Suzanne "Sue" Tinsley Hall - LHS Class of 1957

Suzanne "Sue" Hall passed away on January 7, 2023, with her family at her side.

She was born on Flag Day, June 14th in 1939 and raised in Leavenworth, Kansas. She graduated from Leavenworth High School , the University of Kansas and Kansas State Teachers’ College with her BS and Masters Degrees.

She married Kent D. Hall in 1962. They have two children, Sheri (Curt) Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, WI and Doug (Kathleen) Hall of Everett, WA. She also has grandchildren, Jessica and Kaitlin Hall, and Colin, Michael and Kaitlin James of Washington.

She is survived by her sister, Marge Tinsley Black (LHS Class of 1954) of Arizona and brother, Tom (Deborah) Tinsley (LHS Class of 1964)  of Colorado. Also, in- laws, Mollie (Nelson) Allen, CJ (Ann) Hall, Mark Hall, Morris (Debbie) Hall and 14 wonderful nieces and 16 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Herb Tinsley of Leavenworth, KS; sisters, Ruth Tinsley and Shirley Lynch (Dennie), of Joplin, MO and four sisters-in-law of Missouri, grandparents and aunts and uncles of Kansas.

Her family was her greatest pleasure in life followed by her love of teaching, especially teaching science. They enjoyed traveling during their breaks to the Caribbean and South America.

She also had a passion for cheering on the Green Bay Packers and University of Kansas basketball as well as watching the summer Olympics and playing bridge.

She taught Science Methods at the University of Kansas and UW-Stevens Point. She also taught upper grades in Kansas and Stevens Point, mostly at Kennedy and Bannach Elementary Schools. She also taught six years with the “Indian Teacher Corps” on four reservations in WI, and summers at the University in Akron, Ohio.

She was a Polymer Ambassador for the American Chemical Society and traveled throughout the USA to National Science Teacher conventions to teachers on how to implement polymers into their curriculums.  When she was diagnosed with level 4 colon-liver cancer and found that “God wasn’t ready for her yet”, she “refocused” and then taught “STEAM” and “College Days for Kids” at UWSP and at the MEAD Wildlife Center.

She and her husband, Kent, were highly involved with track and running and started SPARC (Stevens Point Area Running Club) in 1980 for athletes during the summer months. They were pleased area coaches joined in to help train the over 150 participants. They also liked to cheer on their daughter and son with cross country, track and football during their high school and college years.

Sue was also involved in many community activities. She was the President of the Junior Women’s Club and co-chairperson to raise money to build the Pfiffner Park band shell. She was the state Conservation chairperson and was on Gaylord Nelson’s first Earth Day Committee. She served on several board of Directors including the YMCA where she was the first female to receive the “Service to Youth” award, Mead Wildlife, Aldo Leopold Audubon, Stevens Point Park Board, BRAW (Bluebird Restoration Association of WI). She was active in the League of Women Voters, Circle of Hope, co-chairperson of Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society, Girl Scout and Cub scout leader, “Christmas is for Children”, PEO, and Trinity Lutheran Church where she served as a Stephen Minister and Lay assistant.

Sue helped start the “Living with Cancer Support Group” at St. Michael’s in 1998 and was active in supporting cancer survivors.

Visitation will be held at Shuda Funeral Chapel - 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point - on Friday, January 13 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and again Saturday morning at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Memorial services for Sue will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church - 1410 Rogers Street in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Rev. Ted Johanson will officiate the service.

Burial will be at the Mt. Muncie Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS, at the Tinsley family plot with her parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to: Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin – 2801 Hoover Road. Unit B, Stevens Point, WI 54481 and designated for the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society Fund.

Patricia "Penny" Birmingham Corley - LHS Class of 1954

Click here for a bit of Penny Corley's history.

Walter Cordt

Walter Cordt, 87, Leavenworth, Kansas, went to be with his Savior and claim his baptismal promise of eternal life on Monday, December 7, 2020. 

Walter was born in Leavenworth on March 30, 1933 to parents Wilhelm and Louise Mills Cordt. His father immigrated to America from Germany and his mother immigrated from the United Kingdom. 

He served four years in the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Korean War, October 1950 to October 1954, as an Air Policeman. After his time in the USAF, he attended the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio. During his meat cutting career he worked at Kroger’s, the Leavenworth VA Facility and at the Fort Leavenworth Commissary. 

Walter married Betty Darlene Booker (LHS Class of 1954) at St. Paul Lutheran Church on April 30,1955. The couple resided in Leavenworth throughout their marriage. Two sons, Rodney (Rod) Jay (1956) and Charles (Chuck) Eugene (1959) were born to the couple. 

Walter is survived by his sons; Rodney (Victoria) and Charles; grandchildren Christopher (Jessica) Cordt, Nicholas (Tonya) Cordt, Jonathan (Vanessa) Cordt, Kenzie (Dane) Olejnik; and ten great-grandchildren. 

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and siblings William Cordt, Charles Cordt, Richard Cordt, Louise Alford, Christine Summers and Bertha Sammons and a great-grand daughter, Madison Cordt. 

