Frank Henry Gallagher of
Hoxie, Kansas quietly passed away surrounded by his daughters, on Friday,
December 27, 2024, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care, Hoxie, Kansas. Frank
was born at the family farm in Rural Sheridan County on March 10, 1933, to Phil
and Mary (Taylor) Gallagher. Frank attended and graduated from district # 55
Henry School and attended Sheridan County High School for one year. Frank’s
father needed Frank to help on the farm; so, he went to work helping his father.
By the age of 8 Frank had experience pulling the combine with the tractor and
at&nbsp; the age of 13 Frank bought his first
car.&nbsp; The family moved to Hoxie in 1944.

On November 28, 1956, Frank
married the love of his life, Joyce (Jacob) Gallagher. Frank and Joyce were
blessed with a family of six children, Stan, Maryln, David, Leanna, Ladonna,
and Mary. Frank loved his family and was always happy to spend time with them. Frank
always bought his grandkids cowboy boots from Jim Schaffer for double or
nothing at Cooper Dry Goods.

Frank worked hard and held
many jobs. Some of those jobs were pitching thrasher machines for others, at
age 14 worked at the skating rink, worked for Triangle Inn cooking hamburgers,
hauled freight for UPS for 10 years, unloaded boxcars of concrete for Foster
Lumber Yard, farmed, raised cattle and hogs with his dad. In the 60’s he hauled
rock for the elevator and Coop. In the 70s and 80s, Frank worked for the City
of Hoxie. When the City of Hoxie purchased the first trash truck, Frank set up
the schedule and became the first driver. Frank was a city Cop with Millard
Johnson for 2 days a week, Undersheriff for Dee Kratzer for a year, and spy cop
for Jimmy Johnson. Frank retired at the age of 56 years. After retiring Frank
and Joyce traveled all over the United States. For thirty-three years they
spent the winters in the south and the summers in Colorado. He loved to travel
and
visit with friends and family.

Frank worked hard, but he
enjoyed collecting old tractors. The first tractor Frank drove was a new 1944
Minneapolis tractor, and it was the last tractor he sold. Frank was always
willing to help others. If someone needed help moving, he was there to help,
and if someone needed a driver, he was ready and willing to help. Frank was a
member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd
and 4th degree, and a member of the Hoxie Elks Club.

Frank leaves to mourn his
passing, daughters, Leanna Sloan (Tom) of Hoxie,&nbsp; Ladonna Joslyn&nbsp; (Mark) of Hoxie, and Mary Dumler (Alex) of
Hoxie; daughters-in-law, Rosie Gallagher of Holcomb, KS and Bea Albers of Oakley,
Kansas; brothers-in-law, Dale Jacob of Deerfield, KS and Loyal Jacob Jr..of &nbsp;Middleboro, MA; 12 grandchildren and 18
great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by
wife, Joyce Gallagher; parents, Phil and Mary Gallagher; children, Stan
Gallagher, Maryln Roger, and David Gallagher; sister, Emma Helen Ochs; sisters-in-law
Charlene Friedel, Betty Jacob, and Ann Jacob; brothers-in-law, Clare Jacob and
Clem Ochs; and great-grandsons, Dustin Rietcheck and Dalton Garrison. 

A Mass of Christian Burial is
planned for Monday, December 30, 2024, 2:00 PM, at the St. Frances Cabrini
Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas. There will be a private burial at a later date
in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery. Visitation at the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, Hoxie, KS, will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 3:00 PM
until 7:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. A Vigil
and Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM immediately following the Visitation.

Memorials are suggested to
the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the Long-Term Care Activities. Please make checks payable to the
memorial fund of your choice. Memorials may be sent in the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735433937412.jpeg" alt="Frank Henry Gallagher" />
 <figcaption>Frank Henry Gallagher</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank Henry Gallagher of
Hoxie, Kansas quietly passed away surrounded by his daughters, on Friday,
December 27, 2024, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care, Hoxie, Kansas. Frank
was born at the family farm in Rural Sheridan County on March 10, 1933, to Phil
and Mary (Taylor) Gallagher. Frank attended and graduated from district # 55
Henry School and attended Sheridan County High School for one year. Frank’s
father needed Frank to help on the farm; so, he went to work helping his father.
By the age of 8 Frank had experience pulling the combine with the tractor and
at&nbsp; the age of 13 Frank bought his first
car.&nbsp; The family moved to Hoxie in 1944.On November 28, 1956, Frank
married the love of his life, Joyce (Jacob) Gallagher. Frank and Joyce were
blessed with a family of six children, Stan, Maryln, David, Leanna, Ladonna,
and Mary. Frank loved his family and was always happy to spend time with them. Frank
always bought his grandkids cowboy boots from Jim Schaffer for double or
nothing at Cooper Dry Goods.Frank worked hard and held
many jobs. Some of those jobs were pitching thrasher machines for others, at
age 14 worked at the skating rink, worked for Triangle Inn cooking hamburgers,
hauled freight for UPS for 10 years, unloaded boxcars of concrete for Foster
Lumber Yard, farmed, raised cattle and hogs with his dad. In the 60’s he hauled
rock for the elevator and Coop. In the 70s and 80s, Frank worked for the City
of Hoxie. When the City of Hoxie purchased the first trash truck, Frank set up
the schedule and became the first driver. Frank was a city Cop with Millard
Johnson for 2 days a week, Undersheriff for Dee Kratzer for a year, and spy cop
for Jimmy Johnson. Frank retired at the age of 56 years. After retiring Frank
and Joyce traveled all over the United States. For thirty-three years they
spent the winters in the south and the summers in Colorado. He loved to travel
and
visit with friends and family.Frank worked hard, but he
enjoyed collecting old tractors. The first tractor Frank drove was a new 1944
Minneapolis tractor, and it was the last tractor he sold. Frank was always
willing to help others. If someone needed help moving, he was there to help,
and if someone needed a driver, he was ready and willing to help. Frank was a
member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd
and 4th degree, and a member of the Hoxie Elks Club.Frank leaves to mourn his
passing, daughters, Leanna Sloan (Tom) of Hoxie,&nbsp; Ladonna Joslyn&nbsp; (Mark) of Hoxie, and Mary Dumler (Alex) of
Hoxie; daughters-in-law, Rosie Gallagher of Holcomb, KS and Bea Albers of Oakley,
Kansas; brothers-in-law, Dale Jacob of Deerfield, KS and Loyal Jacob Jr..of &nbsp;Middleboro, MA; 12 grandchildren and 18
great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by
wife, Joyce Gallagher; parents, Phil and Mary Gallagher; children, Stan
Gallagher, Maryln Roger, and David Gallagher; sister, Emma Helen Ochs; sisters-in-law
Charlene Friedel, Betty Jacob, and Ann Jacob; brothers-in-law, Clare Jacob and
Clem Ochs; and great-grandsons, Dustin Rietcheck and Dalton Garrison. A Mass of Christian Burial is
planned for Monday, December 30, 2024, 2:00 PM, at the St. Frances Cabrini
Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas. There will be a private burial at a later date
in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery. Visitation at the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, Hoxie, KS, will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 3:00 PM
until 7:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. A Vigil
and Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM immediately following the Visitation.Memorials are suggested to
the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the Long-Term Care Activities. Please make checks payable to the
memorial fund of your choice. Memorials may be sent in the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.

Frank Henry Gallagher

Ernest James
Leiker (Ernie), 89, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on December 24, 2024. 

He was born on
December 2, 1935 in Hays, Kansas to Jacob and Anna Leiker. He was a middle
sibling with an older brother, Herb; an older sister, Marietta; and a younger
sister, Darlene. While growing up and attending school at St. Joseph Military
School in Hays, he enjoyed sports such as baseball and boxing. After high
school he enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years. 

After serving
in the Army, he attended Ft. Hays State College. Around this time, he met and
married Glenna Ochs of Bison, Kansas. The two moved to Colorado with a group of
friends and set up their home in Denver.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ernie and
Glenna had three children: Steve, born in 1960; Marilyn, born in 1964; and
Kevin, born in 1967. A fourth child, Bruce, was born in 1963; Bruce died of
natural causes shortly after birth.&nbsp; 

Ernie enjoyed a
25-year career with Montgomery Wards as a store and regional manager. His
positions took him and the family to many places to live, including Grand
Junction, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Kansas City, Missouri. While proud
of his career, Ernie was most proud of the fact that he put all three of his
children through college, with Steve and Kevin graduating from University of
Northern Colorado and Marilyn graduating from University of Colorado. 

Ernie was an
avid traveler and was able to visit all 50 U.S. states. In addition, he was
able to see many countries, taking numerous cruises over the years. 

Ernie is
survived by his wife, Glenna Leiker; and children Steve Leiker (Lynnette);
Marilyn Katopodes (Jerry); and Kevin Leiker (Holly). He is also survived by three
grandchildren: Kaitlyn Leiker; Jacob Brock Leiker; and Delaney Katopodes. 

A Funeral Mass
and Memorial will take place on Monday, December 30 at 1 pm at Garden Plaza of
Aurora Senior Living and Care Community. Interment/Graveside Service will be at
11:30 am on Friday, January 3 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735399457090.jpeg" alt="Ernest James Leiker (Ernie)" />
 <figcaption>Ernest James Leiker (Ernie)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ernest James
Leiker (Ernie), 89, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on December 24, 2024. He was born on
December 2, 1935 in Hays, Kansas to Jacob and Anna Leiker. He was a middle
sibling with an older brother, Herb; an older sister, Marietta; and a younger
sister, Darlene. While growing up and attending school at St. Joseph Military
School in Hays, he enjoyed sports such as baseball and boxing. After high
school he enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years. After serving
in the Army, he attended Ft. Hays State College. Around this time, he met and
married Glenna Ochs of Bison, Kansas. The two moved to Colorado with a group of
friends and set up their home in Denver.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Ernie and
Glenna had three children: Steve, born in 1960; Marilyn, born in 1964; and
Kevin, born in 1967. A fourth child, Bruce, was born in 1963; Bruce died of
natural causes shortly after birth.&nbsp; Ernie enjoyed a
25-year career with Montgomery Wards as a store and regional manager. His
positions took him and the family to many places to live, including Grand
Junction, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Kansas City, Missouri. While proud
of his career, Ernie was most proud of the fact that he put all three of his
children through college, with Steve and Kevin graduating from University of
Northern Colorado and Marilyn graduating from University of Colorado. Ernie was an
avid traveler and was able to visit all 50 U.S. states. In addition, he was
able to see many countries, taking numerous cruises over the years. Ernie is
survived by his wife, Glenna Leiker; and children Steve Leiker (Lynnette);
Marilyn Katopodes (Jerry); and Kevin Leiker (Holly). He is also survived by three
grandchildren: Kaitlyn Leiker; Jacob Brock Leiker; and Delaney Katopodes. A Funeral Mass
and Memorial will take place on Monday, December 30 at 1 pm at Garden Plaza of
Aurora Senior Living and Care Community. Interment/Graveside Service will be at
11:30 am on Friday, January 3 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Ernest James Leiker (Ernie)

Mark Donavon Cooper, 65, of Hays, Kansas,
passed away at home on December 26th, 2024, after a courageous, two-and-a-half-year
battle with cancer.

