Howard Kennedy - IMAC Class of 1949 and Mary Ann Heintzelman Kennedy - IMAC Class of 1950

Howard Charles Kennedy passed from this earth on July 23, 2021 at the age of 90 years. Howard was born on April 11, 1931, as the youngest of five children to Charles and Claudia (Swoboda) Kennedy in the farming community of Kickapoo northwest of Leavenworth, Kansas.

Howard grew up working on the family farm that was part of the original Kennedy family homestead. His ancestors were among those many Europeans who emigrated to settle the new Kansas territory. During his youth he attended and served the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Kickapoo. He attended Immaculata High School and graduated in 1949. Howard subsequently attended the Donnelly Catholic College in Kansas City where he was a member of the inaugural graduating class of 1951.It was during his high school years at Immaculata that Howard met and then fell in love with Mary Ann Heintzelman. Howard and Mary Ann were married at St. Joseph of the Valley Church on June 28, 1952. They then settled in the city of Leavenworth and joined St. Joseph Catholic church for the remainder of their lives. Howard and Mary Ann had five children who they raised in homes built by Howard's hands, and all of whom they sent to St. Joseph's elementary school and Immaculata High School. Howard and Mary Ann celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary shortly before Mary Ann's death in July of 2020.

Howard provided for his family through various positions in the Fort Leavenworth army base maintenance and engineering departments for thirty-six years. He retired in 1987. In retirement, Howard worked part-time as an income tax consultant for a local tax preparation company. He was also a member of the Army Reserves for 9 years in the 1950s and early 1960s, where he trained out of the Fort Carson army base in Colorado.

Throughout his life, Howard enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. Reminiscing about fishing with his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. Howard was an accomplished athlete in his youth and enjoyed proudly watching his son and grandsons play numerous sports over the years. He took pride in his daughters and granddaughters and enjoyed attending their dance, acrobatics, music and drama events. Family relationships were a priority to Howard and family visits were frequent and numerous. In his retirement years, the summer family reunions at the Lake of the Ozarks were a highlight. Howard enjoyed water-skiing into his seventies and jet-skiing into his eighties. Card games were a frequent activity at family visits and reunions, and Howard looked forward to his weekly card-playing activities at the downtown Community Center with his retiree friends.

Howard was a devout and lifelong servant of the Catholic Church. He began as a young altar server at Sacred Heart parish in Kickapoo, and continued to serve at the altar at St. Joseph in Leavenworth into his eighties. At various times in his younger adult life, Howard was a member of the St. Joseph Parish Council, Finance Council, and the St. Joseph's (men's) Society. For over forty years Howard was an extraordinary minister of holy communion at St Joseph parish, and regularly took communion to the elderly church members at local nursing homes. During the last 25 years of his active membership at St. Joseph church, Howard was a leader in the Society of St. Vincent DePaul which provided outreach and support to the poor in the Leavenworth community.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann, his parents Charles and Claudia, and his siblings Matt Kennedy, Loretta Smith, Claudia Swenson, and Leo Kennedy. He is survived by his five children, Peggy Tunink (Duane), Janet Loewenstein (Jim), Steven Kennedy (Beth), Karen Wishart (John), and Lorraine Lewis. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Howard was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, and a dedicated member of the Catholic church. He was much loved and respected, and will be greatly missed by family, friends, and church members.

The family would like to thank Twin Oaks Long-Term Care and Catholic Community Hospice for the amazing care and treatment they provided for Howard.

A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. with the rosary prayed at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Howard's honor to 

Catholic Community Hospice https://catholiccharitiesks.org/donate/,

St. Vincent DePaul Society and 

St. Joseph Church https://www.icsj.org/giving. 

Please visit https://www.leintzfh.com to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Howard.

                              Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Mary Ann (Heintzelman) Kennedy, born May 19, 1932 to Ralph and Ottilia (Hund) Heintzelman, passed away on July 13, 2020 in Leavenworth, Kan. at age 88.

A lifelong resident of Leavenworth, she attended Hund Grade School and then Immaculata High School (class of 1950), where she met the love of her life, Howard Kennedy. They were married at St. Joseph of the Valley Church on June 28, 1952, and they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last month.

Mary Ann devoted her life to caring for her family; she instilled faith, kindness, and love in her children, and delighted in her grandchildren. She always had a sympathetic ear and comforting words for everyone’s troubles.

Mary Ann was a devout lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph in Leavenworth. She volunteered at St. Joseph Grade School and later at Xavier Preschool, and was part of the team for Eucharistic adoration each Wednesday. She crocheted countless baby afghans to donate to Birthright, and she also loved baking, sewing, and caring for her flowers.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Ottilia (Hund) Heintzelman and Ralph Heintzelman, brothers, Edward Heintzelman and Michael Heintzelman, and sister Sarah Nunn. She is survived by her husband, Howard Kennedy, her five children, Peggy Tunink (Duane), Janet Loewenstein (Jim), Steven Kennedy (Beth), Karen Wishart (John), and Lorraine Lewis, and her sister Irene Frey. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Fr. Shawn Tunink, Christine (Tunink) Krier, Melinda Loewenstein, Kevin Loewenstein, Michelle Loewenstein, Catherine Kennedy, Rebecca (Kennedy) Shafer, Alyssa Lewis, Hillary (Lewis) Czerwinski, and five great-grandchildren, Tanner, Dylan, Jayden, and Myla Krier, and Natalie Shafer. Mary Ann was a kind, loving person who will be missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Twin Oaks and Catholic Community Hospice for the amazing care and treatment in her final days.

