Jose Rafael Perez

Jose Rafael Perez, 81, was sent to his eternal home on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Services will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, February 13th at 12:00pm.

Mr. Perez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He moved to Kansas in the 1950s with his family when his father, US Army Lt. Colonel Perez, was transferred to the Fort Leavenworth military base. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1961 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Emporia University in 1967. Jose was a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka.

Known for his many talents, Jose’s professional life was dedicated to retail management, where he worked in leadership positions for Montgomery Wards, JCPenney, and Walmart. In his younger years, Jose was an incredible athlete, participating in track, baseball, and tennis, in addition to JROTC. As an adult, he loved to collect and restore cars, dance, cook, and spend time with family. Jose will most be remembered for his affinity for music and passed this love onto his children. A man of faith, he was deeply rooted in his belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Jose is survived by his children, Brian Perez and wife Stephanie (Kansas City, Kansas), Bradley Perez (Topeka, Kansas), Alisa Perez (Phoenix, Arizona), Jason Perez (Katy, Texas), Jennifer Perez Bessolo and husband Michael Bessolo (Lawrence, Kansas), Jaimes Perez and wife Lauren Perez (Lawrence, Kansas), Megan Perez Jordan and husband Brody Jordan (Topeka, KS); his 7 grandchildren: Perri Rinker (30), Kyra Perez (18), Natalie Perez (12), Michael Perez (8), Easton Bessolo (8), Bentley Bessolo (4), Mateo Jordan (11 months) and great-granddaughter Emilia (8).

Other survivors include sisters Ms. Nydia Perez and Mrs. Ivonne Mauton, both from Leavenworth, Kansas, former wife Kathy Jones (Topeka, Kansas), former wife Patricia Brenton (Lawrence, Kansas), and former partner Cyndi Miller (Topeka, Kansas).

Jose was preceded in death by his dear parents, Lt. Colonel Rafael Perez-Garcia and Juanita (Jennie) Perez Velazquez and older brother Rafael (Ray) Perez Jr.

A visitation will take place from 10:30am-12:00pm on Thursday, February 13th, 2025 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, with his service at 12:00pm. Graveside services will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery at 517 E 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Livestream the service at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczOTQwNjkyMzM0OTcyNyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Brett L. Fisher

Brett L. Fisher, 28, of Lawrence, KS, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Brett was born on October 4, 1996, to Robert and Jodie (Toomey) Fisher in Parsons, KS. He grew up in the communities of Altamont, Tonganoxie, Ellinwood, and Garnett, KS, before making his home in Lawrence in recent years.

Brett was truly one of a kind. He had a passion for grilling, fishing, music, skateboarding, frisbee golf, and anime. He deeply loved his family and cherished the close friendships he built over the years. He will be dearly missed.

Brett is survived by his parents and his two sons, Greyson Fisher and Thackery Smith. He is also survived by his brother, Tate (Tash) Fisher of Kingsport, TN, and their children, Drenyn and Wrensley; his sisters, Anna Fisher of Ozawkie, KS, and Emma Fisher of Chicago, IL; his paternal grandparents, Tony (Sissy) Fisher of Shawnee, OK, and Barbara Roecker of Ottawa, KS; and his maternal grandparents, Rex and Sue Toomey of Waterville, KS. He also leaves behind his uncles, Andy (Valerie) Toomey of Kansas City, KS, and Clay (Erika) Toomey of Topeka, KS; his aunt, Lisa (Richard) White of Gardner, KS; numerous cousins; and his partner, Bailey Mahaney, along with her two children.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Steve Fisher and cousin, James Fisher.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Ozawkie Community Center in Ozawkie, KS.

Dorothy “Dottie” Nordlund

Dorothy “Dottie” Nordlund, 87, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at her home in Pioneer Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family.Dottie was born on August 5, 1937, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Willard and Mildred Rohlfing. She married the love of her life, David Nordlund, on August 19, 1956, in Elmhurst, Illinois. David survives her, cherishing the beautiful memories they created together over nearly seven decades of marriage.  Dottie leaves behind a large and loving family, including:  Son – Don & Suzy Nordlund: their four children 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 & Travis Cooper: their four children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren and one brother, Warren Rohlfing.  Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Mildred Rohlfing, and her brother, Richard Rohlfing.

