Obituaries

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Andra Renee (Kolega) Sigalos, born in St. Joseph on July 17, 1956, passed away in her home on Oct.6, 2025, after a hard-fought illness. Andra’s family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors cherished her sincere kindness and constant compassion. Andra began her education at St. James Catholic Church Elementary School and later graduated

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Lora Lea Acklin, 65, of Maryville, Missouri, was born on May 9, 1960, in Maryville. She was raised by her parents, Lowell L. and Viola Acklin (Peery) in Graham, Missouri. She passed away at home in Maryville on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, with family at her side. Lora graduated from Nodaway Holt

Jennifer L. Collins 53, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. She was born May 31, 1972, in Fairfax, Missouri. Survivors: father, Gary “Buck” Collins; daughter, Maddison; son, Brennon; sisters, Steffani (Eric), and Pamela (Kevin); brother, Kevin (Alison); numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on

ROCKAWAY BEACH, Mo. – Hubert “Bud” Puckett, 82, Rockaway Beach, Missouri, passed away Oct. 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was born July 16, 1943, in Bolckow, Missouri, to Ralph and Lena (Mozingo) Puckett. Bud married Sharon Pfleiderer on July 8, 1961. She survives of the home. He enjoyed fishing,

Peter Cagg 81, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in a St. Joseph health care center. He was born May 5, 1944, in St. Joseph, son of the late Ethel and Lawrence Cagg. He graduated from Central High School, then entered the United States Army, serving in two tours in Vietnam, he

Lonnie Richard Chilcoat “Rambo”, 77, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in St. Joseph. He was born Aug. 4, 1948, in St. Joseph, son of the late Virginia and Lovell “Chili” Chilcoat. He graduated from Lafayette High School and was drafted during Vietnam, where he served for two years. He went on

Faye Litvak, 96, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. She was born Sept. 25, 1929, to J. Harlan and Irene A. (Wehmeyer) Fales, in Atchison, Kansas. Faye married Milton Litvak on April 15, 1987, and they shared 14 wonderful years together until his passing in 2001. She retired from a fulfilling career at

Julia Kiesselbach Mullican, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Sept. 30, 2025. A devoted mother, friend, and educator, Julia lived a life marked by intellect, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to others. Known for her quick wit, radiant smile, and love for lively gatherings, she touched countless lives through her teaching, mentorship, and

Thomas Lawrence Fletcher, a man whose strength was outmatched only by his rock-and-roll spirit, played out his famous final scene on Oct. 2, 2025. Born Feb. 19, 1954, in “Southside” St. Joseph, Tom mastered the guitar in his teens, playing in bands from school dances to road gigs. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Beth

Patricia “Pat” Mae Karr, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in St. Joseph, at the age of 78. Pat was born on Dec. 6, 1946, in Elwood, Kansas, to the late Frances and John Morris. She graduated from Faucett, Missouri, High School in 1964. She married Danny Karr on July 9, 1965. This year

Loren Laverentz, 92, St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. He was born on May 4, 1933, to William and Ellenora Laverentz. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1955. He is survived by his brother, Larry Laverentz; sister, Carol Haddad; and children, Kim Laverentz, Susan Tierney, David Laverentz, Mark Laverentz and Ryan

Roy Elkins, 92, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. He was born Jan. 13, 1933, in St. Joseph, to Everett and Gladys Elkins. Roy grew up in St. Joseph, graduating from Lafayette High School in 1951. Roy attended St. Joseph Junior College, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he served for

Rodger Dale Kerns Jr., 55, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. He was born Dec. 6, 1969, in St. Joseph, son of Brenda and Rodger Kerns Sr. He worked at Wire Rope as a Machine operator. Rodger enjoyed gardening and nature. He was preceded in death by his father, Rodger D. Kerns

Rodney Boudonck, 58, St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. He was born Feb. 14, 1967, to Edward and Shirley (Tilton) Boudonck in Tokyo, Japan. Rodney was a car and music enthusiast, especially hard rock and old country. Survivors include his son, Joshua McCabe. Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home &

Gary A. Steele NEENAH, Wis. – Gary Allan Steele heard the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant” as he entered Heaven, Sept. 15, 2025, in Neenah, Wisconsin. He was the son of Walter Lee and Emily (Winfrey) Steele. Gary retired as Food Service Manager of Western Reception Diagnostic Center, in St. Joseph. He