The family attended a private service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary Ann’s honor to Alzheimer’s Association, Catholic Charities, or St. Joseph Church.

Marlene Murray Duffield - IMAC Class of 1958

Marlene Marie Duffield, 81, of Columbia, Missouri passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021. She was born March 6, 1940, in Leavenworth, KS to the late Thomas L. Murray and Mary E. Murray. 

Marlene attended Immaculate High School in Leavenworth, Kansas, and graduated in 1958. She married Roger C. Duffield in 1960 and received her Bachelor of Arts from Stephens College in 1981. 

Before retirement, she worked for Stephens College and the University of Missouri in various positions, including management. 

Marlene's hobbies included Fortnightly Gourmand Club, bridge, quilting, and she had a true talent for gardening. She was especially proud when she received yard of the month.  Later in life, She volunteered at the Newman Center as a greeter and eucharistic minister.

Her husband Roger passed away July 15, 2013. 

Marlene is survived by her children, Roger Duffield, Jr. of Harrisburg, Bryan Duffield of Columbia, Alicia Duffield-Creighton (Chris) of Plano, Texas, and Renee Slusher (Chris) of Columbia; and grandchildren Andrew, Caroline, Grant, Nicholas, and Kayla. 

Visitation services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Friday July 23, 2021, at the Newman Center in Columbia. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church following the visitation services. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery following the funeral services. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Newman Center, 602 Turner Ave, Columbia, Mo 65201. Online condolences and memories may be left HERE.

Leavenworth Local Hotel or "spend a night at the "Nostalgia Inn"

 

https://www.facebook.com/LeavenworthLocal/

The Leavenworth Local Hotel offers the nostalgia of a 1923 High School.  The classrooms have been converted and renovated into extended stay suites that feature large windows that allow you to view the historic city of Leavenworth, Kansas.  Another feature this hotel offers are unique rooms on the gymnasium floor. Many of the architectural features have been restored and retained. All rooms are equipped with mini fridges, cook tops and microwaves. The hotel is in the heart of downtown where you will find restaurants, unique shops, antiques and more.  This hotel truly is one of a kind.

 

Kathy Larkin Crume - IMAC High School

Katherine "Kathy" Ann Crume, 79, Overland Park, Kansas, passed away February 20, 2021, at Prairie Elder Care. 

Kathy was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Joseph and Maxine Larkin. She went to school at Immaculata High School and St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth. She was happily married to John Crume, was a doting mother to Janice Drake and Julie Hamel and a loving grandmother to her six grandchildren. She was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

In earlier years, Kathy was involved in PTA at Apache Elementary in Overland Park, Kansas, and Campfire Girls. She also was very supportive in her daughters’ extra-curricular activities. Kathy had a network of close friends with whom she enjoyed playing bridge and canasta and was in a bowling league for many years. Kathy and John had season tickets to the Chiefs for 53 years and she was an avid fan. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Maxine Larkin, her sister, Rose Mary Kempin, her father and mother-in-law, John Crume Sr. and Louise Crume, and her aunt, Rose Mary Kimbrell.

Kathy is survived by her husband, John; her two daughters, Janice Drake (Tim) and Julie Hamel (Kevin); her six grandchildren, Zachary Drake, Morgan Hamel, Michael Drake, Andrew Drake, Logan Hamel and Jenna Drake; her sister-in-law, Pam Crume; and her nieces, Kathy Heath (Buck) and Karen Glynn (Earl).

The family of Kathy wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the nurses and caregivers of Prairie Elder Care especially Michala Gibson and Mandy Shoemaker.

The family will receive visitors Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, KS, 66214, with the rosary at 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m., immediately following the rosary. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be left online at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/overland-park-ks/kathy-crume-10065760.

Nancy Cook Oberforcher - IMAC HS Class of 1956

Nancy Ann Cook Oberforcher, passed away in her home, surrounded by loved ones on Dec. 10, 2020.  A lifelong Catholic and Leavenworth, Kansas resident, she was born January 10, 1936, to Edward Cook Sr. and Florence Miller Cook.

She graduated from Immaculata High School in 1956 and married Anthony (Tony) Oberforcher that same year.

Nancy had a 33-year long career working as a Personnel Clerk in the Office of the Adjutant General at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. She loved working for the Catholic School System supporting the Greenway Auction fundraiser, volunteering, soliciting donations and anything else to help promote and foster Catholic education.

If you were to have asked Nancy what she enjoyed the most, she would say cooking for anyone that was hungry and going to the casino with her daughter Nancy. She always tried to help others by volunteering or donating. She made sure her kids and grandkids were comfortable and happy with a smile and full belly. Her spirit truly shined at Christmas, her favorite time of the year. A joy that would brighten anyone’s heart.