Walter was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Leavenworth. He requested that memorials be given in lieu of flowers to Trinity Lutheran Church, Leavenworth, where he was an active member. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Funeral Service to follow at 12:30 P.M. Burial will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Betty Darlene Cordt went to be with her Lord & Savior and claim her baptismal promise of eternal life on March 6th, 2020.
She was born at home in Farragut, Iowa on December 20, 1935 to Ralph and Juanita (Keep) Booker.  At age 13 Betty was baptized at the Church of Christ in Shenandoah, Iowa during a revival meeting.
She moved to Leavenworth, Kansas in 1953 and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1954.  In Leavenworth she met Walter Cordt and they were married on April 30, 1955 at St Paul Lutheran Church, Leavenworth, where she had been confirmed.
The couple has resided in Leavenworth throughout their marriage.  Two sons, Rodney Jay and Charles Eugene were born at Cushing Hospital to the couple in 1956 & 1959.  Betty worked for the Leavenworth Public Schools from 1970-1978 and then as a Realtor until her retirement in 2007.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years Walter Cordt.  She is also survived by her sons, Rodney (Victoria) Cordt & Charles Cordt, and grandchildren Christopher (Jessica) Cordt, Nicholas (Tonya) Cordt, Jonathan (Vanessa) Cordt, Kenzie (Dane) Olejnik, nine great-grandchildren and sibling Leo Booker.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph & Juanita Booker, sisters Beverly (Booker) Mount, Dolores (Booker) Nelson and great-granddaughter, Madison Cordt.
Betty requested that memorials be given in lieu flowers to Trinity Lutheran Church, Leavenworth, Kansas where she was an active member.

Visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 4 to 6

P.M. Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church Monday, March 16, 2020 at 10 A.M. Burial will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Gene Wentworth - LHS Class of 1954

Colonel Eugene Gibson Wentworth Jr. (U.S. Army Retired) of Fort Worth, formerly of Harker Heights, Texas went peacefully to his heavenly home on October 29, 2020.

He was born February 8, 1936 in Leavenworth Kansas to Eugene G. Wentworth Sr. and Dorothy Weeda Wentworth. Gene was born and raised in Leavenworth and graduated from Leavenworth High School as an Eagle Scout in 1954. 

Upon graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1958, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Military Engineering, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the United States Army. 

He graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course and became an Airborne, Ranger and Pathfinder graduate at Fort Benning, GA in 1958. 

In December of that year, he married JoAnne Beverly Johnson (LHS Class of 1954), also of Leavenworth, which began a lifelong friendship and exemplary marriage that continued to this day. They have three children, and nine grandchildren.

Gene spent over 34 years as a soldier, serving both as an Infantry and as a Quartermaster Officer. His first assignment was with the 1st Battle Group, 20th Infantry, in Fort Gulick, the Canal Zone. In 1962, before departing Panama he completed Jungle Warfare School training. He then arrived at Fort Lee, VA to attend the Quartermaster Career Course prior to becoming an Instructor of Command and Staff subjects at the QM School. In 1965, he reported for duty as an Advisor in the Federal Republic of Vietnam. Upon returning Gene obtained a Master of Science Degree in Petroleum and Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 1968. He then became the Petroleum Planning Officer at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. 

He completed a second combat tour in Vietnam in 1971, and returned to Fort Leavenworth, KS to complete the Command and General Staff College. His next assignment was the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX as Commander of the 15th S&T Battalion and the Division G4. In 1975 he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair, VA, then was assigned to the Pentagon. This led to his first tour in Europe to command the DISCOM of the 3rd Infantry Division in Wurzburg, Germany. Returning to the United States, He completed his military career at Fort Hood, TX and served as the G4 of III Corps until retiring from active duty in 1988.

Gene began his second career as the Director of Development and later as the Director of Advancement at the University of Central Texas from 1988 to 1994. He was then employed as the Patient Relations Coordinator at Metroplex Community Hospital in Killeen, TX until his retirement in 2001.

He was also deeply involved in volunteer work within the community, serving on as many as nine boards/committees at any given time. He was President of the Killeen Rotary Club, President of the COR-BELL Unit ACS, Vice President of the Greater Fort Hood Area United Way, and President of the Board of Directors of the Heart of Texas West Point Society. He was a trustee on the Foundation Board of Trustees and the Museum Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association, a member of the AUSA, and an Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of the Vive Les Arts Theater Society. In all he served 7 years as a member of the community of the United Way. Gene was a member of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, having served a 10-year term as an ambassador for the Chamber, retiring from that role in 1999. One of his last major efforts as a volunteer was as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Heart of Texas West Point Society. He was named the Society's Distinguished Graduate in 2003. He also served as the Second Vice President for Membership on the Board of Directors of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He was honored with the Distinguished Retiree of the Year Award in a ceremony at Fort Hood, TX in 2008.

Gene was a longtime member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Killeen. He was a true witness of his love for Jesus Christ and set a wonderful example to his family and friends. He loved to cook and he and his wife JoAnne thoroughly enjoyed being members of the Gourmet Club in Killeen for over 30 years. They travelled the world, cruised the seas, and in 2018 took a Caribbean Cruise celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary with all of their children and grandchildren, along with several family trips to Disneyworld and over twenty years of Oktoberfest celebrations in Fredericksburg, TX. They attended many reunions from both Leavenworth High School and the U.S. Military Academy over the years and have kept in touch with their extended family and numerous friends during their travelling days. Also, in his retirement, Gene had many great stories to share of his times of comradery spent in Scotch and Friends and The Board. Among some of his other past-times throughout his life included his adoring nature to God’s creatures, including his beloved dogs and grand dogs. Not only was he a memorable man, Gene had a wonderful sense of humor, he loved unconditionally and always strived to “do the right thing”. He was a man of integrity and he will be greatly missed.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 62 years JoAnne; son E. Gibson Wentworth III, wife Anne and children Gibson IV, Lauren, Luke, and Grace; Daughter Pamela JoAnne O’Rourke, husband Lt. Colonel (U.S. Army Retired) Terry Sr., and children Meredith, and Terry Jr.; Daughter Anne Grace Werschky, husband Lt. Commander (U.S. Navy Retired) Sam Sr., and children, Sam Jr., Dalton, and Blaine.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 7th, from 5 to 7pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home 1615 South Fort Hood Rd, in Killeen. An inurnment with military honors will be held the following morning, Dec. 8th at 10am at Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery 11463 TX-195 in Killeen.

