Brennan Mathena Funeral Home

Hallenbeck, Debra [ - 05/12/2013]

Private funeral services will be held by invitation.

Hanson, Coleta [11/17/1915 - 05/09/2013]

Coleta Hanson, 97, of Topeka, died May 9, 2013 at Homestead Assisted Living where she resided for the past two and a half years. She was born on November 17, 1915 in Topeka, Kansas the daughter of Charles Lincoln and Regina (McEnroe) Rodgers. She was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family. Coleta married Arnold Ernest Hanson on Januray 17, 1939 at the Assumption Church. He predeceased her on May 4, 1996. She was also preceded in death by a son, Mark Hanson on October 28, 2011. She is survived by a son, John (Melinda) Hanson of Topeka, a daughter, Carol (Thomas) Higgins of Marietta, Georgia, a daughter-in-law, Betty Hanson of Topeka, seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Monday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Coleta will lie in state at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the service hour. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission or Grace Hospice and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

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Wichman, Rita Marie [11/09/1928 - 05/06/2013]

Rita Marie Wichman, 84, Topeka, KS died Monday, May 06, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital. She was born November 9, 1928 in St. Benedict, KS the daughter of William and Anna (Blocker) Bergman Rita worked in housekeeping at Brewster Place. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Rita married Donald B. Wichman on April 29, 1947 in Seneca, KS. He preceded her in death on May 9, 2005. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Janet L. Wichman in April of 1955 and a grandson, Patrick S. Bean on November 7, 1995. Survivors include her children Dennis Wichman of Gladstone, MO, David Wichman of Jonestown, TX, Duane Wichman of Kansas City, MO, Linda Neumeyer of Oklahoma City, OK and Marilyn Bean of Topeka, KS. Twelve grandchildren, many great grandchildren and one great-great grandson also survive. Rita will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

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Levings, Damian [03/29/1926 - 05/06/2013]

Damian Levings, 87, of Topeka, died May 6, 2013 at the House at Midland Care. He was born on March 29, 1926, the eldest son of George and Catharine (Martin) Levings. Damian grew up in Woodlawn, Kansas. He joined the Navy during World War II and served aboard the destroyer USS Kimberly in the Pacific. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He married Patricia Lemon on November 27, 1947 and lived in the Perry, Kansas community for many years. Besides farming, Damian worked at Goodyear where he retired after 30 years of service. They then moved back to Topeka. He then worked the two jobs he loved the most, driving a school bus for the Seaman School District and driving the mini train at Gage Park. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the James W. Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia on December 23, 1990 and a son, Michael George on May 21, 1958 as well as two brothers and a sister. He married Sylvia Godlove on May 5, 2001. She survives. He is also survived by two sons, David (Christy) Levings of Osawatomie, KS and Duane (Linda) Levings of Perry, KS, four daughters, Ulvesta Kay (Terry) Ludvicek of Holton, KS, Mary (Charles) Walker, Marilyn (George) Rohrer, and Margaret (Robert) Waggoner all of Topeka, KS, a step-son, Martin Godlove and a step-daughter, Michelle (Shawn) Black both of Topeka, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Damian will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Sunday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary and Chalice Ceremony at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Perry, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph/Sacred Heart Parish or Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603.

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Aguirre-Mendez, Anastasio [04/27/1940 - 05/05/2013]

Anastasio Aguirre-Mendez, 73, of Topeka, died May 5, 2013 at a local hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Parral, Mexico on April 27, 1940. Anastasio was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Anastasio married Margarita Rivera in Parral, Mexico. She survives. They were married for 49 years. He is also survived by his children, Cecilia Aguirre, Olga Aguirre and Jorge Aguirre all of Mexico and Maricela Aguirre, Alberto Aguirre, Luz Miramontes, Delia Aguirre and Rodrigo Aguirre all of Topeka, 35 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Gabriel Aguirre-Mendez of Mexico and Manuel Aguirre of El Paso, Texas and a sister, Ramona Aguirre of El Paso, Texas. Anastasio will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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Williams, Toni Rae Chapman [07/29/1960 - 05/05/2013]

Toni Rae Williams, 52, of Topeka, died May 5, 2013 at Washburn Community Care Center. She was born in Huntington Beach, California on July 29, 1960 the daughter of Joseph and Donna (Bean) Chapman. Toni worked in Customer Relations for Empire Today. She is survived by her lifelong companion, Crockett McElhaney, three children, Sarah Chapman of Clay Center, Annah Taylor and Jade McElhaney of Ft. Riley, granddaughter, Bethany Anne Adolph, two brothers, David and Michael Chapman, four sisters, Vickie Studer, Tami Coleman, Lori Bailey and Terri Behrens. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter Hailey Eldridge and her parents. Toni will be cremated. Inurnment will be later in the Walsburg Cemetery in Leonardville, Kansas next to her parents.