Her strong faith in God, her altruistic nature, and love for her children and grandchildren is what grounded her in life. It’s a love that will be missed by everyone she met.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Edward Cook Jr. and a grandchild, Jessica.

She is survived by her four children, Nancy Boatright, Mark Oberforcher (Leavenworth), Susan Sheffield (Kansas City, Missouri), Lynn Nemeth (Gilbert, Arizona); a brother Richard Cook (Leavenworth); and grandchildren Tony and Sarah Boatright, Kyle Bailey, Erica Nemeth, Nicole Sheffield, Kayla Oberforcher and great-grandchild, Freyja Shafer; the true loves of her life!

Her wings were ready, our hearts were not.. (unknown)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in her honor Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., St. Joseph’s Church, Leavenworth, with Fr. Glenn Snow, O.Carm., officiating. Graveside services will be held at a later date.

Due to Corona Virus, marks are required and social distancing is encouraged.

Donations in her memory, please send to her favorite place of worship, St. Joseph’s Church, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to R. L. Leintz Funeral Home.

Sharon Mead Winsor - IMAC High School

She never knew a stranger. Those who did meet her called her friend, sister, aunt, grandma, or mostly just Mom, and she was the Mom... to so many more than just her own.

Sharon Ann Winsor, Olathe, Kansas, found everlasting peace on Monday, November 16, 2020. She was born on July 12, 1941 in Leavenworth, Kansas and was preceded in death by her parents Ulysses and Edna Mead.

She graduated from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth and was married to John E. Winsor, formerly of Easton, Kansas, for 21 years. He preceded her in death.

Sharon is survived by her five children, Russell Winsor (with wife Terri), Orlando, Florida, Dawn Miller (with husband Gary), Gardner, Kansas, Valerie Winsor, Topeka, Kansas, Tonya Barnes (with husband Robert), Edmond, Oklahoma, and Leith Winsor (with wife Veronica), Lawrence, Kansas. She is also survived by her three siblings, Janet Gabrick, Hawaii, Mary Rae Krallman, Topeka, Kansas, and Kevin Mead, Topeka, Kansas. She was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, not to mention all the nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all too numerous to mention.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at the New Life Community Church, Gardner, Kansas. 

In lieu of cards or flowers, please make donations to the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas.

Nick Simonis - IMAC HS Class of 1950

Nickolaus J. Simonis, 88, passed away on October 14,2020 after a lengthy illness. He was born on June 23rd, 1932 in Scipio, Kansas to Frank and Thekla Simonis (they had come to the US from Germany a few years before). He was the second of 6 children. The family moved to Leavenworth and settled in to raise the family. 

Nick attended St. Joseph elementary school and graduated in May 1950 from Immaculata High School. He then entered the US Army and became a paratrooper and went to combat in Korea. Upon his return he married Jacqulyn Warren in 1954 in Darlington, South Carolina. They moved to Leavenworth for 1 yr then returned to Darlington until 1960, where he worked at the Dixie Cup factory. 

Nick then moved his family back to Leavenworth. He followed in the footsteps of his father and became a bricklayer. He worked in this profession in Leavenworth with Kaaz construction and then joined Alpha Masonry in Merriam, Kansas. He built many buildings in Kansas City and the surrounding area. He often built fireplaces on the weekends (with his children as hod carriers). Unusual fireplaces were his specialty. 

He retired in 1994 and he and his wife moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Together, they enjoyed the scenic areas, golf courses the many amenities offered there. His wife Jackie, passed in 2016 and his children moved him back to Leavenworth in 2017.

Nick is survived by his children; Terri Simonis (Topeka, Kansas), Nick Jr (Shauna) Simonis, Longmont, Colorado, Mike (Mary Jo) Simonis, Leavenworth, Kansas and Christopher (Sheryl) Simonis, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, a sister, Julianne Olsen, Mountain Home, Idaho. Nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews through the area.

Rosary will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at noon. Visitation will follow from 12:15 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday October 26, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. There will be no reception following due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Hospice.  

Condolences may be left on Nick’s online guestbook at www.davisfuneralchapelinc.com.

Jerry Bollin - IMAC HS Class of 1951

Jerome (Jerry) Benedict Bollin, 87, of Kickapoo Township, Leavenworth, KS passed peacefully at home on October 13, 2020.  He was born September 27, 1933 in Leavenworth, KS to John Joseph Bollin, Sr. and Helen Caroline (Leibach) Bollin. 

A lifelong resident of Leavenworth, he graduated  from Immaculata High School in 1951.He worked at Sunflower Powder Company.  He was drafted into the Navy in 1955 where he traveled around the Pacific. He also worked on the Fort Leavenworth grounds crew.  Jerry was also a farmer and golf course owner/superintendent.   

Jerry married Rose Marie Hensley on February 25, 1956 at St. Ignatius Chapel at Fort Leavenworth, KS.  

