Memorial Scholarships

BARBARA SORRENTINO: was a brilliant, self-educated woman who raised four children, including one with special needs, on her own. In spite of the challenges life presented, Barbara lived by the philosophy that “the helping hand is at the end of your own arm.” Aunt Barbara is affectionately remembered by her family for her Irish gift of wit and words and her forever young spirit. Her years were cut far too short after a valiant struggle with cancer in 2014. We honor her memory with this scholarship to empower a young woman to pursue her dreams.

Mother of Chris, Kevin, Kelly, and Cara

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BILLY DEAN AND SALLY (MAYER) WUNSCH: Bill and Sally were married for 60 years before Bill’s death in 2014. Sally joined him in eternal peace in 2018. Sally taught English at the college and high school level. Bill was a veteran of the Air Force which instilled in him a lifelong love of flying. He was an architect who worked on numerous projects in the Kansas City area including supervision of construction of Arrowhead and Kaufman stadiums. Bill and Sally enjoyed reading, travel, movies, and gatherings with friends and family. Bill was a sculptor and Sally a poet. Both were lifelong learners who believed in the importance of education.

Parents of Charlie Wunsch

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BOB ALEY: was born in Topeka, KS. After graduating from Hayden High School, Bob attended Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri. During this time, two events impacted his life: the death of President John F. Kennedy and the Second Vatican Council. In 1965, Bob began his profession as teacher, counselor and administrator serving 45 years in Catholic high schools. Bob lead many Kairos retreats for students. He was always amazed at how God worked to transform the hearts of those who spent time with God. Bob was married to Teresa for 52 years; together they raised six children and enjoy his 14 grandchildren. During his retirement, Bob loved to spend time in nature and art.

Husband of Teresa; father of Melanie (Klover), Aaron, Tiffany (Coleman), Megan (Scharpenburg), Joel and Resa (Thomas).

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CHARLENE MOORE a lifelong resident of Beacon, New York, was born on February 17, 1931 to Mary (Clarke) Moore and Frederick V. Moore, Sr. She was a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in chemistry. Following college, Charlene worked at the Texaco Research Center in Glenham until retiring in 1992. Charlene oversaw the research library at the time of her retirement. Charlene had many talents. She was an artist and enjoyed painting. Her works were displayed at the Howland Center and her works were exhibited exclusively in Newburgh at Downing Park. She was also a very religious woman dedicated to her Catholic faith. She was one of the founding members of the St. Fidelis Fraternity, Third Order Franciscans and held several leadership positions in the fraternity. She spent many hours volunteering at St. Lawrence Seminary in Beacon with the Capuchin Friars.

“Aunt” to Dan Dakotas

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DARREN LAWSON was one of the “Brookwood kids.” Much loved by his mom and dad, brothers, grandparents and a large extended neighborhood family, Darren passed away suddenly in 2006 just as he discovered his wings and was ready to soar. His passing left a hollow in the hearts of all who loved him. Darren was a generous and gentle spirit. He had a wry sense of humor, an insatiable curiosity, a love of learning, books and brewing beer. Had he only been granted a few more years, he would surely have written the next “Great American Novel.” This scholarship is established in Darren’s memory to help another young book lover find her wings and soar.

By one of Darren’s Brookwood moms in happy memory of her unforgettable Brookwood kids

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DONNA HARSH was widowed in 1962. She was left with only part of a college education, and three small children. She finished her BS and MS in education in 1964 and 1965, respectively. She started teaching at Fort Hays State University in 1966. During her university career she established herself as a world-renowned figure in elementary education and children’s literature through her work as a professor and ultimately chair of the Curriculum and Instruction Department. She sat on numerous state and national level committees, helping to shape curriculum and trends in education and children’s literature. She helped establish the Young Readers’ Conference on campus and led children’s literature study tours all over the world for nearly 20 years.

