Carol Y. Fite, 66, of Colby, died Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Citizens
 Medical Center, Colby. She was born August 3, 1955, in Colby, KS, to 
John Alvin Fite and Treva (Laurent) Fite. 
Carol had cleaned house and cared for her mother for many years, until 
her passing. She had also taught at ACE Christian School, in Gem, KS and
 Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, attending
 singles group, playing cards, her Friday night Pizza Night and 
attending the annual Pickin’ on the Plains in Colby. In her younger 
days, Carol loved to spend time in the mountains hiking and climbing. In
 her recent years she was an active member of College Drive Assembly of 
God Church. 
Carol was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her 
sisters, Corinia Hilton, of Hays, KS and Sheila (Robert) Weis, of 
Spearville, KS, along with many loved nieces and nephews. 
There will be a visitation from 9:30- 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral at 
11:00 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2021, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. 
Burial will take place in Beulah Cemetery, Colby.

Memorials are 
suggested to the Carol Fite Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639077094421.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carol Y. Fite, 66, of Colby, died Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Citizens
 Medical Center, Colby. She was born August 3, 1955, in Colby, KS, to 
John Alvin Fite and Treva (Laurent) Fite. 
Carol had cleaned house and cared for her mother for many years, until 
her passing. She had also taught at ACE Christian School, in Gem, KS and
 Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, attending
 singles group, playing cards, her Friday night Pizza Night and 
attending the annual Pickin’ on the Plains in Colby. In her younger 
days, Carol loved to spend time in the mountains hiking and climbing. In
 her recent years she was an active member of College Drive Assembly of 
God Church. 
Carol was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her 
sisters, Corinia Hilton, of Hays, KS and Sheila (Robert) Weis, of 
Spearville, KS, along with many loved nieces and nephews. 
There will be a visitation from 9:30- 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral at 
11:00 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2021, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. 
Burial will take place in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials are 
suggested to the Carol Fite Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Carol Y. Fite

Saturday, March 2nd, 1946-Monday, December 6th, 2021

An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/sandra-studer/4798371/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639076966256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday, March 2nd, 1946-Monday, December 6th, 2021An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/sandra-studer/4798371/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

Sandra D. Studer (Reid)

Dennis M. Bahr, 75, died on Monday, December 6, 2021, at his home in 
Garden City. He was born on June 14, 1946, at Emporia, the son of Chris 
M. &amp; Bonita Mae (Platt) Bahr. 
Dennis was an attorney and longtime Garden City resident. He was the 
Municipal Court Judge for a time in the mid '80s before becoming a well-known Defense Attorney in the '80s and '90s, handling several high-profile cases in the area. He later was the City Prosecutor for the 
City of Garden City. 
There will be no public services held. Memories may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com Garnand Funeral Home. 412 North 7th Garden City, Ks. 67846. 620-276-3219.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639065438364.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dennis M. Bahr, 75, died on Monday, December 6, 2021, at his home in 
Garden City. He was born on June 14, 1946, at Emporia, the son of Chris 
M. &amp; Bonita Mae (Platt) Bahr. 
Dennis was an attorney and longtime Garden City resident. He was the 
Municipal Court Judge for a time in the mid '80s before becoming a well-known Defense Attorney in the '80s and '90s, handling several high-profile cases in the area. He later was the City Prosecutor for the 
City of Garden City. 
There will be no public services held. Memories may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com Garnand Funeral Home. 412 North 7th Garden City, Ks. 67846. 620-276-3219.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dennis M. Bahr

Carole J. Boor, 81, passed away December 8, 2021, at Almost Home, 
Great Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born June 7, 1940, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to
 Stephen and Blanche Jiricek. She grew up in the Black Wolf Kansas area,
 attended South Exselsior country grade school and graduated from 
Ellsworth High School in 1958.

On October 7, 1958, she was married to Bernard J. Boor and they made their life in and around the Hoisington/Claflin area.

Carole was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, where she was
 the organist and choir director for 24 years and a member of the Altar 
Society. A homemaker and farm wife, Carole was also an avid reader and 
gardener.

She is survived by five children; Stephen Boor of Sylvan Grove, 
Connie Boor of Hoisington, Mark Boor of Odin, Christopher Boor of 
Olmitz, and Patrick Boor and wife Lori of Macksville. As well as seven 
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and one more great 
grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three infant sisters, husband, Bernard, and grandson, Jordan Boor.

Vistitation will be Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family to greet 
friends from 6 to 8 p.m.. Vigil with Rosary will begin at 7 p.m., all at
 Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 11, 
2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, celebrated by Father Prakash
 Kola. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or Hoisington Public Library 
in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 
67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639065348486.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carole J. Boor, 81, passed away December 8, 2021, at Almost Home, 
Great Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born June 7, 1940, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to
 Stephen and Blanche Jiricek. She grew up in the Black Wolf Kansas area,
 attended South Exselsior country grade school and graduated from 
Ellsworth High School in 1958.On October 7, 1958, she was married to Bernard J. Boor and they made their life in and around the Hoisington/Claflin area.Carole was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, where she was
 the organist and choir director for 24 years and a member of the Altar 
Society. A homemaker and farm wife, Carole was also an avid reader and 
gardener.She is survived by five children; Stephen Boor of Sylvan Grove, 
Connie Boor of Hoisington, Mark Boor of Odin, Christopher Boor of 
Olmitz, and Patrick Boor and wife Lori of Macksville. As well as seven 
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and one more great 
grandchild on the way.She was preceded in death by her parents, three infant sisters, husband, Bernard, and grandson, Jordan Boor.Vistitation will be Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family to greet 
friends from 6 to 8 p.m.. Vigil with Rosary will begin at 7 p.m., all at
 Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 11, 
2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, celebrated by Father Prakash
 Kola. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery.Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or Hoisington Public Library 
in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 
67544.

Carole J. Boor

Annette Seib, who was born into the 
Depression in Hays, Kansas, and went on to become the matriarch of a 
large and happy family, died Tuesday night. She was 88.

Annette was married for 
almost 69 years to Richard Seib. Together they raised seven children who
 were the center of their lives, and watched with pride as their family 
grew to 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Known to family and
 friends as Nettie and Dick, they were fixtures in their St. Joseph’s 
Parish community in Hays until they moved in recent years to be near 
sons in the Kansas City area.

Annette Louise Doerfler 
was born on Oct. 23, 1933, the 10th of 11 children of Joseph and Agnes 
Doerfler. Her father was, among other things, the sheriff of Ellis 
County, Kansas, for a time, which led to a memorable period in which his
 family lived in the county courthouse and jail facility. Growing up in Western Kansas amid the difficult economic 
times of the Depression left a lasting impression on Nettie and 
instilled in her a lifelong tendency toward frugality; among other 
things, she was known to reuse coffee grinds for a second pot. She also 
developed an appreciation of the importance of family and faith and the 
value of work.

That appreciation of 
work, in fact, led her to meet the man who became the love of her life. 
While at Girls Catholic High School in Hays—where she served as junior 
class president—Nettie took a job as a car hop at the Yankee Dollar, a 
drive-in restaurant in Hays. There, one night, a handsome young farm boy
 named Richard Seib volunteered to drive her home after work.

That meeting blossomed into romance and eventually to marriage.

But their young marriage 
was soon interrupted by war. Her husband’s National Guard unit was 
activated and sent to Korea when war broke out there, forcing him to 
leave behind Annette as she was expecting their first child. Tom Seib 
was born while his father was overseas.

After the war, the young 
couple went on to have six more children, while a beloved niece, Belinda
 Seib, effectively became a member of the immediate family as well. All 
of them attended the Catholic high schools known variously as St. 
Joseph’s Military Academy, Thomas More Prep and Marian High School in 
Hays.

Nettie was an active and 
involved parent in her children’s schools, as well as in parish life. 
She also was a skilled pinochle and dominos player, a noodle maker, and a
 master at stretching a dollar. As her children grew older, she resumed working outside the home for 
several years as a sales associate at K-Mart, a job she embraced with 
relish.

One skill Nettie never mastered was the ability to sit 
still. Sitting through a single episode of a TV show, much less a long 
movie, was a struggle for someone who was always seized with the need to
 be up and about, doing something—anything—constructive.

In retirement, Nettie and 
Dick were regular travelers for as long as their health allowed, 
crossing the state of Kansas, and periodically the country, to be with 
their children and grandchildren. Christmases often were brightened by 
gifts of handmade crocheted afghans and embroidered kitchen towels she 
shared with her family.

In her final days at 
Colonial Village in Overland Park, Kansas, Nettie never lost that 
nervous energy that kept her moving throughout her days, even as 
physical frailties made that more difficult. Her motto, often expressed 
to visitors and staff members alike, was that she felt a need to “go, 
go, go."

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2019 and by two infant grandchildren.

She is survived by a 
sister, Kathy Rohr, of Hays, and a brother, Harold, of Hutchinson, Kan.;
 and by her children Tom (Cheryl) of Lincoln, Neb.; Phyllis (Robert) 
Brack of Bay St. Louis, Miss.; Debbie (Bob) Lang of Amarillo, Tex.; 
Jerry (Barbara) of Chevy Chase, Md.; Jeff (Kelly) of Overland Park, 
Kan.; Paul (Johnna) of Kansas City, Mo.; and Pat (Susie) of Overland 
Park, Kan.; and by Belinda (Merle) Mahoney of Hutchinson, Kan.

A funeral Mass will be 
held at St. Joseph’s Church in Hays at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13, with 
burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

There will be a 
visitation 5 p.m. –&nbsp; 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, Dec. 12, with a combined 
parish vigil and rosary service at 7 p.m. all at Brock's-Keithley 
Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine in Hays.

If desired, friends may 
make memorial contributions in Annette Seib’s name to TMP-Marian Junior 
and Senior High School in Hays.