He learned to fly in the late 1970s and owned his own plane until 1993.  He loved the game of golf and owned Shagbark golf course, Leavenworth.  He was a member of the Eagles.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Rose and four sons, Tab, Clayton, David and Joe, all of Leavenworth, his grandchildren Lucas Bollin, Texas; Miles Bollin, Oklahoma; Wills Bollin, Texas; Ross Bollin, Leavenworth; Emma Bollin, Lawrence, KS and Lilly Bollin, Leavenworth. And his greatgrandchildren:  Trenton, Wesley, Emily, and Oakley.  And two sisters: Mary (Jerry) Stoezer, Kansas City, MO and Nan (Harry) Stein, Melbourne, FL.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Colesta and Mika and his brother John (Buddy) Bollin.

A wake will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel, October 22, 2020 from 5 to 7 pm.  Funeral Services will be held at Davis October 23 at 10 a.m. followed by graveside service at Sacred Heart cemetery, Kickapoo Township. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army.

Condolences may be left on Jerome’s online guestbook at www.davisfuneralchapelinc.com.

Theresa Fink Rush - IMAC Class of 1952

Theresa Ann (Fink) Rush, 86, Leavenworth, Kansas died peacefully at her home on Aug. 27, 2020 with loved ones by her side.

She was born on Feb. 24, 1934 in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Aloysius Fink and Matilda (Gates) Fink, a second-generation German immigrant. She would often recall fond memories from her childhood growing up on a farm, especially of caring for the animals. In 1952 she graduated from Immaculata High School. In 1953 she married (late) Lonnie Eugene Rush and began her family. 

She served in the Altar Society at St. Francis de Sales church in Lansing, Kansas. She took a position at Leavenworth VA Center Dietetics Department where she worked for over 35 years.

Theresa was the matriarch of her family of nine children, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She led a full and busy life, working until her late 70s, but also making time for her many interests. She loved spending time with her family, and could chat for hours over a glass of iced tea at her kitchen table.

She was gifted in sewing, gardening, and baking — her date cookies and Italian cream cake were in high-demand at family functions. She joined bowling leagues in the 1970s and participated in many tournaments. She also played piano and accordion. She was compassionate about helping others. She loved children and had a special place in her heart for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Lonnie Eugene Rush Jr.; grandsons, Adam Matthew Sparks and Robert Lon Rush; brothers, John Fink and Paul Fink; and her sister, Helen (Fink) Messinger.

She is survived by her children, Linda (David) Sparks, Elaine (Edward) McClure, Theresa Lorraine (James) Sloan, Mary (late Gregory) Wood, Peggy (Walley) Winstead, Timothy Rush, Robert (Geneva) Rush, Julie (Todd) McBroom; her grandchildren, Jennifer Whitney, Tara Sloan, Melissa Head, Tiffany Underwood, Megan Winstead, Baylee McBroom, Blaine McBroom, and Natalie Wood; her great-grandchildren, Ethan Cunning, Madison Cunning, Luke Head, Aubree Head, Wyatt Head, Adelyn Head, and Lucas Winstead; her sister, Mary Garrison; and her longtime companion, William (Bill) Abbott.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent and compassionate care she received at Saint John Hospital and Providence Medical Center.

A private service with immediate family will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lansing, Kansas.

Georgeann Teets Gaver Kreutzer - IMAC HS Class of 1953

Georgeann Gaver Kreutzer peacefully left this earth surrounded by family on Saturday May 30, 2020. Georgeann was born May 18, 1936 in Leavenworth, Kansas to George and Romayne Teets. She had a beloved older sister Mary (Sister Mary Jacinta SCl) . They have all preceded her in death. 

Georgeann attended Immaculata High School, and married Glenn Gaver (LHS Class of 1951), July 10, 1953.  Georgeann spoiled Glenn as they raised three daughters Leah (Maxwell), Jean (Reynolds) and Sussanna (Daniel). Glenn preceded her in death in 1997. 

Georgeann was a working mom, spending her career as a switchboard operator working at Fort Leavenworth, The Veterans Administration and retiring from The Federal Bureau of Prisons in 1991. She was amazing at her job able to recognize a voice she might only hear once a year. Her voice was always reassuring and helpful. 

She enjoyed her grandchildren; Sam, Heather, Stacey, Marc, Michael Jon, Michael, Hillary, Donovan and Jessica. There when they needed her and always giving of a lipstick print on the cheek. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren; Skye, Delaney, Ava, Deacon, Camden, Sammy and Hunter and her special extras Sarah, Celeste, Cailynn and Cara. 

