Richard and Esther Althaber Kopp - LHS Classes of 1951 & 1952

Richard W. Kopp, Sr., 89, Leavenworth, KS passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022.  He was born to John and Roseda (Bauer) Kopp, on October 1, 1932, in Leavenworth. 

Dick graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1951 and married Esther Althaber on June 24, 1952.

He started his career at Gould Battery Factory with a entry level job and advanced to a management position.

Dick loved coaching the children’s sports and was instrumental in starting a little league football team. After retiring he enjoyed wood working, playing cards with friends, bowling, golfing and about any sport, especially watching the KC Royals and KC Chiefs.

He is survived by his three children, Deborah “Debby” Kopp-Gregory, Richard (Linda) Kopp, Jr. and Michael “Mike” Kopp, seven grandchildren, seven great children and several great great children.  He was proceeded in death by his wife, Esther, parents and a brother, John Kopp.

Funeral service will 11 A.M., Friday, April 8, 2022 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev. Allen Olhstien officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mount Muncie Cemetery.

                              Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Esther Louise "Toots" Kopp, 87, Leavenworth passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Esther was born June 12, 1934 in Leavenworth to Henry and Lucille (Bryant) Althaber.

She graduated from Leavenworth High School, Class of 1952 and married Richard W. Kopp (LHS Class of 1951) June, 24, 1952.

Esther spent many years working at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as the secretary and at Cushing Hospital as the material control supervisor.

She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and Leader of the Pack, helped with the Girl Scouts, taught Sunday School, served on the St. Paul’s “Vestry” and served a term as Senior Warden, and was secretary for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

She enjoyed sewing, crafts, playing cards and entertaining family and friends.

Esther is proceeded in death by her parents and a brother, Bryant “Willie” Eugene Althaber.

She is survived by her husband, Richard, three children, all of Leavenworth, Deborah Kopp Gregory, Richard (Linda) Kopp, Jr., Michael Kopp, seven grandchildren, Casey and Kevin Coburn, Nicole and Christopher Kopp, Athena Hart, Isaac and Ian Kopp and 14 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Esther Althaber Kopp - LHS Class of 1952

Esther Louise "Toots" Kopp, 87, Leavenworth passed away Wednesday, November10, 2021. Esther was born June 12, 1934 in Leavenworth to Henry and Lucille (Bryant) Althaber.

She graduated from Leavenworth High School, Class of 1952 and married Richard W. Kopp (LHS Class of 1951) June, 24, 1952.

Esther spent many years working at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as the secretary and at Cushing Hospital as the material control supervisor.

She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and Leader of the Pack, helped with the Girl Scouts, taught Sunday School, served on the St. Paul’s “Vestry” and served a term as Senior Warden, and was secretary for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

She enjoyed sewing, crafts, playing cards and entertaining family and friends.

Esther is proceeded in death by her parents and a brother, Bryant “Willie” Eugene Althaber.

She is survived by her husband, Richard, three children, all of Leavenworth, Deborah Kopp Gregory, Richard (Linda) Kopp, Jr., Michael Kopp, seven grandchildren, Casey and Kevin Coburn, Nicole and Christopher Kopp, Athena Hart, Isaac and Ian Kopp and 14 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 

Service times are pending.

Jo Ann Augustine Honeycutt - LHS Class of 1952

Jo Ann Honeycutt, 86, Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021, at her home surrounded by love. 

She was born January 5, 1935, in Topeka, Kansas, to John and Virginia (Haffner) Augustine.

Jo Ann was an artist with her needlepoint, crocheting and knitting. Her quilts will warm everyone she gave them to for years to come. She was a voracious reader.

She loved animals, especially her last pet cat Max, who she loved dearly and made her laugh daily.

Thanks to Crittendon Home Care and Crossroads Hospice for the impeccable care given with love and respect.

A private moment will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in care of R.L. Leintz Funeral Home.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Air Force S.Sgt. Dirk A. Honeycutt, 32, formerly of Leavenworth, Kansas, stationed at Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, Wyoming, was one of two airmen killed Sunday, September 6, 1964 in an automobile accident near Douglas, Wyoming.
He was born November 24, 1932, at Ft. Leavenworth to Floyd and Christine (Evans) Honeycutt. He received his education in the Leavenworth schools and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1951. He enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and after four years transferred to the Air Force.