Mother of Steve, Linda (Schukman), and Becky (Davidson)

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DYLAN JOSEPH GARNETT was a man of deep faith. He died tragically in a car crash at the age of 19. Dylan loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and desired to serve Him by modeling his life after St. Joseph, his patron saint. Dylan was a light to all he met, filled with joy and love for everyone he encountered. He practiced a “ministry of presence,” in that he strove to be truly present to each person that crossed his path, desiring for them to know that they mattered to him, and to God. He attended daily Mass, had a devoted prayer life and sought God’s Will in all things. In every situation, he simply chose the good, no matter the consequence. A friend shared a quote from Dylan’s application to join her prayer team

“Jesus is my everything. It’s is both easy and hard to enunciate my feelings for Him because it feels like I could go on and on but I also don’t know where to start. He is my best friend and my confidant and He knows every little thing about me even when I don’t know it myself. He pushes and pulls me to be better but does it in the most gentle ways, but that can seem extremely frustrating to me. He is the source of my life and my energy and He is the reason I live. My life would have no purpose and no meaning; I would be wandering aimlessly if I didn’t have Him to direct it, and to have Him as a goal to reach. I owe my all to Him because He gave His first. Glory Be to God in the Highest, for He gives and He takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”

He would be so happy to know that a young lady in Kenya will receive an education in honor of his memory. May those who benefit from this scholarship and those who contribute to it, know the joy of always choosing the good.

Son of Renee and David

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EDMUND GIEBLER was a WWII veteran who served in the European Theatre of Operations where he earned a combat infantry badge and a Purple Heart. He graduated from Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas. He taught high school math and science for 36 years in Red Cloud, Nebraska. He was honored by Westinghouse Educational Foundation for his meritorious work with science students. Always known for his kindness, honesty, and compassion, Ed was a beloved and respected teacher. He inspired his students to believe in themselves and what they could accomplish, leading many to find their life’s vocation. A man of deep faith and a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ed’s greatest joy was his family, who will cherish the memory of his exemplary life and constant concern for them.

Husband of Patti and father of Greg, Gerilyn (Diederich), Michael, Joe, Tony and Judith

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EDWARD AND SYBILLA SCHUKMAN were married for 40 years. Their lives revolved around each other and their four sons, one daughter, and nine grandchildren. Leaving home after graduating from 8th grade, Edward worked for a dairy farm to which he returned after WWII. Using the GI Bill, Edward went to Kansas State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Agriculture. After 37 years teaching vocational agriculture, he retired to spend more time in his garden and with his family. Sybilla’s parents wanted her to help the family of ten financially during the Depression by going to work after 8th grade but were convinced to allow her to attend high school; after graduation she started working. She always regretted not attending college. Her life was cut short by breast cancer. Both encouraged and supported their children’s educational pursuits.

Parents of Jay, John, Ruth (Dakotas), Kevin and Mark

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GLEN WELDON NELSON was a gentle, dedicated, loving man who enjoyed sports, yard work, camping, old tractors, KU basketball, and the KC Chiefs and Royals. But most of all, he loved his family. He was devoted to all of his grandchildren’s activities and was their #1 fan. He will be dearly missed by family, friends and community. Glen was born and raised in Kansas. After high school graduation he joined the United States Army in 1954. After his service to his country, Glen earned an Associate of Arts degree from Hutchinson Jr. College, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kansas State University, and a Masters of Education in Administration from the University of Kansas. In 1960 Glen married the love of his life, Ruby Elaine Radke, on July 30, 1960. They lived in Manhattan, Olathe, Shawnee, Overland Park, and then 46 years in De Soto. Glen worked in education from 1962-1997 for the Shawnee Mission School District as a teacher, Athletic Director and Vice-Principal. He then moved on to Gardner Edgerton High School as Principal from 1997-2001. Glen was a member of the De Soto Baptist Church for 46 years, De Soto School Board, Water Board for Rural Water District #1, City of De Soto Planning Commission, and Lawrence American Legion.

Husband of Ruby and Father of Tari (Thompson) and Tami (Reeves)

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HAROLD JAMES GIEBLER was born December 9, 1927 in Hays, Kansas, the son of Edmund and Anna (Staab) Giebler. He was a 1945 graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy and served in the U.S. Army during World War II and played with the 5th U.S. Army Band. On June 20, 1953 he was united in marriage to Petronilla “Nellie” Leiker at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. They celebrated over 64 years of marriage. He attended Fort Hays State College for two years and was a mail carrier for many years with the United State Postal Service. After his retirement from the USPS, he was a bus driver and van driver for over ten years with USD 489. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and the Hays American Legion. He was a cantor for many years at Immaculate Heart of Mary and was also a member of the church choir and the Volga German Men’s Choir. He was very active, true to his word, and was known to be able to build or fix anything.