Born in Anthony KS, on March 7, 1959, the son
of Gary and Lois (Daughhetee) Cooper. In 1978, he graduated from St. Francis
Community High School. He was married November 10, 1979, to Toby (Dirks)
Cooper. To this union a son Wesley Don and two daughters Kelsey Ann and Mindy
Louise made their family complete. He worked as an automotive service-tech
before owning his own business, St. Francis Tire in 1993. He retired from the
family business in 2021.

Mark was quiet, kind-hearted and talented. When
not working, you could find him in the garage tinkering with his cars or other
projects. His hobby and love of muscle cars was shared between his children and
grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Lulu and was always up for
an adventure with the grandkids. &nbsp;

He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law
Tobias Dirks, three nephews, John and Carl Keller, Ty Hardwick and his daughter
Kelsey Cooper.

Mark is survived by his wife, Toby of the home;
son Wesley (Candice) Cooper of Leoti, daughter Mindy (Dustin) Kuhn of Hays; grandchildren
Kasen and Kaycee Kuhn, Chloe and Radley Cooper; sister Ronda Loven; sister-in-law’s,
Gwen (Mark) Keller, Gail (Bernie) Stoltmann; brother-in-law, Max (Irene) Dirks;
mother-in-law Annetta Dirks; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am
on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, 202 North College Street
in St. Francis, Kansas with Pastor Luke Emerson officiating. In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to Forever in Blue Jeans or Hays Hospice.
Services are in the care of Knodel Funeral Home.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735335867353.jpeg" alt="Mark Donavon Cooper" />
 <figcaption>Mark Donavon Cooper</figcaption>
 </figure>Mark Donavon Cooper, 65, of Hays, Kansas,
passed away at home on December 26th, 2024, after a courageous, two-and-a-half-year
battle with cancer.Born in Anthony KS, on March 7, 1959, the son
of Gary and Lois (Daughhetee) Cooper. In 1978, he graduated from St. Francis
Community High School. He was married November 10, 1979, to Toby (Dirks)
Cooper. To this union a son Wesley Don and two daughters Kelsey Ann and Mindy
Louise made their family complete. He worked as an automotive service-tech
before owning his own business, St. Francis Tire in 1993. He retired from the
family business in 2021.Mark was quiet, kind-hearted and talented. When
not working, you could find him in the garage tinkering with his cars or other
projects. His hobby and love of muscle cars was shared between his children and
grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Lulu and was always up for
an adventure with the grandkids. &nbsp;He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law
Tobias Dirks, three nephews, John and Carl Keller, Ty Hardwick and his daughter
Kelsey Cooper.Mark is survived by his wife, Toby of the home;
son Wesley (Candice) Cooper of Leoti, daughter Mindy (Dustin) Kuhn of Hays; grandchildren
Kasen and Kaycee Kuhn, Chloe and Radley Cooper; sister Ronda Loven; sister-in-law’s,
Gwen (Mark) Keller, Gail (Bernie) Stoltmann; brother-in-law, Max (Irene) Dirks;
mother-in-law Annetta Dirks; other relatives and many friends.Funeral services will be at 10:30 am
on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, 202 North College Street
in St. Francis, Kansas with Pastor Luke Emerson officiating. In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to Forever in Blue Jeans or Hays Hospice.
Services are in the care of Knodel Funeral Home.&nbsp;

Mark Donavon Cooper

Richard J. 'Rick&nbsp; Zakrzewski, 84, Hays, died Tuesday,
December 24, 2024 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.

He was born November 5, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, the son
of Gerald and Helen Zakrzewski.&nbsp; He
attended Catholic elementary military school where he learned to eat slowly and
avoid tapioca pudding.&nbsp; In 1959, he
graduated from St. Hedwig High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
geology from Wayne State University in 1963, and a Master’s Degree and PhD from
the University of Michigan in 1968.&nbsp; In
1969, he joined the Department of Geosciences at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; Rick was united in marriage to Martha Verklan
on August 13, 1966 in Dearborn, Michigan, and they celebrated 58 years of
marriage.&nbsp; During his tenure at FHSU, Dr.
Z, as his students fondly called him, published more than 65 papers as
professor of geosciences and served as chief curator of the Sternberg
Museum.&nbsp; He directed more than 30 master’s
theses and served on 76 thesis committees.&nbsp;
In 2008, he was awarded the Graduate School Lifetime Achievement Award
in addition to the Outstanding Thesis Field Study Adviser Award. 

Survivors include his wife Martha of Hays, his son, Mark
Zakrzewski and wife Randi of San Diego, CA, his daughter, Andrea Stokoe and
husband Steve of Eagle, Idaho, and six grandchildren, Alexandra, Lauren,
Caroline, Jacob, Colton, and Maverick.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday,
January 4, 2025 at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center with Fr. Curtis Carlson,
OFMCap. officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be
at a later date in Hagerman, Idaho.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to the Department of Geosciences at FHSU or to
Sternberg Museum.&nbsp; Services are in the
care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Rick
may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735226080138.jpeg" alt="Richard J. 'Rick Zakrzewski" />
 <figcaption>Richard J. 'Rick Zakrzewski</figcaption>
 </figure>Richard J. 'Rick&nbsp; Zakrzewski, 84, Hays, died Tuesday,
December 24, 2024 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.He was born November 5, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, the son
of Gerald and Helen Zakrzewski.&nbsp; He
attended Catholic elementary military school where he learned to eat slowly and
avoid tapioca pudding.&nbsp; In 1959, he
graduated from St. Hedwig High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
geology from Wayne State University in 1963, and a Master’s Degree and PhD from
the University of Michigan in 1968.&nbsp; In
1969, he joined the Department of Geosciences at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; Rick was united in marriage to Martha Verklan
on August 13, 1966 in Dearborn, Michigan, and they celebrated 58 years of
marriage.&nbsp; During his tenure at FHSU, Dr.
Z, as his students fondly called him, published more than 65 papers as
professor of geosciences and served as chief curator of the Sternberg
Museum.&nbsp; He directed more than 30 master’s
theses and served on 76 thesis committees.&nbsp;
In 2008, he was awarded the Graduate School Lifetime Achievement Award
in addition to the Outstanding Thesis Field Study Adviser Award. Survivors include his wife Martha of Hays, his son, Mark
Zakrzewski and wife Randi of San Diego, CA, his daughter, Andrea Stokoe and
husband Steve of Eagle, Idaho, and six grandchildren, Alexandra, Lauren,
Caroline, Jacob, Colton, and Maverick.He was preceded in death by his parents.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday,
January 4, 2025 at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center with Fr. Curtis Carlson,
OFMCap. officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be
at a later date in Hagerman, Idaho.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to the Department of Geosciences at FHSU or to
Sternberg Museum.&nbsp; Services are in the
care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Rick
may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard J. 'Rick  Zakrzewski

Richard
W. "Rich" Schaus, age 80, of rural Ellis, Kansas, a dedicated
lifelong farmer and longtime dairyman, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the
Salina Regional Health Center. He was born on June 10, 1944, in Hays, Kansas to
Edgar and Martha (Yantz) Schaus.



From an early age, Rich exhibited a commitment to his family and community. He
married his sweetheart, Claudia Laeree (Deutscher), on August 26, 1961 at
Christ Lutheran Church when he was just 17 and she barely 16. Their union,
which blossomed into a loving partnership lasting over 63 years, was
characterized by shared dreams, hard work, and unwavering support for one
another. After graduating from Trego Community High School and marriage he
attended Kansas State University. Rich and Claudia returned to the farmstead,
where he began his lifelong journey as a farmer and dairyman for more than 40
years.



Rich was not just a farmer; he was a part of the Ellis, Kansas and Trego County
communities. His numerous contributions included serving as a long-time member
and board member of Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis, where he was deeply
involved in church activities. He was a leader in many organizations, including
the REC, now Western COOP Electric Board for 50 years, the Trego County Rural
Fire Department, USDA, Trego County Rural Water District, Sunflower Electric,
and the Ellis Jr. Free Fair. 



Rich is remembered not only for his work ethic but also for his proudest
accomplishments: his family, community service, and his beloved farm. He leaves
behind his wife Claudia, son Stacy Schaus and his wife Danielle of Ellis, along
with their children Cora and Khianne Schaus, Maddy, Hunter, and Lona Guffey. He
is also survived by his daughter Julia Schaus-Brown and Darrin Wolf of Ellis,
and her children, Patrick Brown and Peyton Brown, along with Peyton’s children
Emma and Elijah Raat; two sisters, Marilyn Hersh of Nebraska, and Rita Sussman
and her husband Robert of Colorado.



Rich is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ozwald and Elizabeth
Deutscher brother-in-law James Hersh; sister-in-law, Caren Bates and husband
Robert; and a nephew, Trent Bates.



Funeral services will be Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM. at Christ
Lutheran Church, 106 East 8th Street, Ellis. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope
Cemetery, Ellis.



Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and Friday 12:30 PM until
service time all at the church.

 

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church or Trego County
Rural Fire Department.


Please share memories and words of comfort on Rich’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th street, Ellis, KS
67637.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734993279702.jpeg" alt="Richard W. 'Rich' Schaus" />
 <figcaption>Richard W. 'Rich' Schaus</figcaption>
 </figure>Richard
W. "Rich" Schaus, age 80, of rural Ellis, Kansas, a dedicated
lifelong farmer and longtime dairyman, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the
Salina Regional Health Center. He was born on June 10, 1944, in Hays, Kansas to
Edgar and Martha (Yantz) Schaus.

From an early age, Rich exhibited a commitment to his family and community. He
married his sweetheart, Claudia Laeree (Deutscher), on August 26, 1961 at
Christ Lutheran Church when he was just 17 and she barely 16. Their union,
which blossomed into a loving partnership lasting over 63 years, was
characterized by shared dreams, hard work, and unwavering support for one
another. After graduating from Trego Community High School and marriage he
attended Kansas State University. Rich and Claudia returned to the farmstead,
where he began his lifelong journey as a farmer and dairyman for more than 40
years.

Rich was not just a farmer; he was a part of the Ellis, Kansas and Trego County
communities. His numerous contributions included serving as a long-time member
and board member of Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis, where he was deeply
involved in church activities. He was a leader in many organizations, including
the REC, now Western COOP Electric Board for 50 years, the Trego County Rural
Fire Department, USDA, Trego County Rural Water District, Sunflower Electric,
and the Ellis Jr. Free Fair. 

Rich is remembered not only for his work ethic but also for his proudest
accomplishments: his family, community service, and his beloved farm. He leaves
behind his wife Claudia, son Stacy Schaus and his wife Danielle of Ellis, along
with their children Cora and Khianne Schaus, Maddy, Hunter, and Lona Guffey. He
is also survived by his daughter Julia Schaus-Brown and Darrin Wolf of Ellis,
and her children, Patrick Brown and Peyton Brown, along with Peyton’s children
Emma and Elijah Raat; two sisters, Marilyn Hersh of Nebraska, and Rita Sussman
and her husband Robert of Colorado.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ozwald and Elizabeth
Deutscher brother-in-law James Hersh; sister-in-law, Caren Bates and husband
Robert; and a nephew, Trent Bates.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM. at Christ
Lutheran Church, 106 East 8th Street, Ellis. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope
Cemetery, Ellis.

Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and Friday 12:30 PM until
service time all at the church. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church or Trego County
Rural Fire Department.

Please share memories and words of comfort on Rich’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th street, Ellis, KS
67637.<figure>
 <img src="file:///C:/Users/SCARLE~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Richard W. 'Rich' Schaus

Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.



Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 



During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.



Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches.

 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.

Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt).

 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.



A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 



Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734980167386.png" alt="Alvin Joseph Denning" />
 <figcaption>Alvin Joseph Denning</figcaption>
 </figure>Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.

Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 

During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.

Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches. 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt). 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. 

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Alvin Joseph Denning

James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon, 68,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday December 14, 2024, at his home.

Jim was born on February 09, 1956,
in Laramie, Wyoming, the son of Howard and Inez (Seaton) McKinnon.&nbsp; He grew up and graduated from high school in
Laramie, Wyoming.&nbsp; He lived in the
Russell and Hays Kansas area for the last 20 years, working as a welder and
machinist.&nbsp; He was also an avid fantasy
football player and longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan.&nbsp; 

The surviving family includes his
sister Anita G. Beach and husband Charles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, nephew Jude
May of Salina, Kansas and goddaughter Amber Arnold of Hays, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his
parents and sisters Deanna L. May and Janice A. Bell.

The family has selected cremation
and will have a private service for Jim at a later date.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas is in charge of the arrangements. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703014696554.jpeg" alt="flower three.jpg" />
 <figcaption>flower three.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon, 68,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday December 14, 2024, at his home.Jim was born on February 09, 1956,
in Laramie, Wyoming, the son of Howard and Inez (Seaton) McKinnon.&nbsp; He grew up and graduated from high school in
Laramie, Wyoming.&nbsp; He lived in the
Russell and Hays Kansas area for the last 20 years, working as a welder and
machinist.&nbsp; He was also an avid fantasy
football player and longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan.&nbsp; The surviving family includes his
sister Anita G. Beach and husband Charles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, nephew Jude
May of Salina, Kansas and goddaughter Amber Arnold of Hays, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his
parents and sisters Deanna L. May and Janice A. Bell.The family has selected cremation
and will have a private service for Jim at a later date.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.

James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon

Dwight Alan Allenbaugh, 66, Hays, died Sunday, December 22,
2024 at his home.

He was born July 3, 1958 in Norwalk, California, the son of
John “Dale” and Marcy (Feaster) Allenbaugh.&nbsp; In 1976, he graduated from
Bellflower High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Business from California PolyTechnic University in Pomona, California in
1980.&nbsp; He married Connie DeFever, and to this union were born four
children.&nbsp; In 1997, he married Dereama Barnes.&nbsp; Dwight was the owner
of A-1 Scaffold Mfg. and for nearly 50 years, he worked alongside his parents
and sisters.&nbsp; He loved his work, his customers all over the world, and
throughout his career was dedicated to creating specialty items that functioned
and kept people safe in the construction industry.&nbsp; For forty years, he
was a member of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, and served on the
board of directors for 20 years.&nbsp; Dwight was also a member of Celebration
Community Church, Smoky Hill Country Club, the Prairie Chicken Motorcycle
Group, and a lifetime member of the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp; 

Dwight was smart, talented, kind, creative, and a good
Samaritan at heart.&nbsp; He was very generous, supporting numerous non-profit
and charity organizations, and he taught Sunday School at Celebration Community
Church.&nbsp; He loved photography, reading novels, scuba diving, traveling,
golfing, and meeting people, which formed lifelong friendships.&nbsp; His
escape from work was riding his Harley Davidson, taking numerous motorcycle
trips with Dereama, and he enjoyed waking up to her practicing her instruments.&nbsp;
Calling his mom in the evenings was a must, and his faith and love for family
were never ending.

Survivors include his wife Dereama of Hays, his mother Marcy
of Hays, three daughters, Lindsey Urban and husband Brent of Hays, Ashley Bott
and husband Jamey of Hays, and Ashlee Haines and husband Jake of Colby, three
sisters, Jenny Allenbaugh and wife Donna Scott, Cheryl Herman and husband Mark,
and Roberta Molstad, all of Hays, 11 grandchildren, Payton Garrison and wife
Lauren, Dawson and Brennon Garrison, Blythe Urban, Delaney, Anderson, and
McCallian Bott, Lewis, Mac, Levi, and Morgan Haines, and five great
grandchildren, Emrynn, Wesley, Myles, Linkyn, and Theo Garrison.

He was preceded in death by his father Dale, his son Wesley
Allenbaugh, and a daughter, Cassandra Allenbaugh.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27,
2024 at Celebration Community Church, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.&nbsp;
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time.&nbsp; In lieu
of flowers, memorials are suggested to Celebration Community Church.&nbsp; A
livestream of the funeral may be viewed at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/c3hays">www.facebook.com/c3hays</a>.&nbsp;
Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences
and memories of Dwight may be left for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734970007707.jpeg" alt="Dwight Alan Allenbaugh" />
 <figcaption>Dwight Alan Allenbaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>Dwight Alan Allenbaugh, 66, Hays, died Sunday, December 22,
2024 at his home.He was born July 3, 1958 in Norwalk, California, the son of
John “Dale” and Marcy (Feaster) Allenbaugh.&nbsp; In 1976, he graduated from
Bellflower High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Business from California PolyTechnic University in Pomona, California in
1980.&nbsp; He married Connie DeFever, and to this union were born four
children.&nbsp; In 1997, he married Dereama Barnes.&nbsp; Dwight was the owner
of A-1 Scaffold Mfg. and for nearly 50 years, he worked alongside his parents
and sisters.&nbsp; He loved his work, his customers all over the world, and
throughout his career was dedicated to creating specialty items that functioned
and kept people safe in the construction industry.&nbsp; For forty years, he
was a member of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, and served on the
board of directors for 20 years.&nbsp; Dwight was also a member of Celebration
Community Church, Smoky Hill Country Club, the Prairie Chicken Motorcycle
Group, and a lifetime member of the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp; Dwight was smart, talented, kind, creative, and a good
Samaritan at heart.&nbsp; He was very generous, supporting numerous non-profit
and charity organizations, and he taught Sunday School at Celebration Community
Church.&nbsp; He loved photography, reading novels, scuba diving, traveling,
golfing, and meeting people, which formed lifelong friendships.&nbsp; His
escape from work was riding his Harley Davidson, taking numerous motorcycle
trips with Dereama, and he enjoyed waking up to her practicing her instruments.&nbsp;
Calling his mom in the evenings was a must, and his faith and love for family
were never ending.Survivors include his wife Dereama of Hays, his mother Marcy
of Hays, three daughters, Lindsey Urban and husband Brent of Hays, Ashley Bott
and husband Jamey of Hays, and Ashlee Haines and husband Jake of Colby, three
sisters, Jenny Allenbaugh and wife Donna Scott, Cheryl Herman and husband Mark,
and Roberta Molstad, all of Hays, 11 grandchildren, Payton Garrison and wife
Lauren, Dawson and Brennon Garrison, Blythe Urban, Delaney, Anderson, and
McCallian Bott, Lewis, Mac, Levi, and Morgan Haines, and five great
grandchildren, Emrynn, Wesley, Myles, Linkyn, and Theo Garrison.He was preceded in death by his father Dale, his son Wesley
Allenbaugh, and a daughter, Cassandra Allenbaugh.Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27,
2024 at Celebration Community Church, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.&nbsp;
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time.&nbsp; In lieu
of flowers, memorials are suggested to Celebration Community Church.&nbsp; A
livestream of the funeral may be viewed at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/c3hays">www.facebook.com/c3hays</a>.&nbsp;
Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences
and memories of Dwight may be left for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dwight Alan Allenbaugh

Arleene
Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier, 90, of Salina, Kansas, died on Thursday, December
19, 2024, at her home in Salina, Kansas.

Arleene
was born June 7th, 1934, to John R. and (Ernabelle) June (Klump) Duerksen in
Bessie, Oklahoma.&nbsp; When she was a small
child, the family moved to a farm about 4 miles northwest of Weatherford,
Oklahoma.&nbsp; Arleene attended high school
in Weatherford and graduated with the class of 1952.&nbsp; She then continued to live at home and rode
the school bus into Weatherford to attend and graduated from Southwestern
College in 1956 with a Bachelor Degree in Education.&nbsp; Arleene’s first teaching job was at Beeler,
Ks, teaching business and home economics.&nbsp;
She then taught the same classes at Utica High School.&nbsp; It was during this time that Arleene met, at
a high school basketball game, the new young Lutheran minister, Rev. Robert
Kreier, from Our Redeemer, in Ness City.&nbsp;
The couple married, June 13, 1957, at Arleene’s home congregation,
Trinity Lutheran in Clinton, Oklahoma.&nbsp;
The family was blessed with two children during this time, David John
and Patricia Ann.&nbsp; The family moved to
Talmage, Nebraska in 1962 and while there the family added a daughter, Kristine
Lynn.&nbsp; 

While
residing in Talmage, Arleene was a member of the Young Homemakers (now
Tri-County) Extension Club. &nbsp;In January
of 1973 the family moved to the Milberger, Kansas community.&nbsp; She joined the Prairie Mates EHU, continuing
to enjoy the women's club as she had in Talmage.&nbsp; It was shortly after this move that Arleene
decided to re-enter the workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp; She
was hired as the 13th employee at the new TG&amp;Y store located at the newly
built Klema Plaza Russell.&nbsp; She also
worked at the Russell County courthouse and Keilee’s Restaurant, located in the
current S&amp;W building.&nbsp; It was in the
early 1980’s that Arleene found her second calling as a CNA, CMA and Activities
Director working in Nursing Homes, starting her career at Russell Care Center,
now Wheatland.&nbsp; After the kids finished
High School in Russell, Bob and Arleene moved to rural Athol, Kansas, where
Arleene worked in Smith Center, then in Bellville when they lived in the
Courtland area, and finally in Salina, for a few years when they moved there
after Bob’s retirement.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enjoyed all
her kids' sports, music, 4-H and church activities, then later her grandkids,
even driving 2 hours to babysit when they were sick and couldn't go to daycare
or school.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was a Big 8, Big 12
football and basketball fan, having lived in the region her entire life.&nbsp; As with Bob she enjoyed being able to watch
all the games, including the Cubs, Bears, Royals and Chiefs, finally having
cable access in retirement.&nbsp; Arleene also
enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting, making many of her own and the
girls’ clothes when she was younger.&nbsp;
Later she never missed a craft show, garage sale or an opportunity to
collect a cookbook, and having gardened in younger years, always had flowers in
pots on the porches and patios of their homes.&nbsp;


Arleene
was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, son-in-law, Curtis Mader,
and a daughter-in-law, Diane Branning.&nbsp; 

She
is survived by her daughters, Patrica Ann, Walton, Ks, Kristine Lynn, formerly
Russell, Salina Ks.&nbsp; Grandchildren,
Donald Brown, Hollie, Chad, Ashley, Tyler, and TJ Kreier-Branning, ZoAnn (Adam
Carey) Mader, Hayle (Jackson) Bjornstad, and Emily Mader; 12 great
grandchildren and one arriving in March 2025.&nbsp;
Her sister, Kay Fry, Oklahoma City, sister-in-law, JoAnn Kreier, and nieces
and nephews.

