GREAT BEND – James “Jimmy” Alan Langer, 64, passed away April 4, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born

September 14, 1954 at Ness City to Leonard & Mary Helen (Younger) Langer. He married Gloria Rush September 14, 1989 at Kinsley. She survives.

Coming from Ness City in 1973, James was a Great Bend resident. He was a truck driver in the oilfield for 30 years, having worked for Butterfly Supply and Great Plains Inspection. He loved gardening, especially his watermelons. He enjoyed watching monster trucks and old tv shows and especially enjoyed his geese. He loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife Gloria Langer of the home; one son, Timothy Langer and his wife Amber of Great Bend; three daughters, Angela Henry and Crissy Charles and her husband Jack, all of Great Bend, and Stephanie Langer of Augusta; one brother, Robert Langer of Great Bend; one sister, Becky Kumle and her husband Mark of Great Bend; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Katrina; and sister Rose Mai.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the James Alan Langer 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

Karen Sue (Roeder) Cecil, age 61, former Goodland, Kansas resident died Friday, March 29, 2019 at her daughter’s home in Hays, Kansas.

She was born November 29, 1957, in Goodland, Kansas to Ronald Paul and Dorothy Pauline (Nondorf) Roeder Sr. She married Mike Cecil on April 28, 1990.

She was a loan officer and program technician for 29 years at the USDA, Farmers Home Administration office in Goodland, Kansas. Karen began her education in Colorado Springs, Colorado and several other states. She also spent 2 ½ years in Germany and was a 1975 graduate of Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Michigan.

She moved to Goodland in 1975 and became a certified nurse and worked at the Goodland Hospital until starting with the USDA in 1977. In 2009 she moved to Medford, Oklahoma and was diagnosed with the Swine Flue and shortly after developed COPD.

Karen moved in 2018 to her daughter’s home in Hays, she enjoyed playing cards, gardening, camping and her only grand cat, “Squirt”.

Survivors include her daughter, Natashia Cecil, Hays, Ks; her former husband, Mike Cecil, Goodland, KS; two brothers, Ron Roeder Jr, and wife, Tina, Goodland, KS; Curtis Roeder and wife, Donna, Hominy, OK; two sisters, Phyllis Ailey, Goodland, KS; Rita Gattshall and husband, Todd, Thornton, CO; six nephews and nieces; and 5 great nephews and great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

A celebration of her life memorial service is at 10:00 A.M. (Mountain Time) Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 222 West 13th Street, Goodland, Kansas. Inurnment will be at the Goodland Cemetery in Goodland, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to the Humane Society of the High Plains, 2050 Hwy 40, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eagle.com

Norma Mae (Spacil) King, 86, peacefully passed away Monday, April 1, 2019 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood, Kansas. Norma was born May 11, 1932 to Ernest Frank and Alice Marie (Batchman) Spacil at the family homestead on the Barton/Stafford County line. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Ellinwood and Sacred Heart Academy in Wichita.  While attending Sacred Heart, Norma entered the sisterhood at the Dominican Convent where she took her initial vows as a Novitiate. A short time later she left the convent and returned to graduate from Sacred Heart. She went on to receive her Registered Nursing Certificate from St. Rose School of Nursing in Great Bend and worked as an RN for Drs. White, Swan, Evans and Hill.

On January 12, 1957 she married Kenneth Ballard King in Ellinwood. They were married for 58 years before Kenneth passed away on August 31, 2015.

Norma was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church and it’s Altar Society. Her Catholic faith was important to her and she was an active member of the Daughters of Isabella, serving as Vice Regent, Regent and Past Regent.  In recent years, she was welcomed to and enjoyed celebrating weekly Mass with the Sisters of the Dominican Convent.

She was very active in her children’s lives and activities and served in Camp Fire as a Bluebird and Camp Fire Leader, Board President and Camp Chu-Wa-Ni Director. She also served with the Boy Scouts in Pack 120 as a Den Mother, Den Leader Coach and Committee member, and with the Cheyenne District of the Kanza Council as a Committee Member, Cub Chairman and Key Three Member. She was a recipient of the Silver Fawn Award.

