CLASS OF 1970
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FALLEN SALT HAWKS
In Remembrance Of Fallen Classmates & TeachersWithout Them Our Lives Would Not Be The Same
(Click On Rose For Our Fallen Classmates & Teachers List)
Life is precariously short.
Here is the obituary for Robert "Bob" Ashcraft as posted on the funeral home website on 12/24/2011:
Robert “Bob” Jay Ashcraft, age 59, of Elkhart, Kansas died December 21, 2011 at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born October 17, 1952 in Wichita, Kansas the son of Leo Elmer and Jacqueline Dever (Hefnider) Ashcraft.
Robert graduated from Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Kansas. He also attended Hutchinson Community College, Wichita State University and graduated at Portland, Oregon. Robert served in the United States Air Force for eleven years. He lived in Aurora, Colorado and operated a central vacuum business. He moved to Elkhart in February 2009. Robert was an assistant manager for the Love’s convenience store in Guymon, Oklahoma. He enjoyed spending time with his Labrador dog, Raven; hunting, fishing, and was an accomplished musician.
Survivors include wife, Lori Ann Brelesford; son, David Christopher Ashcraft of New Jersey; daughter, Kristine Caroline Ashcraft of Seattle, Washington; brother, James Dean Ashcraft of Wichita, Kansas; sister, Eudon Lee Ashcraft-Dutton of Elkhart, Kansas.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial service and interment will be held at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. Arrangements are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.
Please visit Garand Funeral Home to leave a personal message for Bob's family.
Rest In Peace Bob. You will be missed for sure.
The cycle of life forges relentlessly onward.
My absolute favorite coach at HHS has passed away. I am glad to have known this man. He was so good to me. I hope you all feel the same way too.
Below is Coach Woody Kramer's obituary as published in The Hutchinson News on September 16, 2011:
Woodrow M. "Woody" Kramer, 92, of Hutchinson, died September 15, 2011, at Elm Grove Estates in Hutchinson.
Woody was born December 10, 1918, at Ft. Scott, the son of William and Gertrude Payne Kramer. He graduated from Olathe High School in 1936, Ft. Scott Junior College, and Pittsburg State Teachers College. He later received his masters degree in education at the University of Missouri, and an Education Specialist degree from Wichita State University. Woody moved to Hutchinson in 1946 as a biology teacher and head track coach at Hutchinson High School, and also was the assistant coach in football and basketball. In 1956, he became the athletic director, along with his teaching and coaching duties. He became full-time athletic director in 1975, and held that position until he retired in 1984. He spent a total of 39 years at Hutchinson High School. He also served for many years as the manager of the Kansas State High School Activities Association 3-A State Basketball Tournament held every year in Hutchinson.
Woody was a member of the First Christian Church, where he was a founding member and long-time "temporary" teacher of the Vota Vita Sunday School class; the Hutchinson Lions Club; a life-time member of both the Kansas and National Education Association; the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and was awarded the association's Distinguished Service Award in 1981. He was elected to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 1991, and was inducted into the Ft. Scott Community College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. Woody was a founding member of the Hutchinson Area Retired School Personnel Association (HARSPA), and a member of the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel (KARSP). He was also awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship through the Lions Club in July 2011.
Woody married Virginia E. Brumback on December 31, 1938, in Ottawa. She died June 20, 2004.
Survivors include: a daughter, Bobette Siemens and her husband Jim, Hutchinson; a grandson, Kramer Siemens, Hutchinson; a granddaughter, April Menzies, Longmont, Colorado; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2011, at the First Christian Church in Hutchinson, with the Rev. Jim Bell and the Rev. Melvin Walton presiding. Interment will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at Gardner Township Cemetery at Gardner, Ks. Visitation will be Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family greeting friends Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.
Memorial contributions can be given to the Woodrow M. "Woody" Kramer Memorial Scholarship Fund, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, Kansas, 67501. Visit Elliott Mortuary to leave your condolences.
09/23/2011 / Rest In Peace Coach. You will be missed for sure.
Life goes on for most of us, but sadly, not for some of us, as another one of our dear classmates recently passed away.