Dottie, named the “Hostess with the Mostest” had a long and fulfilling career dedicated to feeding and nurturing the Lawrence community. She began as a cook at Chi Omega and Alpha Delta Pi sorority houses, then served at the KU Chancellor’s residence and Hashinger Hall. She ultimately became the Assistant Catering Manager of the Kansas Union. Even after retiring, her passion for cooking continued as she cooked at Tall Oaks Conference Center. Dottie’s warmth and dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her presence.

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.

A visitation will be held on February 15, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, including a small spread in the Dottie fashion; followed by a service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049.

Randall Keith Rose

Randall “Randy” Keith Rose, 70, passed away in the early hours of December 26, 2024, in O’Fallon, MO.

Born in Topeka, KS on October 21, 1954, the son of Robert “Bob” E. Rose and Leda Ridlon Rose, Randy was the third of five children. In his earliest years, the family lived on farms around Clinton, KS and Randy attended Wakarusa Valley Elementary school. Wakarusa Valley’s opening in 1959 was Randy’s Kindergarten year and he wished the opening had been one year later which would have allowed him bragging rights for the opportunity to attend a one room schoolhouse. The Rose family later moved to Lawrence where Randy attended Central Junior High and Lawrence High School, meeting many of his future lifelong friends.

Randy was a sports and outdoors enthusiast. Growing up, Randy played multiple sports, but had a particular fondness for baseball – not only for the love of the game, but for the time it meant he could spend in the dugout with his older brothers and dad. Later he was introduced to racquetball, which became a quick favorite as well. His love for sports and the outdoors would later be passed on to his children and grandchildren.

After high school, Randy enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning to Kansas, Randy used the GI Bill to attend Emporia State University, where he enrolled in an “Introduction to Earth Science” class. It was then Randy realized his love of the outdoors could become a career path and he completed his Bachelors of Science majoring in Earth Science. He then attended classes for a fifth year to obtain his teaching certificate, a job he loved and devoted his life to. Randy would later return to ESU, being awarded a graduate assistantship working in the Geology Museum and teaching both Earth Science and General Science. Emporia would hold a special grip on Randy’s heart as another place where he met lifelong friends and made cherished memories.

In 1980, Randy married Margy Kappelman and together they had three children, Tiffany, Robert, and Samantha. While the first few years of their marriage included living in a number of towns around Eastern Kansas; Chanute, Emporia and Stanley, they moved back to Lawrence in 1988 to raise their family. Although no longer married, the two could often be found sitting together on the sidelines of grandchildren’s events or at family get-togethers.

For over 25 years Randy commuted from Lawrence to Lenexa to teach for the Blue Valley School District. Randy spent the bulk of his career teaching Earth and Space Science at Blue Valley North High School, sharing his love and knowledge with thousands of students. His former students and colleagues may remember him for a long list of reasons including, but not limited to: his dry sense of humor and punny jokes, being assigned a row and seat number, his rock and fossil collections, a sand collection with over 400+ samples from around the world, strict rules, classroom pets like snakes, turtles, hedgehogs, tarantulas, fish, etc., hot air balloon competitions, smiles and encouragement, hand written lesson plans and seating charts, the Star lab, field trips to Colorado and the Galapagos islands, and a sincere passion for what he was doing. In the student newspaper, Randy was once quoted as saying he found his experience of teaching “revitalizing”. He loved sharing his enthusiasm for the sciences with students and considered himself lucky to be surrounded by amazing colleagues, many of whom he considered true friends. Randy helped start and lead the Science Club at BVN, something he was immensely proud of. Throughout the years he would take the club on trips to the Oklahoma City Science Center, Squaw Creek Wildlife Reserve, caves in the Ozarks and a variety of other destinations. For a number of years, Randy would also sponsor the Science Olympiad Team at BVN, another activity he found very rewarding. Randy could often be found working the chain gang, running clocks, supervising the lunchroom, and supporting the arts at BVN as well – he championed his students in all their endeavors. Later in his career, Randy extended his expertise to the college level, teaching courses at Johnson County Community College. Throughout his time teaching, he received countless awards, for which he was very humble and seldom spoke of. These included recognition by and repeated awards from such entities as the Kansas Geological Survey, the American Meteorology Society, the Kansas Earth Science Teachers Association, the National Science Olympiad, and even having his picture in a 1999 volume of TIME magazine for receiving the Radio Shack Tandy Scholar Award.

