Obituaries - Angels Above Cremation Services

Robert Joe Blede

Obituaries 02 December 2020

July 13, 1947 - November 30, 2020

Joe Blede, 73, of Carbondale, Kansas passed away peacefully at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas Monday evening, November 30, 2020. Memorial Services will be held at a later date due to COVID-19.

Robert Joe Blede was born July 13, 1947 in North Platte, Nebraska, the youngest child of Harlan Edgar and Della B. (Lewis) Blede. He was named after his uncle Joe George Lewis. As a young child, Joe lived in Brady, Nebraska and helped at the Blede homestead in Brady. When Joe was eight years old, he moved with his parents, brother, and sister to a farm near Overbrook, Kansas in 1955. Joe helped with his daily farm chores and attended school in Overbook, graduating from Overbrook High School with the Class of 1965.

After graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy on May 10, 1966, serving as an E-5 until February 15, 1970. After returning from the service, Joe attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1974. Joe then returned to the service, serving in the Army National Guard as an E-5 from August 10, 1976 to July 21, 1978. He then transferred to the Kansas Air National Guard and retired as an E-7 on August 9, 1992. While in the Air National Guard, Joe served in security and as a customs inspector in Topeka with the 190 the Air Refueling Wing, also known as the “Kansas Coyotes.” His nickname was “G.I. Joe.” He was very proud to have served as an E-5 in three different branches of the United States Military.

Joe married Karen Ranee (Vail) Gleason on July 12, 1990 at the Pomona Lake Dam Outlook in Vassar, Kansas. Joe was a farmer and enjoyed watching the many deer and coyotes on his property. He was especially proud of his many John Deere tractors over the years. Joe also enjoyed driving his 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, playing the lottery, and going to the casino. He was notorious among his family for his good luck. Those who truly knew Joe knew he was a very giving person. Joe had lived in Carbondale for 35 plus years.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Della Blede; brother, Harlan Lewis Blede; and sister Catherine Lou (Blede) Turner.

Joe is survived by Karen Blede; step-son Kirk Gleason of Neodesha, KS; two nieces, Lisa (Blede) Dye of Overland Park, KS and Ann (Turner) O’Brien of Burnsville, NC; two nephews, Mike Blede of Raymore, MO and Greg Turner of Gainesville, FL; as well as six cousins.

Joe will be cremated and a private burial will be held at the Washington Creek Cemetery in Douglas County, Kansas next to his parents, brother, and sister.

Carolyn Roberta Strawbridge

Obituaries 01 December 2020

October 05, 1948 - November 29, 2020

Carolyn Roberta Strawbridge (nee Deloach) passed away on November 29, 2020 in Topeka, Kansas. Carolyn was born in Miami, Florida to Felix and Marion Deloach on October 5, 1948, and spent her childhood in Savannah, Georgia.

Carolyn celebrated 43 years of marriage to Evan Strawbridge, and they called home to many places around the world before retiring in Kansas. She was a devoted mother to Sheree, who cherished her protective maternal love that passed through the generations from Carolyn’s mother on to granddaughter Katherine.

Carolyn also had a distinguished 32 year career in the Army civil service where she was highly respected in every duty station she worked. After her retirement, Carolyn and Evan enjoyed traveling the country in their RV. Carolyn was most known to family, friends, and colleagues for her kindness, loyalty, generosity, and warm smile. She will be dearly missed.

Ralph Larry Lorentzen

Obituaries 30 November 2020

August 04, 1941 - November 16, 2020

Ralph Larry Lorentzen passed November 16, 2020 surrounded by family. He was born August 4th, 1941 in Norton, Washington to Thomas and Veryl Lorentzen. He was raised in Darby, MT. Joined the Air Force after graduating from Darby High School in December 1959. Met Sandra K Walter in Great Falls, MT. They married on November 25th, 1961. Lived on various Air Force bases during 26 years of service. Retired December 31st, 1985 in Mountain Home, ID. Moved to Grangeville, ID October 1987. Worked for Highland Enterprise as a mechanic and master blaster. In 2011, moved to Topeka, KS to live with his daughter Susan Naylor. He was a member of the Meriden Antique Engine and Threshing Association. He enjoyed working on antique engines, watching the Seattle Seahawks play football and NASCAR. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Archie, sister Pauline, wife Sandra, son Charles, granddaughter Angelique R Stewart. Survived by his children Thresa (“Terri”) Stewart, Max Lorentzen, Susan Naylor (Gary), and Lawrence Lorentzen. His grandchildren Desiree Naylor, Harvey (“JJ”) Stewart III, Margaux (“Maggie”) Stewart, Patricia Naylor, Rachel Clark (Brian). Great grandchildren Alice Michele Leann Cox and Michael Thomas Ramirez.