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Escalante, Thomas C. Jr. "Tom" [02/28/1947 - 05/03/2013]

Thomas C. �Tom� Escalante Jr., 66, of Topeka, died May 3, 2013 at Stormont Vail Hospital. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 28, 1947 the son of Thomas C. and Seraphina (Columbus) Escalante Sr. Tom served in the U.S. Army. He attended Washburn University where he studied Business Administration. Tom was the Sales Director for Topeka Club House Inn and Suites. He was formerly a partner in the Kozy Kitchen. Tom was a member of the Corvette Club and enjoyed showing his car at car shows. He loved to do yard work and was known for his immaculate lawn and landscaping. He played tennis and was an avid KU Jayhawk fan. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Thomas married Alice Lemuz at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on April 24, 1971. They recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. She survives. Mr. Escalante is also survived by his children, Lynda (James) Wolf of Shawnee, Ks., Jason C. (Stacie) Escalante of Overland Park, Ks., and Matthew A. (Janelle) Escalante of Eudora, Ks., two brothers, Robert A. (Brenda) Escalante and Daniel J. Escalante all of Topeka, two sisters, Jennifer D. Bardsley of Topeka, and Jacqueline S. (Guy) Gardner of Berryton and four grandchildren, McKenna, Amber, Dominic and Sophie. He will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m followed by a Parish Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church or Valley Hope of Atchison, and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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Beier, Timothy Allen [02/11/1966 - 05/02/2013]

Timothy A Beier, 47, of Topeka, entered into eternal rest on May 2, 2013. He was born February 11, 1966 in Topeka, KS, the son of Victor and Phyllis Beier. Tim graduated from Seaman High School in 1984 and attended Washburn University. He worked in management for several area grocery stores; including Falley�s, Food 4 Less, Bauersfelds and Checkers. He later worked for AT&T for 18 years in Topeka, Kansas City, and Lawrence. He enjoyed fishing, watching movies and attending sporting events with his son. Tim is survived by his son Alex, parents, sister, Tammy (Keith) Zachariasen and niece, Kelly Zachariasen. He will be dearly missed by a great number of family and friends. A memorial visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, followed by funeral service at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 6, 2013 at Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St, Ste 100, Topeka KS 66614.

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Belisle, Sylvester J. "Chet" [11/04/1928 - 05/01/2013]

Sylvester J. �Chet� Belisle, 84, of Topeka, KS died Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Anew Home Nursing Facility. He was born November 4, 1928 in Garden City, KS the son of Adrian and Mary (Peiffer) Belisle. Chet was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was an oil and gas producer owning Crude Oil, Midwestern Oil, and Oil and Gas Operations. He married LaDena Marie Ketter on November 24, 1975 in Miami, OK. She survives. Other survivors include his children,Douglas Harper and his wife Pamela of Wichita, Adrena Bertrand and her husband Ronnie of Topeka, Danny Belisle and his wife Terri of Topeka, Kent Belisle of Lawrence,Kimberly Haslett and her husband Roland of Lawrence, Sandra Johnson and her husband Phil of Topeka, a sister, Darlene Parker of Kirkwood, MO and a brother, Ronald Belisle of Lawrence. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian and Mary Belisle, a son, Sylvester J. Belisle, Jr. and three brothers, Kenny, Don, and Leroy Belisle. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Penwell Gabel Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by Ft. Riley Funeral Detail assisted by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Grace Hospice sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

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Haug, Teresa L. [11/17/1917 - 04/28/2013]

Teresa L. Haug, 95, of Topeka passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Aldersgate Village. Teresa was born November 17, 1917, on the family farm east of Emmett, Ks to Bernard and Christina (VandeVelde) Clark. She was a founding member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Daughters of Isabella Little Flower Circle #503. The Most Pure Heart of Mary Women�s Fellowship and was a member of the Widows and Widowers Organization. She also was with a card group since 1977. Teresa was married to Elmer Haug on February 1, 1941 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Emmett, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 21, 1998. She also was preceded in death by five brothers, August, Tony, Raymond, Raphael and James. Teresa is survived by two daughters, Linda (Bill) Adkins of Topeka and Marlene (Dennis) Waetzig of Chesterfield, Mo. She was the proudest grandmother of Steve (Kay) Adkins, Staci (Mark) Osterholm, Chad (Liz) Waetzig, Todd Waetzig and seven great grandchildren, Rachel and Austen Adkins, Lauren and Cole Osterholm, Julia Waetzig, and Grace and Erin Williams. Teresa will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m. on Friday where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. A Parish rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Churchc. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemtery. Memorial contributions are suggested in Teresa�s memory to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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