Leonard Theodore Ginn, 69, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at a St. Joseph health care facility. He was born Feb. 7, 1956, in St. Joseph, son of Elaine and Leonard Miller. Leonard worked in Maintenance for several area housing complexes prior to his early retirement due to health complications. He was

Norma Jean King, 89, St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. She was born May 16, 1936, to Dale and Mary (Sturm) Wynn, in St. Joseph. Norma married Dorril “Ace” King on Sept. 13, 1958. Before dedicating herself fully to the upbringing of her children, she worked for Swift and Co. and then later

STANBERRY, Mo. — David “Skeeter” Atkison, 71, of Stanberry, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in St. Joseph. He was born July 9, 1954, in St. Joseph. Survivors include wife, Jackie; daugthers, Jean, Dawn, Kayla, Teresa, and Mindy; sons, Jeremy, Kevin and James. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on

Charles Baker, 71, St. Joseph, passed away in the privacy of his home on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. He was born Oct. 26, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James and Margaret (Schernick) Baker. Charles married Sheryl Grinstead on May 1, 2002. She survives of the home. He enjoyed fishing in his spare time. He

Tracy Kay Thorburn, 53, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in St. Joseph. She was born April 19, 1972, in St. Joseph, and graduated from Benton High School. She then entered the United States Army and proudly served for six and a half years before being honorably discharged. Tracy was working at

STANBERRY, Mo. – Barbara Jean Hayes Wood, 86 of Stanberry, Missouri, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at Pine View Manor, Stanberry, health care center. she was born May 5, 1939, in St Joseph. She was married on March, 24, 1956, to Rolland “Bill” Mace and had three children. They were later divorced. She then

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ken Wachendorfer, “Wacker” to all that knew and loved him, Kansas City, Missouri, a dedicated film professional film camera operator and set lighting designer, passionate photographer of hand-lit winged creatures in the woods, found object metal artist, fabricator of practically anything, smoked meats and hot, spicy foods aficionado, lover of cool

George H. Thomson, 65, of St Joseph, passed away Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, surrounded by family at his home. He was born Dec. 13, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Wanda and William Thomson. George graduated from Topeka High School, class of 1978, and later Washburn University with a degree in Business Administration

CAMERON, Mo. — Dale Heldenbrand, 72, of Cameron, Missouri, passed away peacefully Sept. 27, 2025, at his home. He was born, May 16, 1953, to Alva and Hazel (Gould) Heldenbrand in Winston, Missouri. Dale was a graduate of Winston High School. His talents on the high school basketball team earned him a basketball scholarship to

Gregory H. Leighton, 75, St. Joseph, passed Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Born May 11, 1950, Omaha, Nebraska. Preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include Bonnie Cox; son, Scott Leighton; a brother; a sister; cousin, Mike; and several other nieces and cousins. Mr. Leighton has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. There

PONTIAC, Mo. – Funeral services for Dr. Marvin O. Looney, 97, of Pontiac, Missouri, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the First Christian Church, in Gainesville, Missouri. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Dr. Looney, known as “Marv” to his friends, died Sept. 29,

Janelle May Dinwiddie, 66, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in a St. Joseph heath care center. She was born Jan. 4, 1959, in Farifax, Missouri, daughter of the late Kathleen and Harry Dinwiddie. She graduated from Central High School. Janelle was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Kelley

Denise (Murray) Lamansky, 68, of St. Joseph, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care with her family by her side. She was born Ja. 31, 1957, in St. Joseph, to James and Frances Murray. She graduated from Central High School in 1975 and later obtained her Criminal Justice degree from Missouri

Russell D. Pettijohn, of St. Joseph, died Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born to Orten and Bertha (Dick) Pettijohn on Dec. 1, 1928, in Grant City, Missouri. He is survived by his sons, Jeff Pettijohn (Robin) and Brad Pettijohn (Greta); seven grandchildren, Lori O’Neal (Jeff), Jason Pettijohn (Caitlin), Robert

SAVANNAH, Mo. — Nancy Nichols, 75, of Savannah, Missouri, passed away Sept. 23, 2025 at Mosaic Life Care. Nancy was born on Jan. 20, 1950, to George (Fritz) Krumme and Ila Jean (Cogdill) Krumme. She was a 1967 graduate of Faucett High School. Nancy retired from the Missouri Department of Corrections, having worked as an