Category: Obituaries

David Lee Nordlund

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David Lee Nordlund, age 92, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home in Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Life and Legacy

David, known to many as Dave, was born on May 5, 1933, in Siang Yang, Hupeh, China to Rev. Joel C. Nordlund and Dorah Lindahl Nordlund, who were Mission Covenant Missionaries. Tragically, Dorah passed away a few months after Dave’s birth. In June 1934, Dave returned to the United States with his family. On August 19, 1956, he married his lifelong love, Dorothy Rohlfing.

Career and Contributions

After settling in Randolph, Kansas, Dave completed high school and continued his education at North Park College in Chicago, where he met Dorothy at a skating rink. In August 1954, Dave was drafted into the Army, serving for two years in the field of telecommunications. He married Dorothy Rohlfing in August 1956.

Dave’s remarkable career included working for Univac, where he wrote computer programs for tracking missiles on U.S. Naval ships. In December 1969, Dave and Dorothy moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he served as Associate Director of the Kansas University Computer Center until his retirement in 1998. He continued to share his expertise through private network consulting for local school districts, the Kansas Library Association, and several attorneys in Lawrence. During his time at KU, Dave was also a key member of the KanRen team, helping to lay the crucial groundwork for internet access throughout Kansas.

Faith and Service

Dave’s lifelong passion was serving at the First Baptist Church of Lawrence. He managed all sound technology and computer equipment for the church and taught Sunday School for many years, reaching students from high school age to senior adults.

 

Survivors

Dave is survived by a large and loving family, including:

· Son: Don and Suzy Nordlund, along with their four children and spouses and one grandchild

· Daughter: Debbie Detter, her late husband Bill Detter (who passed away in 2023), their two children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild

· Daughter: Dava and Travis Cooper, their four children, their spouses, and seven (eight) grandchildren

· Brothers: Paul Nordlund, Wes Nordlund, and Ted and Jeannine Nordlund

Preceded in Death

Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Dottie) in 2025, and his sister, Grace Mowrer.

Services

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM,

Followed by a service at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049.

Livestream available, please contact  davidnordlund2@gmail.com for a link.

Legacy

Dave’s laughter, smiles, and engaging conversations will be dearly missed. His legacy lives on in all those who knew him.

Memorial Contributions

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church – Lawrence, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Joyce Darlene (Floyd) Jenkins Breymeyer

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Joyce Darlene (Floyd) Jenkins Breymeyer was born on December 24, 1945, at her home near Flemington, Missouri, in Hickory County. She passed away on January 18, 2026, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.

Joyce was the daughter of Obie and Lois (Routh) Floyd, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Ronald Miller.

She was a 1963 graduate of Lawrence High School and was baptized in June 1967 at Tamuning Baptist Church in Tamuning, Guam.

Throughout her life, Joyce worked in a variety of roles. Her career included positions at two banks, a hardware store, and as office manager for Getz Extermination in Perry, Georgia. She spent ten years with Laird Noller Ford in Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas, and later worked for EDS (Medicaid) and Blue Cross Blue Shield from September 1996 until her retirement in September 2006.

Joyce was an exceptional cook who loved bringing her family together around the table. She cherished time spent visiting with loved ones and enjoyed occasional trips to the casino, humorously referring to them as her “contribution,” as she rarely won.

Joyce married James Jenkins on February 14, 1964; they later divorced in June 1986. On November 21, 1992, she married Marvin Breymeyer, who survives her. Additional survivors include her children, Jerry Jenkins (Allison) of Atchison, Kansas, and Jill Freisberg (Michael) of Eudora, Kansas; her brother, Dale Floyd; her sister, June Floyd; and her stepchildren, Sarah Breymeyer (Michael Hutley) of Berryton, Kansas, and Mark Breymeyer (Linda) of Kintnersville, Pennsylvania. Joyce was a proud grandmother to three grandchildren—Jamie Jenkins, Brett Freisberg, and Molly Freisberg—and five step-grandchildren—Lauren Large, Brendon Hutley, Eric Hutley, Matthew Breymeyer, and Josh Edwards. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

Joyce often said she had done a lot of living. She wanted her family to know how deeply she loved them and how grateful she was for the time she shared with them. Her greatest hope was that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would live good and happy lives.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Private family burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

Madalon Rebecca Vann

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Services for Madalon Rebecca Vann (Scott), 70, of Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene.

Madalon Vann passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.

Madalon was born January 22, 1955, in Rome, Georgia, the daughter of Howard and Ruth Scott.

Madalon married Steve Born in the late 1960’s in Homestead, Florida. They divorced. She married James Vann Sr on July 31, 1984. James survives at home.

Other survivors include 5 sisters and 2 brothers, children James Vann Jr, Howard Born, Jerome Cole, PJ Born, Rebekah Vann, Shannon Vann, Kim Vann, Angel Vann, Daniel Vann, 15 grandkids, 6 great-grandkids.

A daughter, Charity Vann passed away September 5, 2009.

James and Madalon began a life of fostering children in 1985, leading to sheltering over 250 + kids spanning over 38 years.

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we remember a beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt whose life was rooted in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and her boundless love for her family.

Throughout her life, she walked closely with the Lord, allowing her faith to guide her words, actions, and relationships. Jesus was at the center of her heart, and she reflected His love through her kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and grace. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived every day.

Family was her greatest earthly treasure. She devoted her life to loving, nurturing, and supporting those she held dear, always placing their needs above her own. Her home was filled with warmth, prayer, laughter, and unconditional love. She was a steady source of strength, wisdom, and comfort, and her presence made life richer for everyone who knew her.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and selflessness that will continue to live on through her family. While our hearts grieve her passing, we rejoice in the promise that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Lawrence Joseph Abbott

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Lawrence Joseph Abbott — known to pretty much everyone as Larry — left this world on January 14, 2026, just two days after turning 54. Larry wasn’t the guy holding court or filling the silence. He was the one off to the side, watching everything with that steady, thoughtful look of his. When he spoke, it was because he meant it — usually with a dry, straight‑to‑the‑point honesty that could make you laugh or make you think, sometimes both.

He was Linda’s son, Brandee’s big brother, Owen’s dad, and Uncle Larry to Megan and Lane. But he also belonged to a circle of people who’d known him for years — the ones who saw him through the good stretches and the hard ones, who understood the quiet ways he showed up, even when he didn’t say much about it.

Larry had a soft spot for cars, motorcycles (#50),the Blue Angels, live music and his family— the things that pulled him out of his shell and lit him up in that subtle way only his people recognized. He didn’t need a spotlight; he just needed the things and the folks he cared about.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Barn at Randelwood Estates, 1629 E 800th Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049. In place of flowers or plants, donations may be made to help with expenses sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

If you knew Larry, you’re invited to raise a glass in his honor — not out of ceremony, but because that’s how he’d want to be remembered: with a little warmth, a little honesty, and a story or two shared among friends.

He didn’t make a lot of noise in this world, but he made an impact in the ways that matter.

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.