr. Pat Wakeman, who by all accounts was the most patient teacher in the world, but who upon one occasion did find reason to move David, and about a half dozen of his somewhat boisterous friends, from the very front of the class near where he was teaching, to separate areas within the class which were as far away from him as possible. David was deposited right next to Mary. Mr. Wakeman was heard to say, “Perhaps she can teach you some manners!”…which she attempted to do throughout their subsequent three years of courting and 38 years of marriage. 

Along the way, David and his wife had two children: Sydney who married Tara, and Henry who married Wendy, a union from which sprung David’s most precious treasure, his grandson Theodore David. Theo was very much Grandpa’s best bud and often worked right alongside him on any project he could talk his Grandpa into. In fact, Theodore’s first paying job (at the age of 3 years) was cleaning air conditioning coils with his Grandpa Dave…albeit wet, it was a good start I’m sure David’s brothers and sisters of UA Local 441 would appreciate. 

David worked many years in commercial HVAC and formed many close friendships with those he worked for, those he worked with, and those he served. He especially enjoyed mentoring and working with young people coming up in the trade. It brought him great joy and pride. David’s work ethic was instilled in him at an early age in his grandfather Walt Hodges’ plumbing shop in KCK working amongst a family of  plumbers. His work history included many years in Facilities at the University of Kansas, Huxtables, and later P1. He also worked many years for his friends Alan Wright and Bill Harmon of A&H.  

David was a past member of Hell On Wheels, Rolling Thunder, and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association while restoring his 1942 Willy’s Jeep ‘Alice’, which graced the Lied Center stage during the opening celebrations for the Dole Center at KU. ‘Alice’ (named after his wife’s middle name so she wouldn’t be jealous of all the time he spent with her), and a later restoration, his 1942 Ford Script ‘Eugene the Jeep’, participated in many a parade and event and provided great experiences for David and his family. David graciously encouraged young children and their parents to jump in his jeep for pictures and to marvel at and touch all the “cool stuff” inside. He especially loved sharing his Jeep with veterans of WWII who had first hand experiences themselves during the War in just such a vehicle. David was more than happy and thrilled to share his ideas and knowledge, or to dig right in to help others on their restorations. Many very close friendships were made and cherished by David, and much fun was had especially at the annual family military vehicle ride and campout. 

Most of all, David was a kind fellow with a big heart who never knew a stranger. When he saw someone in need he would graciously give them a helping hand, whether that meant running a plate of Christmas feast to an elderly man waiting in a post office on the holiday during a snowstorm so the man didn’t have to travel all the way back home in between two part time jobs on that stormy day, buying a piece of old junk from a traveler who needed gas money to continue on to his destination, fixing a car on the highway in the rain so a mom with babe in tow could be on her way, or fixing a power wheelchair on the sidewalk for a man on his way to the neighborhood grocery store. It wasn’t something he thought about, it was just something he did. David was a wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather, son, son in law, brother, brother in law, friend and neighbor. 

His family would like all to know that they are most grateful for those who have shared their memories of David with them, and they sincerely appreciate all those who have expressed their condolences in his passing. His family finds great comfort to know so many loved David as they did. Thank you! He will be missed very, very much. 

The family won’t be having a memorial right away due to the pandemic, but will announce a memorial for David at a later time and will do their best to try to get that information out to those who may want to share that time with them. 

Condolences may be sent at rummest-yost.com.

Robert (Bob) Nelson

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Robert (Bob) Nelson, 79, retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer (AKC), reported for his final duty assignment on November 20, 2020. Although his commitment to his country was of great importance, nothing was more important to him than his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him.

Bob was born in Lawrence, KS on October 28, 1941, to Truman and Charlotte Nelson. He married the love of his life, Marjorie Anderson, on June 9, 1961. Shortly after they were married, Bob joined the US Navy and proudly served his country for 20 years with Marjorie by his side. Together, they built a beautiful family, which was always Bob’s greatest source of pride. After retiring from the Navy, Bob took a job with Vought Aircraft, where he spent another 20 years before finally retiring to enjoy his hobbies. Bob always enjoyed a day on the golf course with his many golf buddies, but also loved fishing and tinkering around the house. He wasn’t one to remain idle, but if there was a Kansas Jayhawks basketball game on TV, he just might settle into his recliner to cheer them on.

Bob’s incredible work ethic, sense of humor, kindness and patience are the foundations of the legacy that he has left for his family, and an inspiration to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marjorie Nelson; children Dawn Nordeen (Brett), Debbie Foster (Brad), Mike Nelson (Krisann); grandchildren Kenny Gustafson (Kaylyn ), Jessica Nordeen, J.D. Nordeen, Rachel Page, Allison Page, Preston Page, Briana Tolson (Brandon), Collin Nelson: great grandson Barrett Gustafson; and brother Bill Nelson (Jean).

Private graveside service will be held at Clinton Cemetery.