Here is the obituary for Charlotte Bernard (King) as published in the Hutchinson News on 07/18/2011:
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Charlotte A. Bernard King, 59, died July 13, 2011. She was born March 4, 1952, to Kenneth E. and Lois W. Madison Bernard.
She married William A. King Dec. 31, 1988. He survives with brother, Howard; sisters, Maxine Johnson, Shelia Johnson, and Kennita Hairston; brothers-in-law, Raymond, James, and Robert Jr.; sisters-in-law, Sandra Haliburton, Rosa Perkins, Brenda Walker, and Gloria Hall; uncle, Charles; and aunts, Lucille Adams and Emma Castor.
Funeral noon Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service, Springfield, Ill.
07/18/2011 / May You Rest In Peace Charlotte. You will be missed.
Sadly, we have lost another one of our classmates.
Here is Richey Kopper's obituary as published in the Hutchinson News on 06/25/2011:
Ralph Richey Kopper, 59, died June 24, 2011, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Nov. 24, 1951, in Hutchinson, the son of A. Boyd and Helen B. Richey Kopper. He was a 1970 graduate of Hutchinson High School and took several courses at Hutchinson Community College. Richey started working for his family business Kopper Supply and continued working there when they sold to Shield Industries.
On Dec. 3, 1977, he married Linda K. Bronson in Hutchinson. She survives. Other survivors include: two daughters, Elizabeth Kay Mueting and husband Eric, Topeka, and Rebecca Joy Kopper, Hutchinson; three sisters, Patricia Winn, Mesa, Ariz., Linda Hogan, Pagosa Springs, Colo.; and Kathy Dube, Hutchinson; a granddaughter, Lainey Marie Mueting and one grandson on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at Elliott Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Kim Biery presiding. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Monday; cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Council of Reno County, in care of the mortuary. Please visit Elliott Mortuary to leave a personal message for Richey's family.
07/06/2011 / Rest In Peace Richey. You will be missed.
(Click Above For More Photos of Tom's Life)
This one is truly sad for different reasons. Two of which are in the photo above. Our fellow classmate Tom Moorman passed away on April 7, 2011 of an apparent heart attack. At the moment this is all the information I have. As more details are made available I will post them here. And yes, that is Sherri Gerdel in the photo above with Tom taken in January of this year. They look so happy together, don't they?
04/10/2011 / We will all miss you Tom.
04/13/2011 / As promised, here is the latest information I have regarding Tom Moorman’s passing. The note below is from Tom’s son Steve:
“As many of you may already know, my father Tom Moorman has passed away. He suffered from a heart attack sometime on Thursday and was found by family friends on Saturday Morning.
We will be holding a service to celebrate his life on Friday April 15th at 3:00 P.M. The event will take place at the Crown Hill Mortuary and Cemetery at 7777 W. 29th Avenue in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. A reception will follow.
Anyone wishing to attend from out of state may call 800-224-4177 and use our reference number 2379 to receive a bereavement travel plan to help with costs. The Westminster Hampton Inn will also offer a discount bereavement rate on your room when you tell them you're coming for the Tom Moorman funeral. They can be reached at 303-427-0700.
Thank you for all the kindness that everyone has already shown myself and my family. We greatly appreciate everyone and hope you can join us on the 15th.”
04/14/2011 / Here is Tom's obituary:
Thomas W. Moorman, age 58, of Arvada, Clorado, passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 7, 2011.
Born August 18, 1952, Tom was raised in Hutchinson,Kansas. He was a graduate of the HHS Class of 1970 and a graduate of the University of Kansas where he earned degrees in journalism and psychology. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After working in the classified advertising department at the Kansas City Star, Tom graduated from the Washburn University School of Law in 1981. He was an Associate Comments Editor for the Washburn Law Journal. He practiced law in the Denver area, formerly as a staff attorney for the Colorado State of appeals, and more recently as an attorney in private practice.
His parents, Dr. Victor and Mrs. Virginia Moorman, of Hutchinson, KS, and his wife, Sherri Vincent, preceded Tom in death. Survivors include his son, Steven Moorman, of Fort Collins, CO; sister, Nancy (David) Silverforb of Prairie Village, KS; and brother, Bruce (Tauni)Moorman of Overland Park, KS. In addition, he leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who have loved him dearly and will miss him sorely.