You may view a tribute video for Gene at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/killeen-tx/eugene-wentworth-9913788

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to USMA Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Rd., West Point, NY 10996 https://www.westpointaog.org/giveonline or St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 2800 Trimmier Rd., Killeen, TX 76542 http://www.stchriskilleen.com

Joan Lowman Wissell - LHS Class of 1957

Joan always said that life on this earth was Boot Camp for what comes next. Well Joan, you have graduated from Boot Camp at the top of your class. Born to this earth on Oct. 29, 1939. Born to what comes next on March 21, 2020.
Music has always been a big part of Joan’s life, playing clarinet in Junior High and High School in Leavenworth, Kansas, finishing as the band majorette. She virtually always sang in a church choir and enjoyed many years singing with her husband in the McHenry County Chamber Singers and the Northern Illinois Choral Society. Also, while living in Northern Illinois, she participated in the McHenry County Fine Arts Society’s efforts to raise funds for the refurbishing of the historical Woodstock Opera House.
Joan was the most caring individual her husband has ever known. She loved her family more than her love of the out of doors. She was always trying to make things better, fix it. She was brilliant, but not always subtle. She loved to travel, often stating that it was because of growing up in a military town.
Prior to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, Joan was an active member and ordained deacon in the First Presbyterian Church of Iron County. Her activities have been limited due to her compromised immune system. She fought the good fight, but her compromised immune system became unable to fight off Influenza A and Influenza B.
Joan was preceded in death by her grandparents, Rose and Marcus Andrews, Lowman; her parents, Harold and Eva Lowman; her uncle, Frank Lowman; her aunt, Lennie Cummings; uncle, Francis Cummings; cousins, Robert Alan Cummings and Rita and Paul Markle; son-in-law, Keith Overson; nine sisters and brothers-in-law; three nephews; and three nieces.
She is survived by her husband, Richard, whom she married on May 25, 1963. Joan is also survived by her four children, Melissa, Anne (Patrick), Amy (Ed), and Mark (Karen); brother, Eldon (Cathy) Lowman (LHS Class of 1954); sister, Nancy Lowman (LHS Class of 1961); grandchildren, Alex (Stefony) Andrews, Elizabeth (Andy) Miller, Kelly Andrews, Lydia (Cody) Stansbury, and Daniel, Janet, and Frank Fee; and six great-grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church of Iron County with Pastor Dawn Robbins to officiate.
Condolences may be expressed to the family on Joan's online Guestbook.
Funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Inc. of Iron River.

Betty Booker Cordt - LHS Class of 1954

Betty Darlene Cordt went to be with her Lord & Savior and claim her baptismal promise of eternal life on March 6th, 2020.
She was born at home in Farragut, Iowa on December 20, 1935 to Ralph & Juanita (Keep) Booker.  At age 13 Betty was baptized at the Church of Christ in Shenandoah, Iowa during a revival meeting.
She moved to Leavenworth, Kansas in 1953 and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1954.  In Leavenworth she met Walter Cordt and they were married on April 30, 1955 at St Paul Lutheran Church, Leavenworth, where she had been confirmed.
The couple has resided in Leavenworth throughout their marriage.  Two sons, Rodney Jay and Charles Eugene were born at Cushing Hospital to the couple in 1956 & 1959.  Betty worked for the Leavenworth Public Schools from 1970-1978 and then as a Realtor until her retirement in 2007.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years Walter Cordt.  She is also survived by her sons, Rodney (Victoria) Cordt & Charles Cordt, and grandchildren Christopher (Jessica) Cordt, Nicholas (Tonya) Cordt, Jonathan (Vanessa) Cordt, Kenzie (Dane) Olejnik, nine great-grandchildren and sibling Leo Booker.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph & Junita Booker, sisters Beverly (Booker) Mount, Dolores (Booker) Nelson and great-granddaughter, Madison Cordt.
Betty requested that memorials be given in lieu flowers to Trinity Lutheran Church, Leavenworth, Kansas where she was an active member.
Visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 4 to 6 P.M. Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church Monday, March 16, 2020 at 10 A.M. Burial will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Al List - LHS Class of 1953