Celebration
of Arleene’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp;
A private burial will follow the services.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends
from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday at the Mortuary.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with St. John
Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Contributions and
condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of
these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734722539444.jpeg" alt="Arleene Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier" />
 <figcaption>Arleene Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier</figcaption>
 </figure>Arleene
Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier, 90, of Salina, Kansas, died on Thursday, December
19, 2024, at her home in Salina, Kansas.Arleene
was born June 7th, 1934, to John R. and (Ernabelle) June (Klump) Duerksen in
Bessie, Oklahoma.&nbsp; When she was a small
child, the family moved to a farm about 4 miles northwest of Weatherford,
Oklahoma.&nbsp; Arleene attended high school
in Weatherford and graduated with the class of 1952.&nbsp; She then continued to live at home and rode
the school bus into Weatherford to attend and graduated from Southwestern
College in 1956 with a Bachelor Degree in Education.&nbsp; Arleene’s first teaching job was at Beeler,
Ks, teaching business and home economics.&nbsp;
She then taught the same classes at Utica High School.&nbsp; It was during this time that Arleene met, at
a high school basketball game, the new young Lutheran minister, Rev. Robert
Kreier, from Our Redeemer, in Ness City.&nbsp;
The couple married, June 13, 1957, at Arleene’s home congregation,
Trinity Lutheran in Clinton, Oklahoma.&nbsp;
The family was blessed with two children during this time, David John
and Patricia Ann.&nbsp; The family moved to
Talmage, Nebraska in 1962 and while there the family added a daughter, Kristine
Lynn.&nbsp; While
residing in Talmage, Arleene was a member of the Young Homemakers (now
Tri-County) Extension Club. &nbsp;In January
of 1973 the family moved to the Milberger, Kansas community.&nbsp; She joined the Prairie Mates EHU, continuing
to enjoy the women's club as she had in Talmage.&nbsp; It was shortly after this move that Arleene
decided to re-enter the workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp; She
was hired as the 13th employee at the new TG&amp;Y store located at the newly
built Klema Plaza Russell.&nbsp; She also
worked at the Russell County courthouse and Keilee’s Restaurant, located in the
current S&amp;W building.&nbsp; It was in the
early 1980’s that Arleene found her second calling as a CNA, CMA and Activities
Director working in Nursing Homes, starting her career at Russell Care Center,
now Wheatland.&nbsp; After the kids finished
High School in Russell, Bob and Arleene moved to rural Athol, Kansas, where
Arleene worked in Smith Center, then in Bellville when they lived in the
Courtland area, and finally in Salina, for a few years when they moved there
after Bob’s retirement.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enjoyed all
her kids' sports, music, 4-H and church activities, then later her grandkids,
even driving 2 hours to babysit when they were sick and couldn't go to daycare
or school.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was a Big 8, Big 12
football and basketball fan, having lived in the region her entire life.&nbsp; As with Bob she enjoyed being able to watch
all the games, including the Cubs, Bears, Royals and Chiefs, finally having
cable access in retirement.&nbsp; Arleene also
enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting, making many of her own and the
girls’ clothes when she was younger.&nbsp;
Later she never missed a craft show, garage sale or an opportunity to
collect a cookbook, and having gardened in younger years, always had flowers in
pots on the porches and patios of their homes.&nbsp;
Arleene
was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, son-in-law, Curtis Mader,
and a daughter-in-law, Diane Branning.&nbsp; She
is survived by her daughters, Patrica Ann, Walton, Ks, Kristine Lynn, formerly
Russell, Salina Ks.&nbsp; Grandchildren,
Donald Brown, Hollie, Chad, Ashley, Tyler, and TJ Kreier-Branning, ZoAnn (Adam
Carey) Mader, Hayle (Jackson) Bjornstad, and Emily Mader; 12 great
grandchildren and one arriving in March 2025.&nbsp;
Her sister, Kay Fry, Oklahoma City, sister-in-law, JoAnn Kreier, and nieces
and nephews.Celebration
of Arleene’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp;
A private burial will follow the services.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends
from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday at the Mortuary.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with St. John
Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Contributions and
condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of
these arrangements.

Arleene Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier

Brandon Lee Frick age 40, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
unexpectedly on December 17, 2024, following an auto accident.

Brandon was born on July 29, 1984, in Great Bend, Kansas to Daniel
and Sherry Frick, and he grew up with a passion for both car audio and physical
fitness. He was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Carrie, and a devoted
father to their son, Jasper. Brandon’s family meant the world to him, and he
treasured every moment spent with them.

A true craftsman, Brandon had a remarkable talent for car audio
installation. His knack for working with technology and making things run
smoothly was only matched by his work ethic and hands-on approach. Whether
tinkering with audio systems or tackling projects at work, Brandon never
allowed himself to remain idle. He stayed active and in shape through
weightlifting and always sought new ways to challenge himself physically. His
love of music was evidenced in the way and manner he listened to it – not just
listening but feeling it and immersing himself in the lyrics and stories being
told through the melody. And if he was listening, you were too, even if you
lived a block and a half away.

He leaves behind his wife, Carrie; and their son, Jasper of Hays;
mother, Sherry Frick of Oakley; his brother, Christopher Frick of Grinnell; his
in laws: Dave and Lori Bixenman of Colby; sister in law: Maranda (Kevin) Motes
of Concordia; grandmother: Donna Kay Frick of Kinsley; aunts: Karen Frick of
Manhattan; Sandy (Larry) Barricklow of Florida, Tammi (Craig) Foos of Bazine,
and Barb Wassinger of Ness City; uncles: Steven Frick of McPherson; and Terry
Wassinger of Ness City; his nieces and nephews: Kinzee, Xezander, Kaytlynn, and
Zane. He will be deeply missed by his many cousins and extended family members.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Eugene Frick and
uncle, Eddie Wassinger, Jr.

Brandon’s generous spirit and lively energy will be deeply missed
by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Carrie Frick to be
designated later as an education fund for Jasper. Checks can be sent to the
Funeral Chapel or online through Tribute Pay via <a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment">https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment</a>

Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, December 23, 2024, at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Inurnment will follow the services in the St Joseph Catholic
Cemetery - Hays. His family will receive guests from 1 PM until service time on
Monday at the Funeral Chapel.&nbsp;

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Brandon's tribute
page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734714532887.jpeg" alt="Brandon Lee Frick" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Lee Frick</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandon Lee Frick age 40, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
unexpectedly on December 17, 2024, following an auto accident.Brandon was born on July 29, 1984, in Great Bend, Kansas to Daniel
and Sherry Frick, and he grew up with a passion for both car audio and physical
fitness. He was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Carrie, and a devoted
father to their son, Jasper. Brandon’s family meant the world to him, and he
treasured every moment spent with them.A true craftsman, Brandon had a remarkable talent for car audio
installation. His knack for working with technology and making things run
smoothly was only matched by his work ethic and hands-on approach. Whether
tinkering with audio systems or tackling projects at work, Brandon never
allowed himself to remain idle. He stayed active and in shape through
weightlifting and always sought new ways to challenge himself physically. His
love of music was evidenced in the way and manner he listened to it – not just
listening but feeling it and immersing himself in the lyrics and stories being
told through the melody. And if he was listening, you were too, even if you
lived a block and a half away.He leaves behind his wife, Carrie; and their son, Jasper of Hays;
mother, Sherry Frick of Oakley; his brother, Christopher Frick of Grinnell; his
in laws: Dave and Lori Bixenman of Colby; sister in law: Maranda (Kevin) Motes
of Concordia; grandmother: Donna Kay Frick of Kinsley; aunts: Karen Frick of
Manhattan; Sandy (Larry) Barricklow of Florida, Tammi (Craig) Foos of Bazine,
and Barb Wassinger of Ness City; uncles: Steven Frick of McPherson; and Terry
Wassinger of Ness City; his nieces and nephews: Kinzee, Xezander, Kaytlynn, and
Zane. He will be deeply missed by his many cousins and extended family members.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Eugene Frick and
uncle, Eddie Wassinger, Jr.Brandon’s generous spirit and lively energy will be deeply missed
by all who knew him.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Carrie Frick to be
designated later as an education fund for Jasper. Checks can be sent to the
Funeral Chapel or online through Tribute Pay via <a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment">https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment</a>Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, December 23, 2024, at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Inurnment will follow the services in the St Joseph Catholic
Cemetery - Hays. His family will receive guests from 1 PM until service time on
Monday at the Funeral Chapel.&nbsp;Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Brandon's tribute
page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Brandon Lee Frick

Linda
Kae Sulzman, 77, of Hays, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024. She was born
November 18, 1947, in Norton, Kansas, to Merton and Dorothy (Davis) Goodman.
Linda graduated from Jennings High School in 1965 and on July 27, 1965, married
Ronald “Chappy” Sulzman. The couple lived in Hays where Linda was a homemaker
until their three children were in school. She then went to work at Walmart in
Hays as one of their first employees and worked there until her retirement.

In
her spare time, Linda enjoyed reading, doing crosswords, going for walks, and
spending time outdoors. Above all, she loved being a grandmother and supporting
her grandkids at all their activities and sporting events.

Linda
was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronald “Chappy”, and her brother
Lynn Goodman.

She
is survived by her children, Kyle (Erika) Sulzman, Shawn (Julie) Sulzman and
Roni (Dale) Dietz; sisters, Marcia (Larry) Stapp, Xandra (Chuck) Waggoner, Tina
Perdue and Kendra (Curt) Giebler; sister-in-law Sheryl Goodman; grandchildren,
Shelby (Andrew) Bach, Kirsten (Zack) Schilowsky, Sydney (Brady) Jacques, Shane
(Tori) Sulzman, Sheldon (Dayanera) Sulzman, Jeremy Dietz and Dani (Seth)
Ackerman and 10 great grandchildren.

Funeral
services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Hays Memorial
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will
receive friends from 9:00 am until service time.&nbsp; Memorials may be made payable to the NWKS
Foundation for HOPE.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Linda may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734710681584.jpeg" alt="Linda Kae Sulzman" />
 <figcaption>Linda Kae Sulzman</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda
Kae Sulzman, 77, of Hays, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024. She was born
November 18, 1947, in Norton, Kansas, to Merton and Dorothy (Davis) Goodman.
Linda graduated from Jennings High School in 1965 and on July 27, 1965, married
Ronald “Chappy” Sulzman. The couple lived in Hays where Linda was a homemaker
until their three children were in school. She then went to work at Walmart in
Hays as one of their first employees and worked there until her retirement.In
her spare time, Linda enjoyed reading, doing crosswords, going for walks, and
spending time outdoors. Above all, she loved being a grandmother and supporting
her grandkids at all their activities and sporting events.Linda
was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronald “Chappy”, and her brother
Lynn Goodman.She
is survived by her children, Kyle (Erika) Sulzman, Shawn (Julie) Sulzman and
Roni (Dale) Dietz; sisters, Marcia (Larry) Stapp, Xandra (Chuck) Waggoner, Tina
Perdue and Kendra (Curt) Giebler; sister-in-law Sheryl Goodman; grandchildren,
Shelby (Andrew) Bach, Kirsten (Zack) Schilowsky, Sydney (Brady) Jacques, Shane
(Tori) Sulzman, Sheldon (Dayanera) Sulzman, Jeremy Dietz and Dani (Seth)
Ackerman and 10 great grandchildren.Funeral
services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Hays Memorial
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will
receive friends from 9:00 am until service time.&nbsp; Memorials may be made payable to the NWKS
Foundation for HOPE.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Linda may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Linda Kae Sulzman

Dolores
Dorothy Dietz, age 93, of Locust Grove Village in LaCrosse, Kansas, passed away
on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in LaCrosse. She was born on July 7, 1931, in
Rush County, Kansas, to Sylvester and Mary (Unrein) Zimmerman.