Husband of Nellie and father to Cecilia (Burke), Rose (Coon), Teresa (Schrandt), Barbara (Gonzales) and Andrew

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HELEN DAKOTAS was widowed in the late 1940’s. She devoted her life to caring for her two young children and two grandchildren as well as family and friends around her. A story-teller with a wonderful sense of humor, she gave the gift of laughter to all around her. She was kind, generous and wise. One of her sayings we use frequently is “If it can’t cry over you, why cry over it.”

Mother of Dan and Judy (Freestone)

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IGNATIUS SCHUMACHER, Ph.D, was an army veteran who worked for army intelligence in Berlin during the cold War. During his time in Berlin, he received letters from his sister’s best friend, Bernice Giebler, while his sister wrote to one of Bernice’s brothers. When he returned home he sought out Bernice; their friendship grew into love which led to 61 years of marriage, 7 children, 28 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. His education started in a one-room school house through 8th grade, high school at St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, Kansas and a couple of years at Fort Hays State College before joining the army. He returned to school after his military service earning a degree in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Kansas and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. His career in chemistry earned him numerous patents. After retirement, he taught high school for several years. His greatest joy was his family.

Husband of Bernice (Giebler) and father of Ann, Peter, Paul, Joel, Tom, Sarah (Dorhauer), and Kristen (Chibitty)

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JAMES AND JEAN CROUGH had just celebrated 53 years of marriage when Jean lost a brave battle with cancer in 2001. Thirteen years later, Jim fell peacefully asleep in his favorite chair one last time. With their passing, another couple of the “greatest generation” left a legacy of patriotism, hard work, sacrifice and generosity. Though Jim and Jean grew up in hard times, they lived their lives by St. Luke’s reminder that to whom much is given, much is expected. Jim spent many successful years in the car business, but the regret that he was not able to complete high school lingered throughout his life. As the years of staying home with their seven children drew to an end, Jean scurried up her courage, enrolled in nursing school and pursued a dream long deferred. Jim and Jean never missed a chance to emphasize the value of education to their children and grandchildren. They would be humbled and so honored by this scholarship established in their name.

Parents of Mike, Cindy, Sheryl, Pam, Randy, Tim, Lisa

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JEFF SHRIVER left us too soon after a brief but grueling fight with cancer. While attending Dakota State University, Jeff competed on the basketball team and allegedly never missed a rebound. After graduation, he served honorably in the Military Police Corps of the U.S. Army. During this time Jeff met and married the love of his life, Cindy Crough, from Salina, Kansas. After teaching in Minnesota for five years, he and family moved to Salina where he continued his teaching career until retiring in 2008. Jeff loved to fish, play golf, correct free-throw shooting techniques and loyally follow his favorite teams, the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas Jayhawks and, most importantly, whatever team his children, Alyssa and Ryan, were playing on. Ryan and Alyssa gave him 4 beautiful grandchildren who brought him much joy.

Brother-in-law to board members Sheryl and John Maguire

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JERRY SCHUMACHER was a man for others, Jerry lived a life of service. He was always there to help his large extended family, which included his wife Libby and four children. He was a stellar dad. Not one to volunteer for organizations, Jerry spent most of his time serving others by being the first to paint a house for his sister-in-law and her family, the first to charge a dead battery in a daughter’s car, and the first to babysit the grandchildren. He never expected anything in return. This banker loved to fly airplanes, and when he was in his twenties, he flew a plane under a bridge in Omaha, and even once ran out of gas while flying, but landed the plane safely on a golf course. At age 75, his life was cut short by Lou Gehrig’s disease. Through it all, he taught us not only how to live by his life of service, but also how to enjoy life to the very end.

Husband of Libby and father of Ann (Freestone)

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JOHN AND VERA DOULL: John Doull, Ph.D., M.D., passed away at the age of 94. John served in the Navy as an Electronic Technicians Mate Second Class from 1944 to 1946. He was an Eagle Scout who inspired his twin sons to follow his achievement. His professional accomplishments are significant, but John was always modest and would not want them all listed. He had significant awards and honors worldwide. He advanced the study of Toxicology, and published Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology (8 versions), a textbook used in Emergency rooms around the world. He was also Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology and Toxicology at KU Medical Center. John was a Charter Member and past President of the Society of Toxicology. He was a consultant to the National Institute of Health, the National Academy of Sciences, the EPA and The White House Advisory Panel. He was dedicated to his profession and those who were in it. He was committed to University of Kansas Medical Center, his colleagues there, and the study of Toxicology.