Georgeann was blessed to have found love again and in 1999 married John Dale Kreutzer. She and Dale spent 20 wonderful years together. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Catholic Charities of NE Kansas. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8, 2020 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2020 at 5 P.M. at Davis Funeral Chapel. Burial will be held at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Donald Schmidling - IMAC HS

Donald Francis Schmidling, 89, Leavenworth, died peacefully May 15, 2020, with loving family by his side. He was born in Leavenworth County on Jan. 27, 1931, the youngest son of five children to Leo C. and Cecelia E. (Schneider) Schmidling, and grew up on their family farm near Easton.
He attended Immaculata High School and worked at Kramer Manufacturing.
On Aug. 2, 1952, Donald married Elizabeth Kisker and the same day was drafted to the Army for the Korean War. He served as a cook for two years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He proudly worked 27 years at the TWA overhaul base as a machinist taking pride in his job and he enjoyed a special bond with his co-workers. He was a member of St. Joseph of the Valley parish and cemetery committee.
His hobbies included playing guitar with family, hunting, stock car racing, farming the Schmidling homestead of 160 acres and 80 acres on Seven Sister Road, trap shooting, repairing watches, local Country music shows, and weekend trips to nearby casinos and flea markets.
He is fondly remembered by his children, Patty Schmidling, Sherry Schmidling, Kathy Lynn (Terry) Schaeffer, Denise (Jack) Elliott and Dale (Candise) Schmidling; his companion, Dorothy Klamm; the mother of his children, Elizabeth Schmidling; two sisters, Wilma Kirchner and Darlyne Pape; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Butler; two brothers, Maurice and Vincent Schmidling; and great-granddaughter, Alyssa Hutchens.
Memorials are suggested to Mt. Olivet Cemetery or Good Shepherd Hospice. 

IMAC Counterterrorism

Residents may have noticed an increased law enforcement presence at times at the former Immaculata High School.  The building in downtown Leavenworth has not become the site of increased criminal activity. But the former school has been used multiple times for regional law enforcement training.
According to Sgt. Roger Hundley of the Leavenworth Police Department, the building has been used for Kansas City regional counterterrorism response training.
Members of various law enforcement agencies from the metropolitan area have participated in the training.  Hundley said the program was established with the help of a grant obtained by the Mid-America Regional Council.  He said about 24 law enforcement officers were taking the eight-hour class Thursday at the former school building.
“These are primarily patrol officers,” he said.
There were additional law enforcement officers on hand Thursday who served as trainers.  Hundley, who was one of the trainers, described the class as force-on-force training.  He said officers fired paint projectiles during the training. These simulated rounds could be fired from the normal type of rifles and handguns used by the officers.
“We’ll make it as realistic as possible,” Hundley said.
He said the class also has been taught at other locations in the metropolitan area.
“Basically, it’s where we have open buildings to do this,” he said.

Developers plan to eventually repurpose the former Immaculata building 
into apartments.  A portion of the building also may be used for commercial space.
By John Richmeier / jrichmeier@leavenworthtimes.com

Ed Simons - IMAC HS Class of 1954

Edward George Simons, 83, of Lansing, Kan., died, June 13, 2019, at Medicalodge in Leavenworth. He was born April 7, 1936, at the old St. John Hospital in Leavenworth, the son of Everett and Dorothy (Collins) Simons.
He attended the Old Cathedral Grade School and graduated from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth. Ed then went to St. Thomas College and Seminary in Denver, Colo., and was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1962. He served parishes and high schools in Prairie Village, Topeka, Lenexa and St. Francis de Sales in Lansing, Kan. Ed was Catholic Chaplain at the Kansas State Penitentiary (Lansing Correctional Facility) and at the prison’s Women’s Facility. He also served in the Kansas National Guard and was a Chaplain for the Delaware Township Fire Department (Leavenworth County Fire District #1).
In 1976, Ed requested and received a leave of absence from his duties as a priest and went to work as a Court Services Officer in Wyandotte County from which he retired after 20 years. In 1978, Ed married Donita Walkup and the two spent many good times with their family and enjoyed travels to China, Russia, the British Isles and the Holy Land.
Ed was an avid collector of miniature fire engines and was involved in Leavenworth community affairs and an enthusiastic sports supporter. He was an active member of Sisters of Charity where he renewed his relationship with the sisters who taught and guided him for many years. After his long life in Leavenworth and Lansing, Ed will be missed by his many old and good friends here.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Donita; a baby brother; a stepson, Greg Walkup; and two grandsons, Jake Walkup and Mason Fliger.
Ed is survived by two stepchildren, Teresa Fliger and Bart (Candace) Walkup; and five grandchildren, Avery (Chase) Fliger, Carson Fliger, Landon Fliger, Sydney Walkup and Megan Walkup.
Visitation beginning with the rosary will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2019, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at St. Francis de Sales Church, with Fr. William McEvoy as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Jake Walkup Scholarship Fund, c/o Trena Gilfert at Citizens Savings and Loan (5151 S. 4th St. Trafficway, Leavenworth, KS).

Constance Lord - IMAC HS

Constance L. Lord, 85, of Leavenworth passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019 at her residence.
She was born on August 24, 1933 to Raymond and Elva (Meyer) Doebele in Hanover Kansas. She was one of four children born in the family. Connie was a graduate from Immaculata High School. She married Donald G. Lord on February 14, 1953 in Leavenworth KS. After retirement she enjoyed shopping, supporting the Council on Aging, painting, playing cards and games, and in her younger years water skiing.
She is survived by her children David L (Ann) Lord, Debra Connell, and Mary Jo (Michael) Simonis, all of Leavenworth KS. Brother James (Barbara) Doebele, Lenexa KS, sister Karen (Jerry) Davis, Gladstone Mo and sister Rae Ellen (Steve) Busch, Atchison KS. 11 Grandchildren and 14 Great grandchildren and 1 Great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, Donald and two children Michael and James Lord.
A visitation will be Friday, May 24, 2019 at the funeral home 5:30 – 8:00 pm with a Rosary to be said at 5:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:00 am with Fr. David McEvoy, O.Carm, officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1011 N Desoto Rd., Lansing KS.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Belden Larkin Funeral Home.

