WE WILL MISS EACH OF YOU AT THE PARADISE ALUMNI REUNION

125308               125496      Sure would like to know who the anonymous person was that commented on this post.  
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WE WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE SOME PICTURES WITHIN THE FIRST HOUR OF THE REUNION!
Who will be the first to send some?

We want each of you to know that we will not be at the reunion this year. 

I am in quite a bit of constant pain and traveling flairs up a lot more pain. 
Due to being in the hospital for 100 days when I had my liver transplant, I now have osteoporosis and because of my liver treatment (medication) I can not take any other medication for this.
I know that we will regret not going but hopefully everyone with cameras will help me out with pictures to put on the blog.
Please!  Send all your pictures to me at Onnalee@foundwoodcarvings.com  or if texting 620-341-3737  
Thank You!

We appreciate YOUR support by viewing the blog.

There is a small sized number at the left top of each post that tells how many have viewed it from the beginning to the day that each post is posted.  We are elated with the numbers. 
Again, Please send me ALL of your Reunion Photos.   

Since the last reunion, two years ago, we have thought that at the next reunion (2014) that we would simplify things and get a picture from the end of each table as people are eating.  The 2 on each side of the table on the opposite end of where you would stand with the camera would be standing, might have to stand up in order to see everyone at the table.

It is nice to get pictures afterwards, but this would more or less a  guarantee that we would have most people’s picture.

  

After the dinner, the best place to be is where the photographer sits up to take the class pictures.  I have asked for the class pictures in the past, but I have never received them.  Those class pictures add a lot to the blog. 

Have a great time at the reunion!

One more thing.  I am sorry that you will not be able to meet - or see - my "New Husband."  
Yes, his name is still Millard Harrell but I sometimes am shocked when I look at him. 

PARADISE ALUMNI REUNION - A GREAT TIME FOR EVERYONE!

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Paradise Alumni Reunion

July 19, 2014

6:00 pm - Social Hour

7:00 pm - Supper

8:00 - 11:00 Dance

Elks Lodge, South Highway 281

Russell, KS

There is a place for just visiting during the Dance time.
The Paradise post cards will be there for sale.

Click on ↓

Paradise Post Card

Church Service -  Sun. Morning 

United Methodist Church - Paradise, Kansas

10:30 A.M.

The speaker will be

Dennis Finch

 Lunch will be provided after the service.

DONALD E. BARTH - CLASS OF 1950

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Donald E. Barth, 

of Natoma, 

died on 

Wednesday, July 09, 2014, 

at the 

Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas.

Donald E. Barth, of Natoma, died on Wednesday, July 09, 2014, at the Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas.

Don was born on January 26, 1932, in Russell County, Kansas, the son of Henry Carl, Jr. and Grace (Matheson) Barth.  Donald grew up in Paradise, Kansas, and graduated from Paradise High School in the class of 1950.  He was united in marriage to Jolene A. Pfortmiller in November 1950 in Natoma.  From this union they were blessed with two sons Marty and Mick.  Years later Jolene and Donald were divorced.  Don spent a few years in Grand Island, Nebraska and Rexford, Kansas, but spent most of his life in the Russell County and Natoma.  Don was a jack of all trades but his passion and career was farming and ranching.  He enjoyed hunting coyotes, raising greyhounds, riding horses and going to rodeos.  He also enjoyed and spent many of his years working and competing in rodeos as a steer wrestler, calf roping, team roping with his two sons and helping as a rodeo clown.  In his later years he also worked at the rodeo as a pick up man helping get cowboys to safety.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and spending countless hours riding his horses.

Donald is survived by his two sons Mick Barth and wife Rhonda of Oberlin, Kansas and Marty Barth and wife Melinda of Hays, Kansas; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bryce Barth and sister Naomie Davison.

A graveside service to celebrate Donald’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Monday, July 14, 2014, at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas, with Paula Hachmeister officiating.  Cremation has been selected by the family and interment of the cremains will follow the service.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Natoma is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