Condolences may be shared
 by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at 
keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639059864303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Annette Seib, who was born into the 
Depression in Hays, Kansas, and went on to become the matriarch of a 
large and happy family, died Tuesday night. She was 88.Annette was married for 
almost 69 years to Richard Seib. Together they raised seven children who
 were the center of their lives, and watched with pride as their family 
grew to 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Known to family and
 friends as Nettie and Dick, they were fixtures in their St. Joseph’s 
Parish community in Hays until they moved in recent years to be near 
sons in the Kansas City area.Annette Louise Doerfler 
was born on Oct. 23, 1933, the 10th of 11 children of Joseph and Agnes 
Doerfler. Her father was, among other things, the sheriff of Ellis 
County, Kansas, for a time, which led to a memorable period in which his
 family lived in the county courthouse and jail facility. Growing up in Western Kansas amid the difficult economic 
times of the Depression left a lasting impression on Nettie and 
instilled in her a lifelong tendency toward frugality; among other 
things, she was known to reuse coffee grinds for a second pot. She also 
developed an appreciation of the importance of family and faith and the 
value of work.That appreciation of 
work, in fact, led her to meet the man who became the love of her life. 
While at Girls Catholic High School in Hays—where she served as junior 
class president—Nettie took a job as a car hop at the Yankee Dollar, a 
drive-in restaurant in Hays. There, one night, a handsome young farm boy
 named Richard Seib volunteered to drive her home after work.That meeting blossomed into romance and eventually to marriage.But their young marriage 
was soon interrupted by war. Her husband’s National Guard unit was 
activated and sent to Korea when war broke out there, forcing him to 
leave behind Annette as she was expecting their first child. Tom Seib 
was born while his father was overseas.After the war, the young 
couple went on to have six more children, while a beloved niece, Belinda
 Seib, effectively became a member of the immediate family as well. All 
of them attended the Catholic high schools known variously as St. 
Joseph’s Military Academy, Thomas More Prep and Marian High School in 
Hays.Nettie was an active and 
involved parent in her children’s schools, as well as in parish life. 
She also was a skilled pinochle and dominos player, a noodle maker, and a
 master at stretching a dollar. As her children grew older, she resumed working outside the home for 
several years as a sales associate at K-Mart, a job she embraced with 
relish. One skill Nettie never mastered was the ability to sit 
still. Sitting through a single episode of a TV show, much less a long 
movie, was a struggle for someone who was always seized with the need to
 be up and about, doing something—anything—constructive.In retirement, Nettie and 
Dick were regular travelers for as long as their health allowed, 
crossing the state of Kansas, and periodically the country, to be with 
their children and grandchildren. Christmases often were brightened by 
gifts of handmade crocheted afghans and embroidered kitchen towels she 
shared with her family.In her final days at 
Colonial Village in Overland Park, Kansas, Nettie never lost that 
nervous energy that kept her moving throughout her days, even as 
physical frailties made that more difficult. Her motto, often expressed 
to visitors and staff members alike, was that she felt a need to “go, 
go, go."She was preceded in death by her husband in 2019 and by two infant grandchildren.She is survived by a 
sister, Kathy Rohr, of Hays, and a brother, Harold, of Hutchinson, Kan.;
 and by her children Tom (Cheryl) of Lincoln, Neb.; Phyllis (Robert) 
Brack of Bay St. Louis, Miss.; Debbie (Bob) Lang of Amarillo, Tex.; 
Jerry (Barbara) of Chevy Chase, Md.; Jeff (Kelly) of Overland Park, 
Kan.; Paul (Johnna) of Kansas City, Mo.; and Pat (Susie) of Overland 
Park, Kan.; and by Belinda (Merle) Mahoney of Hutchinson, Kan.A funeral Mass will be 
held at St. Joseph’s Church in Hays at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13, with 
burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.There will be a 
visitation 5 p.m. –&nbsp; 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, Dec. 12, with a combined 
parish vigil and rosary service at 7 p.m. all at Brock's-Keithley 
Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine in Hays.If desired, friends may 
make memorial contributions in Annette Seib’s name to TMP-Marian Junior 
and Senior High School in Hays.Condolences may be shared
 by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at 
keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Annette 'Nettie' Seib

The family of James Raymond Brooks will be holding a memorial service at 6 PM Tuesday, December 21st, 2021, at St. Michael’s Church, 2900 Canal Blvd, Hays Kansas.&nbsp; The service will be followed by an informal remembrance in the parish hall, with refreshments.&nbsp; We ask those attending the service in person to be vaccinated and wear masks.&nbsp; If you would like to attend virtually, please contact St. Michael’s (<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/stmichaelshays.org__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!bzztTMoW6y4KfQGUT9WVN2N33YCpzyrCLs8P1sjnLul_c29413XbU3BzcuZvjaLq1m9-HocRwnY$">stmichaelshays.org</a>) to get on the list to receive a Zoom link.

James was a proud son of Hays who loved the city’s rich history. He was born to Raymond and Tina Mae Brooks on November 23, 1939. He died September 23, 2020, in Leavenworth, KS due to pneumonia brought on by COVID-19.&nbsp;

Jim was an old-school techie, a lifelong ham radio enthusiast and early adopter of personal computers.&nbsp; Radio was his greatest passion, and under call sign K0JJV he tested the limits of ham radio.&nbsp;

Jim attended Kansas State University for a couple of years and finished his degree at Fort Hays with a bachelor’s in Communications. He started as a radio DJ at KAYS in his late teens, and continued a radio/TV/advertising career there after graduating from Fort Hays. He proved to be a “jack of all trades” with many career pivots. While a lead technician at Sykes Enterprises, Jim used his resonant radio voice and his technical savvy to soothe the most difficult phone customers.

Jim was a lifetime member of St. Michael’s Episcopal church in Hays. A board member for several years, he also served as a popular lay reader.&nbsp; He cleaned the church and prepared the bulletins himself for many years, and his dearest wish was to ensure St. Michael’s carries on as a strong and vibrant parish for future generations in Hays.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Brooks, and survived by Barbara DeBauge (sister), Amy (daughter), Brian (son), and granddaughters Olive and Lucy.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639004180996.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The family of James Raymond Brooks will be holding a memorial service at 6 PM Tuesday, December 21st, 2021, at St. Michael’s Church, 2900 Canal Blvd, Hays Kansas.&nbsp; The service will be followed by an informal remembrance in the parish hall, with refreshments.&nbsp; We ask those attending the service in person to be vaccinated and wear masks.&nbsp; If you would like to attend virtually, please contact St. Michael’s (<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/stmichaelshays.org__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!bzztTMoW6y4KfQGUT9WVN2N33YCpzyrCLs8P1sjnLul_c29413XbU3BzcuZvjaLq1m9-HocRwnY$">stmichaelshays.org</a>) to get on the list to receive a Zoom link.James was a proud son of Hays who loved the city’s rich history. He was born to Raymond and Tina Mae Brooks on November 23, 1939. He died September 23, 2020, in Leavenworth, KS due to pneumonia brought on by COVID-19.&nbsp;Jim was an old-school techie, a lifelong ham radio enthusiast and early adopter of personal computers.&nbsp; Radio was his greatest passion, and under call sign K0JJV he tested the limits of ham radio.&nbsp;Jim attended Kansas State University for a couple of years and finished his degree at Fort Hays with a bachelor’s in Communications. He started as a radio DJ at KAYS in his late teens, and continued a radio/TV/advertising career there after graduating from Fort Hays. He proved to be a “jack of all trades” with many career pivots. While a lead technician at Sykes Enterprises, Jim used his resonant radio voice and his technical savvy to soothe the most difficult phone customers.Jim was a lifetime member of St. Michael’s Episcopal church in Hays. A board member for several years, he also served as a popular lay reader.&nbsp; He cleaned the church and prepared the bulletins himself for many years, and his dearest wish was to ensure St. Michael’s carries on as a strong and vibrant parish for future generations in Hays.Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Brooks, and survived by Barbara DeBauge (sister), Amy (daughter), Brian (son), and granddaughters Olive and Lucy.&nbsp;

James Raymond Brooks

Frank Lee Lojka, age 51, of Lincoln, NE, died peacefully in his home on December 3, 2021, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born in October 1970, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Glen Franklin and Barbara Lee (Blundell) Lojka. Lee graduated from Manhattan High School and attended Fort Hays State University majoring in Fine Arts; he then attended Kansas State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology. He was married to Michelle M. “Shelly” Roben in July of 1995; she was his best friend and partner in life for 26 years. Survivors include his wife Shelly Roben-Lojka and one child Renn Lojka of Lincoln, NE; his mother Barbara Lojka of Manhattan; his brother Dr. Brian Lojka (Tonya) of Chesterfield, MO; his In-laws Gerald and Sue Roben of Bellevue, Iowa; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lee was preceded in death by his father on August 31st, 2021. Lee was a Chef and Director of Food Service programs throughout Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. His career spanned 21 years and culminated in his dream job as the Director of Food Service at Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland, NE. part of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. He was a talented artist, teacher and role model. Lee was an avid reader, collector of cookbooks, lover of cats and an outdoorsman whose favorite place was anywhere he could fish, hike, kayak and cook over an open fire. He spent his time loving people through food, music and dynamic conversation. Lee was a gentle giant who was never at a loss for words and always made people feel welcome. He had a quick sense of humor and a huge laugh that would fill a room. Lee loved large family and friend gatherings where there was laughter and chaos. Lee was a fiercely loyal son, brother and friend but above all else he was a devoted husband and father. Memorial service to be held at 10:00 am Saturday, December 18th, at College Avenue United Methodist Church, 1609 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS, with Reverend Dr. Dennis Ackerman and Pastor Nate Wilcox officiating. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held following the service from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Kansas State University Alumni Center, 100 Alumni Ctr, 1720 Anderson Ave., Manhattan, KS. Online condolences may be left for the family by clicking on "Send Condolences" on this page. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lee Lojka Memorial Fund, to be designated later. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639003628262.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Frank Lee Lojka, age 51, of Lincoln, NE, died peacefully in his home on December 3, 2021, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born in October 1970, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Glen Franklin and Barbara Lee (Blundell) Lojka. Lee graduated from Manhattan High School and attended Fort Hays State University majoring in Fine Arts; he then attended Kansas State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology. He was married to Michelle M. “Shelly” Roben in July of 1995; she was his best friend and partner in life for 26 years. Survivors include his wife Shelly Roben-Lojka and one child Renn Lojka of Lincoln, NE; his mother Barbara Lojka of Manhattan; his brother Dr. Brian Lojka (Tonya) of Chesterfield, MO; his In-laws Gerald and Sue Roben of Bellevue, Iowa; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lee was preceded in death by his father on August 31st, 2021. Lee was a Chef and Director of Food Service programs throughout Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. His career spanned 21 years and culminated in his dream job as the Director of Food Service at Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland, NE. part of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. He was a talented artist, teacher and role model. Lee was an avid reader, collector of cookbooks, lover of cats and an outdoorsman whose favorite place was anywhere he could fish, hike, kayak and cook over an open fire. He spent his time loving people through food, music and dynamic conversation. Lee was a gentle giant who was never at a loss for words and always made people feel welcome. He had a quick sense of humor and a huge laugh that would fill a room. Lee loved large family and friend gatherings where there was laughter and chaos. Lee was a fiercely loyal son, brother and friend but above all else he was a devoted husband and father. Memorial service to be held at 10:00 am Saturday, December 18th, at College Avenue United Methodist Church, 1609 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS, with Reverend Dr. Dennis Ackerman and Pastor Nate Wilcox officiating. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held following the service from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Kansas State University Alumni Center, 100 Alumni Ctr, 1720 Anderson Ave., Manhattan, KS. Online condolences may be left for the family by clicking on "Send Condolences" on this page. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lee Lojka Memorial Fund, to be designated later. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Frank Lee Lojka

David E. Bolen Sr., 69, passed away Saturday, 
December 4, 2021. He was born April 5, 1952 to Fred and Maxine (Couse) 
Bolen in Salina. He graduated from Salina High School Central. David 
served three years in the United States Army from 1976 to 1979. He 
retired from USD 305 in 2013.