Aloysius “Al” George List, 84, Leavenworth, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, at his home. He was born Feb. 22, 1935, in Leavenworth, the son of Aloysius “Bud” Phillip and Alice Christine (Smith) List.
On May 28, 1955, Aloysius married Virginia Dolores Howard at St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a son, Aloysius Mark List.
Al is survived by two daughters, Marla (Mark) Lybrand and Suzanne Morris; a son, Chris (Theresa) List, all of Leavenworth; two sisters, JoAnn Boyers, Leavenworth and Barbie (Mark) Fike, Navarre, Florida; seven grandchildren, Phillip (Jessica) Smith, Jessica (Gavin) Hampton, Virginia “Ginny” Buschart, Kaitlin (Logan) Parks, Paige (Jake) Kenton, Brooke Livingston and Greg (Emily) List; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
He was a third generation home builder. Owning and operating List Construction, Al built hundreds of homes in Leavenworth County and the surrounding areas.
Al enjoyed gardening and going fishing. He loved traveling places and cruising around with his wife. Most importantly, he cherished time with his family and getting to watch all of his grandchildren play sports.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. David McEvoy, O.Carm. as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society or St. Joseph Church.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Virginia Dolores List, 82, of Leavenworth, passed peacefully into her eternal rest Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 7, 1933, in Maryville, Mo., the daughter of Earl and Helen (Walsh) Howard.
She attended a one-room elementary school and graduated from Horace Mann High School, Maryville.
On May 28, 1955, Dolores married Aloysius George List (LHS Class of 1953) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Leavenworth. He survives of the home. Dolores is also survived by her children, Marla (Mark) Lybrand, Chris (Theresa) List, and Suzanne (Charles) Morris; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Nancy (Mike) Muessig-O'Connor (LHS Class of 1958); and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son Aloysius Mark List, her parents, her sisters Mary Ellen Junk and Dorothy Malchow, her brothers, Paul Howard, Raymond Howard, Arthur Howard, Kenneth Howard, and Ronald Howard (LHS Class of 1954).
She was a homemaker and a retired travel agent with Leavenworth Travel. Dolores was an avid Royals, Chiefs and KU basketball fan. However, nothing gave her more joy than cheering on her children and grandchildren in their sporting events. She was a member of the St. Joseph Church Choir and Sweet Adelines. She enjoyed singing at family weddings, the Saint John's Follies and her brother Raymond's country music show in Atchison. Dolores' legacy is the strong Catholic faith, family traditions and values and her consistent and unconditional love she passed on to her family.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. David McEvoy, O.Carm., as celebrant. An inurnment will follow at a later date. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church, Alliance Against Family Violence, or LAWS.

Virginia Connell Heintzelman - LHS Class of 1954

Virginia Lee Heintzelman, 84, of Leavenworth, KS died October 20, 2019 at her home.
Virginia was born June 30, 1935 in Leavenworth, KS to Arthur H. Connell and Mary Shaughnessy. She had two brothers, Walter Connell and Arthur Parrick and a sister, Donna Lee Schleigher.
She married Francis Heintzelman on June 3, 1961 at the Sacred Heart Church in Leavenworth, KS.
Virginia worked as a Nurse’s Aide at St. John Hospital, Leavenworth, KS and as a nanny and caregiver for several families. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and the Red Hats Society in Leavenworth.
She is survived by her husband, Francis Heintzelman of the home, daughters Mary Heintzelman-Glenn ( Husband Hodges Glenn), Jacqueline Buselt, and Angela Heintzelman-Peterson (Husband Mark Peterson), and a son Timothy Heintzelman (Gary Page). She had four grandchildren, Jami Hansen Jarzyk, Michelle Quintero, Tasha Buselt, and Josh Buselt. She also had 9 great- grandchildren: Xavier Jackson, Spencer Bryan, Lily Jarzyk, Amelia Jarzy, Mariah Runnells, Emma Williams, Alexander Hydro, Annie Buselt and William Buselt.
Virginia was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Shaughnessy Connell Kyckelhahn, her father Arthur H. Connell, her brothers Walter Connell and Arthur Parrick.
Visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel, Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7 P.M.Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Friday, October 25, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the St. Joseph Church Altar Society.
Condolences may be left on Virginia’s online guestbook.

Pat Kane Rush

Patricia Ann Rush, 76, Leavenworth, passed away Thursday,
August 22, 2019.  She was born Sept. 23, 1942 in Atchison, Kansas. Baby of nine children born of John and Florance Kane.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Milton Rush (LHS Class if 1954), her parents and five siblings, Margie Swendson, Skippy Kane, Bud Kane, Mary Lou Andre, Doris Blankenship.
Three siblings survive her, Eugene Kane, John Jr. Kane and Lorene Clemmons.
Pat and Milton were married on Oct. 3, 1964 at the Atchison County Courthouse. To their union were born three children, Milton Rush Jr., April (Rush) Norberto and Melissa (Rush) Seichepine and two stepdaughters, Tracy Baragary and Robin Orf. She has seven grandsons, Jacob Rush, Nolan Norberto, Brent Baragary, Zachary Baragary, Dustin Paul, Calab Orf and Travis Orf, and six granddaughters, Tina (Sudduth) Linebarger, Khrystyn (Dean) Hunter, Samantha (Rush) Griffith, Courtney (Seichepine) Hyde, Alyssa and Leah Seichepine and 12 great-grandchildren, Landyn Griffith, Karter Griffith, Lucas Linebarger, Levi Linebarger, Nikolai Hunter, Alex Paul, Emma Paul, Grady Paul, McKenzie Kameron Orf, Rhett Baragary, Laine Baragary. All children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive her.
Pat was active in worship of both St. Paul as well as Twin Oak Church service. She loved to visit and play games with the other residents of Twin Oak.
Services will be on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 311 N. 7th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
You may leave condolences on Pat's online Guestbook.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Milton H. Rush, 78, of Leavenworth passed away Monday, April 28, 2014. He was born April 11, 1936, in Leavenworth Kansas to Harley and Emma Rush.
Milt provided tonsorial services for 55 years.
He married Patricia A. Kane October 3, 1964.
He was an active member of New Hope Church and played the bass and sang in the praise and worship band.
Milt loved to fish and hunt. 
He still played and coached softball, and coed softball, travelling all over with his ball team, the "Antiques," playing in an over 70 league.
Preceded in death by brother Elmer Rush (LHS Class of 1938) and sisters Verna Matzeder (LHS Class of 1942) and Deloris Martin. 
Survived by his wife Patricia and brother Terry Rush (LHS Class of 1963) and sister Emily Steuernagel (LHS Class of 1956).
Milt has five children Robin Orf, Tracy Baragary, Milton H Rush Jr. (LHS Class of 1984), April Norberto (LHS Class of 1987), Melissa Seichepine (LHS Class of 1991); as well as seven grandsons, six granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. 
The family will receive friends Saturday, May 3, 2014, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 7th and Miami, Leavenworth. A Celebration Of Life Service will follow at the church. 

