Walter C. Ehrlich, 90, of Great Bend, Kansas and former resident of Russell, Kansas, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019, at St. John Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Walter was born on September 3, 1928 in rural Russell County, Kansas, the son of Godfred and Regina (Boger) Ehrlich. He grew up in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1947. He was married to Isabelle Ehrlich, also from Russell, Kansas, from 1952 – 1982. Walter and Isabelle had two children, Rosalee Robinson (Michael, DDS), Leavenworth, Kansas and Keith Ehrlich (Patty), Wichita, Kansas. He had three grandchildren, Amanda Calovich (Ryan), Lawrence, Kansas, Ian Ehrlich, Overland Park, Kansas, and Nathan Ehrlich, Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, he had one step grandson through marriage, Jacob Kenton (Paige), Leavenworth, Kansas, and two step great grandchildren, Olivia and George Kenton, Leavenworth, Kansas. Walter is also survived by one brother, Edward Ehrlich (Lynda), Omaha, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leon and Louis.

Walter grew up on a farm then farmed as a young adult before entering the United States Army in February, 1951. He was honorably discharged in May, 1951. Following his service, he returned to farming until 1959, then began a career in trucking. He drove for Thies Packing Company, Great Bend, Kansas for approximately 20 years and then various other companies. He enjoyed traveling the highways as a truck driver. The highways turned into with the Garden City, Kansas School District, from where he eventually retired in 1998.

He was formerly a member of The Eagles and The American Legion in Great Bend. His most recent enjoyment came from singing in the church choir, while attending church at First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend, Kansas. Walter was also an avid coin collector. He frequently traveled to auctions and coin shows and enjoyed sorting through his treasures with his son-in-law, Mike.

A celebration of Walter’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, March 29, 2019, at First Southern Baptist Church, 3301 19th Street, Great Bend, Kansas, with Pastor Timothy Singleton officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday at the Russell City Cemetery. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas will host the visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 610 N. Maple Street. The family will receive guests from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Memorials may be given to First Southern Baptist Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Billy Ray Brinson, 72, passed away March 25, 2019 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. He was born June 24, 1946 at Paris, Texas to Alvin & Janie (Wallace) Brinson.

Coming from Garland, Texas in 1981, Billy was a Great Bend resident. He served in the United States Air Force and was the project manager for Praxair. He was a past President/Secretary/Treasurer for the Eagles and a member of Shriners. He liked bird watching, hunting, fishing and building cars.

Survivors include, his wife Janice Johnson of the home; four daughters, Kimberly Manuel and husband Howard of Wylie, TX, Melissa Howell and husband David of Temple, TX, Amanda Molnar and husband Terry of Monument, CO, and Jennifer Voorhies and husband Jacob of Lyons; one son, Jason Drake and wife Marci of Russell ; one brother, Don Brinson and wife Barbara of Seabrook, TX; one sister, Julia Prasco and husband Phillip of Houston, TX; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jason Johnson; and brother, Buddy Brinson.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Schaffner presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Diabetes Association, 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 

Marion Leroy Burris, 90, died March 26, at Almost Home, Great Bend, Kansas.  He was born October 22, 1928, in Mildred, Kansas, the son of Edgar Ernest and Gladys June (Jayne) Burris.

Marion served in the United States Army following WWII.

A longtime Hoisington resident, Marion worked in the oil field his entire life starting as a roughneck, then a tool pusher, and retiring as Vice President of Operations from Chief Drilling.

Marion loved spending his free time fishing, gardening and tending his lawn, reading, and woodworking. He was a great storyteller and loved reminiscing with his children.

On August 13, 1950, he married Helen Lucille Flott in Emporia, Kansas. She preceded him in death on July 5, 2013.

