[ Obituaries 15 ]

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 24, 2003 by Capital-Journal

Jon Leroy Blandin

LAWRENCE --- A memorial gathering for Jon Leroy Blandin, 52, Lawrence, is planned for 5 p.m. next Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at the Union Pacific Depot, 402 N. 2nd, Lawrence.

Mr. Blandin died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He had resided in Lawrence for the past seven years, and prior to that, had lived in the Topeka and Kansas City areas. Arrangements have been handled by Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Jon was born Sept. 1, 1950, in Holton, the son of Leroy "Pete" and Dorothy (Patch) Blandin.

He was a graduate of Topeka High School, and attended The University of Kansas, Washburn University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He completed the two-year Chef Apprenticeship Program at Johnson County Community College and Westin Hotel's Executive Chef Apprenticeship Program. He was a member of the Kansas City Chef's Association,

Jon Blandin enlisted in and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1971 as a Avionics Electronic Warfare repairman.

He was a cook at Naismith Residence Hall at The University of Kansas, and Dos Hombres in Lawrence. Formerly he was a chef at Cafe Allegro (a four-star, award-winning restaurant), the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City. He was also the Executive Chef at the Butler Country Club in Butler, Mo.

Jon was a proud member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, where he volunteered on numerous building projects and provided transportation for reservation children to Head Start in Topeka. He was an active member of the American Indian Movement. He enjoyed music, dancing, theater, crossword puzzles, trivia, National Public Radio, humor and fishing. He was a strong believer in social justice issues.

Surviving are his close companion, Mary Lisa Pike, Lawrence, and a sister, Judy Gunn, Port Orange, Fla.

The family suggests that personal acts of kindness be performed as a memorial contribution in Jon's honor.

Merle M. Miller

BELLEVILLE --- Merle M. Miller, 88, editor/publisher of the Belleville Telescope, died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003, in Manhattan.

He was born April 21, 1915, in Belleville. His wife, Erma, died in 1994.

Surviving are a daughter, Margo Laubhan, Pratt; two sons, Mark Miller, Belleville, and Monte Miller, Manhattan; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Enola Perry, California.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the United Presbyterian Church in Belleville. Burial will be in Belleville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday.

Memorials may be given in the form of contributions to North Central Health Care Foundation or the United Presbyterian Church in Belleville.

Robert J. Minihan

BLAINE --- Mass of Christian Burial for Robert J. Minihan, 76, Blaine, will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Blaine. Burial and military honors will follow in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Blaine.

He will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Kufahl Funeral Home, Wheaton. A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the church.

Jean F. Murphy

SABETHA --- Jean F. Murphy, 80, Sabetha, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2003, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Surviving are a brother, John Murphy, and sisters Margaret and Margery Murphy, all of Sabetha.

His body has been cremated and no services will be held at this time.

George C. Rodriguez

OTTAWA --- George C. Rodriguez, 72, a lifelong resident of Ottawa, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2003, at Stormont-Vail Healthcare in Topeka.

George was born Nov. 23, 1931, in Ottawa, the son of Leocadio and Soledad (Morales) Rodriguez. He attended Ottawa schools, graduating from Ottawa High School. He then attended Ottawa University.

He worked as a truck driver for Bennett Creamery until the plant closed. He then spent 19 years driving for Allstar Dairy before beginning employment with Fairmont Dairy from which he retired on April 27, 1993, after 17 years.

George was united in marriage to Candelaria "Candy" Torrez on June 3, 1967, in Topeka. They shared more than 36 years of marriage.

George was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa. He also was a third degree Knight of Columbus in Council 3010, Ottawa, and a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, St. Phillippine Duchesne Council 2260 in Olathe. George also was a member of the Warehouse & Drivers Union No. 552 in Kansas City, Mo.

George was an avid gardener who especially enjoyed growing tomatoes and peppers. He also had a love of traveling.

His wife, Candy, of the home; two sisters, Eloise Rodriguez, of Tustin, Calif., and Connie Covert of Ottawa, survive. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

His parents and two sisters, Mary Rodriguez and Nellie Nieves, preceded him in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Mr. Rodriguez will lie in state after noon Monday at Lamb Roberts Funeral Home, where the family will gather to meet friends from 2 until 8 p.m.