MARILEE JO SCHULER

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Marilee Jo Schuler, 

died on Friday, July 04, 2014,

 at Vintage Place in Russell

Marilee Jo Schuler, 83, of Russell, Kansas, and former Waldo, Kansas, resident died on Friday, July 04, 2014, at Vintage Place in Russell. Marilee was born on March 15, 1931, in Salina, Kansas, the daughter of William M. and Winifred (Elder) Austin.  She grew up in the Waldo area and graduated from Waldo High School in 1949.  Later she received a Bachelor Degree in Education at Ft. Hays Kansas State College in Hays, Kansas.  She met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Albert Schuler, Jr. on August 04, 1954, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell.  From this union, Marilee and Albert were blessed with 6 children: Marianne, Michael, Melanie, Mark, Marilyn, and Elaine.  Albert preceded Marilee in death on May 29, 2008.  Marilee worked as an elementary teacher for 25 years working in and around Russell and Osborne counties.  She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell and was a former member of the Catholic women church guild.  She was also a member of the National Education Association.  She enjoyed reading and flower gardening.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving family include: four daughters, Marianne Ward and husband Kirk of Perry, OK; Melanie Waymaster and husband Charles of Lawrence, KS; Marilyn Cederberg and husband Kevin of Andover, KS; and Elaine Hilger and husband Patrick of Russell, KS; two sons, Michael Schuler and wife Malissa of Hot Springs, AR; and Mark Schuler and wife Jeanette of Manhattan, KS; brother Ronald Austin of Salina; 22 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Albert, and sister Vaneta Wood. A celebration of the funeral mass for Marilee will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, July 11, 2014, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell with Father Michael Elan and Father James Grennan officiating.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at the mortuary.  The vigil and rosary service will be held at 7 P.M. on Thursday, July 10th at the church.  Memorials may be given to St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or Waldo Senior Center and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Schulers were from Waldo. 

Her husband Al, was the mail carrier and boy scout leader.

PARADISE POST CARD

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The Post Cards - shown in the post below - will be for sale at the Paradise Reunion Saturday.

If there are some with a stamp and postmarked for a keepsake, they are $1.50 each.
The unstamped cards will sell for $1.00 each.

Again, Thank You Brad Thompson, the alumni committee -  Eric, Deb, Dan & Joyce - and for our Postmaster, Lucy, for the time each of them spent in preparing the sale of these postcards at the reunion two years ago and again this year.  Brad, we are very proud of the post cards.
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This was another neat Alumni Effort.  Jim Harrell suggested that we all need to start saving our Paradise postmarks (at that time, we thought the Paradise Post Office would be closing soon but have since found out that it will be open for two more years), Janette (Angel) Ross suggested we have a Paradise Post Card to have a Paradise postmark on, Brad Thompson accepted the challenge to design and have a post card printed, he sent the post cards to Joyce Thompson and she has taken them to Postmaster Lucy for some of them to be stamped and postmarked.  They will be at the Paradise Alumni Reunion Sat evening for sale.

Front 

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Back
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PARADISE ALUMNI REUNION - JULY 19, 2014

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The $24 per person reservation includes the $4 dues. 
Anyone who has already registered and overpaid 

will be reimbursed at the door the night of the reunion.

A DISTANT VIEW OF PARADISE

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I have been asking for pictures of a view of Paradise from the Miller Farm road for two years.

These were sent to me this past week. Thank You very much!
They are absolutely perfect - just wish the grass was greener.  That will probably be another year.

It sure helped to have a better camera for a distance that far.  Thank You again!
This is the picture that we took two years ago when we were leaving Paradise on Sun. after the reunion.

Click on
↓

View of Paradise 2012

View of Paradise from where Few have Been!

CAROL MEAD

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Carol L. Mead 64, 

died Friday, June 20, 2014 

at Schowalter Villa – Hesston, Kansas.

Carol was born May 9, 1950 in Concordia, Kansas to Albert and Lois (Douce) Ryser, and was the youngest of four children. Carol and her brother and sisters grew up with a love of music and singing, and prayed together every morning before catching the bus to school. 

Carol met Stephen Mead and married her best friend on June 5, 1971, a day she described as the happiest in her life. Carol and Steve had two children, Jay Mead and Angela Mead. Steve, Carol, Angela and Jay built their home in Hesston, Kansas from the ground to the roof. Carol considered herself fortunate to have a home she could share and family to love in it. Carol and Steve collected many things in their home, and Carol’s most prized possession was the many fond memories made there. It was that collection that mattered to her most, and which connected Carol to the goodness of life and God’s presence in it. Carol enjoyed nurturing her children, family and friends in that home, filling it with love. Carol’s nurturing personality was expansive, she used her talents to build relationships and connect with others as a member of the Alter Society at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Newton, Kansas, and as a receptionist at Knudson Monroe where she worked for 18 years. 

