Category: Obituaries

Steven Charles Wintermantel

Posted on by RumseyYost

On Tuesday evening June 13,2023, Steven Charles Wintermantel left his earthly body to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The cause of death was cardiac arrest, while under the care of Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

He was born March 9, 1961, in Lawrence, Kansas to Charles and Louise (Anderson) Wintermantel. (His mom exclaimed to the three surviving siblings that he was the most beautiful, perfect babe ever.) Steve graduated from Baldwin High School in 1979 and proceeded to Kansas State University (EMAW!) for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, graduating in 1983. He then completed coursework for a Master’s in Education at the University of Kansas in 1989. During his time in the KU mission field, Steve heard the call of the Lord to serve in full time ministry, and he received his Master of Divinity Pastoral degree in 1994 from the International School of Theology (ISOT) in San Bernardino, California.

While attending ISOT Steve served as a pastoral intern at Wesley Community Church in San Bernardino, as well as working at a group home for young men. After graduation from ISOT, Steve returned to Baldwin City in 1995 and serving under the Evangelical Free Church of America, he planted Golden Valley Community Church while also working at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. He served GVCC until 1999.

On August 11,2001, after years of searching, Steve married the answer to his prayers, Gina Lynne LaRocca in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Their marriage was blessed by their Heavenly Father but had been set-up by Steven’s earthly father. Steve served at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin from 2001-2011 as Associate Pastor for Group Life and Single Life. In 2012, he was called to the role of Pastor of Discipleship at Buffalo Covenant Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. He served in that role until 2018. Then Steve, Gina, Hazel, Abraham, Josiah, and Cyrus joined Christian Veterinary Mission and Africa Inland Mission and moved to Torit, South Sudan to make disciples who will make disciples (through Kingdom Builders School) as commissioned by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18-20.

Survivors include his wife, Gina, and children Hazel, Abraham, Josiah, and Cyrus. His mother, Louise, sisters’ Amy and Ellen (Steve Peterson), brother Michael (Kelly). Also, nephews and nieces: Clayton, Carter & Caden Wintermantel, Anjali & Jaiya Peterson, and Mitchell and Chloe LaRocca.

Steve was a loving father, husband, brother, and son. His children were a true joy to him. He enjoyed working on the farm as a young man, gardening, identifying plants and trees, hiking through God’s amazing creation, and drinking coffee on any porch. He could do each of these things while singing at full throttle. His heart’s desire was to be a man after God’s own heart, and he pursued this desire by drawing close to God through studying the Bible, praying without ceasing, and listening for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Steve valued relational discipleship-making throughout his life and counted himself blessed to have the opportunity this last 5 years to help prepare South Sudanese believers to go and make disciples in the under-reached villages of South Sudan.

Memorials can be sent to the nonprofit Steve and Gina started to prepare and equip Kingdom Builders in South Sudan.

Checks can be sent directly to:

Kingdom Builders Ministry Africa

1700 Hawk Trail

Buffalo, MN 55313

Or you can write a check to Worden Cornerstone Church, with KBMA in the memo line.

The visitation will be held on Friday June 23rd from 5 to 7 pm at Worden Cornerstone Church. The service will be on Saturday June 24th at 10 am, with lunch to follow.

The service will be live streamed on the Worden Cornerstone Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064794128261&mibextid=LQQJ4d Later, the recording of the service will be available on www.wordencornerstone.com

David Joseph Lutz

Posted on by RumseyYost

David Joseph Lutz (also known Grandpa Dave) was born June 25th, 1934 in Olpe, Kansas to Andrew F. Lutz and Alice (Rossillon) Lutz. He is survived by two sisters, twins, Janice Mahonney of W. Bath, ME and Doris Meier, of Topeka KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Sister Geneva Lutz OSF and Lila Mullican of Indiana and grandson Andrew J. Mautz.

He was born on the farm West of Olpe KS. After graduation from Olpe Rural High, He attended Emporia State University and studied Industrial Arts and Engineering. He continued his studies in electronics in Biloxi, MS after enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the 85th Bomber Squadron and attained the level of Staff Sergeant. He was sent to Sculthorpe, England to work on Jet Bomber aircraft radar systems during the Korean War and traveled extensively throughout Europe.

He married Rose Marie Hagemann(Divorced) of Olpe, KS in December of 1959. He is survived by his five 5 children. Carmen Hicks (Jeff) of Argyle Texas, Kathy Lock (Duane) of Southlake Texas, Lorrie Neisler (Bobby)(Deceased) of Double Oak, Texas. Debbie Carlson (Skip) of Lawrence, KS, Darin Lutz (Cindy) of Lawrence KS and 12 grandchildren.

Dave spent a majority of his working career in the film industry as a Motion Picture Sound Engineer for Centron Corporation. His work as a Sound Engineer allowed him to travel extensively recording sound for many educational films, documentaries, and commercials. He fondly spoke of one of his favorite work endeavors, traveling with the film crew following presidential nominee, Bob Dole on his 1996 campaign trail. He was also proud of his involvement with the short documentary film and nominated academy award film, the Leo Beauerman Story.

Following his work at Centron Corporation he was employed by the University of Kansas for the Kansas Bureau of Child Research which is now Life Span Institute. He did freelance sound recording for some time after retiring in 1997.

During his life Dave spent many hours pursuing his many interests and hobbies. He was an accomplished mechanic and restored many classic cars himself. He competed in car shows around the state and won many awards. He was especially fond of his 1968 red convertible Pontiac Fire Bird. He was an avid photographer and was the family historian, always present to get beautiful photos of all significant events in the family.