Dolores was a woman of great strength and resilience, known for her devotion to
family. She was united in marriage to Lavine Herrman on May 10, 1949 in
Schoenchen, Kansas, who preceded her in death on December 14, 1977. On March
17, 1979, she married Robert Dietz in LaCrosse. Robert also preceded her in
death on February 22, 2013.



Dolores dedicated her life to her family, enjoying the company of her
grandchildren. She was a homemaker, known for her impeccable housekeeping,
strong-willed nature, and kind heart. Dolores found joy in creative pursuits
such as sewing, needlepointing, crocheting, and playing bingo. A gifted
musician, she could play both the organ and accordion by ear, sharing her
musical talents with others.



Her faith was central to her life. Dolores served as the church organist at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Liebenthal, where she was also a member of the
altar society. Later, she attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse
and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays.



Dolores is survived by her sons, Ronald Herrman and wife Nancy of Hays, and
Stephen Herrman and wife Vicki of Emporia, Kansas; her stepchildren, John Dietz
and wife Liza, and James Dietz and wife Natasha; her brothers, Leon, Lavern,
Duane, David, and Michael Zimmerman; her sisters, Norma Jacobs and Janet
Steinert; her grandchildren, Jamie Herrman, Heather Herrman, Amy Hayden, Tate
Herrman, and Stephanie Brown; 4 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and
three great-great-grandchildren.



She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; a brother, Percy
Zimmerman; and sisters, Patti Zimmerman, Cathy Kreutzer, and Elma Suppes.



Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at
St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse, Kansas, with Fr. Stephen Dabanka
officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.



Visitation will be Friday, December 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. On
Saturday, visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Church,
followed by a rosary service at 10:30 AM.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Michael’s
Church.

Please share memories of Dolores on her tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550373829.jpeg" alt="Dolores Dorothy Dietz" />
 <figcaption>Dolores Dorothy Dietz</figcaption>
 </figure>Dolores
Dorothy Dietz, age 93, of Locust Grove Village in LaCrosse, Kansas, passed away
on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in LaCrosse. She was born on July 7, 1931, in
Rush County, Kansas, to Sylvester and Mary (Unrein) Zimmerman.

Dolores was a woman of great strength and resilience, known for her devotion to
family. She was united in marriage to Lavine Herrman on May 10, 1949 in
Schoenchen, Kansas, who preceded her in death on December 14, 1977. On March
17, 1979, she married Robert Dietz in LaCrosse. Robert also preceded her in
death on February 22, 2013.

Dolores dedicated her life to her family, enjoying the company of her
grandchildren. She was a homemaker, known for her impeccable housekeeping,
strong-willed nature, and kind heart. Dolores found joy in creative pursuits
such as sewing, needlepointing, crocheting, and playing bingo. A gifted
musician, she could play both the organ and accordion by ear, sharing her
musical talents with others.

Her faith was central to her life. Dolores served as the church organist at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Liebenthal, where she was also a member of the
altar society. Later, she attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse
and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays.

Dolores is survived by her sons, Ronald Herrman and wife Nancy of Hays, and
Stephen Herrman and wife Vicki of Emporia, Kansas; her stepchildren, John Dietz
and wife Liza, and James Dietz and wife Natasha; her brothers, Leon, Lavern,
Duane, David, and Michael Zimmerman; her sisters, Norma Jacobs and Janet
Steinert; her grandchildren, Jamie Herrman, Heather Herrman, Amy Hayden, Tate
Herrman, and Stephanie Brown; 4 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and
three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; a brother, Percy
Zimmerman; and sisters, Patti Zimmerman, Cathy Kreutzer, and Elma Suppes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at
St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse, Kansas, with Fr. Stephen Dabanka
officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, December 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. On
Saturday, visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Church,
followed by a rosary service at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Michael’s
Church.

Please share memories of Dolores on her tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Dolores Dorothy Dietz

Wayne Rudolph 'Chief' Krug, 80, of Russell, Kansas, passed
away Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Wayne was born February 11, 1944 in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;
He was one of four children to Rudolph C. and Lorraine I. (Muth) Krug.&nbsp; He
grew up in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in the Class
of 1962.&nbsp; He then attended Emporia State University before returning home
to farm with his father on the family farm south of Russell.

Wayne was a farmer and rancher most of his life.&nbsp; He
was very proud of his family’s heritage.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John
Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Bender Hill Lutheran Church.&nbsp; He
enjoyed watching sports, especially KU Basketball, KSU Football and the Kansas
City Chiefs.&nbsp; In his younger years, he participated in league bowling and
often hosted pitch parties and fish frys.&nbsp; Wayne loved being outdoors
fishing, hunting, gardening and cruising the farm in his ranger with his dog,
Leah.&nbsp; He enjoyed butchering and making sausage every year following the
family secret recipe, which included hanging it in the smoke house for several
hours.&nbsp; Most of all, Wayne loved family gatherings and attending his
grandson’s sporting events and activities.

Wayne’s surviving family include his daughter, Darci Baker
(Randy) of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Juanita Flegler of Russell, Kansas and
Shirley Arnhold of Russell, Kansas; two grandsons, Austin W. Bachar and Brandon
D. Bachar; faithful 4-legged companion, Leah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vernon
Krug; grandson, Joshua Bachar; and brother-in-laws, Melvin Flegler and Ben
Arnhold.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10.30 AM,
Thursday, December 19, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Burial will
follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM
to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of
Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to 6:00
PM.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established with Russell
Rough Riders.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler,
who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734467359004.jpeg" alt="Wayne Rudolph 'Chief' Krug" />
 <figcaption>Wayne Rudolph 'Chief' Krug</figcaption>
 </figure>Wayne Rudolph 'Chief' Krug, 80, of Russell, Kansas, passed
away Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.Wayne was born February 11, 1944 in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;
He was one of four children to Rudolph C. and Lorraine I. (Muth) Krug.&nbsp; He
grew up in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in the Class
of 1962.&nbsp; He then attended Emporia State University before returning home
to farm with his father on the family farm south of Russell.Wayne was a farmer and rancher most of his life.&nbsp; He
was very proud of his family’s heritage.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John
Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Bender Hill Lutheran Church.&nbsp; He
enjoyed watching sports, especially KU Basketball, KSU Football and the Kansas
City Chiefs.&nbsp; In his younger years, he participated in league bowling and
often hosted pitch parties and fish frys.&nbsp; Wayne loved being outdoors
fishing, hunting, gardening and cruising the farm in his ranger with his dog,
Leah.&nbsp; He enjoyed butchering and making sausage every year following the
family secret recipe, which included hanging it in the smoke house for several
hours.&nbsp; Most of all, Wayne loved family gatherings and attending his
grandson’s sporting events and activities.Wayne’s surviving family include his daughter, Darci Baker
(Randy) of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Juanita Flegler of Russell, Kansas and
Shirley Arnhold of Russell, Kansas; two grandsons, Austin W. Bachar and Brandon
D. Bachar; faithful 4-legged companion, Leah; and numerous nieces and nephews.Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vernon
Krug; grandson, Joshua Bachar; and brother-in-laws, Melvin Flegler and Ben
Arnhold.Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10.30 AM,
Thursday, December 19, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Burial will
follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM
to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of
Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to 6:00
PM.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established with Russell
Rough Riders.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler,
who is in charge of these arrangements.

Wayne Rudolph 'Chief' Krug

Danny Lee Heier, 54, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on
December 15, 2024, at Hays Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 26, 1970, in WaKeeney, Danny was the beloved son of Felix Heier
and Catherine Louise (Pfeifer).

Danny’s life was defined by his simple yet profound
passions: family, cattle, and friends. Love, loyalty and laughter came
naturally to him as he poured his heart into everything he cherished. His roots
ran deep, and his loyalty to family was unshakable as he treated everyone he
met as if they were part of his own family. His knowledge and experience
stemmed from being a graduate of the Morland High Class of 88’ and Northwest
Tech class of 89’ helped him in the efforts to tend to his cattle alongside his
dad and brother. He worked tirelessly under the Kansas sun on the family farm
and enjoyed the excitement of being at the racetrack with his “Racing Family”
in recent years. Danny was always able to find joy in the everyday moments
shared with the ones he loved most to create lifelong memories for us all to
cherish. 

Danny is survived by his loving parents, Felix and Catherine
Heier of WaKeeney, KS; his brother, Dennis (Dina) Heier of Quinter, KS; and his
sisters, Charlotte Bowles (Mike Faubion) of Abilene, KS, Loretta (Tim) Kaiser
of Elizabeth, CO, and Cathy (Lance) Russell of Hays, KS. His nieces, nephews,
and extended family will forever remember him for his kindness, his laughter,
and his unwavering love.

A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024,
from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Visitation will
follow from 5:45 to 7:00 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m.
on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney,
with burial to follow in Christ the King Cemetery. A meal will be served
afterward at the parish center, where family and friends can gather to
celebrate Danny’s life and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Walk-A-Thon for
Health (Trego) or for Masses at Christ the King Catholic Church. Donations can
be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734455544607.jpeg" alt="Danny Lee Heier" />
 <figcaption>Danny Lee Heier</figcaption>
 </figure>Danny Lee Heier, 54, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on
December 15, 2024, at Hays Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 26, 1970, in WaKeeney, Danny was the beloved son of Felix Heier
and Catherine Louise (Pfeifer).Danny’s life was defined by his simple yet profound
passions: family, cattle, and friends. Love, loyalty and laughter came
naturally to him as he poured his heart into everything he cherished. His roots
ran deep, and his loyalty to family was unshakable as he treated everyone he
met as if they were part of his own family. His knowledge and experience
stemmed from being a graduate of the Morland High Class of 88’ and Northwest
Tech class of 89’ helped him in the efforts to tend to his cattle alongside his
dad and brother. He worked tirelessly under the Kansas sun on the family farm
and enjoyed the excitement of being at the racetrack with his “Racing Family”
in recent years. Danny was always able to find joy in the everyday moments
shared with the ones he loved most to create lifelong memories for us all to
cherish. Danny is survived by his loving parents, Felix and Catherine
Heier of WaKeeney, KS; his brother, Dennis (Dina) Heier of Quinter, KS; and his
sisters, Charlotte Bowles (Mike Faubion) of Abilene, KS, Loretta (Tim) Kaiser
of Elizabeth, CO, and Cathy (Lance) Russell of Hays, KS. His nieces, nephews,
and extended family will forever remember him for his kindness, his laughter,
and his unwavering love.A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024,
from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Visitation will
follow from 5:45 to 7:00 p.m.The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m.
on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney,
with burial to follow in Christ the King Cemetery. A meal will be served
afterward at the parish center, where family and friends can gather to
celebrate Danny’s life and share memories.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Walk-A-Thon for
Health (Trego) or for Masses at Christ the King Catholic Church. Donations can
be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Danny Lee Heier

Charles
Allen Tauber, 64, of Hays, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at
Hays Medical Center. Charles was born on April 1, 1960, in Oberlin, Kansas to
Francis and Betty Tauber, he was the second of four children.


Charles worked for KDOT for several years then drove semi until he had his
wreck.