Tom will be remembered as a steadfast man defined by his quick, dry wit, keen intellect and unwavering loyalty for those whom he loved. Services, Friday, April 15, 2011 3pm, OlingerCrown Hill, 29th & Wadsworth. Donations in Tom's memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary to offer condolences.
Goodbye Tom. May you rest in peace.
This one saddens me greatly. Coach Jones passed away on October 29, 2010.
Some people come into your life and don't make much of an impact at all. Coach Jones was not that person, at least not in my life. Words cannot express the impact he had on my life back in 1966 as my coach and teacher in 9th grade at Central Jr. High School. I'm sure some of you feel the same way too.
Below is Coach Jones' obituary as published in the Hutchinson News on November 2, 2010:
Harold R. Jones, 84, formerly of Hutchinson, died Oct. 29, 2010, at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence, Kan. He was born June 14, 1926, in Oxford, Kan., the son of Forrest P. and Ethyl M. Ransom Jones.
Harold graduated from Oxford High School in 1944. He then joined the Navy and served in WWII as a Signalman 2nd Class from 44-46. Upon returning to the United States, he returned to school and received his Bachelors from Oklahoma A & M and his Masters from Wichita State University. He was a teacher and a coach, working first at Dexter High School from 50 to 52, then Hoisington Junior High from 52 to 57, Hutchinson Junior High 57 to 67, then in Hutchinson at Allen Elementary as Principal 67 to 72, Liberty Middle School 72 to 85 and retired from Hutchinson High School as assistant principal in 1988. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.
On Dec. 17, 1949, he married Lela M. Kisselburg in Wichita. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Dr. David A. Jones and wife, Marsha; granddaughter, Kristen D. Gill and husband, Jarrod; grandson, Greg A. Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Treven and Kendel Gill, all of Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his parents and a twin brother, Hobart L. Jones.
Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church with Reverend Pat Ault-Duell presiding. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in care of the mortuary. Please visit Elliott Mortuary to leave a personal message for Mr. Jones' family.
11/03/2010 / Rest In Peace Coach.
It is a sad day today. Bill Pierson passed away on January 23, 2010. Below is his obituary as published in the Hutchinson News on January 24, 2010:
William Victor "Bill" Pierson, 57, died January 23, 2010, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born April 17, 1952, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Clyde Allison and Maurine Henrietta Buggeln Pierson. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1970. Bill then joined the Air Force, serving in Vietnam and retiring as a Tech Sergeant after nearly 20 years of service.
On May 29, 1971, he married Bonnie Kay Baker in South Hutchinson. She survives. Other survivors include: three daughters, Ashelle Doolittle, Stacie Bartley and Mandie Works and husband Nathan, all of Midwest City, Okla.: a sister, Trudy Stucky and husband Al of Sunrise Beach, Texas; a brother, Dennis Pierson and wife Edith of South Hutchinson; a sister, Peggy Webb and husband Brian of Castleton; a sister, Penny Wilt and husband Brad of Abbyville; and four grandchildren, Jade Kuntz, Brock Doolittle, Christopher and Jonathan Bartley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Thomas Webb.
Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday January 26, 2010, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Richard Foster presiding. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. until service Tuesday at the mortuary. Memorials may be made to Hospice House, or the American Cancer Society, both in care of the mortuary. Please visit Elliott Mortuary to leave a personal message for the family.
01/25/2010 / To send your condolences to Bill's family, and particularly to his wife Bonnie, click here.
Here is the email:
Robin - Barbara's sister, Norma (68 Class), emailed me last night that Barbara passed away. She had been very sick (I believe cancer) and Norma said she was being cared for at home and passed away with her son holding her hand and her husband by her side. I knew you would want to know this. I'm getting ready to notify my group of classmates of Norma's family's loss. Sorry about the news of a HHS 70 classmate passing. Hope your holiday season is going great. Tom Wilson (68 Class).
Below is Barbara's obituary as listed on the Webb-Shinkle Mortuary Chapel website:
Barbara A. (Ruckman) Allenbach, age 57, USD 259 Para Educator, 25 yrs Cessna Cost Estimator, passed away Tues, Dec 22, 2009. Services, 2pm, Mon, Webb-Shinkle Mortuary Chapel, Clearwater, KS.
