Alfred "Al" Becker

Alfred “Al” Herman Becker, age 101 of Plainville, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville. Al was born on January 6, 1918 in Rooks County, Kansas to Bernhard and Pauline (Adam) Becker. He was a lifetime resident of Rooks County; he attended Country School and Sacred Heart Grade School. He was united in marriage to Eleanor (Hagel) Becker on April 19, 1949 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. The family grew with the birth of their children: Stephen, Patti, and Mary.

Al spent his life farming and ranching. He enjoyed many outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping, and playing horseshoes. He also enjoyed cards, and really liked to gamble in Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV. He loved playing the board game checkers and even compared it to life: “You always have to look ahead”. He was a big part of the community; being the first of two 4-H community leaders in Rooks County. He was a member of the Stockton Production Credit Board for many years, along with being vice-president at one time. He was part of the Rooks County Soil Conservation Service, and was an avid member of the Knights of Columbus. Al was a member of the church building committee when the new church, school, and convent were built. Al never missed his Thursday afternoon Holy Hour.

It has been said, “Kindness is like a seed that when cultivated will continue to grow and grow.” Al was a kind and loving man who lived to serve his family, friends, and the Lord. He not only tended the farm ground that made a living for his family, but he tended the hearts and souls of all who knew him and made a life that will continue to grow for eternity.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Becker of the home; son, Stephen (Irma) Becker of Lubbock, TX; daughters, Patti (Will) Stout of Natoma, KS and Mary (Ron) Boyd of Kipp, KS; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-six great-grandchildren.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Bernhard and Pauline Becker; two infant sons; two infant daughters; grand-daughter, Melissa Ann Becker; two great-grandsons, Dyron Paul Schutte and Browynn Boyd Birdsong; grand-son-in-law, Dru Miller; brothers, Leland, Louis, and Norman Becker; and sisters, Bonnie Bollig, Laurene Rempe, Hildegarde Dreiling, and Neolah Wasinger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM with a D of I Rosary at 3:00 PM, and 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the church with a Parish Vigil Service 7:00 PM.

Lavonne Normandin

Lavonne Mary Normandin, age 83 of Plainville, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the Redbud Village in Plainville. Lavonne was born on November 25, 1936 in Bogue, Kansas to Hobson and Lorenda (Bellerive) Desair. She was raised in Damar, Kansas where she graduated with the class of 1954. Lavonne was united in marriage to Duane Normandin on April 27, 1955 in Damar; to this union, Larry, Rodney, Mark, and Chris were born.

Lavonne loved spending her time with her family, especially her grandkids. She so enjoyed holding them as babies. She was a phenomenal baker and was a talented hand at crocheting. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Lavonne is survived by her sons; Larry (Carla) Normandin of Plainville, Rodney (Gay) Normandin of Plainville, Mark (Trena) Normandin of Salina, and Chris (Dena) Normandin of Plainville; sister, Helen (Bert) Bertolini of Lincoln, NE; brother, Eugene (Charlotte) Desair of Damar; 4 grandchildren, Amy Normandin, Nate Normandin, Logan Normandin, and Ella Normandin; 4 step-grandchildren Venessa Marvin, Mark (Anna) Marvin, Lacy Desair and Whitney Desair; and 10 step-great-grandchildren, Savannah, Trinity, Kaylee, Jesse, Mariah, Jakob, Sadie, Seth, Hailey, Aria.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hobson and Lorenda Desair; husband, Duane Normandin; sisters, Marguarite Russell and Sharon Desair; granddaugher, Kelsey Normandin; and step-grandson, Ryan Desair.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be on Wednesday at the funeral home 1:00PM to 4:00 PM with a Ladies Guild Rosary at 3:00 PM. The Visitation will be moved to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with Vigil at 7:00 PM. 

Laurin "Stub" Herl

Laurin “Stub” Herl, age 85 of Plainville, passed away Tuesday morning, October 15, 2019 at his home in Plainville. He was born in Hays, Kansas on July 15, 1934, to Bernard “Barney” and Ida (Ruder) Herl. Stub grew up in Hays where he graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elaine Kuhn on October 5, 1953 where they made their home in Plainville, Kansas. They were blessed with five children: Stan, Pam, Brenda, Marla, and Dale “Barney”.

Stub worked in the oilfields until he retired. However, his passion was working with his hands, especially with wood. One of his most profound projects was adding an addition onto the house; he took the existing two-story house and converted it into a one-story by building a new roof under the existing roof before it was removed. Over the years he has built and crafted beautiful furniture such as end tables, a cedar chest, and three desks (one of which was a roll top), but the projects he was most proud of were the grandfather clocks he made for each of his children. There was nothing he could not do.