On July 22, 1955 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Leavenworth, where he was a member, he was married to Jo Ann Augustine (LHS Class of 1952). 
Sergeant Honeycutt is survived by his widow, two daughters Debra Leigh and Tertna Ann Honeycutt, all of the home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Honeycutt, 208 S. Esplanade; a brother, CWO Floyd T. Honeycutt, USAF, Naples, Italy; a sister, Mrs. Harvey H. Ford, Downing, Hawaii.; and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Robert Wilson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Ft. Leavenworth. Time of funeral arrangements will be announced by the Larkin Funeral Home. 

Dick Rhudy - LHS Class of 1951

Richard Warren "Dick" Rhudy, of Tullahoma, Tennessee passed this life on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the age of 87. He was born September 20, 1933, in Council Grove, Kansas to the late Delbert and Genevieve Rhudy. 

Dick graduated from high school in 1951. He entered the Marine Corps and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida and later Memphis, Tennessee where he was an instructor in aviation electronics and navigation radar. He married Dona Jean Berg (LHS Class of 1951) in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1953. 

After being discharged in 1955, Dick attended Wichita State University, and worked for Cessna Airplane Company. He received his Aeronautical Engineering degree in 1958 and shortly thereafter went to work for the Arnold Research Organization (ARO) at the Air Engineering Development Center (AEDC) at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee. Over the years, he held various positions with ARO, Calspan and Microcraft. He retired in 1991.

Dick loved fishing, pheasant and dove hunting, sports and NASCAR racing. After retirement he enjoyed living on Tim’s Ford Lake, playing golf, and traveling.

He was a member of First Methodist Church in Tullahoma. 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dona Jean; his children, Debra (Dale) McKill and Doug (Shannon) Rhudy; his grandchildren, Casey McKill, Clint Rhudy, and MacKenzie Fesler; and his great-grandson, Micciah McKill; numerous wonderful nieces and nephews; and many longtime good friends. 

A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Rev. Rickey Wade officiating. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 208 W. Lauderdale Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388, or to the charitable organization of their choice.

Harold and Lila Lake Burre - LHS Class of 1951

Harold John Burre was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, on Feb. 26, 1933, and passed in San Angelo, Texas, on Dec. 14, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19 (stricken with silent hypoxia while tending to his outdoor plants). 

His parents were John and Edna (Krekeler) Burre of Leavenworth, Kansas, with a family fruit-growing operation, particularly apples and peaches.

He was the first member of the family to be college-educated with him being commissioned into the United States Air Force upon graduation from Kansas State University in 1955. He completed his pilot training in 1956 at Webb AFB, Big Spring, Texas.

While finishing college, Harold married his high school sweetheart, Lila Lake, a week after first visiting San Angelo for the first time in 1954 while on an AFROTC excursion to Goodfellow AFB when it was still a flying training base. 

Harold retired as a major in 1975 after 20 years of service in the Air Force with Goodfellow being his last assignment after returning from Iraklion AB, Crete, Greece, with travels around the country and world in that career.

Under the mentorship of Steve Stewart, Harold began a long and successful career as a realtor and property manager in San Angelo where he was honored to serve the needs of numerous people and welcoming newcomers to San Angelo, a career he pursued well into his 80s.

As a boy growing up in Kansas, Harold achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and later saw his son, Steve, reach that same goal and assisted Scoutmaster J.T. Henderson (Troop 1 in San Angelo) in taking Scouts on adventures such as canoe trips in Canada and floating down the Rio Grande in Big Bend on rafts.

Harold and Lila traveled the country extensively in their motor home, accompanied by their silky terrier companions, and were able to visit all 50 states (many multiple times) and visit most of our beautiful national parks. Harold also enjoyed fishing excursions with his Kansas relatives to places such as Minnesota, Alaska and the Green River, Utah.

Preceding him in death were his parents, an older sister, Carol Lee Burre Orlowski (LHS Class of 1947), and son, Mark. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lila Burre, San Angelo, Texas, son, Steve Burre, and daughter-in-law, Sheryl Blaylock-Burre, Weatherford, Texas, cousins, David and Charlie Burre, as well as his two loving silky terriers, Willie and Annie.

The family thanks Shannon Medical Center for helping him put a heroic fight against this terrible disease that has affected so many over the past year. 

A visitation honoring Harold’s life will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at 2 p.m.

Suggested recipient for donations is West Texas Boys Ranch.

Family and friends can share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Lila Lake Burre was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on March 28, 1933 and passed in San Angelo, Texas on January 5, 2021 just 3 weeks after Harold Burre - her husband of 66 years. Her parents were Thomas A. Lake and Elfrieda (Vinke) Lake of Leavenworth, KS who ran a small meat market/grocery store in Leavenworth.