In the midst of his career, Randy finished his Master’s degree majoring in Physical and Earth Science. His final project consisted of creating topographic maps for portions of Colorado, one of his very favorite places. Randy wanted to introduce as many people as possible to the mountains so, along with some fellow teachers, he helped establish a Mountain Ecology class for high school students. This summer course began with a couple weeks of in-class instruction and culminated in a 10 day backpacking trip through the Rawah Wilderness in Colorado. Whether studying rocks out in the field or discerning constellations in the Star Lab, he created unforgettable experiences for all who participated.

Not one to sit around, Randy kept busy with a variety of hobbies. He enjoyed canoeing, hiking, biking, mushroom hunting, camping, visiting museums, playing racquetball, searching for fossils, and marveling at the vast landscapes that inspired him. As his kids got a little older, Randy enjoyed planning summer vacations and sharing the beauty he found in the mountains of Colorado with them. Estes Park was a family favorite along with Rocky Mountain National Park, but Randy also knew of countless less popular, but no less interesting, places to visit. Each family vacation was filled with memories that would last a lifetime.

Over the years he visited numerous national parks across the country, seeing and learning as much as he could. He hadn’t been everywhere yet, but it was on his list. If you were lucky enough to travel with him, then you often found yourself entertained by his wealth of information which he so generously and effortlessly shared. He had a thirst for knowledge about the world around him and every trip was more than a vacation – it was an opportunity to connect with nature and history, made even better by good company.
In his retirement, Randy found it hard to sit still for too long. He worked part time at Dillons for a while before realizing he missed the kids and teachers and became a substitute teacher. Retirement did allow for more time to sit in his truck drinking coffee and listening to NPR, driving county roads, visiting with friends, taking spur of the moment road trips, meeting up with former colleagues, and spending time with family. Retirement was good to him and he deserved it.

Perhaps one of his biggest joys, however, came from his role as Papa, forming meaningful bonds with each of his five grandchildren. He embraced this role with immeasurable love, always eager to give big hugs, spoil them with kindness, and be their biggest fan. His devotion to the five of them was unwavering, being present at as many activities as he could. From routine sports practices to out of town tournaments, giving rides on the riding lawn mower, attending school functions, trips to the zoo, even going on a couple vacations – Papa was there, never missing an opportunity to support them and celebrate their accomplishments.

With the return and progression of his cancer, along with the support of his family, Randy decided to forgo living alone and moved out of his Lawrence home in early spring of 2024, splitting his time between his daughters’ homes. This also allowed for further treatment options at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. Randy was not going to let the cancer win without a fight – and he fought hard. Although under undesirable circumstances, this time ended up being priceless for all. Countless memories were made in the small moments of the day; as grandkids got ready for school, talking around the dinner table, trips to the store, and bedtime routines that now included hugs from Papa. Even the drives to and from doctors appointments became opportunities for sharing new music or videos found online, reflecting on memories, and holding quality conversations.

As Randy became aware that his time here was dwindling, he emphasized the importance of telling those you love that you love them – to say it outloud. He may have had a loud bark at times, but he was one of the kindest people you would ever meet. In his honor, tell someone you love them, give them a long hug, or do something for them without needing to be recognized for it. Then, show that same level of kindness to strangers – he wished for a kinder, more peaceful world for all.

Randy leaves behind his children, daughter Tiffany (Brad) Hopkins and grandchildren Elsie, Amos, & Otto of O’Fallon, MO; son Robert Rose of Valley Park, MO; daughter Samantha (Blake) Anderson and grandchildren Hoyt & Sage of Lawrence, KS; brothers Bob (Wendy) and Joe (Diane); sister Becky Wright; sister-in-law Sharon Rose; former wife Margy Rose, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob & Leda Rose; brother, Monte Rose; and former in-laws Karl and JoAnn Kappelman.
Tiffany, Robert, and Samantha would like to take this opportunity to share how much they love and appreciate their Dad. They fondly remember him attending softball and football games, tennis matches, choir concerts, and working hard to provide for the family. There are too many memories to list, but some of their favorites include: walking up to West to play tennis, playing catch outside, enjoying the tree house Dad built, bike rides, helping in the garden or having pony rides at Grandma and Grandpa’s, getting personal lessons about constellations, hunting for and eating Morels, and leisurely walking around Clinton Lake. A couple of the best life lessons the three learned from their Dad was that time together is priceless and you can find true joy and wonder from some of the simplest of activities.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Phoenix Home Care and Hospice for their loving care of Randy throughout December. Every aspect of the company, from the amazing private duty aide, to all involved with the Hospice team – everyone was so patient, respectful and kind. Your support for Randy and the entire family through this difficult time was invaluable.

