Bernard James Geenens, 80, of Blue Mound, Kan., died at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, following a courageous battle with cancer. Bernie was born April 24, 1934, to August Thomas and Josephine (Fastner) Geenens.
He attended Catholic schools. After graduating from De La Salle Academy in Kansas City, Mo., he attended Nelson Art Institute in Kansas City, Mo. Bernie joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Greenland during the Korean War.
Bernard married Bernice Payden Sept. 19, 1957. Together they raised three children, but later divorced.
Bernie was a multi-talented man who was also deeply committed to the communities in which he lived. He grew huge gardens each year and enjoyed giving his produce to everyone in the community.
He was a member of Lions Club International and was president of the Mill Creek Rifle Club for many years. Bernie was very artistic. He made knives and cutlery, was a gunsmith, and could fix anything. He loved the outdoors and was a scuba diver and an avid hunter. He was one of the original builders of the Mill Creek Rifle Range. Bernie’s great loves in his later years were his dogs, especially Suzy.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; one brother who died in infancy; his daughter-in-law, Lilly Geenens; and one grandson, Stevie Denny who died from SIDS.
Survivors include his three children, Debra A. Stenstrom and her husband Dr. Mark L. of Junction City, Kan., Mark T. Geenens of Blue Mound, and Laurie Teter and her husband Steven of Garnett, Kan.; six grandchildren, Jeremy and Megan Stenstrom, Sara Geenens, Tara and Corey Denny, and Mitchell Teter, Derek Fletcher.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory Mound City Chapel. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

OBITUARIES

Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Kelly Kehl, age 87, of Mound City, Kan., passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his rural Mound City home.  Kelly was born March 25, 1938, south of Parker, Kan., to Keith (Tom) Emerson Kehl and Helen Edith (Giffin) Kehl. Kelly... [More]

Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Kandi Kay Cruse passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 67 after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on March 29, 1958, in Colorado Springs, Colo., Kandi’s zest for life and carefree spirit were evident from an early age. She... [More]

Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Jessica Cae Pritchett age 43 of Parker, Kan., died Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Eddy Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie, Kan. ... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

special: SCOTUS agrees to hear Women's Sports Case

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  Case paves the way for states to continue to protect women and girl's athletic opportunities Topeka, Kan. July 3, 2025 - Today, the Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari in Hecox v. Little and West Va., v. BPJ.  Rep.... [More]

SPECIA;: Schmidt Votes to Cancel Massive Tax Hike, Secure Border, and Lower Federal Spending

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    WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) issued the following statement regarding passage of the budget reconciliation bill by the U.S. House of Representatives, also called the “One Big Beautiful Bill”:   “Last November,... [More]

NOTICE:

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The Linn County News and Linn County Printing offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in honor of the holiday.

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SPORTS

Gratton at Nationals

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Pleasanton’s Ashton Gratton qualifies for the Adidas Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina after winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes in the KSHSAA 2A State tournament in Wichita on May 31. The Adidas Nationals took place from June 20-22 and Gratton did well in both the... [More]

Summer Ball Tournaments

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The Parker 8-11 baseball team 1 places first in their league tournament at La Cygne on June 28. See more photos on page B1 of this week's edition.

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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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