After high school Lila received her RN in nursing from St Luke’s school in Kansas City, She married her high school sweetheart Harold Burre a week after he first visited San Angelo for the first time in 1954 while on an AFROTC excursion to Goodfellow AFB when it was still a flying training base. Harold spent one more year completing his undergraduate degree from Kansas State before being commissioned into the Air Force in 1955.

As a military wife, Lila travelled across the country and the world (with assignment in Crete, Greece being her favorite experience) and later continued that sense of adventure with her husband by travelling the country extensively in their motorhomes, accompanied by their silky terrier companions, and was able to visit all 50 states (many multiple times) and visit most all of our beautiful National Parks.

Lila worked in various military hospitals part time as a nurse and when coming to San Angelo in 1969, started work as an OB Nurse with Dr. Sterling Gillis, assisting him in bringing many newborns into the world. After her nursing career was over, Lila continued with another interest of hers by opening Carousel Needlepoint in the Stadium Park Shopping center and operating that store for nearly 15 years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, son Mark and her husband Harold. Survivors include son Steve Burre and daughter-in-law Sheryl Blaylock-Burre of Weatherford, TX, distant cousins in Manning, Iowa as well as her two loving silky terriers Willie and Annie (who will now be cared for by son Steve).

The family thanks Dianne Bass caregivers and Kindred Hospice nurses for making it possible for Lila to remain in the San Angelo home she and Harold built in 1975 and loved so much. Visitation honoring Lila’s life is scheduled Jan 13 from 5-7pm at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, followed by a brief graveside service at 2pm on Jan 14 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Suggested recipient for memorial donations: West Texas Boys Ranch.

Delores "De" Stiglmire Edgeton - LHS Class of 1951

Delores "De" Jane Edgeton, Huntsville, Alabama, passed away Jan. 4, 2021. 

De was born at her maternal grandparents’ (Alert William Knapp Sr. and Aletha Mildred Oliphint Knapp) farmhouse near Jarbalo in rural Leavenworth County, Kansas, on May 11, 1933. She was the middle child and youngest daughter of George Stiglmire and Ida Mildred Knapp Stiglmire. 

De graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1951 and from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri in 1954. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert "Bob" Lee Edgeton, on Oct. 3, 1954, in the First Christian Church of Leavenworth, Kansas. 

De and Bob moved to Salina, Kansas, where she worked at Asbury Hospital. After Bob’s discharge from the U.S. Air Force, they moved back to Kansas City, Missouri, where De worked at St. Luke’s Hospital. They then moved to Independence, Missouri, where De worked at the Latter-Day Saints Hospital. After a few years, the family moved to Santa Maria, California. In late 1962, the family relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, where De worked at Pediatric Associates for over 20 years. 

She enjoyed reading and gardening as well as traveling all over the world with her husband. She enjoyed playing bridge and for many decades was in two supper club bridge groups and a women’s bridge group. De loved to watch and cheer on her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide and Kansas City Chiefs football teams. 

De was an active member of the First Christian Church where she served as deacon and on numerous committees including Community Outreach and Hospitality for many years. She did Meals on Wheels for 30 years with her close friend, Joyce Purple. Both De and Bob did volunteer work at Huntsville Hospital for many years. De's most joyful activities were the two walking groups she and Bob were in together and the Cuddlers in the pediatric Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Huntsville Hospital. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, who died in 2014, and her younger brother, John Robert Stiglmire (LHS Class of 1952) . 

Survivors include her older sister, Aletha Orzella (Zella) Steed (LHS Class of 1948), Leavenworth; two sons, Robert (Rob) Lee Edgeton II (wife, Sherry), Madison, Alabama, and Douglas (Doug) Lee Edgeton (wife, Jeannine), Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Scott Holmes, Cincinnati, Ohio, Jared Holmes, Madison, Alabama, Caroline Edgeton-Martin (husband, Nick Martin), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Sloan Edgeton, Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and close friends. 

There will be a private family service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Huntsville for Community Outreach, Huntsville Hospital NICU or Hospice of North Alabama.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Robert Lee “Bob” Edgeton, 81, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away Saturday,  June 7, 2014, at Huntsville Health and Rehabilitation. Bob and his younger twin brother, Richard Glenn, were born on March 10, 1933 in Wichita, Kansas. Bob graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1951 and served in the US Air Force as an Air Traffic controller in Korea during the Korean War. Upon returning from Korea, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Delores "De" Jane Stiglmire (LHS Class of 1951), on October 3, 1954 in the First Christian Church of Leavenworth, Kansas.

Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Finlay Engineering College in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked as an engineer for the Missouri State Highway Department, Contractions Products Company, General Dynamics, and Teledyne Brown Engineering. The family relocated from Santa Maria, California to Huntsville, in late 1962. Bob earned a Master’s of Science degree at Vanderbilt University in 1969 and a Master’s of Business Administration at Alabama A&M University in 1973.

After a job with Northrop Services Inc., Bob began his US Army career in 1980 with the Product Assurance Directorate at Redstone Arsenal as a Reliability Engineer for the ROLAND Missile System. In 1984 he went to work for the Air Defense Command and control Systems Project Office as a Reliability Engineer. Bob progressed to Assistant Project Manager for Product Assurance, Test and Configuration Management before he retired in 1997.

He was a Professional Engineer licensed in Alabama and past President of the Huntsville Chapter Human Factors Society. 

Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, playing cards, restoring cars, and doing volunteer work.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Nettie Siebert and Charles Edward Edgeton; stepmother, Ruby Norene Treadway Edgeton; brother, Richard Glenn "Rich" Edgeton (LHS Class of 1951) and sister, Edith Lilly Edgeton (LHS Class of 1955).

Survivors include his wife, De of Huntsville; son, Robert Lee Edgeton II and wife, Sherry of Cincinnati, Ohio; son, Douglas Lee Edgeton and wife, Jeannine, of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Scott and Jared Holmes of Cincinnati, Caroline Edgeton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Sloan Edgeton of Raleigh; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church with Dr. Guy McComb officiating. Burial will be in Valhalla Cemetery. www.laughlinservice.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 3209 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802; Hospice Family Care, 3304 Westmill Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805 or Huntsville Hospital Foundation, 101 Sivley Road, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Jean Hamilton Stratemeyer - LHS Class of 1949

Jean Marie Stratemeyer was born February 6, 1931 in Leavenworth, Kansas, and died on December 30, 2020 at St. John Hospital in Leavenworth.

She was the second of four children born to Frank and Hazel Hamilton, and was married to Herbert F. Stratemeyer on May 16, 1954.  Herb predeceased her in 2013.

Jean and Herb lived in Farley, Missouri where they raised two sons, David and Larry.  Jean was a homemaker, and also worked as a legal secretary and income tax preparer at the James W. Farley Law Office in Farley, Missouri.  In retirement, they moved back to Leavenworth. 

Jean loved her family, and was especially close to her siblings, Robert Hamilton (LHS Class of 1946), Gail Klotz (LHS Class of 1951), and Barbara Aldridge (LHS Class of 1952).

She is survived by a sister, Gail and her husband Philip Klotz (LHS Class of 1951) of Leavenworth, brother-in-law, Albert Aldridge (LHS Class of 1952) of Lenexa, Kansas, and sister-in-law Audrey Hamilton of Sun City, Arizona; son Larry Stratemeyer (partner Michael Lehtinen) of Charlotte, North Carolina and son David (Seneva) Stratemeyer of Calabasas, California; grandson, Brett Stratemeyer of Canoga Park, California; Aunt Martha Hamilton of Leavenworth, Kansas and nieces and nephews.

Jean was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Farley, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Farley, Caregiving Because We Care, Leavenworth, or the Lupus Foundation of America.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Herbert Frederick Stratemeyer died on February 15, 2013, at Medicalodge in Leavenworth, Kansas.  He was born on December 25, 1923, in Farley, Missouri to Frederick and Mary Angelbeck Stratemeyer.

He served during World War II in the Army Air Force as an airplane sheet metal worker, stationed in Casablanca, Morocco.

Herb and Jean Hamilton were married on May 16, 1954.

He held jobs at the Farley State Bank and City National Bank in Kansas City. He worked briefly as a station agent at a small airfield in Columbus, Nebraska. 

He owned and operated the Farley Grocery for three years. He retired in 1988 from the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, after 21 years of service.

Herb was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, Farley. He taught Sunday School for 17 years and served as sexton.

He was predeceased by two half-sisters Alma Bucholz and Elsa Wetterman, and a half-brother, Harry Bond. 

Survivors include his wife Jean; son Larry Stratemeyer, (friend Michael Lehtinen), son David (Seneva) Stratemeyer; grandson, Brett Stratemeyer; nephews Ronnie Bond, Eldon Bond, and Jerry Bond.

The visitation will be Tuesday, February 19, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee, Leavenworth. The Funeral will be Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 98 Main St., Farley.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Farley or Cushing Memorial Hospital, Leavenworth.

Ann Williamson Swain - LHS Class of 1951

Ann Williamson Swain passed away on December 10, 2020, in Dallas, TX. Ann'was born on July 18, 1934 in Leavenworth, Kansas to James L. Williamson and Lena E. Williamson both of whom predeceased her. 