Condolences may be left HERE...

From the Fort Leavenworth Lamp  - August 24, 2007

Milton Rush, 71, and fellow-barber John Rettig, 70, have nearly 100 years of combined experience working as contract barbers at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service barber shops at Ft. Leavenworth.
In 1959 when Rush first came to work, Maj. Gen. Lionel McGarr was the commandant of the Command and General Staff College, a nuclear weapons course was offered and, in the basement of the new Bell Hall, you could get a haircut for a buck. Today, the CGSC curriculum reflects the war on terrorism, Bell Hall is slated for demolition and haircuts cost $8.25 in the new Lewis and Clark Center. However, after 48 years, Rush will still be happy to give you a haircut.
Rush completed barber training at Molar Barber College in Kansas City, Mo., shortly after graduating from Leavenworth High School in 1954. In the mid 1950s, Rush owned a barber shop on 5th Street in downtown Leavenworth. In 1956, he also began working part time at the Post Exchange barber shop. Then in the late 1950s, Rush gave up his business and started working as a full-time AAFES barber. He worked a split shift between the CGSC and the PX barber shops.
Today, the barbers typically arrive at work between 6 and 6:15 a.m. for the 6:30 a.m. opening of the three-chair shop. They prepare the cash registers, clean shop, get their tools ready, then drink coffee and wait for customers. Business cranks up around 6:45 a.m. and Rush said he would see about 30 customers on a good day. Most of the patrons in the early morning are retirees because the active-duty Soldiers are doing physical training, said Rush, who served six years in the Kansas National Guard.
The best part of the job for Rush is being able to work indoors."We got air conditioning during the summer and heating in the winter," he said. What's the worst part of the job? "Sitting here doing nothing during class hours, especially when they (CGSC) have a guest speaker, it's dead."
Both Rettig and Rush have cut the hair of many service members who went on to become prominent officers. Rush fondly recalls Chaplain (then-Maj.) Douglas Carver, when he was a CGSC student. "He impressed me the most," Rush said. Maj. Gen. Carver is now the Army chief of chaplains. Perhaps his most notable customer was retired Gen. Colin Powell. They haven't seen much change in the hairstyles of their military costumers. "The whole idea is to keep it short and to keep it clean," Rush said. Rush said he likes the setup of the new shop that employs four barbers. "We have much better lighting, better cabinet space than we've had, it's a little bit narrower (floor space), but this is really a nice shop," he said. And, customers can catch the news on the wall-mounted high definition television.
Both Rettig and Rush work part time and neither of them foresee hanging up his clippers soon. "My health is good, I play a lot of softball to keep in shape," Rush said.
The AAFES barber shop at the Lewis and Clark Center is in the cafeteria area next to the bookstore. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
by Jeff Crawley, Fort Leavenworth Lamp Staff Writer

Freda Adams Danser - LHS Class of 1954

Freda May Danser passed away at her beloved home in Mimbres, New Mexico on July 7, 2019.  She was born in Leavenworth on Dec. 26,1935 to Fred and Nellie Adams. Freda graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1954 and worked at Hallmark Cards. On April 27, 1957 She married Cecil H. Danser (LHS Class of 1952) and the couple enjoyed 62 wonderful years together. They retired in the desert mountains of the Gila National Forest.
She was an avid lover of puzzles. Every Christmas and birthday, family would find new puzzles for her to piece together. She often would glue them to hang or gift to others. Freda loved the flowers she and her husband would grow as well as all of the many birds and wildlife that would visit their yard.
Freda was proceded in death by her parents, her brother, Wesley, her sisters: Mary, Helen, and Margie and daughter-in-law, Bonnie.
She is survived by her husband, Cecil, Mimbres, New Mexico; son, Larry and wife, Penny, Mimbres, New Mexico; son, Doug and wife, Nancy, Emmett, Idaho; grandchildren, Amanda, Eric, Lori and 4 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held June 10, 2020, at the Rio Mimbres Baptist Church in Mimbres, New Mexico, with a gathering of family and friends to follow at the Danser home. Cards and memorial donations may be sent to Cecil H. Danser, 3844 Hwy 35, Mimbres, NM, 88049. Memorial donations are for the Upper Mimbres Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, whom the family thanks for all that they do. For more information, contact Larry Danser at 575-536-9986