A celebration of life visitation will be held on February 28th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. The family is looking forward to welcoming friends and hearing stories about Randy from 1:00-3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests supporting Randy’s passion with memorial contributions in his name to either the Johnston Geology Museum on the Campus of ESU ℅ Emporia State University Foundation, 1500 Highland St., Emporia, KS, 66801, with checks made payable to Johnston Geology Museum Fund and the memo line reading “In memory of Randy Rose” or Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044, with checks made payable to the Clinton Lake Historical Society and the memo line reading “In memory of Randy Rose”.

Luanne Charlotte Coats

Luanne Charlotte Reske Coats died Friday, January 31, 2025 at LMH Health in Lawrence, Kansas, following an illness.  She was born September 28, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan.  Luanne was the youngest of 3 daughters born to Dr. Alven and Dorothy Avis Reske.  She grew up in Dearborn, Michigan and graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 1969.  Luanne then enlisted in the United States Navy and served a 4 year tour of duty at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, Illinois as a Mass Communications Specialist.  While stationed at Great Lakes, Luanne met and married Jim Coats.  They divorced in 1986.

Luanne had a 30 year career as a letter carrier in Leavenworth and Lawrence, Kansas, retiring in 2015.  She was an avid reader and especially interested in History.  The Civil War and World War II were favorite subjects; her father had served in WW II as an Army doctor in the Pacific, and her grandfather had fought in the Union Army, Maine Volunteers. She traced her family roots back to the Mayflower, kept up with national news, and attended many lectures at the Dole Center.  She was a proud veteran, and a patriot.

Luanne enjoyed tea, cats, cooking (cheesecake and scones her specialties), and she loved movies – especially British films featuring women in hats having serious conversations about the servants.  British Regency era heroes (Horatio Hornblower, Ross Poldark) were favored, although she did make an exception for Gil Favor of Rawhide. Luanne loved to travel, and visited most of the United States to see battlefields, historical sites, homes of national heroes and to enjoy the homes of dear friends.  She preferred to travel alone and prided herself on always using maps, never a GPS.  In 2015 she fulfilled a childhood dream and spent 3 weeks exploring England solo, seeing homes and castles and gardens she had read about and dreamt of visiting some day.  Again, no GPS – and using the “wrong side” of the car and road! She was intrepid, as well.

Luanne’s friends were her special treasure.  She held them very close.  She was steadfast in her friendships.  She loved her church, her church family, her pastor, and was a faithful member of a neighborhood prayer group for over 30 years.  Above all, Luanne loved God and the Bible.  She was faithful.

Luanne is survived by her beloved son, Tyler (Sandra Miska) of Los Angeles, California; sisters Lianda (Hank) Danforth of Oregon City, Oregon, and Carlys (Mike) Loftis of Vancouver, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.

There will be a graveside service for family and close friends Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Washington Creek Cemetery, 607 E 550 Road in Douglas County.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, Kansas at a later date.

Jacqueline Carter

Jacqueline Carter, age 97, passed away January 30th, 2025, at Pioneer Ridge Rapid Recovery, Lawrence, KS.  She was born in Brodnax, Virginia to John and Emma (Jinkins) Seymour.

She graduated from Lawrenceville High School, Lawrenceville, Virginia and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Longwood College, Longwood, Virginia.  Her love of reading and books led to an eighteen year career as librarian in the Hampton School System.   After retiring, she volunteered in the gift shop at the Hampton Library.  She was also a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Hampton.

She married Leslie Carter on August 9, 1952.  He preceded her in death. Three brothers, Grey Seymour, Winfred Seymour, and Ryland Seymour and two sisters, Gene Raper and Mary Hillegas also preceded her in death.  She is is survived by a daughter, Gale and son-in-law, Donald Gauthier of Baldwin City, Kansas.  She is also survived by many nephews and nieces whom she cherished.