Vera Mae Orsborn Doull passed away at the age of 89. Self-sufficient and independent, Vera earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science (Physiology) from the University of Illinois, when she met John Doull over test tubes in a lab. After raising her children, Vera was a Research Assistant in the Departments of Biochemistry and Pathology for 8 1/2 years at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Vera lived her faith through her actions. She was involved in numerous philanthropic organizations including her church, community outreach groups, and was a longtime member of the KU Medical Center Auxiliary, serving as President in the 70s. Her zest for life included travelling with John. Whether it was Egypt or London, China or Finland, Vera was always planning the next thing. Be it a trip, a party or book club meeting, Vera never slowed down.

John and Vera were married on March 1, 1958, and were devoted to each other for 59 years. John’s commitment to his wife was unwavering. John was a faithful husband, loving father, respected colleague and a man of faith. Vera was a faithful wife, and loving mother who encouraged everyone she knew to make the most of their God-given gifts. Their faith was the foundation of their life. They loved their church and their God.

Friends of Dan and Ruth; mentors for Ruth during her 28 years at the University of Kansas Medical Center. John was Ruth’s first boss.

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JOHN AND VIRGINIA MAGUIRE though of modest means, insisted their children have the educational opportunities they were not afforded. They were of the greatest generation and fueled their dreams for their three children with extraordinary hard work and sacrifice. In memory of their loving years together and the anniversary of the 100th birthdays, this scholarship is established to celebrate their amazing legacy which continues to inspire their children today.

Parents of John Maguire

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KATHY SCHUKMAN was a dynamic teacher who enjoyed forensics and English with her students. Education was very important to her. She raised her daughter while pursuing degrees in teaching and working as a high school teacher. She was always looking out for those students who seemed lost.She was a vivacious, fun-loving, and thoughtful woman. Her family was her primary focus and dearly loved her husband, daughter, step-daughters, and grand-children. She left us too soon. This scholarship honors a woman devoted to family and education.

Wife of Kevin Schukman

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LOIS ROTH was an energetic woman with an insatiable desire for new experiences and knowledge which she shared with her primary students. She loved art, the theater, travel and reading. Widowed at a young age, she raised her children while pursuing a career as an elementary teacher. Her journey through life was cut short due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Friend of Dan and Ruth Dakotas

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MARGARET RUSSELL; started her career as an English teacher and was a dedicated educator retiring at 90 years old after a 60+ year long career. She taught high school at Bishop Hogan High School and Shawnee Mission West (SMW). At 60 years old, she retired (“rewired”) from teaching high school to continue teaching in various other venues. With the Peace Corps she journeyed to the former communist Czechoslovakia to teach English to Czech teachers. She finally retired from formal teaching positions at 90 years old from Johnson County Community College where she helped students in the writing lab. For many of her students, English was their second language. She loved traveling, books, plays, classical music, PBS, card games and food. She read the New York Times and COMPLETED the daily and weekly NYT crossword puzzle. She loved the NYT book review. Bold and not afraid to speak up, Marg was an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, encouraged education and individual independence. She lived an independent and rich life due to her imagination and love of spending time with friends/family.

Friend of Dan and Ruth Dakotas

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MARY JO STEGER was born in Washington, DC on June 19, 1937, the daughter of John and Emma Denise Butler. Her earliest memories were of life in the Dominican Republic where her father was a Naval Attaché. Her family returned to Quantico, Va., in 1943 where Mary Jo entered 1st grade. In early 1944 her dad was transferred to Camp Pendleton, Calif., where the 5th Marine Division was being prepared for action in the Pacific. The family lived in Coronado during her father’s deployment. When her father was killed in action on Iwo Jima, her mother resettled the family in Ft. Myers, Fla., with the help of Mary Jo’s maternal grandparents.

Mary Jo was raised on the Caloosahatchee River in a beautiful old riverside home surrounded by live oaks, hanging moss and palm trees. Their social life revolved around their parish and parochial grammar school, St. Francis Xavier. Mary Jo’s high school years were spent at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach, Fla., where she graduated in 1955.

