Obituaries - August 14, 2024

Kurtes Axel Blomquist

It is with deep sadness that we inform our community that Kurtes Axel Blomquist (93 yrs) died in Salina, KS on 5/24/2024. He was born in Lindsborg, KS on 1/12/1931 to Swedish immigrant parents Axel and Greta Blomquist. On 7/29/1951 he married Eleanor Leander with whom he raised 3 children and is survived by them: Janet Blomquist, Shawnee Ks; Sandra Breipohl (Gary), Tulsa OK; and Brian Blomquist (Mary), Gypsum CO. Kurtes is also survived by 4 grandsons: Adam Breipohl, Anders Blomquist, Finn Blomquist and Bergen Blomquist.

Kurtes lived and farmed in the Bridgeport/Assaria/Lindsborg community all of his life. He was known for being a hard worker even through all the ups and downs of being a farmer. Described by those who knew him as a kind and generous man, he gave uncountable hours of his time and expertise to his church. He served on the Assaria Lutheran Church Council and on various church committees over the many years he attended ALC. Kurtes was strong in his Christian faith and lived by example that guiding faith over his lifetime. Additionally, Kurtes and Eleanor owned and operated the PFAFF Sewing Center in Salina for 15 years. Kurtes was known for his ability to fix sewing machines, making them “good as new” for those who sought him out. In addition to local customers, there also were many customers who sometimes drove a significant distance to tap into his abilities. Just as in all the other areas of his life, he was known to be a fair and accountable man.

Kurtes was actively involved with the Lions Club and 4-H over the years. No matter how busy he was with other commitments he always found time to participate in and and give of his time to community activities.

To Janet, Sandy and Brian, who were blessed to call Kurtes “Dad”, there are no adequate words that can describe the special man who raised them by example. They were blessed to learn positive work ethics and positive thinking. They also learned the art of forgiving and honesty in all facets of life.

Among the many things that Kurtes loved were: International Harvester equipment and International Harvester equipment that didn’t break down during the many processes of farming. He loved lemon pie, coffee, homemade potato salad and homemade sweet rolls. He never met a stranger and could strike up conversation with anyone – be they children or adults. He loved his family with a huge and uncompromising strength and fortitude. He will be missed. He will be forever remembered as a fine and good man, a man worthy of being called a farmer and the man who was loved by his wife, children and grandsons.

Kurtes’s family wishes to express sincere and special gratitude to Eric Blomquist and David Persigehl. They had a mutually shared affection fueled by all being farmers. Additionally, deep and heart felt gratitude is expressed to the staff of Sunflower Terrace, Lindsborg KS and to Cedarhurst Memory Care Center in Salina. The staff of these two facilities was so appreciated by Kurtes’s family. Kurtes was welcomed into these living communities with loving arms and a safe environment.

There will be a graveside memorial service for Kurtes Blomquist on Saturday, August 31 at 10:30AM at the Assaria Lutheran Church cemetery.  Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited into the church’s Family Life Center for coffee and cookies. 

Memorials in honor of Kurtes can be made to Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. 1st St., Assaria, KS 67416.  Donations will be added to the church’s annual ice cream social fund. Please send cards and other expressions of remembrance and condolence to Ryan Mortuary & Crematory in Salina, KS.

Charles William Weathers, Jr.

Charles William Weathers, Jr., of Salina, KS, passed away Friday, August 9, 2024. He was born January 20, 1931, at Asbury Hospital to Charles Sr. and Gladys (Neilson) Weathers. 

Mr. Weathers was a long-time Salina resident. He was retired from his work as an independent Consulting Engineer. He formerly owned and operated E.F.D. Package Express, Hutchpack Delivery, Kwik Express, Film Delivery Service, and Weathers Popcorn Companies. He also worked as an engineer for the Quaker Oats Company at various locations and Wilson & Company, Engineers & Architects in Salina. He served as a Lieutenant in the US Air Force during the latter part of the Korean War, serving in the United Kingdom. 

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Jane; son, Charles Martin (Mitsuko) and granddaughter, Erika Weathers of Tokyo, Japan; daughter, Sydney Earle (Mike) of Indianapolis, IN; grandson, Casey Earle (Corinne) and their children Aubrey and Charlie of Fishers, IN; and granddaughter, Mallory Earle, of Indianapolis, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Ruth Ann and Molly Jean Weathers. 

Charley traveled extensively, having visited all 50 of the United States and 50 countries spanning all seven continents. 

He was an avid KSU fan who never missed a chance to take in a game with Jane and could rattle off trivia with the best of EMAW nation. An NFL and die-hard Chiefs fan, Charley took home a few prizes from the Presbyterian Manor’s weekly pick ‘em contests.    

A movie buff, Charley had a “starring” role (~3 seconds) in the movie “Up the Academy” that was filmed in Salina. 

He had a true, childlike love for Christmas and would often send his wish list by the end of October. He loved nothing more than sharing a meal or a cup of coffee with his closest friends and family to talk. An accomplished photographer, Charley left a wealth of memories from gatherings, holidays and family milestones. He will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew him.

Mr. Weathers was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Salina, having served as an Elder and Deacon. He had been an active member of the Salina Rotary Club; having served as president and served on many district and local communities, mainly involving scholarships and humanitarian aid to Central America. He was also a Paul Harris fellow. He was the Team Leader on a six-week Rotary Cultural Exchange visit to Brazil and a volunteer for the Cadre of Technical Advisors for the Rotary Foundation. He had also been a board member of the Salina Chapter of Habitat For Humanity and served as an American Red Cross volunteer. 

Charley has been a member of: KSU Alumni Association, Salina Country Club; having served on the Board of directors, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity. He was formerly a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, a Licensed Professional Engineer, a Licensed Private Detective, and a past member of the Salina Planning Commission and the Salina Downtown Design and Review Board. 

Suggested memorials: First Presbyterian Church, Salina Presbyterian Manor, and the Rotary Foundation, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS  67401.

Charley’s memorial service will be Friday, September 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Salina. A celebration of life will be held afterwards at Blue Skye Brewery and Eats.

Glenn J. Shomaker

Glenn J. Shomaker, 65, of Salina passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024.  He was born in Flagler, CO to Howard and Phyllis (Lund) Shomaker.

In his free time Glenn enjoyed working on cars and loved riding his Harley and being with friends.   

He was preceded in death his parents and brother, Harold Shomaker.  He is survived by his daughter, Angel Losquadro (Stephen) of Maryland; brothers, Tommy Shomaker of Salina and Eugene Shomaker (Holly) of Kansas City.   

A memorial service will be held at a later date.