Charles had three children Rhonda, Travis, and Troy.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Tauber, son-in-law
Wesley Flinn, and grandson Nathan Barnhardt


Charles is survived by a daughter Rhonda Flinn; sons, Travis (Julli) Tauber and
Troy (Stacy) Tauber; ten grandchildren; one great granddaughter; sister-in-law
Darla Tauber; sisters, Tonya Tauber and Judy (Tony) Wolf; and several nieces
and nephews.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Hays animal shelter or
organizations that reflect his love for animals, and may be sent in care of
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences
visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734379808477.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Charles Allen Tauber" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Charles Allen Tauber</figcaption>
 </figure>Charles
Allen Tauber, 64, of Hays, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at
Hays Medical Center. Charles was born on April 1, 1960, in Oberlin, Kansas to
Francis and Betty Tauber, he was the second of four children.
Charles worked for KDOT for several years then drove semi until he had his
wreck.
Charles had three children Rhonda, Travis, and Troy.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Tauber, son-in-law
Wesley Flinn, and grandson Nathan Barnhardt
Charles is survived by a daughter Rhonda Flinn; sons, Travis (Julli) Tauber and
Troy (Stacy) Tauber; ten grandchildren; one great granddaughter; sister-in-law
Darla Tauber; sisters, Tonya Tauber and Judy (Tony) Wolf; and several nieces
and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Hays animal shelter or
organizations that reflect his love for animals, and may be sent in care of
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences
visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

 Charles Allen Tauber

Wilma (Pfeifer) Wellbrock-VonLintel
Age 91, of Victoria, Kansas passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Hays
Medical Center.

&nbsp;She was born April 3, 1933, on the family farm four miles north of
&nbsp;Victoria to Anthony J. and &nbsp;Rosa (Dreiling) Pfeifer, the youngest of
twelve children.&nbsp; She attended elementary school in Victoria and graduated
from Victoria High School in 1951, the first class to graduate from the new
high school.&nbsp; She married Milton Wellbrock on November 23, 1955, and he
preceded her in death on January 16, 1981.&nbsp; Milton and Wilma were blessed
with three sons, Glenn, Leon and Chris.&nbsp; After his death she married Regis
VonLintel on April 24, 1982Wilma’s first job after graduating from high school was at the German American
Telephone Company in Victoria, owned by Anthony Denning, and was a switchboard
operator for about five years until it was sold.&nbsp; She worked at J C Penney
Company in Hays, and then was the city clerk for the City of Victoria for a few
years.&nbsp; Her last and longest job was working twenty-three years for USD
#432 as the Victoria High School secretary, and was inducted to the Hall of
Fame by the Victoria Alumni Association. 

She was a member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, the Christian Mothers, the
Daughters of Isabella, was a Eucharistic Minister for many years, volunteered
at St. Fidelis Gift and Thrift Shop, and St. Fidelis Funeral Dinner Committee.

Wilma loved to dance, especially doing the Wedding March she started in the
1970’s and continued doing Marches until 2020.&nbsp; Over those forty-five
years she did an unbelievable number of marches, both weddings and other occasions.&nbsp;
In her earlier years she did ladies haircuts, home perms, and styling.&nbsp;
She also loved to paint, when she was still able to paint and redecorated their
rental property.&nbsp; Wilma and Regis spent many moments viewing photos on
their phones of their family, and especially their adorable little great
grandchildren.&nbsp; Wilma’s greatest pride and joy was her
family.

She is survived by her husband, Regis VonLintel, of the home; her sons, Glenn
Wellbrock and wife, Darcy, Wichita, KS; Leon Wellbrock and wife, Joan,
Victoria, KS; Chris Wellbrock and wife, Karen, Augusta, KS; her grandchildren,
Dave Wellbrock and wife, Jessi; Amber Wellbrock and Devin Henderson; Ashlenn
Wiltcher and husband, Brandon; Ashley Schmidtberger and husband, Andy; Ciara
Wellbrock; Kyle Wellbrock; Katelyn Wellbrock; her great grandchildren, Stella,
Brooks, Hazel Wellbrock; Isaiah Wellbrock; Elijah, Solomon and Landon
Schmidtberger; and Milly Henderson; her brother, Robert Pfeifer, Hays, KS; her
sister, Albertine Rajewski, Hays, KS.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony J., and Rosa Pfeifer; her
first husband, Milton Wellbrock; her brothers, Harry Pfeifer; Ed Pfeifer; Al
Pfeifer; Wilfred “Willie” Pfeifer; two infant brothers; her sisters, Angeline
“Ann” Kaltenback; Rose Phannenstiel; and Ester Maher.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 19, 2024,
at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas with
celebrant, Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap.&nbsp; The burial will be in Saint
Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service with a Daughters of Isabella/Christian Mothers rosary will be
at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:30 P.M. Wednesdays, and from 9:00 to 9:45
A.M. Thursday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: Cathedral of
The Plains Charitable Fund INC. in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main,
Victoria, Kansas 67671. Condolences can be sent
via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or can be left at guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734296955607.jpeg" alt="Wilma (Pfeifer) Wellbrock-VonLintel" />
 <figcaption>Wilma (Pfeifer) Wellbrock-VonLintel</figcaption>
 </figure>Wilma (Pfeifer) Wellbrock-VonLintel
Age 91, of Victoria, Kansas passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Hays
Medical Center.&nbsp;She was born April 3, 1933, on the family farm four miles north of
&nbsp;Victoria to Anthony J. and &nbsp;Rosa (Dreiling) Pfeifer, the youngest of
twelve children.&nbsp; She attended elementary school in Victoria and graduated
from Victoria High School in 1951, the first class to graduate from the new
high school.&nbsp; She married Milton Wellbrock on November 23, 1955, and he
preceded her in death on January 16, 1981.&nbsp; Milton and Wilma were blessed
with three sons, Glenn, Leon and Chris.&nbsp; After his death she married Regis
VonLintel on April 24, 1982Wilma’s first job after graduating from high school was at the German American
Telephone Company in Victoria, owned by Anthony Denning, and was a switchboard
operator for about five years until it was sold.&nbsp; She worked at J C Penney
Company in Hays, and then was the city clerk for the City of Victoria for a few
years.&nbsp; Her last and longest job was working twenty-three years for USD
#432 as the Victoria High School secretary, and was inducted to the Hall of
Fame by the Victoria Alumni Association. She was a member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, the Christian Mothers, the
Daughters of Isabella, was a Eucharistic Minister for many years, volunteered
at St. Fidelis Gift and Thrift Shop, and St. Fidelis Funeral Dinner Committee.Wilma loved to dance, especially doing the Wedding March she started in the
1970’s and continued doing Marches until 2020.&nbsp; Over those forty-five
years she did an unbelievable number of marches, both weddings and other occasions.&nbsp;
In her earlier years she did ladies haircuts, home perms, and styling.&nbsp;
She also loved to paint, when she was still able to paint and redecorated their
rental property.&nbsp; Wilma and Regis spent many moments viewing photos on
their phones of their family, and especially their adorable little great
grandchildren.&nbsp; Wilma’s greatest pride and joy was her
family.She is survived by her husband, Regis VonLintel, of the home; her sons, Glenn
Wellbrock and wife, Darcy, Wichita, KS; Leon Wellbrock and wife, Joan,
Victoria, KS; Chris Wellbrock and wife, Karen, Augusta, KS; her grandchildren,
Dave Wellbrock and wife, Jessi; Amber Wellbrock and Devin Henderson; Ashlenn
Wiltcher and husband, Brandon; Ashley Schmidtberger and husband, Andy; Ciara
Wellbrock; Kyle Wellbrock; Katelyn Wellbrock; her great grandchildren, Stella,
Brooks, Hazel Wellbrock; Isaiah Wellbrock; Elijah, Solomon and Landon
Schmidtberger; and Milly Henderson; her brother, Robert Pfeifer, Hays, KS; her
sister, Albertine Rajewski, Hays, KS.Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony J., and Rosa Pfeifer; her
first husband, Milton Wellbrock; her brothers, Harry Pfeifer; Ed Pfeifer; Al
Pfeifer; Wilfred “Willie” Pfeifer; two infant brothers; her sisters, Angeline
“Ann” Kaltenback; Rose Phannenstiel; and Ester Maher. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 19, 2024,
at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas with
celebrant, Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap.&nbsp; The burial will be in Saint
Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.A vigil service with a Daughters of Isabella/Christian Mothers rosary will be
at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:30 P.M. Wednesdays, and from 9:00 to 9:45
A.M. Thursday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: Cathedral of
The Plains Charitable Fund INC. in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main,
Victoria, Kansas 67671. Condolences can be sent
via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or can be left at guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

Wilma (Pfeifer) Wellbrock-VonLintel

Shirley May Worcester, 91, died December 11, 2024, at the
Graham County Hospital. She was born October 16, 1933 to Vernon and Pauline
(Walker) Worcester in rural Graham County. She was a lifetime resident of
Graham County. She is survived by her brothers: Merlyn Worcester and wife Josie
of Hill City, Allen Worcester of Larned, and V. T. Worcester and wife Thelma of
Florida; sisters: Marlayne Pricer of Moore, Oklahoma, and Lesta Lou May of
Ellsworth. 

Services will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 at the Hill
City Christian Church, Hill City, Kansas at 10:30 A.M. Memorials to the Kobler Center,
Hill City, Kansas. Interment in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Hill City, following
the church service. Stinemetz Funeral Home, Hill City&nbsp; in charge of the arrangements. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734152092603.jpeg" alt="Shirley May Worcester" />
 <figcaption>Shirley May Worcester</figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley May Worcester, 91, died December 11, 2024, at the
Graham County Hospital. She was born October 16, 1933 to Vernon and Pauline
(Walker) Worcester in rural Graham County. She was a lifetime resident of
Graham County. She is survived by her brothers: Merlyn Worcester and wife Josie
of Hill City, Allen Worcester of Larned, and V. T. Worcester and wife Thelma of
Florida; sisters: Marlayne Pricer of Moore, Oklahoma, and Lesta Lou May of
Ellsworth. Services will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 at the Hill
City Christian Church, Hill City, Kansas at 10:30 A.M. Memorials to the Kobler Center,
Hill City, Kansas. Interment in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Hill City, following
the church service. Stinemetz Funeral Home, Hill City&nbsp; in charge of the arrangements.

Shirley May Worcester

Christabelle
“Chris” DeWald-Bickle, 96, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024,
surrounded by loving family at Ascension Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas.
She was born on May 31, 1928, in Hoisington, Kansas, the daughter of Christian
and Marie Elizabeth (Karst) Kramer. Chris was baptized on June 6, 1928, and
confirmed in the Christian faith on April 18, 1943.

Chris was a graduate of Hoisington
High School Class of 1946. She continued her education at Central Business
College in Denver, Colorado. Chris started her career at Hoisington Lutheran
Hospital – now Clara Barton Hospital – where she was an office manager for 40
years. She retired December 31, 1990. Chris also served as the secretary and
treasurer of Concordia Lutheran Church in Hoisington for many years.

She married Vernon DeWald on June 11, 1950,
until he passed on April 14, 1976. On July 6, 2007, she married her high school
sweetheart, Don Bickle, at Concordia Lutheran Church. 

Survivors include her husband, Don, of
Hays; two daughters, Susan Bryant and Lynette Pfannenstiel; two sons, D.G.
Bickle and Tim Bickle; grandson, Wyatt Bryant; and great granddaughter, Saige
Bryant. With her extended family, she was blessed with an additional eight
grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Chris also had nine nieces and
nephews that loved her very much.

