Robert Sears

Robert E. "Gene" Sears, 78, of Topeka, passed away, Friday, February 11, 2005 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

He was born April 27, 1926 in Topeka the son of Melvin F. and Eva Corrine Davis Sears. He was a graduate of Napa High School, Napa California.

Gene was a military veteran serving in the United States Army during World War II.

Mr. Sears was a manager of the Skelgas propane dealership in Topeka and later Heetco propane dealership in Lawrence. He enjoyed "The Farm" where he raised horses and cattle.

He was a member of Town and Country Christian Church. He was also a member of Post #58 of the American Legion and the Kansas State Historical Society.

He married Rosemary Wulfkuhle October 2, 1952 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include: two sisters, Phyllis Furgason, Topeka, Lorraine Escola, Topeka, 18 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10:00am Tuesday February 15, 2005 at Town and Country Christian Church. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Mr. Sears will lie in state after 12:00 noon Monday February 14, 2005 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:30pm until 8:00pm Monday. Memorial contributions may be given to Town and Country Christian Church, 4925 SW 29th, Topeka, KS 66614. To leave a message for the family visit www.penwellgabel.com.
Gene and Rosie Sears

Rosemary A. "Rosie" Sears passed away Sunday, February 13, 2005, two days after the death of her beloved husband, Robert E. "Gene" Sears, on February 11, 2005.

Rosie and Gene were married October 2, 1952, in Topeka. Their love and devotion extended through their 53 years of marriage. Gene died following a heart attack and Rosie died from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and a broken heart. Their families find comfort that they are together again.

Rosie was born August 12, 1923, in Stull, Kansas, the daughter of William F. and Mildred A. Gress Wulfkuhle. Gene was born April 27, 1926, in Topeka, the son of Melvin F. and Eva C. Davis Sears.

She was employed by Merchants National Bank until her retirement in 1970. He was a manager of the Skelgas propane dealership in Topeka and later Heetco propane dealership in Lawrence. Gene was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

They were members of Town and Country Christian Church. Rosie participated in Senior Saints and Indian Hills Unit. She enjoyed participating in her neighborhood Bible study group. Gene was a member of Post #58 of the American Legion and the Kansas Historical Society.

Rosie was preceded in death by three brothers, Clyde, Herman and Leo Wulfkuhle. She is survived by two brothers, Ross Wulfkuhle, Lawrence, KS; George Wulfkuhle, Sun City, AZ; and her beloved sister, Ina Soran, Twin Falls, Idaho.

Gene is survived by two devoted sisters, Phyllis Furgason and Lorraine Escola, both of Topeka.

Aunt Rosie and Uncle Gene spoiled and enjoyed their 18 nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Together they loved their life on "The Farm" where they raised horses and cattle.

The couple will lie in state after 12:00 noon Wednesday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.. Funeral services will be held 10:00a.m. Thursday at the Town and Country Christian Church. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be given to Town and Country Christain Church, 4925 SW 29th, Topeka, 66614, or to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Woodholme Medical Bldg., 1838 Green Tree Road #515, Baltimore, MD 21208. To leave a message for the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com.