Survivors include; six children, Tom Burris and wife Susan of Riverside, MO, Donna Ash and husband Pete of Blanchard, OK, Kathy Burke and husband Ed of Antelope, CA, Kerry Underwood and husband Pat of Blanchard, OK, Mark Burris and wife Sonja of Ruston, LA, and Troy Burris and wife Cindy of Bushton; brother, Ed Burris and wife Margaret of Marble Falls, TX; a special nephew, Jim Burris and wife Millie of Hoisington; 17 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers, Clarence, Paul, and Hugh Burris.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date in Hoisington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Almost Home in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Marie Mermis, 97, passed away March 24, 2019, at Catholic Care Center, Bel Aire.  She was born September 12, 1921, at Catherine, to Leo and Sophie (Staab) Pelzel.  Marie married Clarence Mermis Nov. 11, 1941, at Walker.  He died May 15, 1990.

Marie, a homemaker, had been a Great Bend resident since 1953, coming from Walker.  She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Altar Society and the Daughters of Isabella.

Survivors include two sons; C.J. Mermis and wife Patricia of Great Bend and Ronald Mermis of Fla.; three daughters, RoseAnn Burkhart and husband Gerald of Wichita, Ruth Maneth and husband John of Golden, Col. and Kathy Richards of Wichita; one daughter-in-law, Susan Sayson of Manhattan; nine grandchildren, Robbie Mermis, Brett Mermis and wife Kory, Bryan Mermis and wife Ellen, Dawn Reed, Anjie Weidman and husband Jamie, Jeremy Burkhart and wife Joni, Johnny Maneth and wife Angie, Kim Lambertson and husband John and Kenzie Richards; 19 great grandchildren and four great grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Pelzel of Hays and James Pelzel and wife Valeria of Wichita.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Leo Pelzel and Alfonse Pelzel; and six sisters, Beatrice Haas, Alice Brungardt, Clara Hetzel, Edna Goetz, Frances Koster and Irene Bollig.

The Funeral Mass has been arranged for 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2019, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein officiating.  Interment will follow at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, March 28, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m., and Vigil with a Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 7:00 p.m. all at Bryant Funeral Home.

Memorial funds have been designated to the Holy Family School Endowment Fund or Catholic Care 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

 

Dateline – Bryan, Texas 

William Basil, “Bill” Wood

Born – Stephens County, Oklahoma, May 6, 1923, and Passed – March 23, 2019, in Bryan, Texas.

Bill graduated from High School in Velma, Oklahoma. Following graduation he entered the 8th Army Air Force and served from 1943 to 1945 with the 453rd Bombardment Group, 2nd Airborne Division.  He was involved in the North France Campaign, the Ardennes Campaign, the Rhineland Campaign, and the Central Europe Campaign, completing 35 missions in a B-24.

Bill was employed by Halliburton Services for 37 years, retiring in 1984 in Pampa, TX. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #177 in Russell, KS, a member of the V.F.W. Post #1657 in Pampa, TX, and the Pampa Senior Citizens.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Blake Wood and Willie V. Wood, as well as by two brothers, V.B. Wood and F.B. Wood, all from Duncan, OK.

Survivors include: wife, Fern A. Wood; daughter, Barbara Dale and husband Owen; son, Randy Wood and wife Juanell, all living in Texas.  Additionally he had, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Claflin Cemetery, Claflin, KS, with Pastor Diane Webster presiding.  Friends may call 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard.

 

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at donate.lls.org or in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Donald Lynn Ohlemeier, 82, passed away Friday, March 22, 2019, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. He was born Nov. 21, 1936, at La Crosse, to Henry and Irma (Lynn) Ohlemeier. Donald married Pat Schwindt June 18, 1961, in LaCrosse, and were later divorced. Donald then married Mary (Spitznagel) Spillar December 19, 1987, at Lawrence.