He always put a smile on everyone’s face with his quick comments and 
funny faces. David liked spending time in his garage watching car races,
 football and playing darts.

He is survived by his wife Marsha of Salina; son, David Bolen Jr. of 
Salina; daughter, Trina Bolen of Hays; step-daughter Dedra Jackson 
(Brad) of Salina; Papa’s grand kids, Kylie, Martika, Karleigh, Jason, 
Kaleigh, Jaycee, Courtnie, Lucas and Kenleigh; four 
great-granddaughters; and a brother Doug Bolen (Debbie) of Salina.

David was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Diana Marie and brother, Dennis.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Higher Praise Church, 1220 Greeley Ave., Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639002100316.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>David E. Bolen Sr., 69, passed away Saturday, 
December 4, 2021. He was born April 5, 1952 to Fred and Maxine (Couse) 
Bolen in Salina. He graduated from Salina High School Central. David 
served three years in the United States Army from 1976 to 1979. He 
retired from USD 305 in 2013.He always put a smile on everyone’s face with his quick comments and 
funny faces. David liked spending time in his garage watching car races,
 football and playing darts.He is survived by his wife Marsha of Salina; son, David Bolen Jr. of 
Salina; daughter, Trina Bolen of Hays; step-daughter Dedra Jackson 
(Brad) of Salina; Papa’s grand kids, Kylie, Martika, Karleigh, Jason, 
Kaleigh, Jaycee, Courtnie, Lucas and Kenleigh; four 
great-granddaughters; and a brother Doug Bolen (Debbie) of Salina.David was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Diana Marie and brother, Dennis.Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Higher Praise Church, 1220 Greeley Ave., Salina.

David E. Bolen Sr.

Francis James "Augie" Augustine, 88, Salina, died 
December 6, 2021, at Bethany Home, Lindsborg. Augie was born Feb. 26, 
1933, in Hays, KS. the son of Joseph and Cunnigunda (Korbe) Augustine. He
 was the owner operator of Augustine Automotive and had been a manager 
and former 3 time Salina VFW Post 1432 Commander. He was an Air Force 
veteran and had served in the honor guard for the funeral services of 
former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Augie was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadette, a son, Donald, and a grandson, Shaun.

He is survived by his children; Rick (Linda), Randy (Tammi), Dennis, 
Sandra Johnson, Donna Graybeal and Kimberly Augustine; eight 
grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, 
December 11, 2021 at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. 
Burial will follow in the All Saints Cemetery where military honors will
 be presented by Salina V.F.W. Post #1432. Friends may call at Ryan 
Mortuary on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 from 4 until 8 p.m. and where vigil 
services will be held at 6 p.m. that evening.

Memorials are suggested to the church or VFW Post 1432.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639002029108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Francis James "Augie" Augustine, 88, Salina, died 
December 6, 2021, at Bethany Home, Lindsborg. Augie was born Feb. 26, 
1933, in Hays, KS. the son of Joseph and Cunnigunda (Korbe) Augustine. He
 was the owner operator of Augustine Automotive and had been a manager 
and former 3 time Salina VFW Post 1432 Commander. He was an Air Force 
veteran and had served in the honor guard for the funeral services of 
former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.Augie was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadette, a son, Donald, and a grandson, Shaun.He is survived by his children; Rick (Linda), Randy (Tammi), Dennis, 
Sandra Johnson, Donna Graybeal and Kimberly Augustine; eight 
grandchildren and six great grandchildren.A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, 
December 11, 2021 at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. 
Burial will follow in the All Saints Cemetery where military honors will
 be presented by Salina V.F.W. Post #1432. Friends may call at Ryan 
Mortuary on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 from 4 until 8 p.m. and where vigil 
services will be held at 6 p.m. that evening.Memorials are suggested to the church or VFW Post 1432.

Francis James 'Augie' Augustine

Murphy Russel Woodmansee passed away December 7, 2021, in Barton 
County. He was born on March 15, 2006, in Hutchinson, to Michael &amp; 
Marissa (Grow) Woodmansee.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Murphy was a sophomore at Hoisington 
High School, where he was active in golf and band. He was a member of 
First Presbyterian Church of Great Bend and Boy Scout Troop #157. Murphy
 enjoyed working at his first job, Wetlands Waterpark, during the summer
 and playing video games, which allowed him to build and maintain 
valuable friendships.&nbsp; Above all, he enjoyed spending time with family, 
camping, canoeing, and kayaking.

Survivors include, his parents, Michael and Marissa Woodmansee of the
 home; his grandmothers, Carol Woodmansee of Great Bend and Renita 
Chasteen of Hoisington; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and 
friends who are considered family. He was preceded in death by his 
grandfather, Phil Woodmansee.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 12, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, 
December 13, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, with 
Reverend Kathleen Luke presiding. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials have 
been designated to the USD 431 Education Foundation or First 
Presbyterian Church (to benefit the activities of interest to the Murphy
 Woodmansee Family), in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638995134517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Murphy Russel Woodmansee passed away December 7, 2021, in Barton 
County. He was born on March 15, 2006, in Hutchinson, to Michael &amp; 
Marissa (Grow) Woodmansee.A lifetime Great Bend resident, Murphy was a sophomore at Hoisington 
High School, where he was active in golf and band. He was a member of 
First Presbyterian Church of Great Bend and Boy Scout Troop #157. Murphy
 enjoyed working at his first job, Wetlands Waterpark, during the summer
 and playing video games, which allowed him to build and maintain 
valuable friendships.&nbsp; Above all, he enjoyed spending time with family, 
camping, canoeing, and kayaking.Survivors include, his parents, Michael and Marissa Woodmansee of the
 home; his grandmothers, Carol Woodmansee of Great Bend and Renita 
Chasteen of Hoisington; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and 
friends who are considered family. He was preceded in death by his 
grandfather, Phil Woodmansee.Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 12, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, 
December 13, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, with 
Reverend Kathleen Luke presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials have 
been designated to the USD 431 Education Foundation or First 
Presbyterian Church (to benefit the activities of interest to the Murphy
 Woodmansee Family), in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Murphy Russel Woodmansee

Wilbur “Willie” G. Galliart, 89, passed away December 2, 2021, in Hutchinson, KS. 
Willie was born April 3, 1932 in Russell, KS., to Fredrick and Rachel 
(Henitz) Galliart. On December 29, 1976, Willie married Marlena Morgan 
in Garden City. Willie was self-employed and owned Willies Paint and 
Body. 
Willie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlena; daughters, 
Rhonda Breit and Vickie Turner; brother, Richard Galliart and a sister, 
Wilma Key. 
He is survived by his children, Shelley (Matthew) Kinney, Shirrie 
Pickett, Scott (Monica) Galliart, Steve (Vicki) Galliart and Todd 
Galliart; sisters, Lorene Quint, Shirley Nuzem, and Mary Ann Ricketts; 
and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 
A private family visitation will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021,&nbsp; from 5-6 p.m. and a public visitation following from 6-8 p.m. at Garnand
 Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th St., Garden City, KS. Funeral Service will be
 held Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Garnand Funeral Home 
with Rev. Bob Bates officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View 
Cemetery, Garden City, KS. 
Memorials may be made to Garden City Moose Lodge # 538, in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638990240894.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wilbur “Willie” G. Galliart, 89, passed away December 2, 2021, in Hutchinson, KS. 
Willie was born April 3, 1932 in Russell, KS., to Fredrick and Rachel 
(Henitz) Galliart. On December 29, 1976, Willie married Marlena Morgan 
in Garden City. Willie was self-employed and owned Willies Paint and 
Body. 
Willie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlena; daughters, 
Rhonda Breit and Vickie Turner; brother, Richard Galliart and a sister, 
Wilma Key. 
He is survived by his children, Shelley (Matthew) Kinney, Shirrie 
Pickett, Scott (Monica) Galliart, Steve (Vicki) Galliart and Todd 
Galliart; sisters, Lorene Quint, Shirley Nuzem, and Mary Ann Ricketts; 
and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 
A private family visitation will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021,&nbsp; from 5-6 p.m. and a public visitation following from 6-8 p.m. at Garnand
 Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th St., Garden City, KS. Funeral Service will be
 held Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Garnand Funeral Home 
with Rev. Bob Bates officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View 
Cemetery, Garden City, KS. 
Memorials may be made to Garden City Moose Lodge # 538, in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Wilbur 'Willie' G. Galliart

Senator Robert Joseph Dole, 98, of Washington D.C. and former Russell, Kansas, native, died on Sunday, December 5, 2021, in Washington D.C.

Loved as a man of the people and a leader of Americans of every stripe, Bob Dole lived the American dream. If the last century was the American Century, Bob Dole’s life personified it. He emerged from humble beginnings in Kansas to become a war hero, a giant of the U.S. Senate and the Republican nominee for President.

Robert Joseph Dole was born July 22, 1923, the second of four children born to Doran and Bina Dole of Russell, Kansas, a small town on the plains of western Kansas. Like so many Kansans of the time, the Doles lived precariously amid the Dust Bowl and Depression of the 1930’s. A $300 loan from a Russell banker enabled Bob to enroll at the University of Kansas in September 1941. Thereafter he scrambled to support himself while pursuing his studies and lettering in football, basketball and track.

Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Dole left the University of Kansas to join the Army’s Enlisted Reserve Corps. Called to active duty in June of 1943, he entered officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Soon he was on board a troop ship headed for Italy. In February 1945, Second Lieutenant Dole was sent to fill a vacancy in Company I Third Battalion, Tenth Mountain Division. This famed Division was tasked with dislodging German troops from deeply entrenched positions in the Apennine Mountains north of Bologna.&nbsp;

On the morning of April 14,1945, Dole led his platoon up the heavily mined slopes of Hill #913. While retrieving the lifeless form of his platoon’s radio man, Dole was severely wounded by enemy fire. His right arm was shredded, and his collarbone crushed. Paralyzed from the neck down, Dole lay where he fell for ten hours, until he could be evacuated to a field hospital in Pistoia, Italy. Ahead of him stretched 39 months of hospitalization, progress and setback, characteristically borne with intense determination and self-deprecating humor. Dole drew inspiration from the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a song he played endlessly. It would become a personal anthem. He was hospitalized with two veterans who would become close friends and colleagues in the Senate, Daniel Inouye (HI-D) and Phil Hart (MI-D).&nbsp;

Unable to use his right arm and barely able to walk, Dole was treated by chief orthopedic surgeon and lieutenant colonel at the 297th General Hospital, Hampar Kelikian, an Armenian immigrant resettled in Chicago, Dr. Kelikian offered his services to badly wounded servicemen at no charge, his way of repaying his adopted country for the blessings of freedom. After a grueling series of innovative surgeries, Dole recovered the use of his left arm, though not his right. This life changing surgery left Dole with an unlimited admiration for “Dr. K.” To help defer related expenses, the people of Russell, Kansas established the Bob Dole Fund. Friends and neighbors placed whatever they could give in an old cigar box located at Dawson’s drugstore. The cigar box remained a treasured possession throughout his life.&nbsp;

Returning to Kansas to recuperate, Dole married his physical therapist, Phyllis Holden, in 1948. While still a student at Washburn Law School in Topeka, he was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1950. Rather than seek re-election, he returned to Russell, entered private law practice and was elected District Attorney. In 1954, the Doles welcomed the birth of their daughter, Robin. In 1972, he and Phyllis divorced.

Dole won his first congressional race in 1960. Over the next eight years, he established a reputation as a staunch fiscal conservative who also supported the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Years later he would count among his proudest achievements serving as floor manager in the Senate for legislation authorizing the birthdate of the Reverend Martin Luther King as a national holiday. Dole was instrumental in Representative Gerald Ford’s election as House Minority Leader early in 1965. At the same time, he established an enduring relationship with future president Richard Nixon.&nbsp;

In 1968, Dole was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding Frank Carlson (KS-R). His support of President Nixon earned him the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, during which time he traveled 500,000 miles on behalf of candidates, but his independence and sharp wit did little to endear him to Nixon’s senior staff. He was replaced, following the 1972 election, by George H.W. Bush. Ironically, fallout from the Watergate scandal and President Ford’s controversial pardon of his disgraced predecessor nearly cost Dole his Senate seat in 1974.

On December 6, 1975, Dole married Elizabeth Hanford, a member of the Federal Trade Commission and former deputy to President Nixon’s Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs, Virginia Knauer. Mrs. Dole would go on to enjoy a distinguished career as Assistant to the President for Public Liaison and Secretary of Transportation for President Reagan, Secretary of Labor under President George H.W. Bush, President of the American Red Cross, and U.S. Senator from her home state of North Carolina. She established and heads the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to raise awareness of the enormous contributions and challenges of the 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers – young spouses, mothers, dads, and other loved ones caring for America’s wounded warriors at home. The Foundation provides solutions and services for these hidden heroes by leading a powerful coalition spanning the public and private sectors, nonprofit organizations and the faith community. &nbsp;

In 1976, President Gerald Ford selected Bob Dole to be his Vice-Presidential running mate. Immediately after the GOP convention in Kansas City, the new ticket made its first joint appearance at an emotional homecoming in Dole’s beloved Russell. Although the Ford-Dole ticket closed a massive gap of over thirty points in public opinion polls, it narrowly lost in November to former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter and Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale (D-MN).

With Ronald Reagan’s landslide presidential victory in 1980, Dole, for the first time, was part of a Senate majority. As chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, he helped shape and enact the Reagan program of tax and spending cuts. His Senate colleague, Don Nickles (R-OK), later pointed out that when Dole became chairman, tax rates were as high as 70 percent. By the time he finished his work, they had been reduced to 28 percent. And the economy responded with record growth through the rest of the 1980s.&nbsp;

Senator Dole was an early and fervent opponent of deficit spending in the Congress, warning of the dangers of accumulating deficits on the floor of the U.S. Senate and in his Senate and presidential campaigns. In 1982, when America faced massive inflation producing deficits, Senator Dole, working with his friend, Budget Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-NM), developed and fought for enactment of historic deficit reduction and the passage of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act. Enactment of this legislation allowed Chairman Volker to reduce interest rates and again led to a period of economic prosperity. Dole won praise for his leadership on behalf of debt reduction and his mastery of tax reform, as well as foreign affairs and agricultural issues. Known as a champion of farmers and ranchers, he served 27 years on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. &nbsp;

The Patent and Trademark Act Amendments of 1980—commonly known as the Bayh-Dole Act—gave universities, nonprofits and small businesses the ability to retain ownership of patents on inventions resulting from their federally funded research. Heralded by The Economist magazine as “possibly the most inspired piece of legislation to be enacted in America over the past half century,” Bayh-Dole created a highly efficient route through which valuable research could be translated into actual use by patients and consumers. The field of medicine was truly revolutionized through Bayh-Dole.&nbsp;

After a national commission had failed to reach agreement, working in partnership with Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (NY-D), Dole crafted landmark legislation in 1983 to preserve the Social Security System from bankruptcy. This remains the last overhaul of the program, preserving it for decades. A master of legislative cooperation, Dole worked to fashion many landmark pieces of legislation. For example, long concerned about the plight of those experiencing hunger in America and worldwide, he partnered with his longtime friend and colleague on the Agriculture Committee, George McGovern (SD-D), to create the Food Stamp program and the International Food Aid Program. Continuing his lifelong efforts to combat hunger wherever it exists, Dole joined Senator McGovern to promote a global school lunch program and other hunger and nutrition initiatives. In 2008, Dole was co-recipient, along with McGovern, of the World Food Prize. Their efforts were recognized again in 2013 when Dole and McGovern were co-recipients of the newly named McGovern/Dole Leadership Award.

Senator Dole was a passionate advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities throughout his public service and his personal life. Caring for the disabled was the subject of his maiden speech in the Senate. He partnered with Senator Nancy Kassebaum (KS-R) and Tom Harkin (IA-D) to secure enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 providing millions of Americans with public access and employment opportunities that were previously foreclosed. He also worked to ensure that those disabled who sought to return to the workforce continued to qualify for Medicaid, so that they received the health care they needed to be productive members of society. Dole has fought long and hard for Senate ratification of the International Treaty for People with Disabilities. The purpose was clearly to apply America’s great leadership in ensuring that the values and enormous assistance provided through The Americans with Disabilities Act were expanded worldwide. &nbsp;

Senator Dole also sponsored numerous legislative initiatives benefiting America’s veterans, such as the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act and the Veterans Health Care Administrative Flexibility Act.&nbsp;

“Dole’s strong commitment to fairness and opportunities for women,” according to Senator Olympia Snowe, “was an integral part of who Bob Dole was—the Retirement Equity Act of 1983, his Sexual Assault Prevention Act, the Violence Against Women Act, and his authorship of the Glass Ceiling Commission. This first Federal commission created the most comprehensive report on how business could make full use of America’s human capital.” &nbsp;

In 1984, Dole succeeded his friend Howard Baker (TN-R), as Senate Majority Leader. Elected six times by his colleagues, Dole would serve as Republican leader (Majority and Minority Leader) for twelve years, under three Presidents: Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton. He was the longest serving Republican Leader until June 12, 2018 when Senator Mitch McConnell took the title. According to Congressional Quarterly, Senator Dole “proved a point that badly needed proving at the time: the Senate could be led.” Ronald Reagan agreed. “His title of Leader is not just a job title, it’s a description of the man,” President Reagan said. He was renowned for his ability to produce results through bipartisan efforts, like the creation of Hospice. His fingerprints were on almost every major legislative initiative during his tenure as Republican leader.&nbsp;

During this period, Dole also made history by appointing Jo Ann Coe to serve as the first female Secretary of the Senate, while Sheila Burke broke the glass ceiling as his Chief of Staff. His respect for Senate employees led to his being named repeatedly as the nicest of the 100 Senators. Finally, in 2018, Dole was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal. This award was a result of legislation, cosponsored by all 100 members of the Senate and passed in the House of Representatives and then signed into law by President Donald Trump. It noted that “throughout his life-long service to the country, Bob Dole has embodied the American spirit of leadership and determination, and serves as one of the most prolific role models both in and outside of politics.”&nbsp;

Having conducted a brief, unsuccessful campaign for president in 1980, Dole geared up for a more serious run in 1988. As Vice President Bush’s principal opponent, Dole won the Iowa caucuses, but lost to Bush in a fiercely contested New Hampshire primary when he refused to sign the infamous “No-New-Taxes Pledge” because of his concern about deficit spending. In time, the two men developed a strong working relationship and friendship, with President Bush later calling Dole “a great Republican Leader, as great as any in the past.” &nbsp;

In 1996, it would be Dole’s turn. Nominated to run against a popular President, Bill Clinton, Dole presented himself as “the most optimistic man in America.” Having resigned his seat in the Senate and his position as Majority Leader in order to devote his full energies to the campaign, Dole gradually narrowed the incumbent’s large lead, but on November 5, 1996, he came up short. A few weeks later President Clinton awarded Dole the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his contributions to the nation.

Dole, who for years came to work with his miniature schnauzer, Leader, championed humane legislation, advocated for animals in crisis, and brought critical attention to important animal welfare issues. In 1984, he was presented with the ASPCA Award for Humane Excellence for his consistent commitment to protecting animals in research and other vulnerable animals. After leaving the Senate, he remained active in animal welfare causes, while doting on his beloved miniature schnauzers, Blazer, Leader III and Walter.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dole was now more visible than ever—a much sought-after advisor, advocate, political commentator, Super Bowl pitchman, and best-selling author. Millions of television viewers were introduced to his legendary sense of humor through his post-election appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. &nbsp;

Senator Dole remained an outspoken champion on behalf of America’s veterans, people with disabilities, and millions living in hunger, both at home and abroad. For years, he quietly visited patients in veterans’ hospitals across America. As Special Counsel to two law firms in Washington, he provided advice on how Washington really works. For six years beginning in 1997, he was associated with Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand. He joined Alston &amp; Bird in 2003.