Carol loved to give good gifts; and always knew that even the simple gift of her warm smile could make the difference for family, friends and clients. Through the trials that Carol and her sister have handled with grace and fierceness, they have earned the nicknames Pansyana, Pansylene, and Pansylou. Carol and her sisters knew that the pansy only appears to be fragile. It is however the heartiest of flowers with lots of personality, able to weather the bitterest of winters with beauty. Carol, like the pansy, endured a battle with brain cancer with a humble courage that was inspirational to friends, family and others fortunate enough to know her.

Carol is survived by her Husband Stephen Mead of the home; 
a son: Jay Mead of Memphis and his Wife Anne Mead and their daughter Madeline Mead, 
and a daughter: Angela Mead of Austin, TX; 
a brother Charles Ryser of Haddam, Kansas; 
two sisters: Mary Ann Fox of Ft. Collins, CO and Ilene Roy of San Antonio, TX .
 Carol is preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 

at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 

with The Reverend Jim Mainzer presiding.  

 Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday evening 

with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. 

at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel.  

The family will receive friends following the Rosary.  

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Newton, Kansas

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the St. Mary’s Alter Society or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home.

Steve Meade is a 1967 graduate of Paradise High School.

LOYD SCHNEIDER

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      Lloyd R. Schneider

     88, of Coffeyville, Kansas and former Russell resident, 

     died on Friday, June 20, 2014

 at the

     Windsor Place Nursing Center of Coffeyville, Kansas. 

Lloyd was born on December 14, 1925, in Bazine, Kansas, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Strecker) Schneider. He grew up and attended school in Paradise, Kansas. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and was discharged in 1946. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Marjorie (Hoopes) Schneider on June 07, 1953 in Paradise, Kansas. From this union Lloyd and Marjorie were blessed with seven children Alice, Henry, Martin, Beverly, Carlene Jo, Timothy, and Diane . The Schneider family made their home in Russell where Lloyd lived most of his life.
He worked for U.S.D 407 Public Schools for over 20 years. He worked at both Russell High School and Bickerdyke Grade School before retiring in 1989. After he retired in 1989, he moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, where he lived for over 20 years. He was a former member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell and was a longtime member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. He enjoyed working at the school, remodeling their home, raising rabbits and he loved cleaning, washing and waxing his cars on the weekends. Most of all he enjoyed spending time at home with his family.

Surviving family include his daughter Alice Morris and husband Derrick of Coffeyville, son Henry Schneider of Salina, Kansas, son Martin Schneider of Russell, daughter Beverly Hartsook of Russell, son Timothy Schneider and wife Dawna of Thornton, Colorado and daughter Diane Bell and husband Tom of Emporia, Kansas; sisters Catherine Barnes of Dodge City, Kansas, Alda Weigle of Texas and Grace Michaelis of Russell; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marjorie on June 02, 1986; daughter Carlene “Jo”, October 1989; daughter-in-law, Shirley, July 2006; daughter-in-law Debra, April 2012; 5 brothers and 6 sisters.

A graveside service to celebrate Lloyd’s life will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, June 23, 2014, at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Earl Haggard officiating with burial following the service. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 11 P.M. on Monday, June 23, 2014, at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to Windsor Place Nursing Home, Alzheimer Unit and sent in care of the mortuary. 

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

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Marjorie (Hoopes) Schneider was in the class of 1953 at Paradise High School.  

RODGERS & HOISINGTON REUNION

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The 2014 Rodger & Hoisington Whole Grocery reunion was held this past week end in Kansas City.
This is a reunion of cousins, all graduated from Paradise High School.  They have a bi-annual reunion.

Front row -  left to right
John Hedrick, Jan(Rodgers) Hedrick (Class of 1956),
Bill Hanzlicek, Diane (Hoisington) Hanzlicek (Class of 1957).
Back row - left to right  
John Rodgers (Class of 1953), Van Hoisington (Class of 1958),
Mona Hoisington, Jeanne Hoisington and Dan Hoisington (Class of 1967).

CLASS OF 1961

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To class of 1961

This is Stanley "Rex" Pitts. I understand you need an address for me.
I will not be able to attend the 2014 reunion because of illness.

Address is
Stanley R. Pitts 
% Shelly West 
72 Lakeview Circle 
Conway, Arkansas.
Rexda 72032 

Thank You Stanley.  I'm sure your classmates will appreciate this.  We are very sorry that you will not be able to attend the reunion, but do take care of yourself.
Shelly West is Stanley's daughter.

