Linn County News
Published Nov. 10, 2021
Alvin (“Al”) Raymond Thompson, 60, of La Cygne, Kan., passed away July 25, 2021, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan.
Al was born Nov. 22, 1960, to Harold and Mary Thompson at Olathe Community Hospital.
Al recalled from his childhood many trips to Goodland, Kan., on the train to stay the summer with his grandparents and relatives on the farm. He enjoyed being there and remembered it fondly.
Al attended Olathe High School, back when there was only one high school. He worked as a mechanic and did real estate maintenance for several years. He attended DeVry Institute of Technology and received an associate’s degree in electronics and worked in the medical equipment field for many years. Al always liked new challenges and decided to go into real estate and worked as an agent for Crown Realty for the last 15 years. He enjoyed working for Crown, his co-workers and people he met as he did business. Al was a people person, and it fit him well.
Al and Kathy Knecht met in 1981. They were introduced by mutual friends. It was love at first sight, and they were married Jan. 22, 1982. They were together for 39 years. It was always “You and Me, Kid.” They lived a loving, committed relationship, respected each other, with an importance of shared faith and sincere love of family, friends and community.
Al was fun-loving and appreciated for his kind and generous ways. Helping others brought joy to his life. He loved classic cars and attended shows. He tinkered in the garage and enjoyed building things around the house. He really enjoyed his time with friends and family at the lake, sharing a story, having a drink and listening to music.
Preceding Al in death are his father and mother, Harold and Mary Thompson; his sister, Julie Thompson; his brother, Danny Thompson; father-in-law George Knecht; brother-in-law Greg Knecht; and brother-in-law Bill Clark.
Surviving are his wife, Kathy, of the home; and his five sons, Brandon Thompson of Olathe, Justin Thompson of Eldridge, Mo., Jason Thompson and wife Samantha of Pleasant Hill, Mo., Jacob Thompson of Olathe and Jordan Thompson of Olathe. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Lorraine “Kitty” Knecht, of Paola; his sister, Linda (Bill) Clark, of Flemington, Mo.; sister Judy and husband Wayne DuVall of Marysville, Tenn.; sister-in-Law Gayleen (Danny) Thompson of Osawatomie; sister Bonnie and her husband Jim Forth of Olathe; and brother-in-law Mike Knecht and his wife Cheryl of Joplin, Mo. Al was close to his many nieces and nephews and talked with them often. He was a great listener and reassuring soul for many. He leaves behind his beloved dog Shadow and two cats Momma and Joker.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at Town Square Event Design at 15 W. Wea, Paola, Kan. A mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 E Chippewa St., Paola. Graveside service will be directly after mass at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Paola. Please respect others by wearing masks and social distancing when possible.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lakemary Center, Holy Trinity Church of Paola or the charity of your choice in his memory c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Crematory, 305 N. Pearl St., Paola, Kan. 66071.
OBITUARIES
John Clayton Bowman ~ 02-01-1944 to 08-17-2025

Linn County News Published August 20, 2025 John Clayton Bowman, age 81, Parker, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of John Thomas “Tom” Bowman and Carrie Theodoshia Shafer Bowman. John attended... [More]
Arnold Joseph Lickteig ~ 05-16-1931 to 07-31-2025

Linn County News Published August 6, 2025 Arnold Joseph Lickteig, age 94, formerly of Greeley, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, Kan. Arnie was born on May 16, 1931, on a farm east of Greeley,... [More]
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
More Obituaries
- Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025
- Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
- Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
NEWS
Economic Development Director resigns

Cites lack of professionalism and respect in leadership During the public comment portion of the commissioners meeting on Aug. 18, Economic Development Director Chasity Ware took the podium and read a letter to the commissioners that began by noting that she had lived... [More]
Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan

The Pleasanton City Council met Monday night and listened to a presentation by Streets Supervisor Taylor Robinson who presented a plan on how to move forward to get all city streets redone next spring and summer. Robinson said she met with Linn County Public Works Superintendent... [More]
USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy

During the August meeting, which was moved to Tuesday, Aug. 12, the USD 344 Board of Education adopted a new cell phone policy as recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards and Kansas State Department of Education. The new policy prompted several questions from... [More]
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SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
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OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