Norma is survived by her children, James King and his wife Diane, Pittsburg, Karen Smith, Great Bend, Lori Jacobs and her husband Paul, Great Bend, Martin King and his wife Julie, Lenexa, and Jason King and his companion Kendra Beakey, Great Bend; and 11 grandchildren, Alyssa and her husband Matt Cook, Nichole and her husband Shiloh Walker, Jayme King and her fiance’ William Dorr, Dustin Rhodes and his companion Lora Saul, Andrew and his wife Amanda Jacobs, Alexander Jacobs and his fiance’ Becky Tolle, Austin Jacobs, Adam Jacobs, Haley and her husband Ian Evans, Spencer King, and Hayden King. Additional survivors include seven great-grandchildren, Cameron and Donovan Cook, Tripp Walker, Gaige Gunderson, Zoey and Kason King, and Isabella Rhodes; one sister, Marilyn Brehm, Phoenix, Arizona; and special friends Ken and Lisa Edgett, Great Bend, and Margaret Bartholomew, Great Bend. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers Ronald Spacil and Raymond Spacil. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m., with an Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m., and Vigil Service with Daughters of Isabella Rosary held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at Dominican Sisters of Peace Convent in Great Bend with Father Don Bedore celebrating. Burial will be at Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 12 to 9 p.m. on Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Dominican Sisters of Peace or the Daughters of Isabella in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

GREAT BEND – Mabel M. Bender, 87, passed away April 2, 2019 at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend. She was born Feb. 10, 1932 at Claflin to Henry & Anna (Christians) Riemann. She married Oscar Bender Aug. 29, 1954 at Salina. He died Oct. 1, 2002.

Mabel had been a resident of Great Bend since 1946, coming from Claflin.  She graduated from Great Bend High School and Salt City Business College, Hutchinson.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, and held former employment at First National Bank as a bookkeeper.  She enjoyed Bingo, crocheting, knitting, quilting and spending time at the baseball fields.

Survivors include, one son, Douglas “Doug” Bender of Great Bend; one sister, Ruth Ummen of Great Bend; eight grandchildren, Benjamin McDowell of Denver, CO, Heath McDowell of Garden City, Blake McDowell of Provo, UT, Tommy McDowell of Dumas, TX, Danica Bender of Emporia, Laura McDowell of Dumas, TX, Dalton Bender of Great Bend and Audrianna Bender of Great Bend; and eight great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include her two dogs, Shadow a Miniature Collie and Howie a Pekinese. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oscar Bender; two brothers, Willis Riemann and Albert Riemann; one sister, Opal Cox; and one grandson, Brandon Bender.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, with Rev. Kathie Luke and Pastor Mike Joiner presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Great Grandchildren’s Education 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

 

Elenora Moeder, 89, La Crosse, Kansas, died Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

Mrs. Moeder was born May 25, 1929, in rural La Crosse, Kansas, the daughter of Nicholas and Veronica (Legleiter) Herrman.  She was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas.  A 1947 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, she was a homemaker and farm wife.

She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

On June 15, 1948, she married Thomas J. “Tommy” Moeder at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.  He preceded her in death August 6, 2003.

Survivors include:  five sons, Larry Moeder (Deanna), Manhattan, Kansas, Leon Moeder (Susan), Wichita, Kansas, Kurt Moeder, La Crosse, Kansas, Kevin Moeder (Cheryl), La Crosse, Kansas, and Duane Moeder (Linda), La Crosse, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and two  brothers, Marvin Herrman (Florence), La Crosse, Kansas, and Albert “Al” Herrman (Mary), Lindsborg, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; six  brothers, Chris Herrman, Elmer Herrman, Alvin Herrman, Alex Herrman, Kenneth Herrman, and Raymond Herrman; and five sisters, Emma Moeder, Agnes Herrman, Bertha Sauber, Edith Bollig, and Sister Louise Herrman.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Church visitation will be Wednesday, April 3, 2019, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating.  Interment will be in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Liebenthal, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, or Locust Grove Village 40^th Anniversary Capital Campaign Fund, La Crosse, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Claflin – LaVerne Georgina Davidson, 97, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born April 8, 1921, in rural Barton County the daughter of Fred and Alice (Bochow) Kraft. She was united in marriage to Charles F. Davidson September 8, 1943, in Claflin. He passed away January 6, 2011.

LaVerne was a lifetime resident of Barton County, moving to Claflin in 1979. LaVerne was a member of Claflin United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Claflin Boosters and the Plus 55 Club. She enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, letter writing and sending cards. 

Survivors include, one son, Dale Davidson and wife Mary Ann of Derby; two daughters, Lynann Fraker and husband Dan of Shawnee and Sue Woydziak and husband Steve of Emporia; seven grandchildren, Philip (Trisha) and Andrew (Erin) Davidson, Rod (Megan) and Brett Fraker, Neil (Jodi) and Adam (Mindy) Woydziak, Amber (Chris) Navarro; thirteen great grandchildren, Drew, Kyle, Chloe and Cainan Davidson, Joshua, Lucas and Alaina Fraker, Kaden, Logan and Taryn Woydziak and Ian, Rylan and Brysen Navarro. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence and Alford Kraft.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday April 3, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with family present 6:00 to 7:00 pm Funeral service will be 10:30 am Thursday April 4, 2019 at the Claflin United Methodist Church in Claflin, with Pastor Diana Webster officiating. Burial will follow at Claflin Cemetery.