She is survived by her sister, Virginia DeFrees (LHS Class of 1949), and her cousin, James Hamilton. Her cousin, John Hamilton, predeceased her in 2019. 

As the daughter of a career military father, Ann had the opportunity to experience the world and attend school in a variety of places including Garmisch, Germany and Osaka, Japan. She lived stateside in Kansas, Arkansas and Texas. She loved the people and history of each place she called home. 

After graduation from The University of Kansas with a degree in nursing, Ann spent most of her professional career as a registered nurse providing pre-service, in-service and continuing education for health care staff in Kansas City, Kansas, New York, New York, St. Cloud, Minnesota and Dallas, Texas. She cared deeply about the quality of health care, and her commitment to her profession never wavered. 

On a personal note, Ann appreciated art, music, literature and good conversation. She was a loyal and devoted friend, and she will be missed by those who loved her. 

The family wishes to thank her caregivers and the staff at Caruth Haven Court for the compassion and care extended to Ann. 

Ann's family will hold a private committal service to place her ashes in the columbarium at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, at a later date. 

If desired, memorial donations can be directed to the Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society (DAPS), Habitat for Humanity or the North Texas Food Bank.

John Stiglmire - LHS Class of 1952

John Robert Stiglmire, 85, Leavenworth, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at his home. He was born Dec. 12, 1934, in Leavenworth, the son of George and Mildred (Knapp) Stiglmire.
On Feb. 12, 1968, John married Mary Evelyon “Evie” Andrews in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives at the home. He is also survived by two sons, David (Linda) Stiglmire, Leavenworth and Patrick Kirk, Kansas City; two daughters, Gayle (Fred) Bergman and Megan Broom, both of Leavenworth; a daughter-in-law, Kim Kirk, Sacramento, California; two sisters, Orzella Steed and Delores Edgeton (LHS Class of 1951); an aunt and uncle, Albert and Bertha Knapp; 11 grandchildren, Nichole Bergman, Stephanie Miller, Allison Hays, Lindsay Dark, Sarah Kirk, Eric, Ethan, Lauren and Travis Broom, Stephen and Zachary Kirk; six great-grandchildren, Haley Kasten, Olivia Mulberry, Waylon, Rhett and Tessa Miller, and Riley Hays; and many nieces and nephews.
John was a well known and loved barber who served the Leavenworth community for almost 60 years, he was still cutting hair up until March 2020.
There will be a private graveside service for the family at a later date.

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.

Wanda Ricketson Asbury - LHS Class of 1951

Wanda Ricketson Asbury went to be with the Lord on January 21, 2020. Wanda was born and grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas. She met her husband, Francis Asbury (LHS Class of 1951), in grade school, but it was not until they attended Kansas State University that they began to date. Since she had always lived in a military community, her dream was to become a military wife and that she did! She and her husband were married 66 years and had 4 beautiful children, Danny(Martina), Cindy, Tammy(Mark), and Marcy, who she loved dearly. She also had 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Everyone who knew Wanda knew she loved life, having fun and loved her Heavenly Father. She was always so understanding, supportive of her husband and knew it was a team effort. She was caring, kind and always doing for others.
After retirement from the Air Force, they spent 10 years overseas in Seoul, Korea, and Belgium before they finally settled down in Destin, Florida. It was there that she spent a lot of her free time golfing. Then they decided to move to Texas and finally to the Air Force Village in San Antonio where she spent her last 7 years. She made many friends, enjoyed folding bulletins for the chapel, playing bridge and being part of the Gadabout group. Her favorite song is ”My Tribute- To God Be The Glory” by Andre Crouch.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Allene Ricketson, her two brothers, Bob (LHS Class of 1949) and Don and her grandson Byron Beethe. She will be put to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. There will be a celebration service at a later date.

Barbara Hamilton Aldridge - LHS Class of 1952

Barbara Darlene Aldridge, 84, of Lenexa, KS died Friday morning, November 1, 2019, at her home surrounded by family and her beloved cat JB following a long battle with breast cancer.  

Barbara was born, December 11, 1934, in Leavenworth, KS, to Frank and Hazel Berger Hamilton and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1952.  She married her life-long love Albert (LHS Class of 1952) in 1953 and they began their journey of 15 moves before settling in Lenexa in 1981. 

