George Stueve

George Michael Stueve 85, of Axtell, died March 14th, 2007 at the Life Care Center of Seneca. He was born April 18, 1921 in Marshall County, Kansas, the son of August and Marie Johnson Stueve.

On December 27, 1945 he married Dorothy Maxine McAtee. She preceded him in death on November 20, 1996. Also preceding him in death were a son, Mark, a daughter-in-law, Carla, and two brothers, Olaf and Clement. Survivors include, his wife Zelma of the home. Other survivors are, sisters Julia Duncan of Damascus, Oregon, Caroline Mulhern, Beattie, and Helen Bernasek, Manhattan, brothers, Hilary of Kingman, Arizona and Joseph of Lee's Summit, Missouri. His children, daughter-in-law Mrs. Mark (Lynette) Stueve, Topeka, Karl and Mary Stueve of Kingston, Washington, Alan Stueve and Sue Jarchow, Topeka, Linda and Gary Bergmann, Beattie, Paul and Jean Stueve, Topeka, Alma and Mark Wagner, Axtell, David Stueve, Topeka, Earl and Annie Stueve, Frankfort, Greg and Julie Stueve, Topeka, Eric and Claudine Stueve, Topeka, a step daughter Sharon and Jerry Conroy of Grand Island, Nebraska, 38 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Summerfield, Kansas High School in 1938 and attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He was engaged in numerous occupations including, foundry worker, farming, blacksmith, grain elevator operator, general construction, poultry operation, diesel mechanic, and retired from the Postal Service. He used his many talents after his retirement, working on numerous parade entry vehicles, winning several trophies and awards for his efforts. He was also an interstate safari expedition leader, taking his family on numerous vacations throughout the United States and Canada. As recently as 1997 he led a hiking expedition to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. George was known for his door-to-door delivery of his homemade bread around the holidays, and an endless number of teddy bears that he and Dorothy made for grand-kids and children of the community. He was a member of the USD 488 school board, St. Michael's school board, Axtell Public Library board and St. Michael's Parish Council.

Mass of Christian burial was 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2007 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell. Burial followed in St. Michael's Cemetery. Casket bearers were Karl Stueve, Alan Stueve, Paul Stueve, David Stueve, Earl Stueve, Greg Stueve, Eric Stueve, Mark Wagner, Gary Bergmann. A rosary was recited at 7 :00 p.m. Friday March 16, 2007 at St. Michael's Church. Landreth-Popkess Funeral Home in Axtell was in charge of arrangements.

A memorial has been set up in George's name for the Axtell Public Library and can be sent in care of the funeral home.