Memorials have been established with Claflin United Methodist church, Claflin Ambulance Service or the Independent Township Library, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

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

 

 

GREAT BEND – Vernon David Steinert, 67, went to his heavenly home on March 22, 2019. He was born November 23, 1951 in Great Bend, Kansas to Vernon and Geneva (Popp) Steinert. David was married to Sarah (Webb) Steinert for 38 years and were later divorced.

David was a 1969 graduate of Pawnee Rock High School. He attended Barton County Community College, and graduated from Faith Bible College. David worked in the cable locating business for a short time. David dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and ministered and served at many churches in Kansas and Oregon where he lived for 26 years while raising his family. He was a member of Faith Community Church, of Great Bend Kansas, where he was dedicated in serving and ministering as the Senior Associate Pastor. He was very active in fellowship with the community pastors and ministers and was also a member of International Support Ministries of Edmonds, WA.

David is survived by his parents, Vernon and Geneva Steinert of Great Bend; two sons, Ben Steinert and wife Chelsea of Portland, OR., Phil Steinert and wife Amy of Canby, OR.; three daughters, Betsy Nunnally and husband Jim of Portland, OR., Lisa Kick of Key West, FL and Carrie Steinert of Mesa, AZ.; one brother, Marty Steinert and wife Kim of Topeka; one sister, Mary French and husband Terry of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Emmitt and Eva Steinert, Freya Steinert, and Brockton Kick; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Faith Community Church with Pastor Sandy Kennedy presiding. Memorials are suggested to the David Steinert 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: Hoisington, Kansas

Father Marvin William Reif, 55, passed away in Protection.  He was born August 19, 1963, in Hoisington, to Albert and Dorothy (Frenzl) Reif.

Father Marvin Reif took his seminary studies at Conception Seminary, Conception, Mo., Holy Trinity College, Dallas, Tex., and Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio.  He was ordained to the priesthood June 3, 1989, by the Most Rev. Stanley G. Schlarman, bishop of Dodge City, at Holy Family Church, Odin.

He served as an associate pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Dodge City, and St. Rose of Lima, Great Bend.

His pastorates included: Immaculate Conception, Claflin, with Holy Family, Odin, and St. Catherine, Dubuque, and St. Joseph, Beaver, from 1993 to 1995; Sacred Heart, Ness City, and St. Alphonsus, Ransom, (1995-1999); St. Joseph, Ashland, and Holy Spirit, Coldwater, (1999-2000); St. Rose, Great Bend, (2000-2001); and St. Nicholas, Kinsley, with St. Joseph, Offerle, (2001-2002).

Father Reif served the diocese in the positions of Director of the Office of Liturgy and Worship, Director of Vocations, and was a member of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors.

He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed music, singing, nature and was very proud of his extensive collection of religious books.

Survivors include three brothers, Gary Reif and wife Karen of Great Bend, Duane Reif and wife Debbie of Hoisington, Eldon Reif and wife Karla of Holyrood; two sisters Karen Winkelman and husband Tim of Great Bend and Nancy Jensen and husband Mark of Ellsworth; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Father Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leonard Reif.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2019, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding.  Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Holy Family Cemetery, Odin. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church.  A Vigil with Knights of Columbus Rosary will follow Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial Funds have been established with Texas EquuSearch-Kansas Chapter or Seminary Burse Endowment Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.

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

 

GREAT BEND – Birl Dean Williams, 81, passed away March 27, 2019 at Hays Medical Center, Hays. He was born January 28, 1938 at Allen, Texas to Rush & Willie Williams. He married Shirley Wilson September 6, 1983 at Ulysses.

A Great Bend resident for the last 40 years, Birl was a production worker for Superior Essex in Hoisington. He was a member of the Great Bend Senior Center. Birl liked to read, fish and was known to be the fixer-upper around the house.

Survivors include, his wife, Shirley Williams of the home; two sons, David Guentert and wife Erna of Aurora, CO and Jimmy Williams of OK; one daughter, Diana Frieberg and husband Dan of Des Moines, IA; two sisters, Betty and Jo; and six grandchildren, Miranda, Jordan, Gabby, Elijah, Makaili and Derrick. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, EJ Williams; and one sister, Fay Manweiler.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Rev. William Johnson presiding. Memorials are suggested to the Great Bend Senior Center, 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