Her love of her Savior Jesus Christ set an example of compassion and devotion for her family.  She loved her family and hosted spectacular holiday and birthday dinners.  Barbara and Albert loved golf and made many friends on the course.  She loved to tease Albert about her hole-in-one.  She enjoyed birdwatching on the deck of their lake home and knew every species.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; son, Albert Aldridge III; brother Robert Hamilton and brother-in-law Herb Stratemeyer. She is survived by her husband Albert Aldridge Jr.; daughter Lori Bode and husband Brian; sisters Jean Stratemeyer (LHS Class of 1949) and Gail Klotz (LHS Class of 1951) and her husband Phil (LHS Class of 1951); granddaughters Kate Johnson and husband Cory and Annie Hessenflow and husband Matthew, and great-grandchildren Andrew and Macy Johnson and Nolan Hessenflow.

Visitation will be from 10-11 am, Thursday, November 7, at the Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W 87th St., Lenexa, KS, followed by the Funeral Service at 11 am.  Burial will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers contributions in Barbara's name may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or the Lenexa Baptist Church.
You may also send online condolences to Barbara's family.

Bob Hedrick - LHS Class of 1951

Robert Wayne "Rip" Hedrick, our hilarious, witty, kind, and loving husband, Dad, and Grampy is making things a little more stylish and lively in heaven. He died suddenly on September 5, 2019, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1933 to Ina and Jesse Hedrick, he began his education attending Bain City School and graduated from Leavenworth High School. He attended Kansas State University for one year, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. 
He returned to Kansas after the army and using his GI Bill earned his Bachelors' and Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas. He was an avid KU Jayhawk fan throughout his 55 year law career. 
Rip was a member of the Kansas Bar and the Texas Bar, as well as, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, and the 5th and 10th United States Circuit Courts of Appeals. He served as district attorney for the 90th Judicial District of Texas during the 1980s. Prior to moving to Texas with his family in 1978, he served as City Attorney in Leavenworth, Kansas, in the mid 1960s and was a member of the Kansas House of Representatives for the 37th District in 1969 and 1970.
He was an avid reader. He enjoyed golfing with his son-in-laws, duck and bird hunting, bass fishing, and traveling with his wife.
Rip is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marty Hedrick, who he fondly called Marthabelle, my little darlin'; his three daughters, Sara Arispe, and her husband, Albert; Margie Solomon, and her husband, Steve; and Mary Klemm; and grandchildren: Alex Arispe; Zack Bone; Erin Arispe-Daigle, and her husband, Christian; David Mock; Holly Mock; Shawn Klemm; Savannah Klemm; Shelby Lowery, and her husband, Chris.  He was predeceased by his first granddaughter, Danni Mock.
Click here to share a memory or send condolences to the family.

Eugene "Gene" Powers - LHS Class of 1951

Leavenworth, Kansas

December 21, 1932 - May 26, 2019

Sacramento, California

A Dolsberry festivus!

Buzz et al. 

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Ruth Bradbury Lindsay - LHS Class of 1951

