All Obituaries

Douglas F. O'Connor, 53, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at his home in Salina. Douglas was born in Salina, Kansas, on February 7, 1971, a son of Marlene (Mick) O’Connor and Wilford E. O’Connor Sr. Doug attended Salina Catholic schools and then South Middle School. He then moved to Norfolk, Nebraska, with his family, where he started his sophomore year. He attended Norfolk Senior High, graduating in 1989. Among Doug's greatest passions was his love for...

Peggy Adele McConkey, 91, of Salina, entered Heaven on April 5, 2024. Peggy was born in Junction City, KS on September 24, 1932 to Luke and Mable Owens. Peggy lived her life placing God first. She started each morning and ended every day in prayer, reading her favorite book, the Bible. She was dedicated to her church, First Assembly of God now known as Heartland Worship Center Assembly of God, sitting in the second row, middle section every Sunday. She served the church for many years...

John was born on June 17, 1930, in Salina, Kansas, the son of John H. and Seraphine M. (Borst) Budke. He was born at St. John’s Hospital in Salina. He was a native Kansan and proud of that. He graduated in 1948 from Sacred Heart High School. He went to work at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in January 1950 as a lineman. He worked in various positions until retiring in 1995, with 45 years accredited service. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1951. He was placed...

Sylvia Ann (Siemers) Rice was born June 9, 1960 to Vinton and Ila (Markley) Siemers in Russell, Kansas. She danced her way into heaven on April 15, 2024, leaving behind her husband of 40 years Richard Rice of Salina, her children; Charity (Kevin) Dalzell of Suttons Bay, MI, Jennifer (Drea) Hayeslip of St. Charles, MO, and Corey (Kat) Scheck of Salina, KS. Her grandchildren; Kaycie Rice, Hunter Burns, Lyndsey Dalzell, Allison, Maggie, and Evelyn Scheck, and she was anxiously awaiting the...

SALINA - Lewen Clay Thompson passed away on April 12, 2024 at the age of 87.  Clay was born on March 22, 1937, in Oklahoma City. After graduation from John Marshall High School in 1955, Clay went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Phillips University in Enid, OK in 1959 and received a Master of Science from Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS in 1967. He did additional post-graduate studies at Emporia State, Kansas State, and the University of Oklahoma. While at Phillips...

TESCOTT – Jerry L. Watkins, 70, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024.  He was born on March 27, 1953 in Salina to Norma “Norm” and Helen (Kissick) Watkins.  Jerry lived and farmed in Tescott his entire life.  In his free time he loved hunting, fishing and his dogs.  He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Lyle Norland. He is survived by his sister, Jolene Norland and...

James E. Wassenberg, 84, of Salina, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024.  He was born August 20, 1939, in Marysville, Kansas to Chris and Gertie Wassenberg. He is survived by his wife, Dee, of the home; daughters, Renee Moritz of Hays, and Julie Wassenberg of Marquette; and five grandchildren. Cremation has been chosen and services are not planned at this time.      

Michael Eugene Tasker was a nurturing, loving man to many who will miss him dearly. On April 11, 2024, he passed away peacefully at the age of 67. Michael was born February 7, 1957, in Amery, Wisconsin. He grew up and lived in many places throughout Wisconsin, until settling in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin with his wife Judy Tasker. He was a one-of-a-kind guy who loved telling jokes and making family laugh. He enjoyed watching movies, fishing, and camping. He worked as a farmer and water tech...

Jonathan Schuyler Moore passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024, at the age of 39 surrounded by family after a short illness. He was born on January 5, 1985 in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Jon's life was filled with adventure, passion, and a deep love for the great outdoors. Jon grew up with a zest for exploration and a curiosity for the natural world that would shape the course of his life. He pursued his college education at the University of Colorado in Boulder where he earned two...

Patricia Kay (Sheets) Begnoche, 76, of Salina, passed away on January 20, 2024.  She was born on June 24, 1947 in Abilene, to Gerald and Rowene (Bowyer) Sheets. Patti spent her whole life in the Salina and Abilene area.  She worked in loan finance management for many years.  She loved to shop and buy for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 42 years, Bob Begnoche. Patti is survived by her son, John Hoffman, wife Sharolyn; step children, Todd...