Raymond Hoppe - LHS Class of 1949

Raymond Edward Hoppe Sr., 88 of rural Leavenworth, died Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at his home. He was born Feb. 3, 1931, in Leavenworth, the son of Frederick Julius and Helen Louise (Komers) Hoppe.
Raymond served in the US Airforce from 1950 to 1954. After discharge he returned to Leavenworth and went to work for Kramer Manufacturing for a short time. He then started at Fort Leavenworth where he worked as a pipe fitter, until retirement in 1986.
On May 12, 1956, he married Betty Ann Berg (LHS Class of 1954) at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Leavenworth, she survives at the home. He is also survived by his children, Raymond (Linda) Hoppe Jr., of Leavenworth, Ruth (Mike) Davis of The Villages, Fla. and Randall (Kristin) Hoppe of Leavenworth; his grandchildren, Ian (Bethanie) Leintz, Ryan (Natasha) Hoppe, Brittany (David) Nussbaum, Kelsey Hoppe, Kelsey Davis, Brandon Davis, Quintin Hoppe, Coben Hoppe and Kamdon Hoppe; his great grandchildren, Skyler Nussbaum, Bailee Hoppe and Rhett Hoppe; and many nieces and nephews.
Raymond was preceded in death by his siblings, infant Jean Marie, Fred Hoppe Jr, Frances Greble (LHS Class of 1942), Elaine Alig (LHS Classs of 1944) and Lois Kruger (LHS Class Of 1950).
Raymond was a life-long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He enjoyed gardening and farm life where he raised livestock while maintaining a full-time job.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2019, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Crossroads Hospice.

Donna McNett Schaefer - LHS Class of 1954

Donna Jean Schaefer, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. She was born Dec. 22, 1935 to Francis M. McNett and Hazel D. McNett, (Allen) in Highland Kansas. She attended Leavenworth public schools graduating from Leavenworth Sr. High School in 1954. After graduation she joined Civil Service and accepted a position at Fort Carson, Colorado. This is where she met and married Dennis R. Schaefer on May 24, 1964. From this union they had one child, a daughter, Michelle R. Williford, (Schaefer). They later divorced. 
In 1973, she moved her daughter back to Leavenworth to be closer to her family. She started working at Munson Army Hospital at the A&D desk where she retired in 1995.
After the birth of her first grandchild she acquired the name, “Nanny”, and then became ” Nanny” to everyone after that. She was everybody’s “Nanny”.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Williford, (John),Red Bank, Tennessee, a granddaughter, Kaitlin Jewell, Leavenworth, a grandson, Tyler Jewell, Leavenworth. She is survived by five great-grandchildren, Cameron Raney, Kiera and Marshall McMillin, Carsyn Hooks, and Mackenzie Jewell. She is also survived by a sister, Shirley Clark, Leavenworth. She had many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her very much.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Linda McNett, a brother, Tommy McNett (LHS Class of 1956) and a granddaughter, Emilee Janelle Jewell.
Memorials may be given to the Leavenworth Meals on Wheels program.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Davis Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Davis Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be left on Donna’s online guestbook.

Celeta Olander Hopkins - LHS Class of 1956

Celeta Marcene Hopkins, 80, went to be with the Lord on October 12, 2018. She passed peacefully at home, lovingly surrounded by family. Celeta was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 21, 1938 to F. Warren and Sally E. Olander. Her family moved to Leavenworth, Kansas when she was quite small and she remained a resident throughout her formative and adult years. 
Celeta graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1956. While in school, she was a member of the choir and sang in the June Bug Jamboree. She did a special solo performance of “If I Knock The L Out of Kelly”, a song she often sang to family and a memory she was proud to share. She was also proud to be Bo Peep in “Babes In Toyland.” She loved singing and watching live performances. After high school, Celeta remained actively engaged with her local classmates and helped plan the class reunions. Celeta was a member and past Honored Queen in Job’s Daughters Bethel 28. Upon graduation, Celeta attended Baker University and pledged Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She moved back home to Leavenworth and after a two year courtship, she married William David Hopkins on April 12, 1958. They were married 55 years until his passing in early 2014. 
Celeta worked throughout her youth at Kresge’s and Jahn’s grocery store, building the foundation for her impeccable work ethic. She started her career at the hospital currently known as Munson Army Health Center on Fort Leavenworth. Family was always very important to Celeta and as she began bringing children into the world, she took a few temporary positions with the Post Engineers, working for the Visitor’s Bureau and Visiting Officers. When she returned to the work force permanently, Celeta became a Publications Clerk for the Command and General Staff College where she remained for 37 ½ years until her retirement. Her work allowed her to interact with many of the departments in the college. She welcomed the incoming students and was able to offer a maternal presence to those young officers who were far away from their families. It was her wish that they never felt alone and her hope that if her own children were far from home, someone would do the same for them.
After retiring from her distinguished years of civil service for the United States Government, Celeta did some traveling with her husband. Branson, Missouri was always a favorite. Memphis and Nashville stood out in her mind as worthy travel experiences as well. Her husband’s unexpected stroke in 2001 rendered her a caregiver for him. She took care of him with great compassion and attentive focus for 13 years.
Celeta was a faith driven, prayerful woman who embodied the Golden Rule she cherished. She loved God, her family and friends. She enjoyed holidays, parties and celebrations of all kinds, infusing them with her genuine joy and enthusiasm. She especially loved birthdays and often called to sing to those she loved on their special day. She always thoughtfully remembered to send cards for special occasions and newspaper clippings when an article mattered to someone she knew. She loved to cross stitch and sew. She often cross stitched very special pillow cases for her family at Christmas which became a beloved tradition. She loved show tunes, plays and musicals, especially Showboat. She had a passion for art and loved drawing, painting and doing block lettering. She loved playing board games and cards. 
Celeta was one of kind, a rare soul who genuinely loved and appreciated every person she met. In her 80 years, she had never said an unkind word about a single soul. 
Celeta is survived by her three children: Debbie Flaspohler, Mark Hopkins (Cindy) and Lisa Hopkins, all of Kansas City; five grandchildren: Ashley Rice (Jeremiah), Jennifer Hill (Michael), Allie Frederes (AJ), Stephen Flaspohler and Brandon Flaspohler; five great grandchildren: Jeremy, Kailey and Aubrey and twin babies, a boy and a girl, who are on the way; and numerous grand pets whom she enjoyed. She is also survived by a beloved cousin Donna (Ken) Phillips, Houston, Texas and close friends, who are more like family, among her many friends. 
She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. 
A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, October 22, 2018 at the R. L. Leintz Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Leavenworth. Interment following the service at Sunset Memory Gardens. 
Memorials may be made to the Council on Aging, First United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

