ALBERT – Virginia Marie (Amerine) Bird, 91, gently journeyed from this world to a new beginning on September 14, 2014.  Though she was a life-long resident of Barton County, she spent the final years of her life with her daughter providing precious companionship in Wichita and then Good Samaritan Nursing Homein Ellsworth, Kansas.  Virginia is survived by her daughter, Lisa Riedel, and her husband, Bert, of Ellsworth and their son, Bret, of Kansas City; her son, Lynn Bird, and his wife, Pat, of Broomfield, Colorado; their children, Joshua Bird, and his wife, Alison Cashman and their daughter, Josie; Stefanie Bird  Stafford and her husband, Jermaine, and their daughters Madysen and Taelor, and Amber-Tate Bird and Colby and Logan Bird, the wife and children of their deceased son, Jason.  She is also survived by her brother, Ernest “Bud” Amerine of Omaha, Neb., and sister, Bonnie Rychlecof Pawnee Rock, brothers and sisters-in-law, Ted and Ingrid Bird of Albert, and Jeanand Jerre McClelland, and many cherished nieces and nephews.  Virginia was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Homer Lynn Bird in 2008, sister, Wanda Guesnier, and grandson, Jason Bird.

Virginia “Ginny” was born in Great Bend, Kansas on February 27, 1923.  She lived with her parents, Ernest and Marie (Lutschg)Amerine, and one brother and two sisters on their family farm near Cheyenne Bottoms.  Virginia graduated from Great Bend High School as a top student.  While in high school she met Homer Lynn Bird who lived on his family’s farm near Albert, Kansas.  Following high school Virginia did secretarial work for several government agencies.  She loved to share stories about the time she spent in Edmonton, Alberta with the U.S. Corps of Engineers developing the Alcan Highway.  On May 29, 1944, she married Homer Bird.  She and Homer enjoyed relating their adventures shared during the time he was training for the Army Air Corps in Las Vegas and Sioux Falls, South Dakota prior to his departure to Italy.  While Homer was in Italy, Virginia worked as a secretary at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, Colorado.

For many years Virginia dedicated herself to caring for her family and supporting Homer’s farming endeavors.  She was a very talented and enthusiastic cook, gardener and seamstress.  To supplement the farming income she became a licensed beautician and owned a beauty shop in Albert in partnership with a friend.  When Barton County Community College became a reality, her dream for a higher education became a possibility.  She was hired as the administrative assistant to Dean Jimmie Downing.  While employed at the junior college, Virginia was able to satisfy her passion for formal studies.  She took many courses, with exemplary outcomes.  Virginia was a lifelong learner and avid reader who pursued a broad range of interests which covered all corners of the world and possibilities of the universe.  Even though Virginia’s health limited her strength and mobility in later years, she continued to enjoy life and broaden her horizons through books, music, and quiet contemplation.  Through her example we learned that within each of us there is a place where disappointments can be forgotten, the beauty surrounding us can be appreciated and a peaceful heart can prevail.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, Kan.  The Reverend Lennie Maxwell will officiate. Following the service, friends and family may gather at the First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Avenue, Great Bend. Private family inurnment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Contributions in Virginia’s honor may be made to the Scleraderma Foundation or First United Methodist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Lester Leo Achatz                                               Age: 65

Date of Death: September 14, 2014

Place of Death: Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas

Date of Birth: October 21, 1948 at Great Bend, Kansas

Parents Name: Milton & Bertha (Birzer) Achatz

 

OBITUARY INFORMATION

 

Married Kimm M. Lewis December 27, 2011 at Great Bend, Kansas.

He worked for H-2 Trucking.

Mr. Achatz grew up in Great Bend and lived in Virginia before moving back to Great Bend.

He was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam conflict.

He was of the Catholic faith.  He was a dedicated husband and father and a most loyal friend to many. He had a deep passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and was a charter member of the Sidewinders.

 

SURVIVORS

 

wife: Kimm M. Achatz, of the home

parents: Milton and Bertha Achatz, Ellinwood, KS

two sons: Lester Achatz, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, and Kyle Edward Koehn of Chicago, IL

three daughters: Jodi Maciel and her husband Pablo of Great Bend, KS, Kristen Powell of Great Bend, KS, and Jordan Allen of Hoisington, KS

four brothers: John Achatz and his wife Bonnie of Lyons, KS, Charlie Achatz and his wife Barb of Great Bend, KS, Paul Achatz of Great Bend, KS, and Gerald Achatz and his wife Glenna of Great Bend, KS

four grandchildren: Brayden Powell, Trevin Maciel, Jerzie Maciel, and Jagger Maciel

 

 

SERVICE INFORMATION

 

Funeral Service: Friday, September 19, 2014

Time of Service: 2:00 p.m.

Place of Service: Bryant Funeral Home

Officiant: Pastors Chuck Carpenter and Mike Joiner

Interment: Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas with military rites by the United States Navy Honor Guard

Visitation:  1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014 and 9:00 a.m. to service time, Friday, September 19, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial Fund: Lester Achatz Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

 

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

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home         1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas                      67530

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Carolyn A. Sheets                                               Age: 79

Date of Death: September 15, 2014

Place of Death: At her home in Great Bend, Kansas

Date of Birth: October 3, 1934 at rural Rose Hill, Kansas

Parents Name: Earl & Esther (Hall) Showalter

 

OBITUARY INFORMATION

 

She married Gerald Skeels and later married Donald Eugene “Gene” Sheets November 9, 1979 at Dighton, Kansas.  He died July 25, 2012.