2014 MEMORIAL DAY

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MEMORIAL DAY  

In memory of those who have given of themselves 

so that we may live in Peace, 

celebrating the courage of the heroes who keep this nation free.

All gave some, some gave all!

Thank You 

to each of our Military 

for your sacrifice 

today and every day on this Memorial Day 

and every day of the year! 

We appreciate You, we love YOU - THANK YOU!

Land of the Free - Because of the Brave!

HELEN BURGER - CLASS OF 1936

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Today is Helen (Dodson) Burger's 95th Easter.
She looks wonderful  - So precious to many people!
Helen is the Mother of Thelma Hutchinson, Alice (Pfortmiller) Wiggs - Class of 1958,
Sue (Pfortmiller) Koehler - Class of 1960 and Loa (Burger/Copp) Gordon.
She is also Millard's Aunt (Millard Harrell - Class of 1959) - Aunt Helen

A READER NEEDS HELP

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I received this from David this morning.  I'm sure someone could help with this information.
You may either respond by way of a comment or email me.  Thank You!
?     ?     ?     ?     ?

Hello,My mother was  Eloise E. Reich (1934-2009) and her sister was Neva Lee Reich. 

They attended Paradise High classes of 1952 and 1950 I think.
Mother  later married Johnny Yost, of Gorham, KS.

I'm seeking the whereabouts of my  Great Aunt, Irma Reich Saum.  She was married to Frank E. Saum.  They lived in the area and I know that they had kids that also may have lived in the area.
Do you know of their children there?   I'm seeking to locate her burial location from family that may know of them.  I think Dale Reich may know of them but I don't have his contact info.
Any help you can give would be great.

Thanks,  David Yost

I looked in our Paradise Directory and this is the information for Neva Lee and Eloise's graduation dates -

Neva Lee (Reich) Wegele  Class of 1949
Eloise (Reich) Yost  Class of 1951

Thank You Lynda Koelling. 
She has answered the question and Lynda & David have each other's email addresses. 
For those that would like to know - Irma Reich Saum is buried in the Natoma Cemetery.
They have a daughter that lives in Lenexa and a son in Wichita.


Dan Hoisington answered too.  Thank You Dan!

Irma and Frank Saum lived in Natoma, KS and had a son Duane who lives in Wichita and a daughter Connie who lives in KC.  I think Frank and Irma are buried in Natoma.  I knew both of them as their kids were about my age.

Dan

ALBERTA F. LUND OF WALDO, KA.

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Alberta F. Lund, 91,

of

Waldo, Kansas,

died on

Sunday, April 06, 2014,

at her home in

Waldo, Kansas.

Alberta was born June 28, 1922 in Penokee, Kansas, the daughter of Albert and Minnie (Mauck) Montgomery.  She was raised and spent most of her life in the Covert, Kansas area.  She graduated from beauty school at Castors Academy in St. Joseph, Missouri.  She was united in marriage to Robert Lund on January 28, 1946 in Atchison, Kansas. He passed away May 25, 1992.  She enjoyed being a homemaker, gardening and canning.


 Surviving family includes her grandsons Jason (Jennifer) Lund of Waldo, Kansas and Nathan (Krista) Lund of Beloit, Kansas, daughter-in-law, Lois Lund of Waldo, Kansas; sister Beulah Janssen of Kansas City, Kansas; five great grandchildren, Rachel, Tyler, Ashton, Shelton, and Parker.

Alberta was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Monty; two brothers Eldon and Leslia Montgomery; three sisters Pansy Clinton, Gladys Yenzer, and Neva Lee DeWar.

A graveside service for Alberta

will be held

1 P.M. on Thursday, April 10, 2014

at the

Osborne City Cemetery in Osborne, Kansas,

with

Rev. Richard R. Raymer officiating with burial following. 

There will be no visitation.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary

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Alberta's son, Monty, was in the Class of 1970 and his wife, Lois, was in the Class of 1971 at Paradise High School.

 

MARION LEE COUNTS - CLASS OF 1953

†
Marion Lee Counts, 79

of Lawrence, Kansas 

formerly of Russell, Kansas

died

Saturday, April 5, 2014

at

Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence

 Marion was born February 26, 1935 in Hays, Kansas, the son of Kellis and Sylvia (Weese) Counts.
He grew up in the Fairport, Kansas area and graduated from Paradise High School. He then attended a semester at Ft. Hays State University before joining the U.S. Air Force. He served from 1954 to 1957.