Ruth Ellen (Bradbury) Lindsay, 85, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2018. Ruth was born on August 3, 1933 in Kansas City, MO to Harold and Helen Bradbury, and lived in the Leavenworth, KS and Kansas City, Kansas area most of her life.
Ruth is survived by Don Lindsay (LHS Class if 1949), her husband of 65 years. Ruth and Don met in high school and what started as two love-struck teenagers grew into a sprawling family and a lasting legacy. Ruth will be lovingly remembered by Don along with their children and their spouses Alan and Anne (Morrison) Lindsay, Susan and Van Habib, Linda and Rick Kempf, and Ray and Karen Lindsay along with her 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 7 nieces and nephews.
Ruth was dearly loved and cherished by her large and boisterous family, who was by far her greatest source of pride and the center of her life. She always called out the best in us and encouraged us to aspire with a proper blend of challenging and nurturing.  Nothing gave her more joy than to spend time at the innumerous family gatherings, where she would sit with a huge smile of beaming pride as she surveyed this wonderful crowd that she and Don had created and nurtured.
The Lindsay family seemed to find any possible reason they possibly could to get together for a party. A prime example of the lengths they would go is when Ruth’s daughter Sue had to take her daughter to a doctor’s appointment, which happened to be close to Ruth and Don’s house. Ruth used this as a reason to tell the rest of the family that since Sue and her kids will be there, maybe they should also drop by, we could have a dinner, and so on until suddenly there were 15 family members all enjoying a dinner party.  Don came home wondering why all these people were at their house finding that it was due to a simple doctor’s appointment for her granddaughter.
There was rarely a weekend in the summer when the Lindsay family was not at some Kansas lake camping, and Ruth took particular pride in running her camper/food wagon and made sure nobody went hungry. As good as Ruth was at her cooking and organizational skills, she was absolutely horrible at driving the boat, the camper, or backing the boat trailer into the boat ramp. After numerous episodes which resulted in damaged boat motors, trailers, and assorted other vehicles, Don fondly nicknamed her “Klutch”, which ended up being not only her lifelong nickname, it was her new name. Many friends never knew her name was Ruth, they knew her only as Klutch.
Ruth also was very fond of her extended and beyond extended family. She would do extensive research and find out some third cousin-thrice-removed was going to be coming through town and she would have to have another party. Ruth actually felt compelled to throw a party for her nephew’s former nanny from Australia who none of the family had ever met, all because she just happened to be traveling through Kansas City. The family parties grew to legendary status with annual “Love-In” gatherings that lasted a week long and resembled slightly smaller versions of Woodstock. The close relationships between deeply extended family members built through these gatherings exist to this day.
Ruth was an executive in the insurance industry for 35 years.  She was notable for trailblazing a career in insurance at a time when there were few women in the industry.  Ruth eventually rose to Vice President of Underwriting at Marsh and McLennan.
With few mentors or role models, she relied on her instinct to balance high expectations with caring support and encouragement. Even today, few leaders successfully pull off this balancing act.  After she left the industry, she continued this approach through a variety of environments.  She even found a way to use these talents at her nursing facility where she organized, managed and adopted both the staff and residents.
While she will be dearly missed, she will not be forgotten as the values that she instilled in her family, and the hilarious stories of our many camping trips and family “love-ins” will carry on in our memories for generations. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 17 at Porter Funeral Home 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215. Funeral services will be held directly after at 3:00 at the same location. Ruth would have wanted to give her loved ones the opportunity to plan their travel to come celebrate her life. Since the memorial service is several weeks away, we would like to encourage everybody to leave your Online Condolences. 
In lieu of flowers, you may send contributions to the
Parkinson's Foundation Heartland Chapter.

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/

Ronnie Hawkins - LHS Class of 1949

His circle of life complete, CMSgt (ret), USAF, Ronnie D. Hawkins, Sr, 87, of San Angelo, Texas, passed from this life and went to his home in heaven July 30, 2018. Though he left us in spirit many months ago, his body went peacefully into the Arms of The Lord. Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s robbed us of his final years, but we are left with memories of him as we knew him then. Ronnie was born July 25, 1931 to Charles and Ruth Hawkins in Leavenworth Kansas. Ronnie married Loretta English (LHS Class of 1951); they were married for 53 years and had 5 children together. 
Ronnie was a 1949 graduate of Leavenworth High School, and received his Bachelors of Business from Angelo State University in 1979.
Ronnie joined the Air Force August 12, 1949 and retired as a Chief MSgt on September 1, 1976. He served in Security Service (now known as Intelligence) in the Communications career field at various assignments to include Newfoundland, Pakistan, Alaska, and Texas. He was the first African American Chief Master Sergeant at Goodfellow AFB. He also served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Ronnie was ordained a Deacon, at St Paul Baptist Church in San Angelo, and served as Deacon Emeritus at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church where he was a member until his death. 
Survivors include his children, Ronnie D. Hawkins, Jr. and wife Maria of San Angelo, Genevieve S. Mathis of Lewisville, Arthur D. Hawkins and wife Kimry of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Shawn L. Spell of Lewisville; two sisters, Fredonia Grissom (LHS Class of 1954) of Leavenworth, Kansas and Drucilla Hawkins of Biloxi, Mississippi; 14 grandchildren, Ronnie D. Hawkins, III, Andrew L. Martin, Jr., Joshua Hawkins, Charles Hawkins, Vernon Hawkins, Justin Mathis, Loretta Mathis, Antonia Martin, Sydnee Spell, Ashley Spell, Chelsea Jackson, Ereka Genese, James Dudley Hawkins, and Christine Honesty; and 16 great grandchildren, Clayton Hawkins, Thomas Hawkins, Gabriella Hawkins, Elena Hawkins, Kyla Honesty, Camryn Honesty, Alexis Lacy, Ashlie Martin, Andrew Martin, III, Bryan Hawkins, Jeremiah Mathis, Ava Williams, Kimry Genese, Jaya Genese, Rosa’Lynn Martin, and Za’Kai Moody. 
Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Hawkins; a daughter, Roslyn Martin; his parents, Charles Hawkins and Ruth Roberts; his siblings, Charlene, Oczen, Maceo, Charles, and Plez; and two sons-in-law, Andrew Martin and Donald Spell.
The Hawkins family thanks Courtney Sartain and the staff at The Springs Memory Care, Solaris Hospice Service, and Dr. Nussey at Shannon Medical Center for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ezra Vision Ministries, which is a ministry Ronnie supported by sponsoring a child.
Viewing will be from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Robert Massie Funeral Home, Services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018, at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church with his son, Rev. Ronnie D. Hawkins, Jr., officiating. Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