She was an office manager for Great Bend Appliance for 13 years and was a former secretary at Security State Bank and First National Bank.

Mrs. Sheets was a Great Bend, Kansas resident since 1963.

She enjoyed her family and friends and playing golf.

 

SURVIVORS

 

one son: Steve Skeels of Oklahoma City, OK

one daughter: Vicki Schamaun and her husband Mike of New Braunfels, TX

step-son: John Sheets and his wife Vicki of Great Bend, KS

step-daughter: Donna Marbut of Great Bend, KS

one sister: Eloise Thomas of Dighton, KS

eight grandchildren: Shane Schamaun, Brittany Schamaun, Dayton Skeels, Jason Marbut and wife Mandy, Trevor Marbut, Jennifer Keener and husband Jarrod, Rachelle Sheets, and Josh Sheets and Kimmie

great-grandchildren: Nine

numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Showalter.

 

SERVICE INFORMATION

 

Memorial Service: Friday, September 19, 2014

Time of Service: 10:00 a.m.

Place of Service: Bryant Funeral Home

Officiant:  The Reverend Joshua Leu

Inurnment: Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas

Visitation:  Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the register from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home

Memorial Fund: First Christian Church or Gentiva Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

 

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

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home         1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas                      67530

Dateline: Timken, Kansas

 

Name of Deceased: Ernest “Ernie” Bucl                                            Age: 88

Date of Death: September 14, 2014

Place of Death: Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas

Date of Birth: April 15, 1926 at La Crosse, Kansas

Parents Name: Lucian & Frances (Havelka) Bucl

 

OBITUARY INFORMATION

 

He married Hedwig Elizabeth “Hedy” Unrein October 23, 1951 at LaCrosse, Kansas.

A lifetime resident of Timken, Mr. Bucl was a farmer and stockman.

He was a United States Navy veteran, serving during World War II in the Pacific aboard the USS Terror from 1944 to 1946.

He was a member of Bohemian Lodge and American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, all of Timken. He enjoyed playing cards and shooting pool.

 

SURVIVORS

 

wife: Hedwig Elizabeth “Hedy” Bucl, of the home

five children: Loarn Bucl of Sublette, KS, Diana Sunley and her husband Ralph of Great Bend, KS, Craig Bucl and his wife Jody of McPherson, KS, Brad Bucl and his wife Lanna of Hill City, KS, and Bryan Bucl and his wife Chollet of Wichita, KS

thirteen grandchildren: Casper Bucl, Lucas Bucl, Sheldon Bucl, Colby Bucl, Alicia Easlon, Rachel Colby, Jennifer Vratil, Ryan Smith, Lacey Stowers, Emily Bucl, Megan Bucl, Madisyn Bucl, and Makaela Bucl

nineteen great-grandchildren

 

He was preceded in death by two infant sisters, Marie Bucl and Frances Bucl.

 

SERVICE INFORMATION

 

Vigil Service with Rosary: 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2014 and Bryant Funeral Home

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home

Officiant: Father Charles Mazouch and Father Ultan Murphy

Interment with military rites will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery, Timken, Kansas

Visitation:  9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home

Memorial Fund: Bohemian National Cemetery, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

 

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

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home         1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas                      67530

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

 

Name of Deceased: Jim S. Cain                                                             Age: 66

Date of Death: September 13, 2014

Place of Death: At his home in Great Bend, Kansas

Date of Birth: November 27, 1947 at Great Bend, Kansas

Parents Name: Benjamin & Stephanie (Schenk) Cain

 

OBITUARY INFORMATION

 

Married Robin Rickert January 4, 1997 at Great Bend, Kansas.

He was an oilfield pumper and producer for Ritchie Exploration and other oil companies.

Mr. Cain was a lifetime Great Bend, Kansas resident.

He served in the Army Reserve.

He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend; Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association (KIOGA), and Hoisington Stop-2-Shop Coffee Club. Mr. Cain quietly supported many organizations, requesting no recognition, including REACH and Pheasants Forever.

 

SURVIVORS

 

Wife: Robin Cain, of the home

two sons: Chris Cain and his wife Susan of Topeka, KS, and Steve Cain of Great Bend, KS

three step-sons: Troy Munden and his wife Wendy of Gardner, KS, Rob Munden and his wife Julie of Larned, KS, and Paul Spon of AR

one step-daughter: Christy Dickerman of FL

one sister: Karen Perry-Hayes and husband Vernon of Great Bend, KS

Sixteen Grandchildren: Brittany, Benjamin, Lizzie, Tommy, Ryleigh, Justin, Tara, Austin, Hayden, Chase, Dallas, Maverick, Mia, Amanda, Aaron, and Adon

 

He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Dale Perry.

 

SERVICE INFORMATION

 

Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend

Officiant: Father Ted Stoecklein

Interment: Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend, Kansas

Visitation:  9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home

Memorial Fund:  Seminarian Education Endowment, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

 

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

                      Arrangements by    Bryant Funeral Home         1425 Patton Road       Great Bend, Kansas                      67530