Mary Jo met her husband to be, George Fletcher Steger, at Springhill College in Mobile, Ala. They were married at St. Francis Xavier Church in Ft. Myers, Fla., on December 28, 1957. They spent 27 years as an army family with their five children, 11 of which were in Europe. They came to Leavenworth, Kansas for Col. Steger’s final assignment in 1980. They had a wonderful celebration of 50 years of marriage in 2007. While her husband began a second career as a professor at the University of Saint Mary in 1983, Mary Jo worked for St. Ignatius parish at Ft. Leavenworth for 10 years before becoming a caregiver for George’s mother and then later for her own mother. She was active in prison ministry with her husband for over 30 years. Family and friends provided her greatest joy.

Wife of George Steger; Mother of Angela, Stephen, Kathryn, Timothy and Benjamin

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MINDY CHANG: Her laughter was infectious, her smile warmed your heart, and her cooking filled the soul. Mindy was a restaurateur and one of the Chang Family siblings who own the Blue Koi restaurants in Kansas City.

Sister of Ling, Jen, and Scott

 

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REV. SEBASTIAN FALCONE: who celebrated his 65th anniversary in the priesthood, died Aug. 4, 2016, at the age of 88. He was ordained a Capuchin Franciscan priest on May 16, 1951.

He served for many years as a seminary professor with the Capuchins, then began teaching at the former St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester in 1967. Father Falcone served as academic dean there from 1972 until the seminary closed in 1981. Subsequently, he was president of St. Bernard’s Institute from 1981-92. For many years he also was a professor of biblical studies at the school.

A colleague said that Father Falcone’s tenure at the school “spanned decades of service and heartfelt commitment.…He prepared detailed notes for each lecture and consistently had a classroom full of eager students who still to this day fondly remember his wisdom, his wry sense of humor and most importantly his dedication to his priestly ministry.”

One of his students commented “He taught, mentored, encouraged and challenged many of our deacons during their years of formation. I very much enjoyed several courses taught by Father Falcone….He was a brilliant and caring instructor who imparted his love of Christ and the church to his students.”

Friend and mentor of Dan Dakotas

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SHELLEY BRYAN was a kind spirit whose healing energies were nurturing to those who needed a more healthy approach to life. Her ready smile that accompanied her laugh was a familiar sight to those who knew her. Her devotion and commitment to her clients and those with whom she came in contact was exemplary. She was much loved by her husband, two sons, family and friends.

Wife of Bob and mother of Steve and Tim

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SHIRLEY SANDERSON was born February 9, 1921 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Adolph and Emma Giese of rural Euclid, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Evangelical Church, rural Euclid, Minnesota. She graduated from from the University of North Dakota in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Home Economics. In 1964 she received a Master’s of Science degree from the University of North Dakota. She also attended North Dakota State University, San Diego State University and Colorado State University. Her professional career started as a high school teacher of Home Economics in Minnesota and North Dakota. Eventually she became a Professor of Home Economics at the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University. She was a member of Delta Zeta social sorority; Phi Upsilon Omicron, Home Economics honorary; Pi Lambda Theta, Women’s Education Honorary Society; North Dakota Home Economics Association; Advisory Council of College Teachers of Textiles and Clothing, Central Region. In October of 1943 Shirley was united in marriage to Otto Sanderson. They had three children.

Mother of Jane Belanus

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VERA FERRONE was the first female comptroller in the New York banking industry. She opened the door for other women to follow her into traditionally male careers. She was happily married for 65 years and devoted to her husband, daughter, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was dearly loved by her husband, family and friends.

Mother of Ronnie (Ferrone) Coulter and grandmother of Terry, Chris and Adam

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VIRGINIA WRIGHT was a loving, caring woman who left her home in Minnesota to be with her brother in Kansas City after his wife died. She always wanted to travel but wasn’t able to do so but her spirit has traveled to Kapkemich, Kenya. After she died shortly after her 90th birthday, her estate donated the funds to build the Virginia Wright Healthcare Skills Laboratory and Clinic in Kapkemich.

Friend of a FOSA donor

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WALTER DAVID RICHARDS was born in Chicago, Illinois just before the outbreak of World War II. He left school at an early age to enter the Marine Corps so that he could see the world. Throughout his life he was devoted to providing a supportive and encouraging environment for his five children and ten grand- children. Education for his children was especially important and he encouraged them to reach for their dreams. Walter was the first of his siblings whose children graduated from high school and the only one whose children pursued higher education. He loved to expand his own knowledge of history and the bible by being an avid reader. Walter was also devoted to his community where he was a member of the volunteer fire department and worked as a school bus driver.

Father Margaret Richards