There will be no services at this time instead there will be a burial in Harpster, ID in the spring of 2021. Memorial contributions may be made to Meriden Antique Engine & Thresher Association 25655 Parallel Rd Tonganoxie KS 66086.

Quinton Parks Unruh

Obituaries 27 November 2020

March 23, 1978 - November 23, 2020

Quinton Parks Unruh, age 42, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020, in Topeka, Kansas at Stormont Vail Hospital. Quint was unexpectedly taken from us due to complications from a very short battle with metastasized colorectal cancer.

Quint was born on March 23, 1978, to Scott Unruh and Terry (Sheern) Singer in Dodge City, Kansas. He grew up in Garnett, Kansas, and also spent a few years of his youth living in Page, Arizona. He attended Emporia State University (ESU) where he earned a Master of Science, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

Quint met his wife, Jenni (Weller) Unruh, at ESU in 1999. They were married on October 6, 2006, and have two beautiful children Osiris (age 12), and Arianna (age 9). Quint’s kids meant the world to him. He loved them fiercely! He was passionately involved with all of their activities from sports to academics and was their biggest advocate.

Quint was also passionate about giving back to others and spent most of his career working in the non-profit sector including Boys and Girls Club, Shawnee County Parks and Rec, Boy Scouts, and Midland Care. He spent the last five years of his career working in Emergency Management, first with Shawnee County Health Department and most recently as a Preparedness Exercise Officer for the State of Kansas Emergency Management.

Richard Lee (Dick) Rokey

Obituaries 25 November 2020

March 21, 1938 - November 21, 2020

Richard Lee (Dick) Rokey was born the eldest child of Andrew Peter Rokey and Mary Kathryn Noble Rokey on March 21, 1938 in Sabetha, KS. He died November 21, 2020 in Topeka, KS after contracting COVID-19.

Dick attended Sabetha schools. His early years were spent in the Old Albany Schoolhouse, 3 miles north of town (now a historic site and museum). Dick graduated from Sabetha High School in May of 1956. He was highly dedicated to their athletics program, playing football, basketball, and running track for the Blue Jays. He also played catcher on the Sabetha Legion Baseball team coached by his dad Andy for 5 years.

In 1955 Dick enlisted in the Kansas National Guard, Battery B, Sabetha, and then the United States Navy in December of 1956. He was honorably discharged in 1962 as Company 693's Honor Man.

After leaving active duty in December of 1960 Dick moved to Topeka and began working for the AT&SF Railway. In 1963 Dick quit the railroad and went into the automobile service station business, which he labored at for 16 years. In 1979 he went back to Santa Fe (later becoming BNSF) where he spent the rest of his career, retiring in August of 2003.

Kenneth Allen Luginbill

Obituaries 24 November 2020

December 13, 1954 - November 16, 2020

In Loving Memory of

Kenneth Allen Luginbill

1954 -2020

Kenneth “Ken” Allen Luginbill, 65, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at Legend Healthcare in Tonganoxie, Ks.

Ken was born December 13, 1954, in Seneca, Ks, the son of Allen E and Viola “Ruby”(Medley) Luginbill. He graduated from Nemaha Valley High School in 1972.

Ken married Doris Wessel on June 2, 1979 and they moved to Topeka, Ks. They had two daughters, Audrey and Liza and later divorced. In 1991 he had a son, Shawn with his long time partner, Kathy Liable. They also later separated.

Ken worked most of his life as a janitor for 501 Schools and most recently at First Presbyterian Church. He was well known and well liked by many. He enjoyed collecting and talking about antiques. He liked Hot Rods and Rock n’ Roll. He liked small town restaurants with home style cooking. He enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and walking his dog Buddy. Most of all he loves spending time with his children. Whether it be lunch dates with his daughter Audrey, going to the Farmers Market with his daughter Liza and granddaughter Ellen, shooting guns with his son Shawn or family gatherings. Ken was the happiest when he saw his children’s happiness. He taught his children to be strong, hardworking, kind, loving, accepting of others, and humble. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Steven Charles Conklin

Obituaries 17 November 2020

August 15, 1952 - October 28, 2020

Steven (Steve) Charles Conklin

Steve Conklin, 68, of Hoyt, formerly of Topeka, was born August 15, 1952 and passed on October 28, 2020. He was one of five children born to Charles W. Conklin Jr. and Shirley J. Conklin (Hanes). His siblings, in birth order Janice Conklin, Anna Reece (Charlie), Peggy Smith, and Scott Conklin (Allison). He was preceded in death by his father and sister Peggy Smith.

