Leona (Nonie) M. Herpel

Leona M. “Nonie” Herpel, 97, of Dorrance, Kansas passed away June 17, 2016 at Golden Living Center in Wilson. Born January 18, 1919 in Ellsworth County, she was the daughter of Reinhardt and Kate (Milberger) Schmidt. She attended Wilson schools and moved to California her senior year where she worked for Niedens. She later returned home and while working at The Tower in Russell, she met Burton Herpel. They were united in marriage on September 16, 1945 in Anthony, Kansas. Burton’s career took them to Alaska, Colorado, Missouri before moving back to Russell County. A homemaker for most of her life, Nonie was known to be an excellent cook and for always keeping her home immaculate. She was known for her impeccable taste in clothing and was often asked for by name while working in retail at Warden’s in Salina, Kansas. Nonie was one of the founding women and charter members for the American Legion Post 334 Auxilliary which recently celebrated their 60th anniversary that she was able to attend. She was also a member of First Lutheran Church in Dorrance, Kansas. Survivors include her brother Willis “Bill” Schmidt and his wife, Dolores “Peachie” of Dorrance, Kansas, two God children: Cindy Heinze and Todd Steinle, both of Wilson, Kansas, and sixteen nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Burton on May 21, 2000, two brothers: David Schmidt and Alvin Schmidt; and two sisters: Helen Ginther and Edna Dumler-Kruckenberg. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church and sent in care of the funeral home.