Stub is survived by his children, Stan Herl of Edmond, OK., Pam Arrambidez of Roanoke, TX., Brenda Miller (Harley) of Stockton, KS., Marla Plante (John) of Plainville, KS., and Dale “Barney” Herl (Ronda) of Grapevine, TX.; brother, Tom Herl of Dallas, TX.; sisters, Frances Diehl and Lila Staab of Hays, KS.; 10 grandchildren, David Herl, Elizabeth Becker, Jacob Herl, Matt Arrambidez, Austin Miller, Colby Miller, Lindsey Plante, Adam Plante, Zachary Herl, Tanner Herl; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Stub was preceded in death by his parents Bernard “Barney” and Ida Herl; wife, Elaine Herl; brothers, Larry “Gene” Herl and Leander Herl; sister, Orie Haas; and grandchildren, Andrew Miller and Jennifer Benedick.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville starting at 2:00 PM. A book signing will be held at Plumer Overlease Funeral Home on Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Family will be receiving friends at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a parish vigil starting at 7:00PM.

Leonard J. Folsom

Leonard J. Folsom passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Hilltop Lodge Nursing Home in Beloit, Kansas at the age of 81. He was born on July 3, 1938 in Webster, Kansas to Lyle and Lucille (Hodson) Folsom. Leonard grew up in Webster and graduated with the Class of 1956. After graduating, he worked for the Record Office in Stockton, Kansas running their printing press and later owned the Honda Shop where he repaired and sold motorcycles. He then retired after working 25 years as a road grader for Rooks County. Leonard married the love of his life, Sondra Koontz, on March 3, 1959 in Stockton. They spent 60 years together and had two children: Blaine and Nicolle.

Leonard was always up for adventure. He loved hill climbing on motorcycles and riding three-wheelers in the wintertime with friends. He also loved animals and was very fond of his two cats, Sweetie and Princess. He enjoyed collecting antique crocks, tools, dishes and anything else old. He was an avid hunter and loved hunting with his brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed working in his beautiful yard. He and Sandy loved to dance and took lessons for many years. Leonard was a devoted family man and husband who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Sondra Folsom of Stockton; son, Blaine Folsom of Stockton; daughter, Nicolle Scheller and husband Bob of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren, Caroline, Cole, Caleb, and Chloe Scheller; sister-in-law Marcia Pumphrey and husband Foy of Eagle Rock, Missouri; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Lucille Folsom; brothers, Lyle, Vernon, and Cleim Folsom; sister, Twila Smith; and brother-in-law Robert Storer.
Leonard was a good-hearted man who worked hard, enjoyed life, loved to laugh and cherished his family and friends. Although he will be greatly missed, he will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him best, for they were greatly loved.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton will inurnment to follow in the Bow Creek Cemetery in Rural Phillips County, Kansas.

Brad A. Hrabe

Brad A. Hrabe, age 62 of Downs, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 near Osborne. He was born on November 19, 1956 in Hays, Kansas to Doyal and Dorothy (Thyfault) Hrabe. Brad grew up in Stockton and graduated with the class of 1974. He was married to Carol Denio and was blessed with three children: Kelse, Jackie, and Trevis. They later divorced and on April 4, 2001 he married Cathy (Burgess) Hrabe.

Brad worked as a welder and was known for his strength and work ethic; living everyday by example, showing us that all things should be earned and not given. There were several things that Brad really enjoyed in life, such as Kansas State Football, Taco Bell—especially the Chalupas, and blue Ford vehicles to name a few. He was a true family man, and was one to always make it to a get together, celebration, or family event.

Brad was very outspoken, and had a voice that “carried across rooms”. Always having a witty comeback to everything, he lived in the moments, laughed a lot, and cared deeply for his family and friends. Brad found his faith and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, forever changing his life for the better. He was a member of the Grand Knight Council #8976, a member and treasurer of the Salina Cursillo, and a proud member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton. He was also a Hospice volunteer, and attended the March of Life several times.

Brad is survived by his wife, Cathy Hrabe of the home in Downs; daughters, Kelse (Bryce) Schneider of Hill City, and Jackie Hrabe of Grainfield; son, Trevis Hrabe of Downs; sister, Regina Muir of Stockton; brothers, Christopher (Jean) of Salina, and Alec (Victoria) Hrabe of Stockton; step-daughter, Mashell (Brad) Arens of Ainsworth, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren; and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Doyal and Dorothy Hrabe; and brother-in-law, Brad Muir.

Brad was a hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man. Although he will be greatly missed, his life, his love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, Kansas on Friday, September, 20, 2019 at 10 A.M. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 6:30 P.M. and a Divine Mercy Chaplet to follow.