Les Novelettes Club to host fashion show

Vanessa Johnston, chief of security at the GEO Reentry Services at the Grossman Center – Residential Reentry Center, joined the Les Novelettes Club in the summer of 2017 because she liked the idea of helping young people in their quest for a higher education. 
The club was organized in 1950 and members chose the motto “Unity for Progress.”
The aims were to provide scholarships that would support the educational endeavors of local high school students heading to a higher institution of learning.
Besides awarding thousands in scholarship money to approximately 165 graduating seniors from Leavenworth High School, Lansing High School and the former Immaculata High School, the club also endeavors to lend charitable aid to the community. One of its proudest achievements was raising funds that resulted in the purchase of band uniforms for students at Warren Middle School.
This year the club, which has 16 members, will celebrate its 69th anniversary. One of the club’s favorite events, a fashion show, is coming up.
“The main fundraiser is the Fashion Show,” says Johnston. “We also have a fundraiser celebrating Martin Luther King Day. We have local sponsors who help defray the cost of events.“
The theme is Trendsetters In Motion. It will be from 1-3 p.m. April 20 at the Heritage Center in downtown Leavenworth, with a light lunch at noon.
“Your $20 donation will be used to help a local high school student continue their education with a scholarship,” says Johnston. 
Many of the club’s scholarship recipients have been able to pursue their dreams in some of the most coveted professions. And recipients have also adopted the club’s goal of “paying it forward,” repaying the generosity of others by giving something of value to someone else.
Les Novelettes’ scholarship recipients have gone on to become military leaders, doctors, nurses, teachers, etc.
Les Novelettes’ ability to ease the financial burdens of so many is directly related to the benevolence of the Leavenworth/Lansing community. Les Novelettes Club became more determined and committed to expand the scope of its fundraising abilities over the years. In order to reach out to broader funding opportunities, the club applied for and received a 501(c)3 charitable status. 
As a result, local businesses and private donors are able to realize the advantages of a tax deduction.
“My favorite thing about being a member of Les Novelettes is being around a lot of professional women who have the same goals as I do,” says Johnston. “It’s the idea that we as a club are investing in the higher education that will benefit the community. For the past 69 years, the Les Novelettes Club has provided charitable aid to the community as well as providing scholarships to three high school graduates in the Lansing and Leavenworth area each year. The club is well known for charitable contributions.”
Club members want to continue to invest their leadership and commitment to the youth in the community by modeling basic values and a personal responsibility for good deeds.
As the club’s motto indicates, they have been “united” for 69 years and their “progress” has become legend.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling Johnston at 936-544-0345.

By RIMSIE McCONIGA
rmcconiga@leavenworthtimes.com 

Bud Hegarty - IMAC Class of 1950

James D. “Bud” Hegarty, 86, of Leavenworth, died, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at Twin Oaks, after a long illness. He was born Oct. 17, 1932, in Leavenworth, the son of James and Dorothy (Christ) Hegarty.
He graduated from Immaculata High School in 1950 and the Kansas City School of Watchmaking in 1952.
Bud was a Veteran of the Korean War. He was employed at Trans World Airlines for 41 years.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat; his three children, James (Patty) Hegarty, Anne (Craig) Schmidling and David (Sarah) Hegarty; four grandchildren, Maura, Connor, Megan and Daniel.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents.
He was an avid golfer and traveled the world until illness limited his activites.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home, with Rev. William McEvoy as celebrant. Memorials are suggested to Safe Haven Hope House or the American Cancer Society.