The family wishes to thank Pioneer Ridge Rapid Recovery for their care and encouragement during Jackie’s stay.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring in South Hill, Virginia.

Robbi Y. Jenkins

Memorial Services for Robbi Y. Jenkins, 70, Lawrence, will be at Noon on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Robbi was born on December 2, 1954, the first child of Linnie and Robert Banks of Starkville, MS. She grew up in many places due to her father’s military career. In school, Robbi was an exceptional student who also excelled in ballet and cheer. She graduated from Yorktown High School in New York. After high school, Robbi attended Howard University and Fisk University. She left college to work for Delta Airlines as a flight attendant.

Robbi married Frank Jenkins in 1981, and they later divorced. Robbi found her true calling when she attended Washburn Culinary School and received her Culinary Arts degree. She began her career at the Ritz Carlton Hotel working under the tutelage of Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bonbaras. After leaving the Ritz Carlton, she spent the next years working in many different restaurant kitchens. She moved to Lawrence Kansas to accept the position of Head Chef at the fine dining establishment of Prairie Fire Restaurant. She later worked as Room Chef and Main Chef at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City. After Ameristar, Robbi was hired to lead the culinary team at Prairie Band Casino as the Executive Chef.

Robbi also served on the board of Meals on Wheels and other charitable endeavors.

Following many years of culinary success, Robbi retired. At home she enjoyed preparing delicious and innovative meals for her family and friends.

Robbie departed this world on January 28, 2025 by simply falling asleep and never awakening.

John T. Chafin

John T. Chafin, born October 12, 1965, passed away at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

John was a very quiet and private person unless you wanted to talk about the weather or the City Bus Service. John was an advocate for recycling and practiced good recycling habits. He made extra money by collecting cans and taking them to the “Recycling Center” pulling his wagon behind him. Before his health declined you would see him on his bicycle with the wagon behind him all over town.

John is survived at the home by his brother Dennis Abbott. Dennis and John had a heartwarming bond as adoptive brothers that many blood brothers will never experience. They looked after and worried about each other to the very end.

John had made many friends while going to Cottonwood for many years to work and have the services provided for him. He also made many friends at LINK , Salvation Army, and also Lawrence City Transit Drivers.

John will be missed by many, but his closet friends, nurses and Doctors know that John put up a long and brave fight with Cancer for the past 3 years , and needed the rest that he is now getting.

No services are planned, but please let this be a request from John and his caregivers, please donate blood, it is what kept John alive for the past three years.

Helen Katherine Greene

At the same time baby Helen Katherine Greene was born June 1, 1954 in Morrilton, Arkansas, her dad, Richard G. Greene – who had just been shot in Korea and was being carried head-first down a mountain – got up and walked the rest of the way out. Kat inherited his courage and determination, which her mom, Jean Muncy Greene, soon had to contend with, but turned out to be an asset for her and all who loved her.

After Kat’s father got out of the army, he bought a light aircraft and flew his family all over, which was helpful because they moved many times for the various jobs he worked in Arkansas; Tucson, Arizona; Lake Chelan, Washington; and Norman, Oklahoma among other places. Kat also loved to fly and accompanied her dad on many trips, sometimes taking over the microphone, creating a little havoc. She was precocious in school and her raised hand was frequently ignored to give other kids a chance to answer the question. She was almost always right but sometimes fudged just a little to outfox teachers and classmates.

One of Kat’s favorite places in the world was the hill behind the orchard in Lake Chelan, Washington, where she spent most of her free time going up its steep slope. One of her best friends was a her large Siamese cat, Pyewacket. While living in Norman, Oklahoma, one of the neighbors was the caretaker of Lucy, the famous chimp who could communicate by sign language. Kat was amused that the sign for lemon was “strange hurt fruit.

High school years in Norman brought conflict and turbulence with her parents, and at age 17 (in 1972), she left home to live with friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These were days of flying on LSD, adventuring, and other social experiments. Sometimes, because of the various people she lived with, she’d wake up in the morning to find the whole house interior painted a different color with all the furniture rearranged. She made many close friends there but that life became tiring. She went onto join the Air Force Reserve, completing her service in 1976.