Mark E. Reif

Mark E. Reif, age 56 of Plainville, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019 at his home in Plainville. Mark was born on August 21, 1963 in Great Bend, Kansas to Charles and Lucille (Pierce) Reif. Mark spent his life in Rooks County, graduating from Plainville High School with the class of 1981. He furthered his education at Northwestern Kansas Technical College in Beloit before enlisting in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany for 3 years. After his honorable discharge he returned home to raise a family of four children and later pursued his dreams of owning and operating his ranch and continued to run Reif Welding and Construction.

With a ranch and a welding and construction company, there was always work to be done, but away from work he enjoyed kayaking, shooting guns, traveling, and above all, spending time with this kids and grandkids. Mark was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.

Left to cherish Mark’s legacy are his parents, Charles and Lucille Reif of Plainville; children, Vincent (Brittany) Reif of Pittsburg, KS, Patrick Reif of Plainville, Amber Reif of Lawrence, Peony (Kyle) Weber of Palco, and Callee Pfannenstiel of Hays; brothers, Michael (Emily) Reif of Hays, and Marvin Reif of Plainville; sisters, Tabea Reif of Hutchinson, Sarah McWhirter of Dighton, Laura (Kendall) Foss of Plainville, and Donna (Shane) Ochs of Grainfield; and grandchildren, Denali Reif, Keralina Reif, Kelsey Reif, and Kayley Reif.

Mark is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Neil McWhirter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. with burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Plainville. Visitation will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville on Thursday, September 12, 2019 with family receiving friends 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 P.M. 

Father Mark Berland

Father Mark A. Berland was born on December 14, 1948 to Fred and Eunice (Balthazor) Berland in Hays, Kansas. He was one of seven children and attended Zurich Public Schools until high school where he transferred to St. Francis Seminary in Victoria, Kansas. After graduating from high school he attended Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri and furthered his education at the Kenrick Theological Seminary School in St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into priesthood by Bishop Cyril Vogel on June 1, 1974 at the St. Ann Church in Zurich.

Father Mark Berland started his career as an associate pastor and assistant editor of “The Register” at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina. Throughout his years he was posted as an associate pastor, head pastor, and religion teacher. In 2009 until his passing in 2019 he was the pastor at the Sacred Heart Parish in Oberlin, the Sacred Heart Parish in Selden, and the Immaculate Conception Parish in Leoville.

Father Mark not only enjoyed spreading the word of God but away from the church he enjoyed coin and stamp collecting as well as restoring old tractors.

He is survived by his mother Eunice (Balthazor) Berland, sisters; Kay and husband Chris Basgall of Owosso, MI, Ann and husband Tim Zwink of Piedmont, OK, Mary and husband Gary Everett of Wilson, KS, Lois Mason of Ellis, KS, and Rebecca and husband George Cobb of Peoria, AZ; brother-in-law Deacon Walt Slingsby, as well as nieces and nephews.

Father Mark is preceded in death by his father, Fred Berland, sisters Carol Slingsby and Joan Berland, and a brother-in-law Robert Mason.

A Vigil and Rosary will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville on Sunday, July 21, 2019, the visitation will run from 4:00pm until the Vigil beginning at 7:00pm with a Knights of Columbus rosary to follow. A Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, July 22, 2019 starting at 11:00am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, with a burial following at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Zurich. Memorials are suggested to the Retired Priests Fund – Salina Diocese and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663. Online condolences can be left at plumeroverlease.com

Charles "Chuck" Arnold

Charles “Chuck” G. Arnold passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2019. The second of nine children to Simon “Sam” and Aldea (Plante) Arnold. Charles started his journey in rural Graham County on November 1, 1933. He was a farmer, house mover, military guided missile instructor, production man, gardener, and custodian. Through the years Charles wore many hats, but his favorite was being Grandpa/Uncle Chuck. Chuck also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Charles married Jonnie C.L. Sledge on November 21, 1959 in Colby, Kansas. Chuck and Jonnie had four children; Anita (Ed) Sabatka, Loretta (Dave) Studer, Jeff (Cindy) Arnold, and Brian (Casey) Arnold. He had nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Family gatherings with his sisters Darlene (Gerald) Hutfles, Donna (Ron) Sis, Pat (Jim) Prochazka, Bertha (Kenny) Brungardt, Paulette (Ray) Gerver, Pauline (Kenny) Micek, Geralda (Jim) Keith, and brother Jim (Adeline), were always a favorite time.

Chuck was happily coerced into many shenanigans by his grandchildren who will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his sons Brian (Casey) Arnold of Plainville, KS, Jeff (Cindy) Arnold of Staplehurst, NE; daughter, Loretta (David) Studer of Atwood, KS, sisters, Donna (Ron) Sis of McCook, Pat (Jim) Prochazka of Atwood, Bertha (Kenny) Brungardt of Victoria, Paulette (Ray) Gerver of McCook, Pauline (Kenny) Micek of Atwood, and Geralda (Jim) Keith of Hill City; brother Jim (Adeline) Arnold of Colby.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Simon and Aldea (Plante) Arnold, his wife Jonnie, daughter Anita, and sister Darlene Hutfles.