She is preceded in death by her
parents; and two sisters, Dorothy Minson and Esther Valerius.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation with
family receiving guests will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday,
December 15, 2025, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Memorial service will be
held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2024, at Concordia Lutheran Church,
Hoisington, with Pastor Gary Wolf presiding. Memorials have been designated to
Concordia Lutheran Church or Fort Hays State University Bickle Scholarship, in
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67530.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at
www.nicholsonrickefh.net

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734186261835.png" alt="Christabelle “Chris” DeWald-Bickle" />
 <figcaption>Christabelle “Chris” DeWald-Bickle</figcaption>
 </figure>Christabelle
“Chris” DeWald-Bickle, 96, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024,
surrounded by loving family at Ascension Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas.
She was born on May 31, 1928, in Hoisington, Kansas, the daughter of Christian
and Marie Elizabeth (Karst) Kramer. Chris was baptized on June 6, 1928, and
confirmed in the Christian faith on April 18, 1943.Chris was a graduate of Hoisington
High School Class of 1946. She continued her education at Central Business
College in Denver, Colorado. Chris started her career at Hoisington Lutheran
Hospital – now Clara Barton Hospital – where she was an office manager for 40
years. She retired December 31, 1990. Chris also served as the secretary and
treasurer of Concordia Lutheran Church in Hoisington for many years.She married Vernon DeWald on June 11, 1950,
until he passed on April 14, 1976. On July 6, 2007, she married her high school
sweetheart, Don Bickle, at Concordia Lutheran Church. Survivors include her husband, Don, of
Hays; two daughters, Susan Bryant and Lynette Pfannenstiel; two sons, D.G.
Bickle and Tim Bickle; grandson, Wyatt Bryant; and great granddaughter, Saige
Bryant. With her extended family, she was blessed with an additional eight
grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Chris also had nine nieces and
nephews that loved her very much.She is preceded in death by her
parents; and two sisters, Dorothy Minson and Esther Valerius.Cremation has taken place. Visitation with
family receiving guests will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday,
December 15, 2025, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Memorial service will be
held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2024, at Concordia Lutheran Church,
Hoisington, with Pastor Gary Wolf presiding. Memorials have been designated to
Concordia Lutheran Church or Fort Hays State University Bickle Scholarship, in
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67530.Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at
www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Christabelle “Chris” DeWald-Bickle

Linda Karen North, 76, formerly of Hays, died December 12, 2024, surrounded by her family at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born January 10, 1948, to Dr. Ward Leon and Edna Mabel (Beard) Sims.

Linda graduated from University High School, Lincoln, NE, in 1966 and attended Barton County Community College. She held a variety of jobs throughout her life ranging from a farm wife to working in health care to operating her own state-licensed baking business. In addition, Linda worked for the Fort Hays State Athletic Department and the Senior Companions program. She was also a cook for the Tri Sigma Sorority and later the housemother and cook for the Delta Zeta Sorority at Fort Hays.

Linda enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, encouraging others, and helping lead the After Five Club in Hays. She was a dedicated mother who attended and supported her son and daughter’s activities, even into adulthood including sporting events and mission trips. Linda cherished a special relationship with her granddaughter, Anna.

On September 30, 1967, she married Daryl Albert North in McCracken. They later divorced.

Linda is survived by: her children, Tricia North of Hutchinson and Adam (Jami) North of Galva; granddaughter, Anna North of Galva; and sisters, Cyndi (Kem) Swarts of Colorado Springs and Janet Sims of Lenexa; and Tricia’s and Adam’s father, Daryl.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Arthur Cartright North; and a sister, Donna Phillips.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at McCracken Methodist Church, 301 1st St. McCracken. &nbsp;Burial will follow in McCracken City Cemetery. &nbsp;Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday through Monday at Elliott Mortuary. &nbsp;The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the McCracken Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Linda North Memorial Fund or Camp Hope, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main., Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Linda North Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734132920647.jpeg" alt="Linda Karen North" />
 <figcaption>Linda Karen North</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda Karen North, 76, formerly of Hays, died December 12, 2024, surrounded by her family at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born January 10, 1948, to Dr. Ward Leon and Edna Mabel (Beard) Sims.Linda graduated from University High School, Lincoln, NE, in 1966 and attended Barton County Community College. She held a variety of jobs throughout her life ranging from a farm wife to working in health care to operating her own state-licensed baking business. In addition, Linda worked for the Fort Hays State Athletic Department and the Senior Companions program. She was also a cook for the Tri Sigma Sorority and later the housemother and cook for the Delta Zeta Sorority at Fort Hays.Linda enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, encouraging others, and helping lead the After Five Club in Hays. She was a dedicated mother who attended and supported her son and daughter’s activities, even into adulthood including sporting events and mission trips. Linda cherished a special relationship with her granddaughter, Anna.On September 30, 1967, she married Daryl Albert North in McCracken. They later divorced.Linda is survived by: her children, Tricia North of Hutchinson and Adam (Jami) North of Galva; granddaughter, Anna North of Galva; and sisters, Cyndi (Kem) Swarts of Colorado Springs and Janet Sims of Lenexa; and Tricia’s and Adam’s father, Daryl.She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Arthur Cartright North; and a sister, Donna Phillips.Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at McCracken Methodist Church, 301 1st St. McCracken. &nbsp;Burial will follow in McCracken City Cemetery. &nbsp;Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday through Monday at Elliott Mortuary. &nbsp;The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the McCracken Methodist Church.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Linda North Memorial Fund or Camp Hope, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main., Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Linda North Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.

Linda Karen North

Fr. Felix
Rudolph Petrovsky, O.F.M.Cap., 94, senior friar of the Capuchin Province of St.
Conrad, died at Via Christi Villa, Hays Kans., on Dec. 10, 2024. He had been a
professed member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order for 74 years, and a Catholic
priest for 69 years. 

Son of the
late Rudolph P. and Marie Gertrude (Erkens) Petrovsky of Ford City, Pa.,
Rudolph Petrovsky was born there on May 23, 1930. 

The
priesthood was a well-known vocation in Rudolph’s family. Fr. Benedict Erkens
and Fr. William Erkens of the diocese of Pittsburgh were brothers of his
grandmother, Fr. Werner Erkens of the German archdiocese of Cologne was his
mother’s great uncle, and his cousin Fr. James F. Petrovsky is in the Diocese
of Greensburg. And in 1940, Rudolph told a grade school teacher he wanted to be
“a priest who takes care of the boys who want to be priests.” 

After
attending St. Mary’s Grade School in Ford City, Rudolph himself began studies
for the priesthood at St. Fidelis High School Seminary in Herman, Pa., in 1943.
He continued college studies at Herman, graduating as a bachelor of philosophy
in 1952. 

Meanwhile,
he entered the Capuchin Order at St. Conrad’s Friary in Annapolis, Md., in 1949
and, after a year’s novitiate training, during which he received the new name
Felix, he professed vows in the Order on July 14, 1950. 

Felix’s
theological training for the priesthood continued at Capuchin College in
Washington, D.C., and he was ordained a priest by Bishop John M. McNamara in
the crypt church of the then still-under-construction National Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception on June 4, 1955. 

After an
additional year of theological studies at Capuchin College, Father took a year
of graduate studies in math and science at Washington’s Catholic University of
America in preparation for a teaching assignment at St. Joseph Military Academy
in Hays, Kans. He joined the school in 1957 as its prefect of discipline and
teacher of math and science, assignments he held for the next 13 years. 

Meanwhile
he continued studies in education, math and science and English at Ft. Hays
State College, assisted priests in numerous western Kansas parishes, and from
1968 onward was part time associate pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, Kans.


Felix’s
priestly ministry became many-faceted in 1970. When the military academy merged
with a high school seminary under the new name Thomas More Prep, Felix left
academia and spent the rest of his life mainly in pastoral ministry and service
to the Third Order of St. Francis which at the time was transformed by Pope St.
Paul VI into the Secular Franciscan Order, and also in many other apostolates. 

For 21
years (1970-78 and 1983-96), Felix was either pastor or associate pastor of
Capuchin-staffed Kansas churches in Hays, Victoria, Walker, Antonino,
Schoenchen, and Lawrence. During the 1976 

Centenary
of the Volga Germans in Ellis and Rush Counties, he helped compile and edited Towers
of Faith and Courage, a 272-page pictorial history of parishes in Victoria,
Walker and Emmeram.

Felix
began serving as director of the Franciscan Third Order in Victoria in 1970,
and in 1980, when the Order had begun to direct itself, he became the
province’s spiritual assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order and served as
such till 1983 and again from 1995 till he suffered a stroke in 2011. During
most of those same years he was also spiritual assistant to the Our Lady of the
Mountains OFS regional fraternity, and spiritual assistant at various times to
local fraternities in Victoria, Hays, Atwood, Lawrence, Overland Park, Liberal,
all in Kansas, and Rapid City, S.Dak. After his stroke he remained a consultant
to the Order. 

Much of
Father’s priesthood was spent in the confessional. For 19 years it was his
principle assignment. He directed the Alverne Chapel in St. Louis 1978-83,
where the sacrament of reconciliation was offered many hours each weekday.
Later, 1996-2007, he and a few other friars offered an itinerant Reconciliation
Ministry to numerous churches in the Denver archdiocese, and from 2008 till
2011 he was at the Capuchin confessional ministry at the Citadel Mall in
Colorado Springs. 

Viewing
the rest of Father’s curriculum vitae brings to mind the Energizer Bunny. The
number of chaplaincies and boards on which he served was truly of record
proportions. 

He served
on the Capuchin provincial council 1992-95, and for 18 years was either
guardian or vicar at local fraternities. For the Salina diocese he was on its
presbyteral council, pastoral council, marriage tribunal, liturgical
commission, due process board, schools commission, and community appeals
committee. He was state and local chaplain of many Daughters of Isabelle
councils and chaplain of many Knights of Columbus councils, a team priest for
Engaged Encounter, board member of the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home, Hays;
president of the Hays Community Assistance Center, member of the Hays Medical
Center Bio-Ethics Committee and the Ellis County Committee on Alcoholism, and
the list goes on. 

Fr. Felix
was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Marie Petrovsky, his sister, Mary
Catherine Dinga, and nephew, Frank Dinga, Jr. He is survived by five nieces:
Mary Albers, Joan Lane, Madonna Reider, Loretta Kiedrowski, Yvonne Horner,
their 18 children and 28 grandchildren, and many cousins and their families. 