In 2009, Dole partnered with three other former Senate Majority Leaders—Tom Daschle (SD-D), George Mitchell (ME-D) and Howard Baker (TN-R) —to create the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington. Together they developed the Leader’s Health Care Project, a series of recommendations on reform of America’s health care system. &nbsp;

Shortly after the 1996 presidential election, University of Kansas (KU) Chancellor Robert Hemenway approached Senator Dole with a request that he entrust his papers, accrued over 35 years of Congressional service, to KU. Eager to build upon the research potential of this collection, the University envisioned a public policy institute that would actively engage the public, while enabling students of all ages to discover how they might best serve their neighbors and their nation. &nbsp;

Senator Dole agreed, after first making it clear that he wanted no personal monument. Rather, he favored creation of a non-partisan forum, dedicated to public service, training for leadership and the concept of politics as an honorable profession. Today, aligned with his wishes, the Dole Institute of Politics promotes political and civic involvement, especially among young people; encourages civil discussion on important issues; and provides opportunities for interaction with presidents, other political leaders and policy makers, campaign organizers and more. Senator Elizabeth Dole’s papers are also being housed at the Dole Institute of Politics.

Nothing he did in later life gave Dole more satisfaction than his leadership role in realizing the long-deferred dream of a National World War II Memorial on the Washington Mall. For the better part of a decade, he spearheaded with Fred Smith of FedEx and the help of many, a massive $185 million fund-raising effort to underwrite the Memorial’s design, construction, and maintenance. By the time of its dedication in June 2004, Senator Dole had become, for many Americans, the face, voice and personification of what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation.” This extraordinary effort was recognized by the U.S. Senate and resulted in a plaque, placed next to the Memorial, recognizing his leadership and enormous contributions. In subsequent years, Dole continued his involvement, as Honorary Advisor to Honor Flight Network, which flies World War II and other veterans to Washington who, for financial or medical reasons, would not otherwise be able to experience their Memorial. Over the years, Dole and his wife Elizabeth personally welcomed thousands of veterans as they arrived at the World War II Memorial. In June 2009, Bob and Elizabeth accepted President Obama’s invitation to accompany him to Normandy for ceremonies marking the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. &nbsp;

In 2015, Senator Dole accepted the position of finance chairman of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission to honor forever another humble son of Kansas, WWII’s Supreme Allied Commander and the 34th President of the United States. In recognition of Dole’s leading role in bringing much-needed momentum to the campaign, President Donald Trump appointed Dole to the commission in 2019. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial was officially dedicated along the National Mall the following year.

Throughout his career, Dole campaigned tirelessly for candidates at every level of government. Following the attacks of September 11th, Dole joined forces with former rival Bill Clinton to co-chair the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund. He also served as Honorary co-chair of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, part of President George W. Bush’s USA Freedom Corps.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

In 2007, Dole co-chaired with Secretary Donna Shalala, the President’s Commission on the Care of America’s Returning Wounded Warriors, established in the wake of revelations about inadequate care afforded to some Iraqi war veterans. The Commission offered groundbreaking recommendations on the management of care for our wounded and injured service members.&nbsp;

Dole’s best-selling World War II memoir, One Soldier’s Story, chronicles his harrowing experience on and off the battlefield. It was written to provide the lessons learned through his struggle to survive and to inspire today’s disabled veterans with the knowledge that they, too, can live productive and fulfilling lives. He also authored the books Great Political Wit: Laughing (Almost) All the Way to the White House, Great Presidential Wit: I Wish I Was In The Book, and Unlimited Partners, an autobiography co-written with his wife, Elizabeth.&nbsp;

At ages 90 and 91, Dole made eleven trips to Kansas. The purpose of these visits was to thank voters in all 105 counties for giving him the privilege of serving eight years in the House of Representatives and 28 years in the U.S. Senate.&nbsp;

In 2019, General Mark Milley, then Chief of Staff of the Army, launched an effort to promote Senator Dole from Captain to the honorary rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. The Senate voted for the promotion unanimously. It was passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Trump. General Milley, speaking at the promotion ceremony, highlighted the fact that only three individuals in American history had received such an honor—George Washington, Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame, and Bob Dole.&nbsp;

Renowned as a man of complete integrity and trustworthiness, Bob Dole’s word was his bond. He privately established many charitable endeavors, including Washburn Law School Scholarships for People with Disabilities; Fort Hays State University Scholarships in memory of his sisters; and the Bina and Doran Dole Scholarship Fund for Russell, Kansas area students with disabilities. &nbsp;

Dole is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Hanford Dole, his daughter, Robin Carol Dole, nine nieces and nephews and their families.

A celebration of Senator Robert J. Dole's life will be open to the public and held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Public viewing of the casket at the mortuary will be from 8 P.M. to 10 P.M., Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. &nbsp;

Visitors may also view the casket from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning at the church.&nbsp; &nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the Dole family requests that contributions/donations be made to the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral arrangements in Russell, Kansas.

The Dole family requests that cards be mailed to:

Sen. Robert Joseph Dole, 1923-2021

On December 6, 2021, Jean Lilian Wilson passed away at the Dighton 
Hospital surrounded by family. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 
am Monday December 13, 2021, at the First Christian Church of Dighton. 
Memorial contributions are suggested to Lane County Hospital in care of 
Boomhower Funeral Home. 
Jean was born in London, England, on March 1st, 1938. She moved to 
Kansas after marrying Calvin Wilson on February 26th, 1966. Calvin and 
Jean met on a blind date while Calvin was stationed in England with the 
United States Airforce. Jean loved to knit, dance, read, and be with 
family. 
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Vero, Cynthia, and Alice 
Playel and her siblings Roy, Ken, and Lucy Playel all of England. She is
 survived by her husband Calvin Wilson of Dighton; her sons Kenroy and 
Lori Wilson of Galva and Toby and Susan Wilson of Dighton; and her 
grandchildren Reece and Kyra Wilson of Herington, Tristan and Cyrus 
Hanes of Russell, Brianne and Mark Helten of Mount Hope, Brenna Wilson 
of Wichita, Connor Wilson of Dighton, and Collin, Kaitlyn, and Caleb 
Hoeffner of Galva.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638981758162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On December 6, 2021, Jean Lilian Wilson passed away at the Dighton 
Hospital surrounded by family. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 
am Monday December 13, 2021, at the First Christian Church of Dighton. 
Memorial contributions are suggested to Lane County Hospital in care of 
Boomhower Funeral Home. 
Jean was born in London, England, on March 1st, 1938. She moved to 
Kansas after marrying Calvin Wilson on February 26th, 1966. Calvin and 
Jean met on a blind date while Calvin was stationed in England with the 
United States Airforce. Jean loved to knit, dance, read, and be with 
family. 
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Vero, Cynthia, and Alice 
Playel and her siblings Roy, Ken, and Lucy Playel all of England. She is
 survived by her husband Calvin Wilson of Dighton; her sons Kenroy and 
Lori Wilson of Galva and Toby and Susan Wilson of Dighton; and her 
grandchildren Reece and Kyra Wilson of Herington, Tristan and Cyrus 
Hanes of Russell, Brianne and Mark Helten of Mount Hope, Brenna Wilson 
of Wichita, Connor Wilson of Dighton, and Collin, Kaitlyn, and Caleb 
Hoeffner of Galva.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jean Lilian Wilson

Saturday, March 2nd, 1946-Monday, December 6th, 2021An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/sandra-studer/4798371/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

Wednesday, August 3rd, 1955-Tuesday, December 7th, 2021

An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Wednesday, August 3rd, 1955-Tuesday, December 7th, 2021An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Karol Jean Shihrer, 56, passed away November 26, 2021, at KU Medical 
Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on December 24, 1964, in 
Bakersfield, California to Wayne and Patricia (Cozad) Kochenderfer. She 
was raised by Leonard and Patricia Funderburk.&nbsp;

A Great Bend resident since 2017, Karol previously resided in both 
Lancaster and Bakersfield, Cal. for majority of her life. She was a 
dedicated Jehovah Witness who loved to share Jehovah's word everywhere 
she went. Karol enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafts, and had an amazing 
green thumb. She loved animals but took special interest in rescuing 
birds. Karol was the wife of Edward Shihrer, the mother of 5 children, 
11 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. She cherished time with her 
family, especially her grandchildren as the memories made are loved, and
 will be missed tremendously.

Survived by, Husband, Edward Shihrer ;&nbsp; Son, Joseph Shihrer of 
Denton, TX.; and four daughters, Nancy Larson of Bakersfield, CA., 
Patricia Rodgers, April Brenes and Amanda Presley, all of Great Bend, 
KS.

Private Family Services were held in the Great Bend Cemetery North.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638981662967.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Karol Jean Shihrer, 56, passed away November 26, 2021, at KU Medical 
Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on December 24, 1964, in 
Bakersfield, California to Wayne and Patricia (Cozad) Kochenderfer. She 
was raised by Leonard and Patricia Funderburk.&nbsp;A Great Bend resident since 2017, Karol previously resided in both 
Lancaster and Bakersfield, Cal. for majority of her life. She was a 
dedicated Jehovah Witness who loved to share Jehovah's word everywhere 
she went. Karol enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafts, and had an amazing 
green thumb. She loved animals but took special interest in rescuing 
birds. Karol was the wife of Edward Shihrer, the mother of 5 children, 
11 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. She cherished time with her 
family, especially her grandchildren as the memories made are loved, and
 will be missed tremendously.Survived by, Husband, Edward Shihrer ;&nbsp; Son, Joseph Shihrer of 
Denton, TX.; and four daughters, Nancy Larson of Bakersfield, CA., 
Patricia Rodgers, April Brenes and Amanda Presley, all of Great Bend, 
KS.Private Family Services were held in the Great Bend Cemetery North.&nbsp;

Karol Jean Shihrer

Shirley Ann Rupp, 91, Hays, died Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the Hays Good Samaritan Center.

She
 was born October 8, 1930, in Hays the eldest of nine children to Conrad 
Alexander “C.A.” and Zita Clara (Wasinger) Rupp.&nbsp; She was a 1948 
graduate of Girls Catholic High School and attended Rockhurst College.&nbsp; 
On October 9, 1950, she was united in marriage to Marvin J. Rupp and they
 celebrated over 68 years together before he died on November 4, 2018.&nbsp; 
Shirley was a farmwife and was the bookkeeper and office manager of 
Ellis County Implement and Ellis County Dairy Supply.&nbsp; She was a member 
of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella Circle 
#254.&nbsp; She enjoyed flower gardening, embroidering tea towels and baby 
blankets, and collecting porcelain dolls.&nbsp; She was a very devout wife, 
mother, grandmother, and Catholic and shared her faith and love with her
 family.&nbsp; Visiting the farm and wheat fields brought great joy to 
Shirley as she was raised a city girl who grew to love living on the 
farm.&nbsp;

Survivors
 include a son:&nbsp; Andrew Rupp and wife Kathy of Hays, a daughter:&nbsp; Amy 
Perez and husband Leonel of Wichita, a daughter-in-law:&nbsp; Elaine Rupp of 
Hays, three brothers:&nbsp; Larry Rupp and wife Marq of Kansas City, MO, 
Bernie Rupp and wife Dottie of Tampa, FL, and Fred Rupp and wife Alicia 
of Kearney, NE, three sisters:&nbsp; Mary McNamara and husband Mike and 
Marlene McGuire, all of Kansas City, MO, and Connie Wallace of 
Alamogordo, NM, a sister-in-law: Marie Rupp of Lee’s Summit, MO, ten 
grandchildren:&nbsp; Stephen Rupp, Thomas Rupp, Jonathan Rupp and wife 
Amanda, Dr. Aaron Rupp, Matthew Applequist, Alex Perez, Vanessa Rupp, 
Elizabeth Goetz and husband Kyle, Annaka Applequist, and Isabella Perez,
 and three great grandchildren:&nbsp; Ivan Rupp, Amelia Rupp, and Theodore 
Goetz.