Survivors: husband of 32 years, Aaron; sons, David (Jennifer) Allenbach of Haysville, Matthew (fiancee Stacy) Allenbach of Clearwater; parents, Raymond "Rocky" Ruckman and Eula (Hause) Holcomb of Hutchinson; sister, Norma (Lynn) Exposito of Partridge, KS, Nancy (Rick) Hostetler of Moapa, NV; brother, Ron (Linda) Ruckman of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Keedan, Kellen, Bryce. Memorial: Hospice Care of Kansas, 314 N. Washington, Wellington, KS 67152.
12/26/2009 / To send your condolences to Barbara's family click here.
Below is the obituary for Mary Haen as listed on the Elliott Mortuary website:
Mary J. Haen, 56, died Oct. 7, 2009, at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. She was born Dec. 9, 1952, in Hutchinson, to Bill J. and Charolean Willis Haen. She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1970, then graduated from Sidney's Hairdressing College, and attended Hutchinson Community College. A lifelong resident of Hutchinson, she had worked as a secretary for the Kansas Department of Transportation, previously worked at the State of Kansas SRS Office, and was recently doing temporary work at St. Francis Academy.
Survivors include: her father, Bill J., Hutchinson; a brother, Bill D. and his wife, Cathie, Hutchinson; a nephew, Chad, Hutchinson; a niece, Jenny Rehse and husband, Bobby, Goddard; and a great-niece and nephew, Lauren and Brandon Rehse. She was preceded in death by her mother, Charolean Haen on July 10, 1995.
Cremation has taken place. Graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, in Penwell-Gable Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, with Pastor Henry Blickhahn presiding. Friends may sign the register from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.
Memorials may be sent to the M.D. Anderson Children's Hospital, the Shriner's Children's Hospital or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, all in care of the mortuary.
10/11/2009 / Condolences may be left at the Elliott Mortuary website.
Below is the obituary for Mary Rauh (Wrightsman) as reported in the "Topeka Capital Journal" on June 23, 2009:
Mary Elizabeth Wrightsman, 57, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009.
Mary was born October 22, 1951 in Hutchinson, Kansas, and was the daughter of Charles Edward and Elizabeth Mary (Maloney) Rauh. She was a 1970 graduate of Hutchinson High School, later graduating with a degree in Elementary Education from Washburn University in 1974. She taught at various schools in Topeka and surrounding areas. Mary was an active volunteer at Wanamaker Elementary and with Girl Scouts of America. She had a deep love for animals and cared for a number of family pets.
Mary married Calvin E. Wrightsman on July 22, 1978 in Hutchinson. He survives. Other survivors include her children, Courtney Elizabeth Salazar and husband Sean; Brenna Suzanne Hofelt and husband Brandon; Alyssa Caitlin Wrightsman, Cameron Charles Wrightsman and Terence Edward Wrightsman.
Mary will lie in state after 3 p.m., Wednesday, where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66617.
To leave a message for the family online please visit Penwell-Gabel.
06/23/2009 / Go here for more information. (pause music player at page bottom before clicking)
Below is Mr. Rolf's obituary as reported in "The Hutchinson News" on April 30, 2009:
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Ronald Dale Rolfs, 68, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2009, after a courageous, nearly two-year battle with brain cancer.
He was born March 17, 1941, in Ellsworth, to Walter George and Lydia Esther Schroeder Rolfs. He grew up on the family farm near Lorraine, along with his six older brothers and sisters.
A graduate of Lorraine High School and Sterling College - where he played basketball all four years - Ron received a master's degree from Kansas State University in 1964.
On Aug. 1, 1964, Ron married Dorothy Mae Dobrinski of Geneseo at the First Baptist Church, Lorraine. From 1964 to 1968 they lived in Hutchinson where Ron taught biology and chemistry at Hutchinson High School.
