April 28, 2015
MAYETTA, Kansas – Ralph “Ka-note-ko” “Popo” Wabnum, 67, of Mayetta, KS passed away April 26, 2015 at his home. He was born July 12, 1947 in Topeka. His parents were Lou and Freda (Nozhackum) Wabaunsee.
Ralph graduated from St. Paul Indian Mission in 1965 at Marty, SD. He was an alumnus of Wichita State University. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was honorably discharged in 1973 after having served in the United State Army.
Ralph was a Frame Attendant for Southwestern Bell, retiring after 30 years of service. He was a member of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, We ta se Post 410 and he belonged to the Communications Workers of America Local 6401. He was a carpenter, gardener, softball and pool player, bowler, photographer, an astute bird watcher and a dedicated dog lover who enjoyed reading.
He married Kathryn Wolf on November 29, 1976 in Miami, OK. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 2 daughters, Crystal Wabnum of Lawrence, KS and Beth Wabnum of Sabetha, KS; 2 sons, Justin Wabnum of Dallas, TX and Ronald Wabnum of Topeka, KS; 4 sisters, Monnie Wabaunsee, Winifred Wahweotten and Frances Wabaunsee all of Mayetta, Lois Dominguez of Wichita, KS and Marquetta Thorpe of Tahlequah, OK; a brother, Ronald Lynch of Mayetta, KS; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lou and Freda Wabaunsee; his sisters, Marsha Ferrari and Louella Wabaunsee, and 2 brothers, Richard and Fred Lew Wabaunsee.
All services will take place on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Common Land. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM, Thursday, April 30, 2015 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited beginning at 6:30 PM, Wednesday at Sister Theresa Klepac Hall located at Our Lady of Snows with a visitation to follow. Burial will be in the Shipshee Cemetery at a later date.
To leave a message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.