"MJ" Birmingham Supplee - IMAC HS Class of 1949

Mary Jane “MJ” Supplee, 86, of Leavenworth, died at her home, Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, surrounded by family, after a brave fight against cancer and emphysema. She was born Oct. 4, 1931, in Leavenworth, the second of three daughters to Ambrose and Gladys (Ryan) Birmingham.  Raised in Leavenworth, she graduated from Immaculata High School in 1949. 
MJ had four sons, Vinton (Suzanne), Timothy (Susan), Matthew (Linda) and Douglas (Julie) from her first marriage to Vinton S. Stewart. 
She met the true love of her life, career Army officer Charles Robert Hatch “Bob” Supplee, while working at Fort Leavenworth for the Department of Transportation. They married June 11, 1960 and soon deployed to West Germany, where they added two daughters, Karen and Penny (Pat), to the bonded family. MJ is also survived by a sister, Patricia A. Corley (LHS Class of 1954); a brother-in-law, Fred Retter; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
They returned to the United States in 1963 and lived in various locations during Bob’s assignments to include Virginia, Nebraska, Indiana and Kansas. She kept the family together and whole during his two year-long combat deployments to Vietnam.
After Col. Supplee’s retirement, they resided in Leavenworth, Kansas City and Clayton, Missouri, as Bob pursued a second career as a stockbroker and branch manager, finally settling in Leavenworth in the 1980s. Bob preceded her in death in in 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Carole Retter.
MJ was known not only for her great sense of style and design, but for her striking beauty which surpassed the surface as she devoted her life to the loving care of her husband, children and parents. After Bob passed away, her children and grandchildren were a great source of joy until the end of her life. She was the heart of the extended family and her love and spirit will live on in them. She will be greatly missed by every one of them.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Church or the National Resources Defense Council.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Charles Robert Hatch Supplee, “Bob”, was born in Columbia, PA on July 9th, 1925 to the late Brig General Charles Lockard and Esther Hatch Supplee. Growing up while his father was captain of the National Guard  Infantry Company, Bob accompanied him to weekly drills and summer encampments, instilling a love for the Army. Longtime childhood friend, Frank Smoker wrote, “At Columbia High, Bob was a leader and a sharp student who excelled in all activities.  He was well liked & respected by his peers and teachers.” Graduating as class valedictorian, Bob went straight to West Point.
Classmate Jack Shultz wrote, “ Bob was one of the personalities that gave F-2 its identity and distinctive profile within the class. He exhibited a knack for seeing, savoring, and exploiting the humor in everyday happenings.” 
Bob graduated in the top 10% of his class, in the Corps of Engineers.  Following basic schooling, Bob was one of eight Engineer classmates who opted for Airborne training. 
Classmate Bud Sterling remembered, “That event linked our lives forever. We began our active duty en route to Japan, all thinking we would join the 11th Airborne Division. Instead we were assigned to the Post Hostilities Mapping Program. Six of us in 1949 ended up on Leyte in the Philippines on the same mission. Supe, as he was known, had already become a fixture in the 29th Engineers by adding humor to our tropical situation. I remember his creation of ‘Cebue City Sue’ (to the tune of ‘Sioux City Sue’) which we all had to learn.”
Bob’s career was distinguished and diversified. He was justly proud of serving in combat operations in both Korea, as Company Commander, 77th Engineer Combat Battalion, and Vietnam, as III Corps Engineer Adviser on his first tour, and Director of Construction for all South Vietnam on his second tour. A substantial amount of his troop duty was within Infantry organizations: 11th Airborne Division, 1st, 9th, and 25th Infantry Divisions and the Berlin Brigade. He was the quintessential combat engineer.
The Army selected Bob to earn an MS in mathematics from Harvard and a master’s in civil engineering from MIT. He was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Ft McNair, Washington DC, and the Command and General Staff College, Ft Leavenworth, KS. 
Among his many assignments, Bob also served as commander, Army Element,
Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE, professor of military science, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN. His final assignment before retirement as a Colonel in 1976 was Deputy Installation Commander, Fort Leavenworth, KS. He earned a Masters in Business Administration from NW Missouri State University during this assignment.
Ft Leavenworth was also a place of significance for Bob as it is where he met his love in life, MJ Birmingham, whom he married on Jun 11th, 1960.  They raised six children together as they traveled and moved household across the country for Bob’s assignments. Bob and MJ had a rare love for one another; their years spent apart while Bob was in Vietnam made the rest of their years together all the more precious and cherished. The life they built together was best described by Bob himself, “My cup runneth over.”
In retirement from the Army, Bob worked as Branch Manager for the brokerage
firms Merrill Lynch Fidelity Services and Commerce Brokerage Services, in St Louis and Kansas City, MO. Bob retired finally in 1993 in Leavenworth and spent his days happily with MJ and their family, reading to his beloved grandchildren and enjoying all until his death on May 13, 1997.
Bob is remembered today as a leader of excellence, in both his military and
civilian careers, a most loving, gentle, and steadfast husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His intelligence never set him apart from others and his
rare good humor, wit, and wordplay were a delight to everyone who knew him. He epitomized integrity, honor, and compassion. In his last days, he showed amazing cheer and continued interest in those family and friends around him. What a true inspiration he was, and is, to all of us. His oldest daughter Karen said it best, “my hero.” 

Col. (Ret.) Lamar “Bud” and Rita Jane Crancer Weaver

Funeral services are being held for Col. (Ret.) Lamar “Bud” and Rita Jane Crancer Weaver on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 8 a.m., at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in the Memorial Chapel, at 626 Scott Avenue. This will be followed at 10 a.m., by a graveside burial service at Mt Calvary Cemetery, 1011 N Desoto Road, Leavenworth, Kansas. 
Rita Jane Crancer Weaver died Feb. 26, 2017
Bud Weaver died Feb. 6, 2018
Both died at the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, Texas where they had lived since 2006.


