Obituaries - Wednesday, September 16
Donald Eugene Goracke
March 12, 1951 - September 13, 2026
Donald Eugene Goracke, 75, of New Cambria, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026 at his home. He was born in Salina, to Constance J. and Mildred L. (Layman) Goracke, on March 12, 1951.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Elaine Goracke; children, Susie Ostroscki and Michael Goracke; six grandchildren; siblings, Barb Belden (Dick), George Goracke (Jan), Mary Hahn, Bobby Goracke; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Michael Goracke, Clarence Goracke, Richard Goracke, and Dorothy Burkholder.
Per Donnie's request, cremation was chosen and there will be no services scheduled at this time.
Heier Scott Mortuary
Linda Sue Hawbaker
January 13, 1949 - September 10, 2026
Linda Sue Hawbaker, 77, of Salina, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Holiday Resort and Rehabilitation. She was born on January 13, 1949, to Lester L. and Lois V. (McMinn) Hawbaker, in Salina. After high school, Linda attended Marymount College for music. Linda had a deep and lasting love for music, especially playing the piano. Music was more than a hobby to her; it was a true passion that brought her joy and gave her a way to connect with others. She dedicated many years to sharing that passion as a piano teacher, patiently teaching, and encouraging her students while helping them discover their own love and appreciation for music. Linda found great fulfillment in watching others learn, grow, and find joy through music, and the gift of music she shared with many will be remembered for years to come. She was also a member of Piano Teachers League and TOPS / KOPS. She enjoyed working with and helping people while she was employed at the Area Agency on Aging.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Left to mourn her passing are her children, David Hall, of Salina, Laura Warhurst (Preston Usher), of Salina, Jennifer Sims (Benjamin), of Basehor, Sarah Clayton (Joshua), of Downingtown, PA, and Tiffany Gruber (James Bogart), of Valley Center; grandchildren, Jade Mauch (Jimmy), Kieragan Warhurst, Parker Warhurst, Kaden Sims, Colin Sims, Corbin Sims, Elise Sims, Savannah Clayton, Josie Clayton, Alexander Miller, Kevin Bogart, and Daniel Bogart; great-grandchildren, Axel Mauch and Archer Mauch; sisters, Shirley Hendericks, Diana Pritts (Steven), and Janice Ward.
A Celebration of Life will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Central Baptist, 2026 Starlight Drive, Salina. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.
Celebration of Life Thursday, September 17, 2026 10:00 AM Central Baptist 2026 Starlight Drive Salina, Kansas 67401
Heier Scott Mortuary
Linda Kay Schimmel
August 5, 1960 - August 31, 2026
Linda Kay Schimmel, of Salina, Kansas, was called home to be with the Lord on August 31, 2026.
Linda was born on August 5, 1960, in Pilsen, Kansas, to Therese (Hotze) and Edward Silhan.
She was a woman whose life was defined by love, kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to the people she cared for.
Linda had a loving heart and a selfless spirit. She had a way of putting others before herself and caring for those around her with genuine compassion. She lived her life with grace, humility, and a love that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Linda shared 47 beautiful years with the love of her life, her husband, Robert. Their life together was built on love, devotion, and countless memories that will forever remain in the hearts of their family.
Linda lived like a saint—not because she was perfect, but because of the way she loved, gave, forgave, and cared for others. She was selfless in every sense of the word, always putting the needs of those she loved before her own. Her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life, and she cherished every moment she had with them.
She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by words, but by the lives she touched and the love she gave. Her kindness, compassion, and beautiful spirit will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the love she gave will never fade. She will be deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.
Heier Scott Mortuary
Myrna Kay Peterson
February 23, 1940 - August 27, 2026
Myrna Kay Peterson, 86, longtime resident of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at Lifepath Hospice in Sun City Center, Florida. She had recently moved to Florida to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Beverly Peterson.