Kat liked to say she had lived in 54 places by the time she was 20. Somehow she got word that there was a vegetarian commune in Lawrence, Kansas, so she moved here in 1977. No, it wasn’t a commune or vegetarian, but she found a bunch of simpatico people and moved in with them next to the Bierstube (a beer bar), where she loved to shine spotlights on idiots peeing behind the bar.

Kat got a job as an elementary school para and loved tutoring kids in math, which she was very good at. She was kind, compassionate and generous and had a way of explaining things that comforted people. She bought a house on Pennsylvania Street, and she got a secretarial job in the biology department at the University of Kansas while living with her boyfriend, John Curry. She learned to drive and soon was on her own again.

Shortly afterwards, at a wholistic health meeting at the Appropriate Technology Center in 1982, she met Daniel Bentley and they soon became a pair. Dan recalls how they would walk each other home, first to Kat’s house, then back to Dan’s, talking so much that they continued going back and forth until they became exhausted. Eventually, they solved the problem by Kat moving in with Dan at his Delaware Street house. This led to marriage in 1985 with a five-person wedding, the ceremony conducted on the banks of the Kansas River by friend Sara Martin with Rita Hiddleston (Irwin) and Sherry McGowan as attendants.

Kat went to KU to get her BA in American Studies, graduating in 1989 with departmental honors. All along and beyond, she worked hard at the biology department, then at the KU Law Library in acquisitions and at the information desk. She also attended Emporia State University, going to school part-time while working full-time, to earn her Masters Degree in Library Science in 2004. She was eventually promoted and received tenure in her role as an Automation and Acquisitions Librarian. W. Blake Wilson, MLIS, JD, assistant director of the Wheat Law Library at KU, said of Kat, “Those of us who had the pleasure of working with Kat got to witness a librarian of exceptional intelligence, wit, and compassion.” She happily retired from the KU Law Library in 2012.

Kat could do it all. She loved travel and flew all over the country to visit friends and places and to attend conferences. She also loved being at home, cooking excellent meals and spending time with Dan and a various pride of cats. These were formative years of the Kansas Area Watershed (KAW) Council and much time was spent at camps all over the Kansas watershed, where she was famous for feeding everyone. At one point Kat and Dan were attendants at the births and deaths of a number of people. They thought of hanging out a sign that said “We do deaths and entrances.”

In 1989 Kat and Dan bought a home and acreage on Lake Street in North Lawrence, Kansas. It became the site of remodeling, time spent in the garden and many fun parties. On Lake Street the household entertained a large parade of cats. Kat loved to cook, especially for holiday meals, Kaw Valley Organic Garden Club meetings, and Kaw Council meetings. Her pies were legendary.

Kat also started devoting time to writing poetry and was a member of several writing groups, including the Wakarusa Nine. She regularly attended Brave Voice retreats with Kelley Hunt and Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg in the Flint Hills. She was a founding member of Second Sunday Goes Forth (a women’s poetry group that came out of Brave Voice). She also participated in a sewing club, The Sewing Circus, and she was an accomplished seamstress. Kat was a member of River City Investors, where she learned to superbly manage money with the help of her friend, Barbara Braa..

Kat’s dad passed, and her mom lived alone for a time in Houston, which was a trial for Kat, who made many trips there to help. Eventually Kat moved her mother, called Miss Jean by everyone, to Lawrence, where Kat could lovingly attend to her until her death.

Kat was full of positivity and love for everyone and everything. She loved creatively preparing food, her many cats, writing poetry, reading, her friends, her home, and her husband. Kat was color-blind; one of her only prejudices was against bigotry.

In September of 2024 we discovered that Kat had a benign tumor in the lining of her brain. The main symptoms were extreme sleepiness and mobility issues. Her personality changed a little as she became more childlike and whimsical, and she could lock down on contemplating a crack in the ceiling or on the floor, but she was also still all Kat. Kat spent a lot of time lolling on her bed with her best cat pal ever, Ruby.

On January 15th, Kat entered Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas to have surgical removal of the tumor. The surgery was very successful but as a complication, the next day she developed swelling of her brain, and went into a coma. The swelling caused massive irreversible brain damage, and she passed over on January 18 at 2 p.m. surrounded and held in light by six loving friends.