Ron attended dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City from 1968 to 1972. After his graduation, the family moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where Ron was stationed with the Indian Health Service, providing dental services for the people of Isleta and Jemez Pueblos. After leaving the Indian Health Service in 1974, Ron continued working as the full-time dentist for Isleta Pueblo for more than twenty additional years until a hand injury forced him to retire from dentistry. After retirement, Ron enjoyed keeping busy with his many hobbies as well as with babysitting his grandsons.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, LaVerne Trebilcock and Arlene Prentice; and a brother, Melvin Rolfs. Survivors include: his wife of 44 years, Dorothy; two daughters and sons-in-law: Rhonda and husband Ken Anderson and Valerie and husband Todd Reynolds, all of Albuquerque; one son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Martha Rolfs of Chicago, Ill.; two grandsons, Forrest Sumruld and Oliver Anderson of Albuquerque; two sisters, Marilyn Nickel and Lois Slabach, both of Clearwater; a brother and wife, Merle and Diane Rolfs of Ft. Collins, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Monday at Hoffmantown Baptist Church, Albuquerque, where Ron had been a member since 1972. Graveside services will take place at the Lorraine Cemetery in Lorraine, Kansas at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 30.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Eagles' Wings Youth Ranch, PO Box 465, Mountainair, NM 87036 or to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, 4901 Lang Ave. NE, 87109. Please visit the online guest book for Ronald at RememberTheirStory.com.
04/30/2009 / Go here for more information.
Here is Coach Krafels' obituary as reported in "The Hutchinson News" on April 4, 2008:
HUTCHINSON, KANSAS - Joe Krafels, 82, died April 2, 2008, at Hutchinson Hospital after a sudden illness.
He was born Aug. 4, 1925, at Scammon, the son of Joe and Nona Johnson Krafels. He graduated from Winfield High School and Wichita State University. He was a teacher and coach at Hoisington High School, coming to Hutchinson High in 1956, where he was the basketball coach for 12 years and served as Director of Student Activities until retiring in 1988.
Joe belonged to the First Baptist Church, the National Education Association, Hutchinson Retired Teachers Association and was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Hall of Fame in 1990.
On Nov. 23, 1949, he married Jane Wheeler at Oxford. She survives. Others survivors include: sons, Rodney, Rick and wife Cyndi, and Ron and wife Nancy; daughter, Carla Childs and husband Dan, all of Hutchinson; sister, Billie Anderson, Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey, John and Jennifer Krafels, Lindsey Koebel, Jill Roberts, Allison Cole, Savannah, Sydney and Austin Childs; three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Addison and Natalya Krafels.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford presiding. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorials may be sent to T.E.C.H., in care of the funeral home.
Personal condolences may be sent to Elliott Mortuary.
04/05/2008 / Go here for more information.
Here is Coach Meschke's obituary as reported in "The Hutchinson News" on March 11, 2008:
HUTCHINSON, KANSAS - Gus Meschke, 63, died March 9, 2008, at Hutchinson Hospital.
He was born July 20, 1944, in Hutchinson, the son of Marvin Gus and Norma Countryman Meschke. He graduated from Buhler High School, Hutchinson Junior College and Kansas State University, playing football at both Hutchinson and KSU. He recently was inducted in to the Buhler High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a lifetime resident of the Hutchinson area. Following his graduation from college, he taught in Great Bend and at Hutchinson High School. After teaching he went into construction and was the owner of Gus Meschke Construction Company.
On Sept. 21, 1985, he married Debbie Gibson in Tulsa, Okla. She survives.
Other survivors include: a son, Matt and his wife Kate, Wichita; a daughter, Jill Donahoe and husband Greg, Springdale, Ark.; his mother Norma Walker and her husband Marshall, Brownsville, Texas; his stepmother, Nan Meschke, Hutchinson; half brothers, Brad, Phoenix, Ariz., Jay, Overland Park, and Mark Walker, Carbondale, Colo.; a sister, Susan Stockwell, Tulsa, Okla.; and his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Mary Gibson, Hutchinson.
He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Meschke.
Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman, with the Rev. Tim Soule and the Rev. Dr. J. Konrad Rock. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Buhler High School or Dillon Nature Center, both in care of the mortuary.
Personal condolences may be sent to Elliott Mortuary.
You will be dearly missed Coach.
03/11/2008 / Go here for more information.
HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PASSING OF ANY OF OUR CLASSMATES OR FORMER TEACHERS NOT LISTED HERE? PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ME.
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