William David Hopkins, 77, of Leavenworth went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2014. Mr. Hopkins was born on May 6, 1936 in Atchison, Kan. to William Harris and Edna May (Jacobs) Hopkins. 
He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1954. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. In 1958, he married his sweetheart Celeta M. (Olander) Hopkins (LHS Class of 1956), also of Leavenworth. They celebrated 55 years of marriage. Mr. Hopkins entered the insurance sales industry shortly after their nuptials. 
With his ability to communicate and his gift with people, he maintained a career in various areas of sales until discovering a niche for car sales. With his independent spirit and interest in business ownership, Mr. Hopkins started Broadhill Motors in 1968, which he owned and operated for 13 years. An interest in housing led him to building and selling homes of his own design in Leavenworth, ultimately leading him to a love for painting. He became a Paint Crew Chief for the Army Corp of Engineers on Fort Leavenworth in 1985. He retired from this position in 2000. While working for the government, Mr. Hopkins rekindled his life long passion for learning and his initial interests in a college education. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 1989. 
Mr. Hopkins enjoyed an active lifestyle and traveling with his wife until an untimely stroke in 2001 rendered him unable to participate in previously enjoyed activities. His resilience and driving desire to stay engaged in life gave him the strength to meet the challenges he encountered over the 13 years he endured the after effects of his stroke. Family, including his pet family, meant everything to Mr. Hopkins. 
He is survived by his wife, Celeta, his three children, Debbie, Mark and Lisa, five grandchildren: Ashley, Jennifer, Allie, Stephen and Brandon, two great-grandchildren, his sister Marlene Fink (LHS Class of 1952), nieces and his family of friends. 
Visitation will be Friday, February 28 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday, March 1 at 11 a.m. Both services to be held at R. L. Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Avenue, Leavenworth, Kan. Interment at Sunset Memory Gardens following the service. Memorials may be sent to The City Union Mission, Meals on Wheels, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or donor's choice.

"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.” 

Carol Norris - LHS Class of 1954

Carol Elizabeth Norris, 82, of Oskaloosa, formerly of Leavenworth, died Sunday, August 5, 2018 at F.W. Huston Medical Center in Winchester after a long illness. She was born May 16, 1936 in Leavenworth, the daughter of Robert Wesley and Coy Mae Snyder Norris. 
She was a 1954 graduate of Leavenworth High School and was a graduate of Central Bible College, Springfield, MO, earning a BA degree in Bible Studies. She also earned a BS degree in Education at Emporia State University. 
Carol was a School Teacher in the Easton School District and in Muscotah 28 years before retiring. She was ordained as a minister in 1973 and served as a home missionary for Native Americans for many years. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, Leavenworth and served as a Sunday School Teacher 33 years. She was a member of the Kansas Education Association and the National Education Association. Carol was listed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers. 
She is survived by one sister, Naomi (Bob) Flowers (LHS Class of 1952), Oskaloosa, two nephews, James Wesley Norris, Chicago, Joel Bradley Norris, Wichita, and a cousin, Beverly Kincaid, Beverly, MO. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Gordon W. Norris and Alvin Norris, and one sister, Roberta Scroggs.
Graveside Services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Sunset Memory Gardens, Leavenworth. Miss Norris will lie in state after 9:00 AM, Friday at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Condolences may be left in Carol's online guestbook.

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.