 Loretta “Babe” English Hawkins died on Monday, April 21, 2008, after an extended illness.
She was born on Nov. 10, 1933, in Leavenworth, Kansas to Carl and Loretta Carther English.
On June 15, 1952, she married Ronnie Hawkins (LHS Class of 1949) in Leavenworth. Because of his military career, she traveled to many countries. After retirement, they settled in Flower Mound, Texas. He survives at the home.
She is also survived by two sons, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Hawkins Jr. (Maria) of Washington, D.C., and Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Hawkins (Kimry) of Fort Sill, Okla.; two daughters, Genevive Mathis and Shawn Spell (Donald), both of Flower Mound, Texas; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, Iola Hawkins of Texarkana, Texas, Charlene Briscoe and Druscilla Hawkins, both of Minneapolis, Minn., and Fredonia Grissom (LHS Class of 1954) of Leavenworth; several nieces and nephews, including one niece, Sandra Woodard (LHS Class of 1959), who lives in Leavenworth; and several cousins.
Visitation and funeral services will be on Monday, April 28, 2008, at Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Lewisville, Texas. Interment will follow at the VFW National Cemetery in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

JoEtta Rothenberger Kaaz - LHS Class of 1951

Congratulations to JoEtta Kaaz on receiving the Volunteer of the Year award at Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital.  JoEtta started volunteering in 2012 at Harriet’s Corner, the hospital’s gift shop, and has worked more than 1,200 hours!

Katherine Hall Kohler - LHS Class of 1951

Katherine Elaine Kohler, 85, of Lansing, KS passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 1, 2018 after a brief battle with cancer.
Katherine was born December 11, 1932 in Leavenworth, KS to Carl F. Hall and Bernice Edmonds Hall. Following graduation from Leavenworth High School in 1951, she attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing, from which she graduated as a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1954. On October 25, 1953, Katherine married Raymond H. Kohler Jr.  and were married for 62 years. Katherine worked several years as a nurse at Cushing Memorial Hospital.
Katherine was a long-time member of Southern Heights United Methodist Church. She was a Sunday school teacher for the nursery class for 30+ years. She was also active in the choir, UMW, assisted with church dinners, helped with landscaping and yard work, as well as, cleaning inside of the church. Katherine was also a member of numerous committees. She enjoyed traveling with Ray on bus tours and visiting family. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, and knitting.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond (LHS Class of 1949), brother Charles Hall (LHS Class of 1952) and son-in-law (Tim Lang). Survivors include children Cindy (Kirk) Gaskell, Horton, KS; Lynn (Bob) Miller, Beloit, KS; Keith Kohler, Lansing, KS; Amy Lang, Topeka, KS; and several grandkids and great grandkids. 
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 6 - 8 P.M. at the Davis Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M., April 5, 2018 at Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, KS. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Southern Heights United Methodist Church in care of Davis Funeral Chapel.
Condolences may be left in Katherine's online Guestbook.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Raymond “Ray” H. Kohler Jr., 83, of Lansing, KS passed away peacefully at home with family on March 5, 2015 after a brief battle with cancer. Ray was born September 6, 1931 in Leavenworth, KS to Raymond H. Kohler Sr. and Helen M. Hofstra Kohler. 
Following graduation from Leavenworth High School in 1949, he joined the United States Coast Guard serving 6 years during the Korean War.  On October 25, 1953, Ray married Katherine E. Hall (LHS Class of 1951). Ray spent 32 years working at Kansas Power & Light until he retired in 1992.
Ray was a lifetime member of Southern Heights United Methodist Church. He loved helping around the SHUMC by keeping the lawn maintained and doing handiwork around the building. He enjoyed woodworking and talking to people - he knew no stranger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Tim Lang. Survivors include his wife Katherine of the home, sister Mary Jo Meyer (LHS Class of 1955) (Kenneth), children Cindy (Kirk) Gaskell, Horton, KS; Lynn (Bob) Miller, Beloit, KS; Keith Kohler, Lansing, KS; Amy Lang, Perry, KS; and several grandkids and great grandkids.
Visitation will begin at 4 P.M. Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Davis Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Sunday at the funeral chapel. Funeral services will be held 10 A.M. Monday, March 9, 2015 at Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, KS. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Southern Heights United Methodist Church in care of Davis Funeral Chapel.