Marion was united in marriage to Geraldine M. Keil on October 11, 1959 in Russell. This union was blessed with two children: Curtis and Jacqueline. They made their home in Russell. Marion was a gauger for Koch Industries for over 20 years before he and Geraldine cofounded MG Oil, Inc. in 1994. He operated the company before he retired in 2011 when he and Geraldine moved to Lawrence.
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Marion was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell and attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lawrence. He also was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, a member of the Russell Hospital Auxiliary, and Pheasants Forever – Black Gold Chapter.
He was a kind and gentle man who loved to converse with family and friends. He never met a stranger. Marion enjoyed fishing, playing golf, restoring antique cars and going to car shows, travelling, and especially, attending all of his grandchildren’s activities.


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Surviving family include his wife of 54 years, Geraldine of the home; son Curtis Counts of Russell, Kansas; daughter Jacqueline Counts (Bruce Eggers) of Lawrence, Kansas; sister Vinita Finnesy of Goodland, Kansas; five grandchildren, Chad Counts, Brittni Counts, Keil Eggers, Kane Eggers, and Heather Ross; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Merle Counts.


 .
Celebration of Marion’s Life will be held at 3:30 P.M. Thursday, April 10, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.
Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.
Visitation will be from 9 AM to 7 PM Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM. Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Loving Paws – Animal Therapy. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.

BURR CRICKARD

Elsie Julie Crickard was the minister of the Paraidse & Waldo United Methodist Church from 1978-1983. 
Burr Crickard was the minister at the Natoma United Methodist Church at the same time.




The Reverend Burr, 63, defender and advocate for the least, the lost and the last, went home Thursday morning, April 3.
There was great rejoicing as he joined his daughter, Juli; his Mom and Dad; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Crickard and Corley Clans. Burr was a Mountaineer, born in West (by God) Virginia May 3, 1950. He served with, and loved, congregations of the former Kansas West Conference of the United Methodist Church for nearly 30 years.
His greatest love was his extended family; his spouse Elsie and their three daughters and "claimed sons" -- Liz Crickard and Jeromy Horkman of Lawrence, Kansas; Laura Crickard and Zach Koch of Portland, Oregon; Juli Crickard of Heaven.
Severely immobile from Parkinson's Disease, Burr, now through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is free to play tennis, softball, and basketball to his heart's content.

Thanks be to God for our beloved Burr!

There will be a celebration of his life Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 am

at First United Methodist Church in Valley Center, Kansas.

Memorial: Youth Ministries of First UMC, Valley Center.

To sign a guest book or leave a condolence for the family, go to www.cochranmortuary.com

Published in The Wichita Eagle on Apr. 6, 2014
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REQUEST FOR OLD PHOTOS FOR A BOOK ABOUT PARADISE

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I received this today from Carolyn Shultz.  I would like to say right now that she has our permission to use any picture or story on this "Paradise Blog" for information that she would like to use.  It sounds very exciting to me.  Thank You Carolyn.
Her email . . . . .


"Onnalee and Millard:

First let me introduce myself - I am the former Carolyn Finkenbinder, born and raised in Waldo and a 1960 graduate. Now on to the important stuff!!!

After spending 25 years with the Lucas newspaper I retired about 10 years ago and began a project of preserving the history of the area. My daughter and I have completed a number of books in that field. We do everything from research to printing so we are not real well-known. Recently (well actually about two years ago) we were asked if we could put together a book on Paradise. We have completed books for Waldo, Lucas and Luray as well as several "gone but not forgotten" communities in southern Osborne county. The books consist of photos of the senior placards, list of all alumni member, old photos of the towns, interesting old newspaper stories, church history, map of the cemetery and listing of all burials. We actually walk the cemetery and record information from the stones. We are not limited to this set of items but find the school, church and cemetery are the most important places to most residents.

I have started gathering this information with the hopes of having the book completed by the annual church bazaar. My reason for contacting you is to ask if you have any old photos you would be willing to share. I have enjoyed your website for some time and Dan Hoisington suggested I contact you to check on photos and information.

Hoping to hear from you soon. Thank you and God Bless.

Carolyn Schultz
2957 S. 50th Ave., Lucas, KS 67648
785-525-6427
boxs@wtciweb.com

DONALD J. HABERER - CLASS OF 1955

.

Donald J. Haberer

76,

life-long Russell County resident

passed away

Wednesday, March 12, 2014,

at

Salina Regional Medical Center

in the embrace of his family. 