She
 was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvin, a son:&nbsp; 
Stephen Rupp, an infant daughter:&nbsp; Karen Rupp, two brothers:&nbsp; Ron Rupp 
and Stan Rupp, and a brother-in-law: Lou McGuire.

Mass
 of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 
St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Daise officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Burial 
will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm
 until 7:30 on Thursday and from 1:00 pm until 1:45 on Friday, all at 
the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A Daughters of Isabella rosary 
will be at 5:30 pm and a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, both on 
Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian 
High School, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or to Ronald McDonald Charities
 of Kansas City.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Shirley may be shared with
 the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638972996947.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley Ann Rupp, 91, Hays, died Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the Hays Good Samaritan Center.She
 was born October 8, 1930, in Hays the eldest of nine children to Conrad 
Alexander “C.A.” and Zita Clara (Wasinger) Rupp.&nbsp; She was a 1948 
graduate of Girls Catholic High School and attended Rockhurst College.&nbsp; 
On October 9, 1950, she was united in marriage to Marvin J. Rupp and they
 celebrated over 68 years together before he died on November 4, 2018.&nbsp; 
Shirley was a farmwife and was the bookkeeper and office manager of 
Ellis County Implement and Ellis County Dairy Supply.&nbsp; She was a member 
of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella Circle 
#254.&nbsp; She enjoyed flower gardening, embroidering tea towels and baby 
blankets, and collecting porcelain dolls.&nbsp; She was a very devout wife, 
mother, grandmother, and Catholic and shared her faith and love with her
 family.&nbsp; Visiting the farm and wheat fields brought great joy to 
Shirley as she was raised a city girl who grew to love living on the 
farm.&nbsp;Survivors
 include a son:&nbsp; Andrew Rupp and wife Kathy of Hays, a daughter:&nbsp; Amy 
Perez and husband Leonel of Wichita, a daughter-in-law:&nbsp; Elaine Rupp of 
Hays, three brothers:&nbsp; Larry Rupp and wife Marq of Kansas City, MO, 
Bernie Rupp and wife Dottie of Tampa, FL, and Fred Rupp and wife Alicia 
of Kearney, NE, three sisters:&nbsp; Mary McNamara and husband Mike and 
Marlene McGuire, all of Kansas City, MO, and Connie Wallace of 
Alamogordo, NM, a sister-in-law: Marie Rupp of Lee’s Summit, MO, ten 
grandchildren:&nbsp; Stephen Rupp, Thomas Rupp, Jonathan Rupp and wife 
Amanda, Dr. Aaron Rupp, Matthew Applequist, Alex Perez, Vanessa Rupp, 
Elizabeth Goetz and husband Kyle, Annaka Applequist, and Isabella Perez,
 and three great grandchildren:&nbsp; Ivan Rupp, Amelia Rupp, and Theodore 
Goetz.She
 was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvin, a son:&nbsp; 
Stephen Rupp, an infant daughter:&nbsp; Karen Rupp, two brothers:&nbsp; Ron Rupp 
and Stan Rupp, and a brother-in-law: Lou McGuire.Mass
 of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 
St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Daise officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Burial 
will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm
 until 7:30 on Thursday and from 1:00 pm until 1:45 on Friday, all at 
the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A Daughters of Isabella rosary 
will be at 5:30 pm and a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, both on 
Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian 
High School, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or to Ronald McDonald Charities
 of Kansas City.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Shirley may be shared with
 the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Shirley Ann Rupp

Norman W. Younger, age 87, of Hays, 
Kansas, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, at Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; He
 was born October 14, 1934, to Peter M. Younger and Catherine, “Katie” 
(Pfannenstiel) in Ellis County, Kansas. He graduated from Hays High 
School.&nbsp; He married Norma Jean (Klaus) September 5, 1959, at St. Joseph’s
 Church in Hays.&nbsp; She preceded him in death on May 23, 1991.

Norman was a farmer and stockman.&nbsp; He 
was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and served in the United 
States Army as a medic.&nbsp; During his working career he was a truck driver
 and a courier, all while farming on weekends.&nbsp; During his retirement 
years, he farmed and raised cattle with his son Dave, and you could 
always find him swathing hay in the summer months.&nbsp; He also enjoyed 
attending polka dances with his siblings.

He is survived by one son, David 
Younger, (Sarah), Hays, KS; two daughters, Brenda Younger (Jim Housel) 
Hays; Cheryl Younger (Bob Hoffman), Hays, and special friend Sharlene 
Gross, Meade, KS; two brothers, Richard Younger (Betty), Hays; Frank 
Younger, Hays, a sister Mary Dreiling (Bob), Hays, three grandchildren, 
Daniel Younger, Denver, CO; Aimee Martin (Garrett), Johnson City, KS; 
Spencer McCue, Colorado Springs, CO; three great grandchildren; and six 
step grandchildren.&nbsp; He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and
 friends.

He was preceded in death by his 
parents, wife, and son, Dale Younger, brothers Severin (Virginia) 
Younker; Victor (Henrietta) Younger, Alvin (Rosie) Younger, Sylvester 
Younger, Joe (Betty) Younger, Edward (Dorothy) Younger, and a sister, 
Cora (Richard) Sawazhki.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM 
Thursday, December 9, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays. 
Military grave side services will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 PM 
to 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7 PM at 
Brock’s~Keithley Funeral Home and Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays.

Thursday visitation will be 9 until service time&nbsp;at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638972915685.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman W. Younger, age 87, of Hays, 
Kansas, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, at Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; He
 was born October 14, 1934, to Peter M. Younger and Catherine, “Katie” 
(Pfannenstiel) in Ellis County, Kansas. He graduated from Hays High 
School.&nbsp; He married Norma Jean (Klaus) September 5, 1959, at St. Joseph’s
 Church in Hays.&nbsp; She preceded him in death on May 23, 1991.Norman was a farmer and stockman.&nbsp; He 
was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and served in the United 
States Army as a medic.&nbsp; During his working career he was a truck driver
 and a courier, all while farming on weekends.&nbsp; During his retirement 
years, he farmed and raised cattle with his son Dave, and you could 
always find him swathing hay in the summer months.&nbsp; He also enjoyed 
attending polka dances with his siblings.He is survived by one son, David 
Younger, (Sarah), Hays, KS; two daughters, Brenda Younger (Jim Housel) 
Hays; Cheryl Younger (Bob Hoffman), Hays, and special friend Sharlene 
Gross, Meade, KS; two brothers, Richard Younger (Betty), Hays; Frank 
Younger, Hays, a sister Mary Dreiling (Bob), Hays, three grandchildren, 
Daniel Younger, Denver, CO; Aimee Martin (Garrett), Johnson City, KS; 
Spencer McCue, Colorado Springs, CO; three great grandchildren; and six 
step grandchildren.&nbsp; He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and
 friends.He was preceded in death by his 
parents, wife, and son, Dale Younger, brothers Severin (Virginia) 
Younker; Victor (Henrietta) Younger, Alvin (Rosie) Younger, Sylvester 
Younger, Joe (Betty) Younger, Edward (Dorothy) Younger, and a sister, 
Cora (Richard) Sawazhki.Funeral services will be 10:00 AM 
Thursday, December 9, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays. 
Military grave side services will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 PM 
to 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7 PM at 
Brock’s~Keithley Funeral Home and Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays.Thursday visitation will be 9 until service time&nbsp;at the church.Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.

Norman W. Younger

Laverne W. Schumacher, age 83, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Hays Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 11:30 AM 
Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. 
Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be Friday 5 PM - 8 PM 
and Saturday 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel&nbsp;and 
Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas 67601.

A combined parish vigil and rosary service will be 7 PM Friday at the funeral chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638972832965.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Laverne W. Schumacher, age 83, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Hays Medical Center.Funeral services will be 11:30 AM 
Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. 
Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.Visitation will be Friday 5 PM - 8 PM 
and Saturday 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel&nbsp;and 
Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas 67601.A combined parish vigil and rosary service will be 7 PM Friday at the funeral chapel.A complete obituary is pending.

Laverne W. Schumacher

Kenneth Scott Branum, 62, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Main Street Manor in Russell.

Scott was born on June 11, 1959, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Joe K. and Mary A. (Thomas) Branum.&nbsp; He grew up in Russell and attended Russell High School in the class of 1978.&nbsp; He married Liz Beth (Walker) Branum and from this union they were blessed with two children Sarah and Trenton.&nbsp; Later, he and Liz were divorced but remained extremely close friends.&nbsp; He was owner and operator of Saraton Pipe and Supply, working as an oilfield and structural steel professional.&nbsp; He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.&nbsp; He also enjoyed classic cars and going to rock concerts.&nbsp; Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving family include his daughter Sarah Branum of Hays, Kansas; son Trenton Branum of Topeka, Kansas; brothers Kyle Branum and wife Pat of Granbury, Texas and Kelly P. Branum and wife Kathy of Russell, Kansas; grandkids Jayda, Jerzeigh and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Terri Grunwald and ex-wife Liz Beth Branum.

A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the family and burial of the cremains will follow the service at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Nebraska Ataxia Foundation and sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638910652855.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth Scott Branum, 62, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Main Street Manor in Russell.Scott was born on June 11, 1959, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Joe K. and Mary A. (Thomas) Branum.&nbsp; He grew up in Russell and attended Russell High School in the class of 1978.&nbsp; He married Liz Beth (Walker) Branum and from this union they were blessed with two children Sarah and Trenton.&nbsp; Later, he and Liz were divorced but remained extremely close friends.&nbsp; He was owner and operator of Saraton Pipe and Supply, working as an oilfield and structural steel professional.&nbsp; He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.&nbsp; He also enjoyed classic cars and going to rock concerts.&nbsp; Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.Surviving family include his daughter Sarah Branum of Hays, Kansas; son Trenton Branum of Topeka, Kansas; brothers Kyle Branum and wife Pat of Granbury, Texas and Kelly P. Branum and wife Kathy of Russell, Kansas; grandkids Jayda, Jerzeigh and one on the way.He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Terri Grunwald and ex-wife Liz Beth Branum.A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the family and burial of the cremains will follow the service at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening.&nbsp; &nbsp; In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Nebraska Ataxia Foundation and sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Kenneth Scott Branum

Marilyn M. Siegrist, age 88, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021,
 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 8, 1932, in Lincoln, Kansas, the daughter of Floyde E. and 
Lynnie Jane Patterson Porter.&nbsp; In 1950 Marilyn graduated from Scott 
Community High School.&nbsp; She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 
1996 moving from Garden City, Kansas, she was the owner and operator of 
Siegee’s and The Flight Deck both of Garden City, Kansas.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas.

