Obits
George “Pee-Paw” Swaney was a pillar in his community of Holton. He was a long-time farmer and crop adjuster. His days began before dawn and often did not end until the stars filled the night sky. He believed in the value of honest work and instilled this belief in his children, teaching them the...
The greatest crappie fisherman of all time, Karen “Sue” Coffman, 80, of Milford passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, with her family gathered around her.
She was born at Soldier on Oct. 14, 1944, the daughter of Clarence A “Pete” Nott and Isla Winona Bottom Nott. She...
Jack Wayne Area, 76, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, after battling mesothelioma for nearly five years.
He was born Aug. 18, 1948, in Soldier, the son of Claude Ray and Blanche Arlene (Haber) Area. Jack graduated from Soldier Rural High School in 1966 and later served in the U.S. Navy...
John Wayne Douglas, 64, Centralia, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at his home.
He was born May 2, 1960, in Horton, the son of Morris D. and Neva N. (Seastrom) Douglas. He graduated from Jackson Heights High School in 1978. After high school, John attended vocational-technical school where he...
Edward “Eddie” R. Reusch, 80, Auburn, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. Family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to service. Burial with military honors will be...
Carol Rae Fenton, 73, of Holton, passed away Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Midland Hospice House with family by her side.
She was born Nov. 26, 1951, in Topeka, the daughter of George and Maurine (Crist) Bond.
Carol was a wonderful wife, mother and grandma. She spent her career in education as a PE...
Karen Sylvia Keck Lovendahl, 83, of rural Meriden, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, after suffering from kidney disease for many years.
She was born on Nov. 28, 1941, in Ft. McMurray, Alberta, Canada, to Irvin Sterling and Dorothy May (Byrum) Keck. She spent her first year of life in Canada while...
Gunnar Anders Bror Garbo, 58, Topeka, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at Stormont-Vail Regional Medical Center in Topeka.
He was born Nov. 17, 1966, in Topeka, the son of David and Jean Reynolds Lytle.
A private family service is planned for a later date. Mercer Funeral Home is in charge of...
Daisy May James (Askren), beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Jan. 19, 2025, at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.
Daisy was born Jan. 12, 1927, in Holton to Jennie May Askren (Simmons) and Roscoe “Earl” Askren. She spent her early...
Harold Lynn Zibell of Emporia died on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor in Emporia. He was 80.
Harold was born on Dec. 17, 1944, in Holton, the son of Charles “Shannon” and Norma Arnold Zibell. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Joyce Boutwell. They later divorced.
He is survived...