Don was a loving husband, proud father, and doting grandfather as well as a committed member of the Russell community. 
.
Don was born June 3, 1937, to Emil and Mary Lorraine (Salber) Haberer at Hays Protestant Hospital, Hays, Kansas.  His early years were spent in rural Russell County along the Saline River in Paradise Township. 
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His education began there at Fay School, District No. 51, and culminated with his graduation from Paradise Rural High School in 1955.  He was Class Valedictorian.  He attended Fort Hays State College for three semesters in the years 1955 to 1957 before volunteering and being inducted into the U.S. Army.  His induction ceremony took place in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 1, 1957.  After seven days at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he did eight weeks of Basic Training at Ft. Lewis, Washington, and eight weeks of Advanced Training at Ft. Ord, California. He was eventually assigned to the Criminal Investigation Detachment at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as a Clerk/Typist. On November 7, 1957, he began his deployment in Berlin, Germany, with the Army of Occupation where he served until February 12, 1959.  His duties in Berlin included guarding Nazi war criminals in Spandau prison.  After 20 months of service, Don was promoted to the rank of SP4. He also earned the distinction of Browning Automatic Rifleman. Don served proudly in the U.S. Army until he was mustered out at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, after his tour of duty in Germany ended.

Don returned to Kansas to finish his education in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.  As a Senior, he was inducted into the Gamma Sigma Delta International Honor Society of Agriculture. He graduated in 1962 with a B.S. in Agriculture Economics and elected to continue his education at K-State with a Research Assistantship. He completed his Master’s Degree in Agriculture Economics in 1964.

It was during this time at K-State that he met and married his wife of 52 years, Patricia (Proshek) Haberer.  He remained dedicated to these three passions—Pat, farming, and the Wildcat—for the rest of his life.

Don started his post-K-State career in December of 1963 as a County Extension Agent in Hall County, Nebraska.  In addition to his work with 4-H and extension programs, he served as a panel member for the Agricultural Cooperative Training for Managers and Directors, sponsored by the University of Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Coop Council, and the Omaha Bank for Cooperatives. 

Don and Pat welcomed a son and a daughter to their family while living in Grand Island, Nebraska. 

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Don and family returned to Russell County in 1966 when Don accepted a position as Vice President and Loan Officer at the Russell State Bank.  He held this position until he left to become a full-time farmer on December 31, 1979.  Don and Pat welcomed their third child, a son, to the family during their early years in Russell.  From 1980 until his retirement, Don farmed in Paradise Township, continuing another generation of Haberer family farming in Russell County.  During these years and well into his retirement, Don also worked in Real Estate, Appraisal, Personal Property Valuation and was a long-time member of Kansas Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.  He served as the President of KSFMRA in 1984, besides chairing several conferences and serving on the Board of Directors for six years.  In addition to his Real Estate career, he worked for 10 years with McKinley Auction Service.
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Dedicated to his family and community, Don’s eye was always on the future.  He gave freely of his time and talent in his community. He was active with Extension and 4-H in Russell County, serving for six years on the Russell County Fair Association Board of Directors and six years on the Russell County Extension Council.  He served two three-year terms on Russell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including two years as Chairman.  He served two terms on the Board of Directors of Agco, Inc., including three years as Secretary and three years as President.  He served two terms on the Russell City Council and two terms as a Commissioner for Russell County.  He was a founding member of the Russell County Economic Development Committee and served three terms on the Board of Supervisors for the Russell County Soil Conversation District.  Many who knew Don knew him as a practical businessman and forthright adviser.  To the end, he took a lively interest in history, science, genealogy, and politics.  He was as comfortable discussing world affairs as local affairs.  He read widely and instilled the love of education in his children. He took great pride in the feats of his predecessors, always recognizing the efforts of those who came before him and paying tribute to them by continuing their successes. After retirement, Don and Pat were fortunate to be able to travel, exploring the world and making or renewing connections amongst friends and family. He discovered and joined the Berlin U.S. Military Veterans Association. Don was a life-time member of the National Rifle Association, the Kansas Rifle Association, and the Kansas State University Alumni Association.
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Don is survived by his wife, Pat, of the home and three children: Kurt (Jill) of Clay Center, KS; Keri (Luis Guzman) of Wichita, KS; and Keith of rural Russell; one sister, Mary (Dale) Thompson of Genoa, CO; one brother Eric (Marlene) of rural Russell; a granddaughter, five step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren; twelve nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.  He will be sorely missed.
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He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

A Gathering will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  A Memorial has been established with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK).  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
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Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary

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