On June 16, 1952, she married Dennis D. Siegrist in Alameda, California.&nbsp; He survives.

Survivors include her Husband - Dennis D. Siegrist of Scott City, 
Kansas, Two Sons - Randy “J” Siegrist of Scott City, Kansas, Rick &amp; 
Jonna Siegrist of Thorton, Colorado, Two Daughters - Ronda &amp; Larry 
Meuren of Greeley, Colorado, Rachelle &amp; John Chorak of Scott City, 
Kansas, Four Grandchildren, and Nine Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, One Brother, and One Grandson.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 18, 
2021, at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. 
Rodney Hopper presiding.&nbsp; Funeral services will be Livestreamed at 
www.priceandsons.com.

Memorials can be written to the Scott County Historical Society in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later time in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638907261476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn M. Siegrist, age 88, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021,
 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 8, 1932, in Lincoln, Kansas, the daughter of Floyde E. and 
Lynnie Jane Patterson Porter.&nbsp; In 1950 Marilyn graduated from Scott 
Community High School.&nbsp; She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 
1996 moving from Garden City, Kansas, she was the owner and operator of 
Siegee’s and The Flight Deck both of Garden City, Kansas.She was a member of the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas.On June 16, 1952, she married Dennis D. Siegrist in Alameda, California.&nbsp; He survives.Survivors include her Husband - Dennis D. Siegrist of Scott City, 
Kansas, Two Sons - Randy “J” Siegrist of Scott City, Kansas, Rick &amp; 
Jonna Siegrist of Thorton, Colorado, Two Daughters - Ronda &amp; Larry 
Meuren of Greeley, Colorado, Rachelle &amp; John Chorak of Scott City, 
Kansas, Four Grandchildren, and Nine Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Parents, One Brother, and One Grandson.Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 18, 
2021, at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. 
Rodney Hopper presiding.&nbsp; Funeral services will be Livestreamed at 
www.priceandsons.com.Memorials can be written to the Scott County Historical Society in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later time in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.There will be no calling times.

Marilyn M. Siegrist

Douglas Lynn Whitson made his final gesture on November 29, 2021. 
&nbsp;Signing off on life, in his own words “Well off with no regrets.” &nbsp;

Doug was born April 19, 1952 in Independence Kansas to the late 
Clarence, and Faye Whitson. &nbsp;Shortly after his birth the family moved to
 Nickerson Kansas.&nbsp; He was the middle of three sons, the eldest Eldon 
and then Rick. &nbsp;Being the middle child he had the privilege of playing 
many obnoxious pranks on Rick. &nbsp;He was very much up to this challenge 
and excelled in it greatly. &nbsp;But then he would get what he dished out 
when Rick would go to Eldon. &nbsp;Even though the boys picked on each other,
 it was not ok for others to do so. &nbsp;Because Rick was smaller Doug would
 often protect him. &nbsp;So much so in fact that his parents told him that 
Rick needed to learn to fend for himself and told Doug that he couldn’t 
fight all of his battles for him.&nbsp; The three of them were a handful for 
Faye without a doubt. &nbsp;Like the time the boys were playing out on the 
farm in Independence. &nbsp;She hadn’t heard from the three in sometime, so 
she went to investigate. &nbsp;She wasn’t surprised to find them in the barn 
with pump grease in each other’s hair as if it were shampoo.

Doug was always mischievous and up to something. &nbsp;Doug’s Mom often 
told the story about Doug and his friend bringing home baby skunks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Doug was so proud of them! &nbsp;His Mom was not thrilled with his new pets,
 so she made him take them back where he found them. &nbsp;When Doug returned
 home, he had to take tomato baths and sleep in the garage for quite a 
while because he didn’t smell so good and Faye didn’t want him stinking 
up the house. &nbsp;When Doug and Eldon got their first car Eldon was very 
proud of their car. &nbsp;In typical wild and crazy Doug fashion it didn’t 
take long for Doug to total it. &nbsp;Eldon who was normally very calm 
expressed his frustrations with Doug when he beat him up after finding 
out that he totaled their car.

After finishing school in Nickerson Doug and his brother Rick moved 
to Goodland. &nbsp;There they attended NWKAVTS in diesel mechanics and 
continued their obnoxious shenanigans. &nbsp;He soon after married Ardith 
Kramer in 1972 who was finally be able to tame him. &nbsp;They gave birth to 
Jason and Jenny Whitson, the former would prove to be an obnoxious 
handful like his father. &nbsp;This gave much pleasure to Clarence as he saw 
it as paybacks. &nbsp;Doug worked for Davis implements as a diesel mechanic, 
proving to Clarence he did actually learn something in school. &nbsp;Shortly 
afterward he went to work for his father-in-law Lowell Kramer at Ford 
Dealership as a car salesman. &nbsp;This work was far too boring for Doug who
 was just not cut out for pencil pushing. &nbsp;He would spend his evenings 
after coming home from the garage volunteering for the sheriff’s office 
reserve force in 1984. &nbsp;Eventually a full-time opening came up at the 
Goodland PD and Doug was off to the academy in Hutchinson Kansas a 20 
minute drive from where he grew up. &nbsp;During his time at the academy, he 
would stay with his parents in Nickerson. &nbsp;There was a lot of shock and 
disbelief going around Nickerson the day Doug showed up in a police 
uniform and patrol car. &nbsp;After working for the police department for 
around a year Doug went back to the Sheriff’s office as a full-time 
deputy. &nbsp;Family often joked that Doug made a good officer because of all
 of the shenanigans he participated in when he was growing up. &nbsp;He knew 
what mischief was coming next because he had already been there and done
 it himself.

Doug was married to Pam (Cecil) Linden on March 12, 1988, in Goodland
 Kansas. &nbsp;Doug also became the Under-Sheriff in 1988, and later became 
Sheriff when Jack Armstrong retired. &nbsp;He retired from the Sheriff’s 
office in 2005 and wasn’t ready to be fully retired just yet. &nbsp;He worked
 for the Goodland Police Department again from 2006 to 2011 and then 
finally retired for good from the Goodland Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even 
with this retirement he wasn’t ready to be full finished with law 
enforcement. &nbsp;He continued to be a part-time deputy with the Sheriff’s 
office until his death. &nbsp;

During his law enforcement career, he did many things such as doing 
undercover drug buys, interviews, cleaning up meth labs, abuse cases, 
and his favorite investigations. &nbsp;His love for investigations shifted in
 his retirement to finding out the history of Western Kansas. &nbsp;He was an
 active member of the Smokey Hill Trail Association, &amp; Guardian of 
Fort Wallace Museum. &nbsp;He also assisted with the Kansas Anthropological 
Association. &nbsp;As many will recognize the silly hat he was so proud of.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;The number 7 was actually an artifact that he found while metal 
detecting at Big Timber Station.&nbsp; The 7 is a pin from a soldiers 7th 
cavalry hat.

Doug was always available for late night phone calls or visits to 
help people through whatever they were going through. &nbsp;He also believed 
in tough love and wasn’t afraid to threated you with a boot in the you 
know where. &nbsp;He will be greatly missed by family and friends. &nbsp;

Doug is survived by his wife, Pam and Fur Children of Goodland KS; 
daughter, Jenny (Jason) Cech and Fur Child Lady of Salina KS; son, Jason
 Whitson of Greely CO; brother-in-law, Mike Cecil of Goodland KS; 
nieces, Jill Cofer of Hutchinson KS, Connie Whitson Bennet of Nebraska 
and Natashia Cecil (Elliot Binder) of Hays, KS; nephew, Cody Whitson 
(Meghan Peterson) and Son Levi Whitson of Lincoln, NE.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Faye Whitson; and brothers, Eldon and Rick Whitson.

