July 02, 1990 - October 11, 2023

Kansas Cowboy Woodard, 33.

Of topeka, Kansas passed away wednesday October 11, 2023.

He was born July 2nd, 1990 in Lawrence KS.

Kansas was so special to so many people. His laugh was infectious, and his fun loving spirit made the world a better place. He always told the silliest jokes and stories. He gave the biggest hugs and loved to make other people laugh. He was a custodian at Farley elementary where he loved the teachers, kids and co workers.

He loved fishing, dogs, woodworking, and trucks. Could talk about dogs for hours. Enjoyed making new things and fixing old ones. Was a big dreamer, and always thinking of the next big thing. He had the best work ethic and did everything with integrity. 

Survived by:

3 July 1938 - 9 October 2023

John Banninger, 85, of Kanopolis Lake, passed away Monday, October 9th.

John served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the Norton Sound and the Ranger. He was a law enforcement officer for many years before taking a position with the Salina Airport Authority, where he was a supervisor until he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, cooking, woodwork, music and spending time with his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Genevieve; four children, Tracy (Donna) Banninger, Tina Banninger, Angela (Richard) McLaren, and Tim Banninger; six grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Banninger; his parents, John and Savilla Banninger; and a son, Michael Banninger.  

June 06, 1950 - October 09, 2023

Michael Phillip Willie, 73, passed away at home on October 9^th, 2023.  He was best known to his loved ones and friends as “Willie”.

Michael was born on June 6^th, 1950 in Topeka, Ks, to Martina and Phillip Willie.  He was an over the road truck driver for many years prior to retiring from Herrman’s Excavating.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and had a love of building and restoring classic cars.

Michael is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marcia Willie of Topeka, Ks.  Other surviving family members include a sister, Patricia Willie of Topeka, Ks, three daughters, Kristie Willie (Joe) of Scranton, Ks, Beth Ann Willie of Topeka, Ks, and Megan Sams of Topeka, Ks, three grandchildren, Ethan Sams, Sean Sams, and Hannah Sams, all of Topeka, Ks, as well as 6 step-children.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents. 

Celebration of Life will be held at Tecumseh Park, 4800 SE 2^nd St, Tecumseh, Ks, on October 22^nd, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.  All classic cars and hot rods are welcome, please come and park your cars in remembrance of “Willie”.

October 13, 1965 - September 19, 2023

Robbie Boettcher

Robbie Duane Boettcher, 57, of Rossville, passed away September 19, 2023. He was born October 13, 1965, to Vernon and Connie Boettcher and grew up in Richmond, then Topeka, Kansas. He graduated from Highland Park High School. He joined the United States Army in 1984 and was honorably discharged in 1988. Rob worked for Farmland/Ohse while living in Topeka, welded for the Alamo Group in Meriden, drove a semi for Swift when residing in Holton, and worked for Orkin while living in Rossville. More recently he worked for the DMV and Mosquito Joe’s.

Robbie enjoyed living in Germany, visiting Branson, eating home cooked food, living small town life, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his dogs, family and friends.

Robbie was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Siefer, stepfather, Mark Siefer, older brother, Ronnie “Paco” Boettcher, and younger brother, Christopher Siefer. He is survived by one brother, David (Jenny) Siefer, niece Lexi Siefer, nephew Damon Siefer, and other family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th St., on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.

In honor of Robbie’s birthday tradition, and in celebration of his life, a chili potluck lunch will be held at Robbie’s house, 4423 NW Rossville Rd., Rossville, KS, on Saturday, October 14 at 12:00 p.m., weather permitting. Feel free to bring your lawn chair. All are welcome.

November 13, 1953 - August 30, 2023

Gus (Erwin August) Schmidt, 69, of Lawrence Kansas, passed away the evening of August 30, 2023. Many structures, sidewalks, and roads throughout the city were shaped by his hand. A construction worker by trade, Gus was a savant who pursued knowledge with the same thirst that drove him to indulge in his one true addiction, Pepsi Cola. Engineering, meteorology, ichthyology, and geology stand out as the key subjects that drew his attention, but he sought knowledge about every part of the world. Sharing these facts with children and grandchildren while beating them in chess, cribbage, and Othello were some of his greatest joys.

When in good health, he toured fishing spots and beautiful campsites all over America. Whether taking a day trip over the Continental Divide or organizing a week-long excursion through the Flint Hills, Gus could be trusted to recall the best places to catch fish, find fossils, and spot constellations. He could name every tree and identify the geological history that impacted the type of earth, foliage, and life in a given biome. Similarly, all manner of animal husbandry and culinary arts were pursuits in which he excelled.

Gus left this world from the comfort of his home surrounded by love. He leaves behind a wife, Sondra Bryant, and six children, Mallory Harlan, Matt Schmidt, Valeria Smith, Lacey Schmidt, Ryan Amsel, and Bethany Schmidt. In addition, a dozen grandchildren mourn his loss. In death he reunites with his parents and a daughter, Bethany Bryant.

At the time of his passing, he had custody of three grandchildren: Silas Schmidt, Zeke Schmidt, and Jed Schmidt. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to assist in covering funeral costs and continuing to provide for the wife and children left in his home. Please contact Mallory Harlan or Bethany Schmidt for more information or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A celebration of Gus’ life will be held at Clinton Lake September 30, 2023. The service and potluck dinner will begin at 4 PM, located in Bloomington East’s Elm group campsite. This location is reserved for all who would like to stay Saturday night. For more information, please contact the family with the above email address. 

January 30, 1934 - August 25, 2023

Paul James Wiens 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2023 in Topeka, KS. 

Paul was born on January 30, 1934 in Inman, KS, the son of Daniel and Katie (Heidebrecht) Wiens.  He graduated from Inman Rural High School in 1952 and Wichita University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business in 1959.  Paul met the love of his life in Inman Grade School and was united in marriage on May 22nd 1953 to Darlene Jane Siemens at the Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church in Buhler, KS.  This marriage was blessed with two children, Gregory Paul and Emery Fulton.

Paul was born and raised on a farm and excelled in high school athletics, participating in football, basketball, and track.  After high school, he served with the Jewish Consumptive Relief Society in Denver, CO for two years, returning to Kansas to attend Wichita University.  After earning his business degree, he worked at Hesston Corporation, Excel Industries, and Tabor College.  He was also an entrepreneur, which took him to Fort Worth, TX and eventually to Topeka, KS. Paul’s last and most rewarding job was financial counseling, where he was able to share his faith as he worked.

Paul was community minded and  committed to his Christian faith.  He served as chairman of the Hillsboro Hospital Board, as a Cub Scout Master, and was involved in many other committees.  He was active in his church, serving as a trustee, treasurer, youth group leader, and baritone in church choir.

May 06, 1971 - August 10, 2023

Margrette S. Skirvin, 52, of Topeka Kansas, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at home in Topeka.