Dan shares that Kat and he spent the last days listening to all kinds of music, especially Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, pianists of classical music. The last movie they watched was Wicked. Now she’s defying gravity. Dan goes on to say, “Kat took my cup, ‘half empty,’ and filled it to the brim. We called each other, ‘wife,’ ‘husband’ and ‘beloved.’ My best friend, my wife, my beloved, I will hold you in my heart-of-hearts forever.

Close friends in waiting: Janice Melland; Ken Lassman and Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg; Walt Babbit and Ardys Ramberg; Joey Hickey; Beth Schultz; Roland Garner; Thomas Wheat; Rita Irwin; Barbara Braa; Chris Elwood; Bob, Patricia and Lena Marvin; Daniel, Natalie and Forest Lassman; Stephanie Mills; Julie Flora; Nancy Hubble; Cousin Sharity Saia; Sister-in-Law Dee Ann Wilkison; Aunt Nancy Stapleton; Uncle Larry Thomas; and lots of nieces, nephews and cousins; and her cat, Ruby.

An event to celebrate her lovely life will be held on her birthday, June 1, 2025 at the Wetlands Discovery Center from 1-4 p.m., including time to share memories, and as befits Kat’s love of baking and eating pies, a pie potluck.

Donations in her name may be sent to The Land Institute (https://landinstitute.org/) and The Kansas Land Trust (http://klt.org)—

William “David” Deel Jr.

Funeral Services for William David Deel Jr., 54, Wakarusa, will be 11 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Highland Heights Christian Church, 2930 SE Tecumseh Rd, Tecumseh, KS 66542. Burial will happen at 2 pm, Tuesday Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City. Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Monday, February 3, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Wm. David Deel, Jr. was born November 19, 1970 in Lawrence, Kansas to Bill and Kathy Deel. He attended Cordley Elementary, Central Junior High and Lawrence High schools. He graduated in 1988. After which he attended Kansas University for a short time.

He grew up being active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Little League football and baseball. He was active in his church’s puppet ministry and a member of Central Junior High’s Excalibur choir. David was part of the Lawrence High football team winning two state championships.

David’s hobbies included pony stock racing at Thunder Hill Speedway, barbeque competitions, and fireworks displays. His friends and family all loved it when he started up the smoker as they knew good things were about to happen. He had become an avid fly fisherman, often catching his limit within the first hour of fishing. David had been a licensed pyrotechnician for over 27 years, helping with the large displays at Arrowhead and Royals stadiums as well as large displays in other large cities. He took on the displays for Baldwin City, both their 4th of July and Christmas shows, and for the Overbrook 4th of July celebration. He retired from “shooting the big stuff” in 2023, but continued to provide a display for his neighbors, family and friends in his front yard the week before the 4th.

David started his working career throwing the paper for the Lawrence Journal World, followed by working at Bucky’s and Furrs before working several years for Davol until they closed their doors. He then worked a short time for Bud Jennings Carpet One in Lawrence before moving on to Rehrig Pacific in DeSoto. David then went to work for Chem-Trade which is now called TreCora in north Lawrence. He was entering his 15th year with them at the time of his death.

David was an amazing friend to all he came in contact with. He could be counted on to offer help or just be a shoulder to lean on. David had returned to his faith in God and found a home at the Highland Heights Christian Church in Tecumseh, KS. He purchased a home in rural Wakarusa, KS in order to make a home for himself and his mother. He loved country living.

David was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his father, Bill, and his younger brother, Jeff, his uncles, Jim and Roy Deel, and cousin, Susan. He is survived by his mother, Kathy, his uncle, Phil Lamb (Lynn) of Winston-Salem, NC, his uncle, Sam (Margy) of Northfield, MN, his aunt Connie Deel of Tijeras, New Mexico, his aunt Ronda Deel, of Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by his cousins, Corrinne Lamb-Mulhall (Don), Anthony, Duluth, MN, Sarah Deel (Sean Fox) Katie and Elliot of Northfield, MN, Chapin Deel (Marie) Araceli and Lorena of Albuquerque, NM, Nathan Deel (Holly) Avilynn and Holland of Topeka, Kansas and Mattie Cooper (Kayla) of Stanley, NM and a host of extended family and friends.

Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com