Local Obituaries for Topeka, Kansas & Shawnee County
Lyle Louis Dreher
Jan 18, 2025
Lyle L. Dreher, age 84, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in Topeka.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M., on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Big Springs, KS.
Memorial contributions can be made in Lyle's memory to St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery and/or Midland Hospice Care. Contributions can be left or...
Debra A. Littlefield
Jan 16, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Debra Littlefield, who left us on January 16, 2025, after a brave five-year battle with lung cancer. Born in November 1960, Debra's life was a testament to strength, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the causes that were closest to her heart.
Debra had a profound love for motorcycling, and...
Ellis Ray Dupree
Jan 16, 2025
Ellis “Ray” Dupree, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
He was born the son of Albert and Alma Beatrice (Coker) Dupree on December 21, 1934, in Sturgis, Kentucky. To escape a life in the Kentucky coal mines, Ray entered into the United States Air Force at the age of 17. His military career took him to many...
John Edward O'Flaherty
Jan 16, 2025
John Edward O'Flaherty, age 64, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
John was born on August 24, 1960, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Lawrence J. O'Flaherty, Sr. and Dolores M. (Eakes) O'Flaherty. He attended Highland Park High School before proudly serving in the United States Navy.
John was a skilled iron worker...
John Daniel McConnell
Jan 15, 2025
John Daniel “Dan” McConnell, 81, of Tecumseh, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at The University of Kansas Hospital St. Francis Campus.
He was born April 2, 1943, at home on the family farm in St. Joseph, Missouri, to John Reed McConnell and Dorothy Ellen (Waterman) McConnell. Dan graduated from Topeka High School in 1961 and went on to be a...
Don E. 'Rick' Taylor, Jr.
Jan 14, 2025
Don E. Taylor, Jr, was born and raised in Topeka and passed away peacefully in his home on January 14, 2025. Don was born on June 12, 1946, the son of Don E. Taylor, Sr. and Genevieve (Salmon) Taylor. He graduated from Topeka West High School, Class of ’64, and attended Washburn University. Rick was preceded in passing by his...
Virgil "Glenn" Proctor
Jan 14, 2025
Virgil “Glenn” Proctor, 80, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, after extended battles with cancer and dementia.
Glenn was born on October 16, 1944, in Holton, Kansas, to Virgil Guy Proctor and Merle Elizabeth (Conner) Proctor and grew up in Soldier, Kansas.
After graduating from Soldier High School, Glenn went on to earn his...
Amelia "Molly" Cervantez
Jan 13, 2025
Amelia “Molly” Cervantez, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Topeka.
Molly was born the oldest of seven children to Ramiro R. Valdivia, Sr., and Jenny Juna (Valdivia), on December 2, 1932, in Topeka.
She attended school at Grant Elementary and Curtis Junior High and night school at Highland Park High School. She then obtained a degree in...
Gary Wayne Grimes
Jan 10, 2025
Gary W. Grimes, 74, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2025.
Gary was born on January 29, 1950, to Gerald and Ellen Grimes in Hays, Kansas. Due to his father's construction work, Gary spent much of his childhood moving around Kansas, finally settling in Manhattan, KS, as he entered junior high. After graduating from Manhattan High School, Gary...
Ezekiel "Kelo" G. Arce
Jan 9, 2025
Ezekiel “Kelo” G. Arce, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
He was born October 4, 1933, in Nixon, TX, to Juan and Felicita Arce. He married the love of his life-our mother, Josephine (Cabrera) Arce. She preceded him in death.
He served in the United States Army. He is survived by his three sons, Anthony (Becky), Rene (Rose),...
Brian Lee McPherson
Jan 7, 2025
Brian McPherson, 66, of Topeka, passed away on January 7, 2025, at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
He was born on July 14th, 1958, in Topeka, the son of Wallace and Sue (Ferrin) McPherson.
Brian was an extremely hard worker his entire life. He was currently employed by Old Dominion and for many years previously, had co-operated a family business,...
Martha "Marty" Ann Bloomquist
Jan 6, 2025
A special spirit left us the night of the Topeka Blizzard. Martha Ann Bloomquist (Marty) died of a failing heart on January 6, 2025.
Anyone who met her learned quickly she met the world through a unique lens, part fun, part deep insight, always original. It was one of her many special gifts. As a result, every one of her friends...
Everett Noriega, Jr.
Jan 3, 2025
Everett Noriega Jr., 73, Topeka, Kansas, with family at his side, passed quietly into the arms of the Lord on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Everett was born December 6, 1951, in Topeka, the son of Ebaristo and Lucille Juarez Noriega.
Everett is survived by his wife, Beth Noriega and two youngest children, Anna Noriega and Noah Noriega. Survivors also include his daughter,...
Norman Theodore Kaufman
Dec 29, 2024
Norman Theodore Kaufman, 84, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Midland Hospice House.
He was born November 6, 1940, south of Dorrance, Kansas, to Fred Kaufman and Rose Cook Kaufman. Norman graduated from Dorrance High School in 1958 and went on to attend Hutchinson County Community College and Ft. Hays State University.
Norman married Joan Marie Thielen in...
Edward "Ed" Charles Rardin
Dec 28, 2024
Edward “Ed” Charles Rardin, age 71, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
He was born the son of the late William W. and Mary E. (Welch) Rardin on June 17, 1953, in Topeka, KS. Ed graduated from Topeka West High School.
Ed started working for Blue Cross & Blue Shield in their Information Technology Department on October 17,...
Patrick F. Perez
Dec 28, 2024
Patrick F. Perez, age 61, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital.
He was born the son of Richard M. and Victoria M. (Rodriguez) Perez on October 24, 1963.
On October 12, 1991, Patrick married his sweetheart, Debra K. Weaver at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka. Together, they shared 33 years of...
William "Bill" F. Knoebber
Dec 28, 2024
William “Bill” F. Knoebber, age 97, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
He was born the son of Frank and Marie (Uhlrich) on February 21, 1927, in Wamego, KS. During a pivotal time in America, Bill felt the calling to join the United States Navy during World War II and served with pride during the war.
On...
Diego Guerrero
Dec 28, 2024
Diego Guerrero, 63, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his home. Born on October 10, 1961, in Topeka, he was the son of Gabino Guerrero and Socorro Lopez Guerrero. Diego’s journey was marked by a deep commitment to faith, family, and community.
Diego attended Topeka High School and went on to earn an...
Teresa Sue Tinoco
Dec 27, 2024
Teresa Schroeder Tinoco, 70, of Topeka, passed away on December 27, 2024, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.
She was born on April 29, 1954, in Topeka, Kansas, to Ben E. Schroeder and Cecelia Elizabeth Boss Schroeder.
Teresa attended Assumption Grade School and graduated from Hayden High School in 1972.
She married Robert Tinoco, in October of 1975, and as a couple, they...
San Juana "Janie" Lira
Dec 25, 2024
For the safety and well-being of everyone, and with some streets still uncleared, the services for San Juana “Janie” Lira will now be held at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.
San Juana “Janie” Lira, 66, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Rolling Hills Retirement Community.
She was born December 31,...
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