Lamar “Bud” Weaver Jr. was born on August 31, 1923 at Fort McPherson, Georgia. Bud was the second of four children born to Lamar Weaver and Geraldine Lonergan Weaver. He died on February 6, 2018 at the age of 94. 
Bud graduated from West Point in 1945. His brothers, John (Class of 1950) and Tom (Class of 1955) followed him at West Point. 
He met his beloved wife, Rita Jane Crancer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Southern France. Rita was from Leavenworth, Kansas and Bud was on his way to attend the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He affectionately called this meeting “my miracle of Lourdes.” The miracles continued when they discovered that Rita’s brother, Jerry Crancer (Class of 1955) and Bud’s younger brother, Tom were classmates at West Point. 
Bud and Rita were married on June 27, 1959 in the old Catholic Cathedral in Leavenworth. They were blessed with three children, John, Mary Beth, and Julie.
He served as an Army officer for thirty years, initially in the Infantry and subsequently in the Quartermaster Corps. While in the service he earned a graduate degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He had many assignments managing Army petroleum requirements in Okinawa and Korea, throughout Europe, and in Washington, DC. He served as a the commander of the U.S. Army Petroleum Group, Europe and was an instructor and director of the Department of Logistics at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. Following his retirement from the Army in 1975, he served as the Director of the Kansas Energy Office for two years. He also taught in the Leavenworth parochial school system and at a local college as an adjunct professor.
Having spent 46 years in Leavenworth, Bud and Rita moved to San Antonio, Texas into the Army Residence Community (ARC) where they forged a new lifestyle making new friends and reestablishing old friendships. They were grateful to be closer to his brother, Tom and his wife, Sue. They were also delighted to have Rita's sister Dorothy Crancer and their niece, Mary Jo and her husband, Ed Dallas join them at the ARC. In his own words, Bud “loved God, his family, and derived both strength and comfort from them. He was a patriot and felt quiet pride in having been privileged to march in the “Long Gray Line” through thirty years of service in the Army.”
Bud was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rita Jane, and more recently his brother, Tom. He leaves behind his children, John (Becky), Steilacoom, Washington; Mary Beth (Mary), Portland, Oregon, and Julie (John), Sterling, Virginia, along with his five grandsons, Jeffrey, Andrew, Bennet, Daniel Lamar, and Beau. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Rita Jane Crancer Weaver passed away on February 26, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas at the Army Residence Community, a military retirement facility where she had resided with her husband, Col. (Ret.) Lamar "Bud" Weaver since 2006.
Rita was born on January 10, 1935 in Leavenworth, Kansas, the daughter of John and Teresa Duffin Crancer. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School, St. Mary Academy, and Immaculata High School, and St. Mary College, from which she graduated in 1956. Following graduation, Rita became a flight attendant with Trans World Airline until 1959, when she married Col. (then Major) Weaver in the Immaculate Conception church, then known as the Old Cathedral.
For the next 11 years, she lived with her husband and three children at his stations, Stateside and overseas: Korea, Belgium, and Germany. In 1970 Col. Weaver returned to Ft. Leavenworth, where he served until his retirement in 1975. During this period Rita was an active member of both Immaculate Conception and St. Ignatious parishes. Following his retirement, the family moved to the North Esplanade where they restored a Victorian era home, registered on the National Historic Homes Landmark. They lived there for the next 30 years until 2006 when Rita and her husband relocated to San Antonio, TX.
Her parents and her brother, Col. John "Jerry" Crancer (LHS Class of 1951), preceded Rita in death. She is survived by her husband and by her sister, Beth Crancer Hall of Memphis, TN, and by her three children: John S Weaver, Mary Beth Weaver, and Julia Ann (Weaver) Humpton and five grandsons.
A memorial Mass is to be celebrated in the Army Residence Communitity Chapel, San Antonio, and arrangements have been entrusted to the R L Leintz Funeral Home for a graveside service and inurment in Mt Cavalry Cemetary at a date to be determined.  Queries may be directed to Immaculate Conception/St Joseph Church http://www.icsj.org/ContactUs.htm as regards date and time.
Please sign the guestbook at www.colonialuniversal.com. Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, Universal City, Texas. 
Please make memorial donations in Rita's memory to Heart to Heart Hospice at http://hearttohearthospice.com/

IMAC High School Band - 1955

The future of IMAC HS

The building that once housed Immaculata Catholic High School has a new owner.

Exact Investment Group recently purchased the building, previously owned by the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, for an undisclosed price.

The building will be re-purposed into a high-end residence space, according to Caleb Buland, a representative of Exact Architects, who will design the project.

He said plans are under way to construct 25 loft apartments with on-site amenities, four offices and 40,000 square feet of fitness space.

He said the lofts will have space for about 50 to 75 occupants. He said rent will start at about $750 per month.

Buland said construction should begin by the end of this year.

He said the working name for the re-purposed building is Leavenworth Downtown Lofts and Gym.

“We are trying to put a unique, fun space in downtown Leavenworth,” Buland said. “This can be one of our best projects in Leavenworth.”

Exact Architects also was the designer for the Ben Day Lofts, The Broadway Residences and the Carnegie apartments and art gallery.

Buland said plans are to redesign the gymnasium into fitness space that would include a basketball court, fitness rooms, an aerobics center and a juice bar.

He said “operating partners” are welcome to host their training and exercise classes in the facility.

The building at Sixth and Shawnee streets had featured Catholic secondary education before closing at the end of the 2017 spring semester.

Buland said Greenamyre Rentals will be the property manager.

By MARK ROUNTREE / mrountree@leavenworthtimes.com