Local Obituaries for Topeka, Kansas & Shawnee County
Jay Toelkes
Dec 29, 2025
What a journey Jay Toelkes had in his earthly life. He passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at Harmony House Memory Care in Salem, Oregon where he had resided for the last ten months. His wife, Sharon Janney-Toelkes, was by his side, and had lovingly cared for him at home in Silverton, Oregon for five years prior.
Jay was born...
Bernard Joseph Grace
Apr 9, 2026
Bernard Joseph Grace, 84, of Topeka, passed away on April 9, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House, in Manhattan, Kansas.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00am, Wednesday, April 15, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.
More information will be posted soon.
Karen Ann Gross
Apr 7, 2026
Karen Ann Gross, age 83, of Topeka, KS, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Topeka.
She was born the daughter of William Hugh and Agnes Louise (DeKeyser) Koehler on June 30, 1942, in Topeka. Karen was a 1960 graduate from Highland Park High School, and she furthered her education at Washburn University. She then entered the workforce and...
Donald James Weick
Apr 6, 2026
Donald James “Don” Weick, resident of Topeka, peacefully passed away at the age of 92 on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Midland Hospice House. Born on January 1, 1934, in Hamlin, Kansas, Don was a beloved son of James Allen and Gladys Opal (Hornbeck) Weick. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1952 and continued his studies at Highland Community...
Mary Rita Hillin
Apr 5, 2026
Mary Rita Hillin, age 82, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on April 5, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital.
Mary was born on December 16, 1943, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Cyrus Garland Platt and Dorris (Kerrick) Platt. She was raised with strong values rooted in faith, education, and service, principles that guided her throughout her life.
Mary was a proud graduate...
Margaret Louise Comeau
Apr 4, 2026
Margaret Louise Comeau, age 98, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
A Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at St. Matthew Catholic Church is pending.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.
Carol M. (Eck) Debacker
Apr 3, 2026
Carol M. (Eck) Debacker, age 63, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Rolling Hill Assisted Living in Topeka.Carol was born on July 19, 1962, in Topeka, Kansas, to James “Jim” G. and Mary Louise (Moranz) Eck and was one of seven siblings. She was raised near Meriden on the family farm, where life was rooted...
Jacob Edmund Mertz
Mar 30, 2026
Jacob Edmund “Jake” Mertz, 81, of Topeka, peacefully passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Midland Hospice House. Born on November 3, 1944, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Harold A. and Edna L. (Hutchinson) Mertz, Jake’s life was marked by devotion, kindness, and a deep commitment to family and community.
A proud graduate of Wamego High School in 1962, Jake furthered...
Charles "Charlie" R. Mowery, Jr.
Mar 30, 2026
Charles “Charlie” Mowery, Jr., age 70, of Carbondale, KS, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Carbondale, following a brief illness.
He was born on October 1, 1955, in Oklahoma City, OK, the child of Charles Mowery, Sr. and the son of Michael and Alice Brown.
Charlie graduated from Burlingame High School in 1973...
Kenneth S. Bina
Mar 27, 2026
Kenneth “Ken” S. Bina, 78, of Topeka, passed away on March 27, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ken was born on December 31, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Thomas and Margaret Bina. He graduated from Warren Travis White High School in Dallas, Texas in 1966 and attended North Texas College from 1967 to 1968. During...
Leon Hernandez, Jr.
Mar 23, 2026
Leon Hernandez, Jr., age 84, of Topeka, KS, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Topeka.
Leon was born the son of Pantaleon ‘Leon’ Hernandez, Sr., and Juanita ‘Jennie’ (Alonzo) Hernandez on June 12, 1941, in Overton, Nebraska.
He attended Curtis Junior High School and graduated in 1960 from Topeka High School. Following graduation, Leon answered the...
Ann (Foreman) Dickhoff
Mar 22, 2026
Ann (Foreman) Dickhoff, age 78, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Topeka.
She was born the daughter of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” and Mary Ann (Writt) Foreman on September 12, 1947, in Topeka, Kansas. Ann attended and graduated from Hayden High School in 1965. She continued her education at Washburn University, where she earned her Bachelor...
Brett A Washburn
Mar 20, 2026
Brett A. Washburn, 47, of Gardner, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born April 27, 1978, in Junction City, Kansas, to Gerald and Linda (Winters) Washburn.
Brett graduated from Raytown High School in 1996. He worked as an I.T. Help Desk Support Supervisor with Williams Lea at Shook, Hardy, &...
Kenneth "Kenny" D. Olson
Mar 17, 2026
Kenneth “Kenny” D. Olson, age 93, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Topeka.
He was born the son of Lawrence H. and Olive (Perry) Olson on October 14, 1932, in Silver Lake, KS. Following graduation from Silver Lake High School, Kenny enlisted in the United States Army and was honorable discharged.
When Kenny returned home, he worked...
Brian Servantez
Mar 10, 2026
Brian Servantez, age 50, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
He was born on July 28, 1975, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Ernest Servantez and Bonnie (Comp) Florez. Brian spent his career working in automotive parts sales for several companies in the Topeka area, where he was known as a dependable and hardworking employee.
Brian had a deep love for...
Marie Margueritte Carter
Mar 9, 2026
Marie Margueritte Carter, 93, of Topeka, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, at Celebration Villa.
She was born April 3, 1932, in Vendoevre, France, to Henrie and Andre (Caperelle) Matinier. She grew up and attended high school in Paris, as well as working at the Waterman Pen Factory.
Marie met Ulysses Carter during his time in the military while he was stationed...
Ruby Mayetta Collins
Mar 6, 2026
Ruby Mayetta Collins, 71, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away at her home on March 6, 2026.
Ruby was born on January 3, 1955, to Henry and Freddie (Graham) Collins. She graduated from Highland Park High School and later attended Washburn Technical College.
Ruby attended Wanamaker Seventh-day Adventist Church in Topeka. She was a person who valued her independence and lived life in...
Michael P. Mayo
Mar 6, 2026
Michael “Mike” Patrick Mayo, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka.
He was born the son of Michael and Jean (Stewart) Mayo on June 24, 1954, in Topeka, Kansas. Following his post-secondary education, Mike built a career as an Electronics Technician, where he worked on machinery for the United States Postal Service. After his...
Phyllis Ann Jansen
Mar 6, 2026
Phyllis was born at Newman Hospital in Emporia, Kansas, daughter of Guy and Myrtle (Varvel) Hunter.
Guy had to borrow a tire from a neighbor first so they could get to Emporia (rubber was scarce then from WWII).
She grew up on a farm in Aliceville and went to school in a one room schoolhouse at Avondale. She was in the last...
Katherine "Katie" Lynne Phillips
Mar 5, 2026
Katie Phillips, of Topeka, KS, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026. She went quietly and peacefully in her sleep, to be forever with the Lord.
Katherine Lynne Phillips was born on February 26, 1988, in Coldwater, Michigan, the daughter of Ray Allen Phillips and Cheri Marie Phillips (now Smith), twin to her sister Christina. Katie spent her early education years at...
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