Pat Sterett Schanze - LHS Class of 1954

Patricia Sterett “Pat” Schanze, born March 3, 1936, passed away July 1, 2018 surrounded by her family. 
Pat attended Leavenworth Public Schools and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1958. While at Kansas University she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, student government for four years and other university clubs. 
Pat was an excellent golfer and was offered a professional sponsorship by the Wilson Sporting Goods Company that she declined to be married and raise a family. She married Jean W. Schanze in June 1958 who preceded her in death in 2010. 
She taught in the Leavenworth Public Schools for several years always speaking fondly of her student memories. After teaching she became the bookkeeper for The Schanze and Banks Insurance & Real Estate Agency. She later became co-owner of the Reconnaissance Magazine, a publication for Leavenworth businesses and Fort Leavenworth military families. 
Involvement in the Leavenworth community was extremely important to Pat and she served on the Leavenworth Parks & Recreation Board, Leavenworth Country Club Junior Golf Program where she had many excellent golfers that went on to play high school and college golf, The Carnegie Art Center Board, Leavenworth Historical Museum Association, Cushing Memorial Hospital Board serving as secretary for ten years, Leavenworth Downtown Association, and Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. 
She was adored by her friends and family and is survived by her son, Sterett Ward “Stet” Schanze; her daughter-in-law, Jeanne; her three grandsons, Baxter, Jack, and Sam all from St. Joseph, Missouri; her nephew, John David Pearsley of Herrin, Illinois; her great-niece, Cody Dorris of Laguna Beach, California; and her great-nephew, Jimmy Pearsley of Herrin, Ilinois.
Her sister, Naomi Pearsley (LHS Class of 1952), niece, Jane Dorris, nephew, James “Jay” Pearsley, and her parents, Naomi and Kenneth Sterett, preceded her in death. 
Friends may sign her condolences book at the Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee St. in Leavenworth on Friday, July 6, 2018 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A private family service will be held and she will be buried at Mt. Muncie Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, it was her wish for memorials to be considered for the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, KC, MO, 64145 where she received loving care. 
Condolences may be left in Pat’s online guestbook.

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Jean W. Schanze, 78, Leavenworth, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, MO, after a long battle with cancer.
Mr. Schanze was born April 18, 1932 in St. Louis, MO the son of August E. “Gus” and Mary (Ward) Schanze.
In his early years Jean was an “Army brat” traveling and making moves to where his dad was stationed during the WW II years. He attended seven high schools including Yokohama High School in Japan, Kemper Military School, Andover, and Hill School.
He went on to attend and graduate from Kansas University in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. While at the KU he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he served as President, co-captain of the KU Swim Team, Vice President of his senior class, and member of both the junior and senior Men’s Honor Societies.
After graduating he earned his commission in the U.S. Army and again got to travel to such countries as France, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Monaco and Panama. He was particularly close with his grandparents, Jake and Mary Schanze whom he considered special people and who owned the Schanze Cigar Store where he often worked as a boy doing ticker tape, posting ball scores and shaking the horse dice with customers. They provided a stable place to come home to in Leavenworth and helped him financially paying for all college expenses and contributing to his business start up after his military service.
Jean married Patricia (Sterett) Schanze (LHS Class of 1954) on June 2, 1959, who resides at her home. They were married for 28 years but remained best friends. He considered “Patsy” one of the “special people” in the world. They had one son, Sterett W. “Stet” Schanze who was born in 1965 who lives in St. Joseph, Missouri, with his wife Jeanne and three sons, Baxter (15), Jack (13), and Sam (12.).
In 1966 he started up and established the Schanze Agency with Lloyd Banks (LHS Class of 1950) joining two years later as his business partner to make it Schanze and Banks, a thriving insurance and real estate agency. The business, which operated at Third and Shawnee Streets in downtown Leavenworth for 32 years, was known for providing personal service to the customer and developed a number of subdivisions in town to include Valhalla & 14th Street, Revolutionary Drive, Gatewood Street and Skywalker Heights across from Abele’s Field. They took great pride in their business and Jean considered it one of his most important accomplishments in life. In 1998 he retired and the business was sold to the Klotz family agency where it still remains in operation.
Jean was proud of the Leavenworth community and was a leader who enjoyed giving back to it. Over the years he served as president of the Leavenworth Board of Realtors, president of The Leavenworth Country Club, president of the Rotary Club, president of the Leavenworth City Library, President of the Leavenworth Waterworks and his favorite, board member of the Hotel Cody Corporation.
After retirement Jean particularly enjoyed tending to his flower and tomato gardens, following the KU basketball team, cooking, keeping up on his grandchildren’s activities, and his daily exercise and two mile walk at Leavenworth High School’s track.
Jean will always be remembered by his friendly smile and care free approach to life. There were no strangers to Jean. He had many close friends and was known as “Jeno” by most. He was fond of his Coffee Club buddies, with whom he enjoyed coffee each morning for over 40 years and his card buddies with whom he could be found many afternoons after retirement playing gin rummy. In the early years his best friend was James “Jimmy” Snyder (LHS Class of 1953) who preceded him in death a number of years ago. Later in life he was very close with friend David “Davie” Albee. Along with Mr. Albee a number of friends have been requested by the family to serve as pallbearers to include: Lloyd Banks, Thomas Dawson, Roger Horsky, Ethan Potter, Mike Robinson, Ron Whitehouse and Mike Wood, and honorary pallbearer Roberta “Bobbie” Snyder.
Jean was proceeded in death by his parents, August and Mary Schanze; step mother, Alyne M. Schanze; and step brother, Jim Garrett.
Survivors include special person in his life, Patricia Schanze; son, Sterett W. “Stet" Schanze and wife Jeanne; grandsons, Baxter, Jack and Sam of St. Joseph, MO; step sister Mary “Mur” Bush, Santa Fe, NM; step sister, Peggy Schanze and husband Jay Wiedenmeyer, Lenexa, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. Monday, September 27, 2010 at the Davis Funeral Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 A.M. at the Chapel.
The Very Revered Michael Munro will officiate. Private burial will be held in the Mt. Muncie Cemetery, Lansing, KS.

Memorial contributions may be given to Kansas University Cancer Center, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Westwood, KS 66205, Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornell Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145 or Cushing Memorial Hospital, 711 Marshall St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.