Myrna was born February 23, 1940, in Clayton, Kansas, to Oscar and Lila Garton. After her mother remarried Glen Corcoran, Myrna grew up in Atwood, Kansas, where she was raised by her grandparents, Bud and Mary Gallatin, after her mother’s death. She shared her childhood with her half-brothers, Gary and Larry Corcoran.
Myrna attended Atwood High School before continuing her education at Brown Mackie College in Salina, in secretarial studies.
In 1960, Myrna married the love of her life, David Lee Peterson. He was stationed at Schilling Air Force Base where their son, Douglas Rollin Peterson, was born in January 1961. When Douglas was five years old, the family transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, South Dakota, where their daughter, Deborah Kay “Debbie” Peterson, was born in 1966.
Following David’s military service, the family returned to Salina, the community Myrna would call home for much of her life. They lived on Plaza Drive and Winn Road for over 50 years.
Throughout her working years, Myrna built a career that reflected her strong administrative and organizational abilities. She worked for the City of Salina, Beechcraft, Metropolitan Life, and the Episcopal Diocese of Central Kansas. She valued her work and the many friendships and relationships she developed throughout her career and within the Salina community.
Myrna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest passion was raising her beloved dogs. Her dedication to them was proven as she would drive to McDonalds and Wendy’s for their nightly hamburger and chicken nuggets.
Myrna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Lee Peterson; her daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Peterson; her half-brothers, Gary and Larry Corcoran; her stepfather Glen Corcoran, her father, Oscar Garton, and mother, Lila Garton Corcoran.
graveside service Friday, October 16, 2026 5:00 PM Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery 1920 E. Crawford Salina, KS 67401
Heier Scott Mortuary
Wesley Quon
Wesley “Wes” Quon was born on September 30, 1954 in San Francisco, California and tragically died on August 4, 2026 in Salina, Kansas.
He attended school in San Francisco graduating from South San Francisco High School in 1972 and later went on to attend The College of San Mateo, where he received a degree in Television Broadcasting in 1976.
Growing up, family vacations were spent traveling the West; be it camping, skiing, fishing, fishing, fishing or fishing. When the family wasn’t traveling, he and his dad went fishing a lot; those were some of his fondest memories.
After graduation Wes moved to LA to pursue a career in Television Production. He started off in Sports Television, where he stayed for several years. He dabbled in Music Production for a short time, but missed the hustle of “the industry” so he landed in Entertainment Television, where he spent the bulk of his 50 year career. He proudly served as a Technical Director, Videotape Operator and Editor on A-List productions ranging from professional sports, major award shows and highly rated TV shows such as The Olympics, The Oscars and Jeopardy.
On set he was well known for his big smile, calm presence and easy demeanor. Many of his co-workers stating that the mood immediately shifted to the positive when he was present, everyone loved working with him. After moving to Salina, Wes took a part-time job at the Stiefel Theatre; never truly being able to leave the industry behind. He absolutely loved it there.
Wes found joy in fishing, golfing and woodworking, yet he always found the most peace in the simplicity of sitting on the front porch in the mornings, drinking coffee with his wife just watching and listening to the birds.
Wes was preceded in death by his Father Francis “Ducky” Quon, and his Father-in-Law Larry Houdek; He is survived by his Wife Lori, his three cats Capo, Willow and Miso; his Mother-in-Law Barbara Houdek, his Mother Daisy Quon, Sisters Darlene (Richard) Sanchez, Glenis (Dirk) Welzien, Nephews Christopher (Katy) Sanchez, Michael (Vanessa) Sanchez, Niece Elisabeth Welzien (Wyatt Jager), Great Nieces Fiona and Josie Sanchez, and Best Friend Kim Bevington.
Services will be held Saturday, October 3 at 1:30 in the afternoon at First United Methodist Church located at 122 N. 8th St, Salina, KS, 67401.
Livestream services will also be available on the Church’s website at www.salinafirst.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Wes at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheStiefelTheatre/WesQuonMemorialDonations