Memorials may be designated to Doug Whitson Memorial Fund and may be 
sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. 
&nbsp;For more information and online condolences visit: www.batemanfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638907189988.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Douglas Lynn Whitson made his final gesture on November 29, 2021. 
&nbsp;Signing off on life, in his own words “Well off with no regrets.” &nbsp;Doug was born April 19, 1952 in Independence Kansas to the late 
Clarence, and Faye Whitson. &nbsp;Shortly after his birth the family moved to
 Nickerson Kansas.&nbsp; He was the middle of three sons, the eldest Eldon 
and then Rick. &nbsp;Being the middle child he had the privilege of playing 
many obnoxious pranks on Rick. &nbsp;He was very much up to this challenge 
and excelled in it greatly. &nbsp;But then he would get what he dished out 
when Rick would go to Eldon. &nbsp;Even though the boys picked on each other,
 it was not ok for others to do so. &nbsp;Because Rick was smaller Doug would
 often protect him. &nbsp;So much so in fact that his parents told him that 
Rick needed to learn to fend for himself and told Doug that he couldn’t 
fight all of his battles for him.&nbsp; The three of them were a handful for 
Faye without a doubt. &nbsp;Like the time the boys were playing out on the 
farm in Independence. &nbsp;She hadn’t heard from the three in sometime, so 
she went to investigate. &nbsp;She wasn’t surprised to find them in the barn 
with pump grease in each other’s hair as if it were shampoo.Doug was always mischievous and up to something. &nbsp;Doug’s Mom often 
told the story about Doug and his friend bringing home baby skunks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Doug was so proud of them! &nbsp;His Mom was not thrilled with his new pets,
 so she made him take them back where he found them. &nbsp;When Doug returned
 home, he had to take tomato baths and sleep in the garage for quite a 
while because he didn’t smell so good and Faye didn’t want him stinking 
up the house. &nbsp;When Doug and Eldon got their first car Eldon was very 
proud of their car. &nbsp;In typical wild and crazy Doug fashion it didn’t 
take long for Doug to total it. &nbsp;Eldon who was normally very calm 
expressed his frustrations with Doug when he beat him up after finding 
out that he totaled their car.After finishing school in Nickerson Doug and his brother Rick moved 
to Goodland. &nbsp;There they attended NWKAVTS in diesel mechanics and 
continued their obnoxious shenanigans. &nbsp;He soon after married Ardith 
Kramer in 1972 who was finally be able to tame him. &nbsp;They gave birth to 
Jason and Jenny Whitson, the former would prove to be an obnoxious 
handful like his father. &nbsp;This gave much pleasure to Clarence as he saw 
it as paybacks. &nbsp;Doug worked for Davis implements as a diesel mechanic, 
proving to Clarence he did actually learn something in school. &nbsp;Shortly 
afterward he went to work for his father-in-law Lowell Kramer at Ford 
Dealership as a car salesman. &nbsp;This work was far too boring for Doug who
 was just not cut out for pencil pushing. &nbsp;He would spend his evenings 
after coming home from the garage volunteering for the sheriff’s office 
reserve force in 1984. &nbsp;Eventually a full-time opening came up at the 
Goodland PD and Doug was off to the academy in Hutchinson Kansas a 20 
minute drive from where he grew up. &nbsp;During his time at the academy, he 
would stay with his parents in Nickerson. &nbsp;There was a lot of shock and 
disbelief going around Nickerson the day Doug showed up in a police 
uniform and patrol car. &nbsp;After working for the police department for 
around a year Doug went back to the Sheriff’s office as a full-time 
deputy. &nbsp;Family often joked that Doug made a good officer because of all
 of the shenanigans he participated in when he was growing up. &nbsp;He knew 
what mischief was coming next because he had already been there and done
 it himself.Doug was married to Pam (Cecil) Linden on March 12, 1988, in Goodland
 Kansas. &nbsp;Doug also became the Under-Sheriff in 1988, and later became 
Sheriff when Jack Armstrong retired. &nbsp;He retired from the Sheriff’s 
office in 2005 and wasn’t ready to be fully retired just yet. &nbsp;He worked
 for the Goodland Police Department again from 2006 to 2011 and then 
finally retired for good from the Goodland Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even 
with this retirement he wasn’t ready to be full finished with law 
enforcement. &nbsp;He continued to be a part-time deputy with the Sheriff’s 
office until his death. &nbsp;During his law enforcement career, he did many things such as doing 
undercover drug buys, interviews, cleaning up meth labs, abuse cases, 
and his favorite investigations. &nbsp;His love for investigations shifted in
 his retirement to finding out the history of Western Kansas. &nbsp;He was an
 active member of the Smokey Hill Trail Association, &amp; Guardian of 
Fort Wallace Museum. &nbsp;He also assisted with the Kansas Anthropological 
Association. &nbsp;As many will recognize the silly hat he was so proud of.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;The number 7 was actually an artifact that he found while metal 
detecting at Big Timber Station.&nbsp; The 7 is a pin from a soldiers 7th 
cavalry hat.Doug was always available for late night phone calls or visits to 
help people through whatever they were going through. &nbsp;He also believed 
in tough love and wasn’t afraid to threated you with a boot in the you 
know where. &nbsp;He will be greatly missed by family and friends. &nbsp;Doug is survived by his wife, Pam and Fur Children of Goodland KS; 
daughter, Jenny (Jason) Cech and Fur Child Lady of Salina KS; son, Jason
 Whitson of Greely CO; brother-in-law, Mike Cecil of Goodland KS; 
nieces, Jill Cofer of Hutchinson KS, Connie Whitson Bennet of Nebraska 
and Natashia Cecil (Elliot Binder) of Hays, KS; nephew, Cody Whitson 
(Meghan Peterson) and Son Levi Whitson of Lincoln, NE.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Faye Whitson; and brothers, Eldon and Rick Whitson.Memorials may be designated to Doug Whitson Memorial Fund and may be 
sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. 
&nbsp;For more information and online condolences visit: www.batemanfuneral.com

Douglas Lynn Whitson

William Lee “Bill” Nelson, 86, passed away on December 4, 2021, in 
Norton, KS. He was born on October 26, 1935, in Jennings, KS to Lawrence
 and Edna (Farris) Nelson.
 Bill spent his whole life living in Jennings, KS and graduated from 
Jennings High School in 1954. After high school he worked for his dad at
 the Standard Gas Station in Jennings till 1968. After working at the 
gas station he started working for the KDOT where he retired in 1996. 
Bill married Charlotte Harold of rural Dresden in the Leoville Church on
 September 9, 1958 and to that union they had two children: Ricky and 
Kristy. In Bill’s spare time he loved to hunt, fish, and ride his 
Yamaha motorcycle. He was also a taxidermist and master engraver.
 Bill is survived by his wife, Charlotte Nelson of Jennings, KS; 
Daughter, Kristy (Bill) Gawith of Lacrosse, KS; grandson, Bradley 
(Wendy) Gawith; great grandchildren, Thomas and Kegan Gawith. He is 
also survived by may nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bill
 was preceded in death by his parents, son, Ricky Nelson; brother, 
Robert Nelson.
 Private service will be held at a later date.

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638907003102.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William Lee “Bill” Nelson, 86, passed away on December 4, 2021, in 
Norton, KS. He was born on October 26, 1935, in Jennings, KS to Lawrence
 and Edna (Farris) Nelson.
 Bill spent his whole life living in Jennings, KS and graduated from 
Jennings High School in 1954. After high school he worked for his dad at
 the Standard Gas Station in Jennings till 1968. After working at the 
gas station he started working for the KDOT where he retired in 1996. 
Bill married Charlotte Harold of rural Dresden in the Leoville Church on
 September 9, 1958 and to that union they had two children: Ricky and 
Kristy. In Bill’s spare time he loved to hunt, fish, and ride his 
Yamaha motorcycle. He was also a taxidermist and master engraver.
 Bill is survived by his wife, Charlotte Nelson of Jennings, KS; 
Daughter, Kristy (Bill) Gawith of Lacrosse, KS; grandson, Bradley 
(Wendy) Gawith; great grandchildren, Thomas and Kegan Gawith. He is 
also survived by may nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bill
 was preceded in death by his parents, son, Ricky Nelson; brother, 
Robert Nelson.
 Private service will be held at a later date.Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William Lee 'Bill' Nelson

Alvin “Buddy” Thomas Caspers passed away December 4, 2021, at the age of
 101 years. Alvin was born on December 24, 1919, in Smith County, the 
youngest child of Herman and Katherine (Tuxhorn) Caspers. He grew up on
 the family farm in Smith County. Alvin married Trilla Louise 
Kirkendall on August 2, 1942, at Germantown Church, north of Kensington.
 Alvin was inducted into the Army August 12, 1942. He received his 
basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas and was later stationed in Indiana 
and Ohio. There he served in the Military Police (MP) and did a lot of 
guard duty at bus and train stations. He boarded a ship in New Jersey 
to go to the WW2 European theatre on March 31, 1944. He arrived at 
Liverpool, England and then moved by train to South Hampton, just across
 the English Channel from France.
 Alvin landed at Omaha Beach in France on July 6, 1944, just 30 days 
after D-Day. He went to many cities in France and traveled through 
Luxemburg and Belgium. His unit had to retreat several miles during the
 Battle of the Bulge. He lived in tents and slept on the snow in their 
sleeping bags during the Battle of the Bulge. He spent Christmas, 1944 
in Belgium. His travels also took him through Wiesbaden, Frankfort, and
 Munich, all in Germany. 
 After the war had ended, Alvin came home and landed in New York 
Harbor on December 10, 1945. He was honorably discharged from the army 
on December 17, 1945 and returned home to Smith County. He returned with
 4 bronze stars for participating in battles at Normandy, Northern 
France, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and the Rhineland in Germany. 
He had been overseas for 22 months. 
 After the war, Alvin and wife Trilla purchased a farm in rural Smith
 County and raised three sons. He retired and moved to an apartment in 
Smith Center. Alvin then moved to Smith Center Health and Rehab Center 
where he was a resident at the time of death. 
 Alvin was preceded in death by wife Trilla, sisters Ellen Rust, 
Laura Holthus, and Elva Fiene, brother Lawrence Caspers, and 
Granddaughter Letitia Raney. 
 Survivors include three sons, Gary and wife Sheila of Concordia, 
Larry and wife Margie of Hays, Glenn and wife Eileen of Topeka; 5 
Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Alvin-Caspers?obId=23317962#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638906873927.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alvin “Buddy” Thomas Caspers passed away December 4, 2021, at the age of
 101 years. Alvin was born on December 24, 1919, in Smith County, the 
youngest child of Herman and Katherine (Tuxhorn) Caspers. He grew up on
 the family farm in Smith County. Alvin married Trilla Louise 
Kirkendall on August 2, 1942, at Germantown Church, north of Kensington.
 Alvin was inducted into the Army August 12, 1942. He received his 
basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas and was later stationed in Indiana 
and Ohio. There he served in the Military Police (MP) and did a lot of 
guard duty at bus and train stations. He boarded a ship in New Jersey 
to go to the WW2 European theatre on March 31, 1944. He arrived at 
Liverpool, England and then moved by train to South Hampton, just across
 the English Channel from France.
 Alvin landed at Omaha Beach in France on July 6, 1944, just 30 days 
after D-Day. He went to many cities in France and traveled through 
Luxemburg and Belgium. His unit had to retreat several miles during the
 Battle of the Bulge. He lived in tents and slept on the snow in their 
sleeping bags during the Battle of the Bulge. He spent Christmas, 1944 
in Belgium. His travels also took him through Wiesbaden, Frankfort, and
 Munich, all in Germany. 
 After the war had ended, Alvin came home and landed in New York 
Harbor on December 10, 1945. He was honorably discharged from the army 
on December 17, 1945 and returned home to Smith County. He returned with
 4 bronze stars for participating in battles at Normandy, Northern 
France, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and the Rhineland in Germany. 
He had been overseas for 22 months. 
 After the war, Alvin and wife Trilla purchased a farm in rural Smith
 County and raised three sons. He retired and moved to an apartment in 
Smith Center. Alvin then moved to Smith Center Health and Rehab Center 
where he was a resident at the time of death. 
 Alvin was preceded in death by wife Trilla, sisters Ellen Rust, 
Laura Holthus, and Elva Fiene, brother Lawrence Caspers, and 
Granddaughter Letitia Raney. 
 Survivors include three sons, Gary and wife Sheila of Concordia, 
Larry and wife Margie of Hays, Glenn and wife Eileen of Topeka; 5 
Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Alvin-Caspers?obId=23317962#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Alvin 'Buddy' Thomas Caspers

Saturday, July 18th, 1931-Monday, December 6th, 2021

Saturday, July 18th, 1931-Monday, December 6th, 2021An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Obituaries