Services
for Father will be in the Victoria Basilica of St. Fidelis: Visitation, Sun.
evening, Dec. 15th, 5-8 p.m. with vigil service &amp; rosary at 6:30 p.m.;
Visitation, Mon., morning Dec. 16th, 9-10 a.m.; Mass 10 a.m. Burial will follow
in the Friars’ Plot in the parish cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to the Capuchin Province of
Mid-America, Inc., 3613 Wyandot St., Denver CO 80211. Services are in the care
of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria. Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by
guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734109109407.jpeg" alt="Fr. Felix Rudolph Petrovsky, O.F.M.Cap." />
 <figcaption>Fr. Felix Rudolph Petrovsky, O.F.M.Cap.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fr. Felix
Rudolph Petrovsky, O.F.M.Cap., 94, senior friar of the Capuchin Province of St.
Conrad, died at Via Christi Villa, Hays Kans., on Dec. 10, 2024. He had been a
professed member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order for 74 years, and a Catholic
priest for 69 years. Son of the
late Rudolph P. and Marie Gertrude (Erkens) Petrovsky of Ford City, Pa.,
Rudolph Petrovsky was born there on May 23, 1930. The
priesthood was a well-known vocation in Rudolph’s family. Fr. Benedict Erkens
and Fr. William Erkens of the diocese of Pittsburgh were brothers of his
grandmother, Fr. Werner Erkens of the German archdiocese of Cologne was his
mother’s great uncle, and his cousin Fr. James F. Petrovsky is in the Diocese
of Greensburg. And in 1940, Rudolph told a grade school teacher he wanted to be
“a priest who takes care of the boys who want to be priests.” After
attending St. Mary’s Grade School in Ford City, Rudolph himself began studies
for the priesthood at St. Fidelis High School Seminary in Herman, Pa., in 1943.
He continued college studies at Herman, graduating as a bachelor of philosophy
in 1952. Meanwhile,
he entered the Capuchin Order at St. Conrad’s Friary in Annapolis, Md., in 1949
and, after a year’s novitiate training, during which he received the new name
Felix, he professed vows in the Order on July 14, 1950. Felix’s
theological training for the priesthood continued at Capuchin College in
Washington, D.C., and he was ordained a priest by Bishop John M. McNamara in
the crypt church of the then still-under-construction National Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception on June 4, 1955. After an
additional year of theological studies at Capuchin College, Father took a year
of graduate studies in math and science at Washington’s Catholic University of
America in preparation for a teaching assignment at St. Joseph Military Academy
in Hays, Kans. He joined the school in 1957 as its prefect of discipline and
teacher of math and science, assignments he held for the next 13 years. Meanwhile
he continued studies in education, math and science and English at Ft. Hays
State College, assisted priests in numerous western Kansas parishes, and from
1968 onward was part time associate pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, Kans.
Felix’s
priestly ministry became many-faceted in 1970. When the military academy merged
with a high school seminary under the new name Thomas More Prep, Felix left
academia and spent the rest of his life mainly in pastoral ministry and service
to the Third Order of St. Francis which at the time was transformed by Pope St.
Paul VI into the Secular Franciscan Order, and also in many other apostolates. For 21
years (1970-78 and 1983-96), Felix was either pastor or associate pastor of
Capuchin-staffed Kansas churches in Hays, Victoria, Walker, Antonino,
Schoenchen, and Lawrence. During the 1976 Centenary
of the Volga Germans in Ellis and Rush Counties, he helped compile and edited Towers
of Faith and Courage, a 272-page pictorial history of parishes in Victoria,
Walker and Emmeram. Felix
began serving as director of the Franciscan Third Order in Victoria in 1970,
and in 1980, when the Order had begun to direct itself, he became the
province’s spiritual assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order and served as
such till 1983 and again from 1995 till he suffered a stroke in 2011. During
most of those same years he was also spiritual assistant to the Our Lady of the
Mountains OFS regional fraternity, and spiritual assistant at various times to
local fraternities in Victoria, Hays, Atwood, Lawrence, Overland Park, Liberal,
all in Kansas, and Rapid City, S.Dak. After his stroke he remained a consultant
to the Order. Much of
Father’s priesthood was spent in the confessional. For 19 years it was his
principle assignment. He directed the Alverne Chapel in St. Louis 1978-83,
where the sacrament of reconciliation was offered many hours each weekday.
Later, 1996-2007, he and a few other friars offered an itinerant Reconciliation
Ministry to numerous churches in the Denver archdiocese, and from 2008 till
2011 he was at the Capuchin confessional ministry at the Citadel Mall in
Colorado Springs. Viewing
the rest of Father’s curriculum vitae brings to mind the Energizer Bunny. The
number of chaplaincies and boards on which he served was truly of record
proportions. He served
on the Capuchin provincial council 1992-95, and for 18 years was either
guardian or vicar at local fraternities. For the Salina diocese he was on its
presbyteral council, pastoral council, marriage tribunal, liturgical
commission, due process board, schools commission, and community appeals
committee. He was state and local chaplain of many Daughters of Isabelle
councils and chaplain of many Knights of Columbus councils, a team priest for
Engaged Encounter, board member of the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home, Hays;
president of the Hays Community Assistance Center, member of the Hays Medical
Center Bio-Ethics Committee and the Ellis County Committee on Alcoholism, and
the list goes on. Fr. Felix
was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Marie Petrovsky, his sister, Mary
Catherine Dinga, and nephew, Frank Dinga, Jr. He is survived by five nieces:
Mary Albers, Joan Lane, Madonna Reider, Loretta Kiedrowski, Yvonne Horner,
their 18 children and 28 grandchildren, and many cousins and their families. Services
for Father will be in the Victoria Basilica of St. Fidelis: Visitation, Sun.
evening, Dec. 15th, 5-8 p.m. with vigil service &amp; rosary at 6:30 p.m.;
Visitation, Mon., morning Dec. 16th, 9-10 a.m.; Mass 10 a.m. Burial will follow
in the Friars’ Plot in the parish cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Capuchin Province of
Mid-America, Inc., 3613 Wyandot St., Denver CO 80211. Services are in the care
of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria. Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by
guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fr. Felix Petrovsky O.F.M. CAP

Dennis J. Pfannenstiel age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away
on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at his home. 

&nbsp;He was born January 21, 1944, on the family farm south of Munjor, Kansas to
Constantine “Connie” and Marcella (Doerfler) Pfannenstiel.&nbsp; He married the
love of his life, Elaine G. (Phelps) on June 28, 1969, at Munjor, Kansas.

Dennis worked at and was an owner of State Glass Company in Hays for over 30
years. Farming and cattle was always a passion of Dennis’s, and he and his
cousin Ernie Meier ran Ern-Den Farm for around 40 years.&nbsp; Dennis served two
terms as an Ellis County Commissioner and enjoyed serving the community.&nbsp;
Once Dennis retired from State Glass Company in 2004, he worked for the Ellis
County Sheriff’s Department part-time transporting inmates up until 2020.&nbsp;

He grew up on the family farm south of Munjor, and he attended high school at
St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, where he graduated in 1962.&nbsp; Dennis
then served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Dennis was member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and a
member of the 3rd Degree St. Mary Council # 6984 Knights of
Columbus. 

He enjoyed bowling, golf, fishing, watching KU basketball, Royals baseball, and
the Chiefs football. He always looked forward to playing cards every week with
several of his friends.&nbsp;

Dennis is survived by his wife, Elaine, of the home; his son, Grant A.
Pfannenstiel and wife, Lacey, Hays, KS: his brother, Duane ‘Whitey”
Pfannenstiel and wife, Becky, Topeka, KS; his sister, Gloria Koirth and
husband, Larry, Hays, KS; and his brother-in-law, Jim Basgall, Kansas City,
Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Connie and Marcella; his brother,
Stanley, Jim and Norman; and his sister, Jeanie Basgall.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M.
Friday, December 13, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805
Vine, Hays, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Nick Parker.&nbsp; A private family
inurnment will be at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, at the church
with a vigil service and Knights of Columbus rosary at 9:30 A.M.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church or TMP-Marian High School in care of
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays,
Kansas 67601.

&nbsp;Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733927640709.jpeg" alt="Dennis J. Pfannenstiel" />
 <figcaption>Dennis J. Pfannenstiel</figcaption>
 </figure>Dennis J. Pfannenstiel age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away
on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at his home. &nbsp;He was born January 21, 1944, on the family farm south of Munjor, Kansas to
Constantine “Connie” and Marcella (Doerfler) Pfannenstiel.&nbsp; He married the
love of his life, Elaine G. (Phelps) on June 28, 1969, at Munjor, Kansas.Dennis worked at and was an owner of State Glass Company in Hays for over 30
years. Farming and cattle was always a passion of Dennis’s, and he and his
cousin Ernie Meier ran Ern-Den Farm for around 40 years.&nbsp; Dennis served two
terms as an Ellis County Commissioner and enjoyed serving the community.&nbsp;
Once Dennis retired from State Glass Company in 2004, he worked for the Ellis
County Sheriff’s Department part-time transporting inmates up until 2020.&nbsp;He grew up on the family farm south of Munjor, and he attended high school at
St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, where he graduated in 1962.&nbsp; Dennis
then served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.Dennis was member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and a
member of the 3rd Degree St. Mary Council # 6984 Knights of
Columbus. He enjoyed bowling, golf, fishing, watching KU basketball, Royals baseball, and
the Chiefs football. He always looked forward to playing cards every week with
several of his friends.&nbsp;Dennis is survived by his wife, Elaine, of the home; his son, Grant A.
Pfannenstiel and wife, Lacey, Hays, KS: his brother, Duane ‘Whitey”
Pfannenstiel and wife, Becky, Topeka, KS; his sister, Gloria Koirth and
husband, Larry, Hays, KS; and his brother-in-law, Jim Basgall, Kansas City,
Kansas.He was preceded in death by his parents, Connie and Marcella; his brother,
Stanley, Jim and Norman; and his sister, Jeanie Basgall.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M.
Friday, December 13, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805
Vine, Hays, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Nick Parker.&nbsp; A private family
inurnment will be at a later date.The family will receive friends from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, at the church
with a vigil service and Knights of Columbus rosary at 9:30 A.M.&nbsp; &nbsp; In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church or TMP-Marian High School in care of
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays,
Kansas 67601.&nbsp;Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Dennis J. Pfannenstiel

Linda Sue
Kohlrus, age 69 of Ellis, Kansas died Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Trego
County Lemke Memorial Hospital - WaKeeney.

She was born
December 23, 1954, in Hays, Kansas to Irvin and Lucille (Herl) Toepfer. In
November of 1974 she was united in marriage to Terry Kohlrus at Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church – Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734027432443.jpeg" alt="Linda Sue Kohlrus" />
 <figcaption>Linda Sue Kohlrus</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda Sue
Kohlrus, age 69 of Ellis, Kansas died Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Trego
County Lemke Memorial Hospital - WaKeeney.She was born
December 23, 1954, in Hays, Kansas to Irvin and Lucille (Herl) Toepfer. In
November of 1974 she was united in marriage to Terry Kohlrus at Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church – Hays.Linda was a
loving and devoted homemaker and cherished the time she spent with family,
especially her grandchildren.&nbsp; She was a sucker for a good Hallmark movie,
particularly during the Christmas season.Many of her
afternoons and evenings were at the racetrack, and it was rare to see her
without Terry by her side.Linda is
survived by her husband, Terry and their children: Travis (Susie) Kohlrus of
Ellis, Jennifer (Chad) Sproul of Hays, together with her four grandchildren:
Dakota (Kaitlyn), Dawson, Tanner, and MaKenzie.She is also
survived by her siblings: Terry (Paulette) Neubauer of Oklahoma, Jean Couch of
Kansas, and Shelly (Tim) Kohlrus of Arizona, and several nieces and
nephews.&nbsp; She was preceded by her parents, her sister: Lanie, and
sister-in-law: Janet Neubauer, and several beloved dogs that gave her great
companionship and love throughout her life.Mass of
Christian burial will be Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's
Catholic Church, 703 Monroe Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.Memorial
visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church with a
recitation of the Rosary beginning at 11:00 AM prior to services.In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to The Humane Society of the High Plains,
and/or Hospice Services, Inc., and Palliative Care of Northwest Kansas in care
of the Funeral Chapel.Services in
care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400
East 17th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.

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