Mass and Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church with a Parish Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663.

Keith Mongeau

Keith E. Mongeau, 68, passed away Friday, July 12, 2019 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. He was born in Plainville, Kansas on January 25, 1951 to Levi and Grace (Meyers) Mongeau. He attended and graduated from Palco High School. After graduation, he attended Fort Hays State University. Keith was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. On August 21, 1971 he married the love of his life, June Fisher in Zurich, Kansas. They were blessed with three children, Matthew, Scott, and Laurie.
Keith worked for Kansas Nebraska Energy/Midwest Energy for forty-four years, served as Fire Chief with the Plainville Fire Department and raised crops. Even after his retirement from Midwest Energy and the fire department, he continued his passion for farming. Keith was an excellent farmer and took pride in being a remarkable steward of the land. When he was not farming he enjoyed working on and showing his antique tractors and trucks, gardening and entertaining others with his storytelling. His next passion project, prior to his passing was beginning the restoration of the actual 1966 Chevy Impala Super Sport he owned in high school that he recently discovered in a local wrecking yard.
Visiting Yellowstone National Park, Four-wheeling in Little Sahara State Park and taking in the sun in California were three of his favorite activities and places to visit. The greatest love of his life was caring for his family and spoiling his grandchildren.
Keith is survived by his wife June of the home, Plainville, Kansas; sons, Matthew (Janelle) of LaCrosse, Kansas and Scott (Karen) residing in Trabuco Canyon, California; daughter, Laurie Augustine (Craig) of Plainville, Kansas; brothers, Greg (Kaylene) of Bullard, Texas and Gail (Clarise) of Plainville, Kansas; and sister, Sheila Deckert (Ross) of Colorado; grandchildren, Samantha Tremblay (Ryan), Brooklyn Miller (Josh), Meghan Augustine, Brianna Augustine, Kale Mongeau, Kinley Mongeau, and Ally Mongeau; great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Cooper and Carter Tremblay.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Grace Mongeau.
A funeral service is planned for Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas. Visitation will be held Monday, July 15, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St. Plainville, Kansas 67663. Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com
Keith was a benevolent man who deeply loved his family. The family asks you to remember all the best times, the laughter, the stories and his love of life. He will undoubtedly be looking down from heaven and hold you deeply in his heart.

Edwin Dreher

Edwin (Eddie) Dreher, age 86 of Plainville passed away Friday, May 31, 2019 in Plainville.  He was born Aug. 14, 1932 in Schoenchen, Kansas to Joseph C. and Philomena (Klaus) Dreher.  He was married to Caroline Jacobs on Aug. 6, 1951.

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Donley Fidelis Ruder

Donley F. Ruder, 79, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. He was born on the family farm near Zurich, Kansas to Edmund and Martina (Dingus) Ruder. Don was a simple farm kid who learned to be detailed in his work through drilling straight lines of wheat, learned to be flexible through harvesting depending on the weather, and learned to weld, blacksmith and build out of necessity. Don went from the farm to Kansas State University (KSU). In 1960, he graduated from KSU with a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering Degree (B.S.E.E.).  

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Lawrence Joseph Havlas

Lawrence “Larry” Jospeh Havlas passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 74. He was born on January 17, 1945 in Kansas City, MO to the late Joseph and Clara (Seck) Havlas. Larry spent the majority of his life in Plainville and he graduated from Plainville High School in 1963. After his graduation he managed the family farm until he switched occupations and became a motor carrier. He was united in marriage to Glenda Anderson and was blessed with three children: Mike, Melissa, and Matt. They later divorced. 

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Rita Catherine Erickson

Rita Catherine (Hake) Erickson passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 90. She was born on April 1, 1928 in Bloom Township near Tipton, Kansas to the late John and Martha (Adam) Hake. In 1949 she was united in marriage to Raymond Mayhew. They were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Donna. In August of 1964 they divorced. 

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Bill Dean Lumpkins

Bill Dean Lumpkins passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the age of 83. He was born on June 10, 1935 in Plainville, Kansas to Marion and Nevella (Benedick) Lumpkins. Bill married Virginia Malin on July 3, 1969 in Plainville. 

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Rex Parron Curry

Rex Parron Curry passed away January 5, 2019 at the Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 85. He was born July 14, 1933 in Osborne County, Kansas to Floyd and Edna (Rogers) Curry. Rex married Darlene Thibault on June 24, 1957 at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Osborne, Kansas. To this union five children were born: Kendall, Cheryl, Dale, Mark, and Darren. 

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