The family will greet friends and family for a visitation from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Monday June 26th at Rumsey-Yost funeral home 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS.

A Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 10:30 am at Corpus Christie Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy, Lawrence, KS. Family and friends may gather at 10:00 am for a short visitation before the service. He will be laid to rest at the Oak Hill cemetery immediately following the service.

Flowers are welcome and the family suggests memorial Contributions to the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

The Mass will be live streamed at, cccparish.org, go to Livestream Liturgies or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83LO5u3AOxZCDRB6sRaPTA/videos .
Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Rhonda Kay Helm

Posted on by RumseyYost

Rhonda Kay Helm , of Lawrence, Kansas passed away at the age of 65on Friday, June 16, 2023 at her home . A visitation l service will be held at 1 pm. on Wednesday, June 21st at Rumsey Yost Funeral home in Lawrence Kansas. A graveside memorial will follow right after at 2 pm Wednesday June 21st at Memorial park cemetery in Lawrence Kansas.

Rhonda was born October 11th 1957 in Lawrence Kansas Daughter of Emil Trybom and Charlotte Trybom Rhonda attended Lawrence high school Rhonda married Bobby Helm on May 7th 1999 in Miami Oklahoma Rhonda worked at Davol for several of years. Rhonda loved garage sales her and Bobby would start off in Kansas but could end up in Oklahoma , She loved taking rides just her and Bobby , She loved her cold Pepsi from Dairy Queen , And her joy was her grandkids she loved them and spending time with them, Rhonda’s favorite was Halloween she would put out lots of decorations.

Rhonda is survived by Her husband Bobby Helm Step mom Janette Trybom Sister Mona (skeeter) Trybom of Lawrence,Brother Jake Trybom, Brother James Keuster Children Led Graf, Shannon Tate, Amy Helm, Jessica Helm , Scott (Tashe) Helm, Felisha (Anthony) Frye , Broth in laws and sister in laws Jimmy Helm, Mary Montgomery (Skip) Judy (Marty) Sheley Glen (Carla ) Helm, Roger (Lucinda) Helm Rita (Alan ) Calef Freida (Gary ) Houk, Lynn (Kent) Nichols and Tom McKay , 13 Grandkids and 4 Great grand kids.

She is preceded in death by her parents Emil Trybom and Charlotte Trybom and Oliver and Geneva Helm and sister in law Tammy Helm

Would like to give a special thanks to Midland Hospice House and to Katherine Hertlien and the medical staff and doctors that took care of Rhonda.

Special Thanks to Mary Montgomery for always being there day and night, phone calls in the middle of the night and she would hop up and be there in a split second. (Thanks Sister for all you did for Rhonda )

Special thanks for Grand daughter Kameron (Elvis) for always helping with grandma any time night or day .

Special thanks to Felisha Frye for helping take care of Rhonda and having to some time spend the night.

Rhonda was loved by all and will be missed by all

Sheryl Lorraine Weeks

Posted on by RumseyYost

Sheryl Lorraine Weeks passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

She was born January 9, 1953 in Lawrence, KS. The daughter of William and Betty Wilson.

Sheryl attended Lawrence High School where she met and married Richard Weeks Sr in 1971. She is survived by Richard Sr of the home. Sons Richard Weeks Jr of Byron Center, Michigan; Vernon Weeks (Stephanie) of Lawrence, KS, and Michael Weeks (Lisa) of Kansas City, KS.

Sheryl also leaves behind 6 grandchildren – Corina (Bailey) Deshazer, Logan (Domino) Deshazer, Hunter Weeks, Gage Collins, Gavin Melson, and Savanna Weeks, along with 7 great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind 2 sisters and 3 brothers, and many more family and friends that mourn her loss.

The family sends out a heartfelt thanks to Cindy Winger & Jessica Freeman for all the assistance and help in navigating this tremendous loss.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Gloria June Carr Nix

Posted on by RumseyYost

Gloria June Carr Nix, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, June 2, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9th at First Baptist Church in Lawrence. A graveside memorial will be held the next day, June 10th, at 1:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Sedan KS, following a noon reception in her honor at First Baptist Church in Sedan.

Gloria was born June 14th, 1938, at the family farm in Cobb Creek, OK. She attended high school in Hinton, OK, where she was valedictorian and met her future husband, Dois Dean Nix. They were married on August 12, 1956. Gloria helped send Dois to Oklahoma Baptist University where he decided to become a pastor, and for the next 46 years they ministered to five churches, and served their communities in both the Southern Baptist Convention, and the American Baptist Churches USA until his passing in 2005. Since then, Gloria has continued to serve her churches and communities. She will be laid to rest next to Dois in Sedan, where they ministered for 30 of their years together.

The youngest of five children, Gloria is survived by her sister, Jean Carr, 94, of Edmond, Oklahoma. Gloria is also survived by her daughter Erin Nix of Lawrence, and her son Shannon Nix & his wife Shawn of Virginia. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Megan Bever & her spouse William Delehanty, Evan Bever & his spouse Breanna, Haley Proctor & her spouse Scott, Kathryn Presley & her fiancée Katherine Hamilton, and Kelsey Nix & her partner Matthew Safford; and by her great grandchildren Michael, Henry & Margaret Proctor, Isaiah Bever, and Austin & Benjamin Delehanty; and by her son-in-law David Bever & his spouse Linda Bever, and her son-in-law, James Presley.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kelly Bever; her siblings Betty Terry, Bobbie Smith, & Ross Carr; and by her parents, Walter & Ethel Carr.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS. 66044.