He had two children he was very proud of, in birth order, Brett Conklin (Amber) and Kristen Conklin. He dearly loved his two grandchildren Holdyn Ryberg and Charlise Conklin.

The love of his life, his wife of more than 20 years, Danna Gibbs, was with him to the end.

Steve was a veteran of the Army. He was an Electrician employed at the Kansas Neurological Institute where he retired. During his career he worked at Washburn University, he was a certified Locksmith, and he was a Pyrotechnician setting up public fire works displays for the annual Go 4th event.

Peggy Lou Simkins Kuehl

Obituaries 12 November 2020

January 09, 1940 - November 06, 2020

Peggy Lou Simkins Kuehl, 80, of Topeka, gained her angel wings on Friday November 6, 2020.

Peggy was born January 9, 1940 in Braymer, Mo. the daughter of Willie J. and Mary B. Cox Simkins. Peggy grew up and attended school in Emmett, Ks, where she graduated in 1958.

Peggy married Walter ‘Ed’ Kuehl on Oct. 2, 1960. He proceeded her in death in 2016.

Survivors include two daughters, Erika Kuehl and Erin Kuehl, both of Topeka. She is also survived by her three grandsons, Andrew Kelley, of Middleton, Wisconsin, Keegan Kelley and Caden Kelley, both of Topeka, Ks. Peggy is survived by two
sisters, Carol Blenn of Westmoreland, Ks and Patsy Calhoun of Topeka, Ks. Peggy was proceeded in death by her parents, Willie J. and Mary B. Simkins; and siblings Helen, Gene, Annivieve, Genevieve, Donald, June, Ivan and Dick.

Respecting her wishes, Peggy has been cremated and private family services will be held at a later date.

Sharon Elaine Gardner

Obituaries 12 November 2020

September 09, 1954 - November 08, 2020

Sharon Elaine Gardner, age 66, of Topeka, Kansas passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, November 8th, 2020. Sharon was born on September 9, 1954 and spent much of her life in Valley Falls.

Sharon enjoyed a life surrounded by friends and family and treasured spending time with Susie and the girls. She would do anything for her family, and never gave up on them or herself. She was a fighter, strong at heart, and will never be forgotten.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, an infant child, Melissa Jo Gardner, and a grandchild, Lily Railynn Wires. She leaves behind a daughter, Susan Elaine Wires, Topeka, KS, two grandchildren, Harley and Makenzie Wires, a sister, Joanna Haraldson, Branson, MO, and lots of nieces and nephews. There were also many others that called her mom and grandma which she claimed as her own. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We will miss her sense of humor, her quick wit, and her ever-present smile.

Ronald Eugene Morgan, Sr.

Obituaries 11 November 2020

January 31, 1937 - November 04, 2020

Ronald “Ron” Eugene Morgan, Sr was born January 31, 1937 and passed on November 4, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents were Charles “Charlie” Morgan and Mary Bessie Morgan (Provolt) and two brothers: Charles “Chuck” Morgan and Frank Morgan. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Philime “Phil” Morgan. Ron married Nathaleen Vorhies in April, 1962 and had three children, Ronald E. Morgan, Jr; Michelle Morgan (Rouse); and Rebecca “Becky” Morgan (Hanika). Ron married Philime “Phil” Carathers on May 24, 1972 taking her two children, Deborah “Deb” Good (Carathers) and Marc Carathers, as his own to raise. Ron and Phil built a home on Carlson Road in 1974 and both remained on the home property until their passings. He is survived by all five children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Robert Joe Blede

Carolyn Roberta Strawbridge

Ralph Larry Lorentzen

Quinton Parks Unruh

Richard Lee (Dick) Rokey

Kenneth Allen Luginbill

Steven Charles Conklin

Peggy Lou Simkins Kuehl

Sharon Elaine Gardner

Ronald Eugene Morgan, Sr.

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