Don, a long-time resident of Great Bend coming from LaCrosse, was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He was a self-employed carpenter and belonged to the First Church of the Nazarene.  Don loved fishing and playing golf, enjoying the challenge that golf presented, especially being proud of his hole-in-one.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of the home; two sons, Doug Ohlemeier and wife Brenda of Tampa, Fla., and Todd Ohlemeier of Leander, Texas; step sons, Bill Spillar and wife Mandy of Leawood, and Steve Spillar of Columbine, Col.; one step daughter, Sharon Spillar of St. Louis, Mo.; one brother, Bill Ohlemeier of Topeka; and six grandchildren, Brandon Spillar, McKenna Spillar, Lindsey Spillar, Riley Spillar, Parker Henzel and Anais Henzel.  Also surviving is his Shih Tsu, Tiny.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, Merlin Ohlemeier, Marlin Ohlemeier and Gene Ohlemeier; one sister, Janice Lawrence; and long-time canine companion, Danny Boy.

Funeral services for Don will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday March 25, 2019, at First Church of The Nazarene, 4811 Broadway, Great Bend, with Pastor Josh Foster and Pastor Amy Foster.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, with military honors conducted by the Kansas National Guard Honor Guard.  Visitation will be from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, March 26, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home.  Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or First Church of the Nazarene, 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: Newton, Kansas

Gary Allen Leiker, 53, passed away March 20, 2019, at his home in Newton.  He was born Oct. 2, 1965, in Ellinwood, to Don James and Bennie Lou (Gray) Leiker.  Gary married Carla Jo (Graeter) July 30, 1988, and were later divorced.

A short time resident of Newton coming from Great Bend, Gary dedicated his life to law enforcement, serving Stanton, Stafford and Barton Counties.  In earlier years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and camping.

Survivors include his father and step mother, Don James and Toni Leiker of Great Bend; one daughter, Casey Carruth and husband Cameron of Washington D.C.; three brothers, Troy Leiker and wife Dorothy of WaKeeney, Darron Leiker and wife Beth of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Chad Leiker and wife Melissa of Great Bend; one grandchild, Candice Carruth; step brothers include- Darin Workman & wife Jennifer of Liberal; Bren Workman & wife Lynne of Nebraska; Roy Workman & wife Brenda of Newton; Mark Anthony & wife Kelly of Calhan, Colorado; one step-sister, Melissa Keeler & husband Mike of Great Bend, He was preceded in death by, his mother, Bennie Lou Moos and stepfather Lyle L Workman Sr.

There will be a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 29, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at Bryant Funeral Home.  Cremation has taken place.  Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend.  Memorials may be given to the Gary Leiker 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

Everett J. Davis, 78, died March 20, 2019, at Clara Barton Hospital.  He was born March 10, 1941, in Satanta, Kansas, the son of Everett Aurel and Lucille Marie (Yeager) Davis.  Everett served in the Vietnam War as a Private First Class with the United States Army. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post #3111, of Great Bend.

A longtime Hoisington resident, Everett retired from the Missouri-Pacific Railroad.

On January 23, 1967, he married Marilyn J. Korf, they later divorced and she preceded him in death on June 4, 2013.

Survivors include four children; Bob Davis of Wichita, Mike Davis and wife Melissa of Hoisington, Kathy Sidman of Iola, Wisconsin, and Kevin Davis of St. Petersburg, Florida; brother, Kenneth Davis of Minnesota; two sisters, Zola Crum of Hartman, Colorado, and Shirley Hartley of Kansas City; step-brother Curtis Body of Minnesota; six grandchildren, Danny Davis, Alex Davis, Daegan Davis, Liam Sidman, Kayla Sidman, and Danielle Davis.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Mike Joiner presiding.

Friends may call 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

ELLINWOOD – Michael “Mike” T. Kern, 58, passed away March 19, 2019 in rural Barton County. He was born November 25, 1960 at Great Bend to Terry J. & Marie V. (Heckens) Kern.

A lifetime area resident, Mike lived in Ellinwood. He was a drilling supervisor and tool pusher for Pickrell Drilling in Great Bend. He loved 4 wheelers, racing, storm chasing and BBQ’s. He especially loved his family and being with his grandchildren.

Survivors include, his parents, Terry and Marie Kern of Great Bend; one son, Jared Kern and wife Shelby of Great Bend; one brother, Pat Kern of Great Bend; two sisters, Loretta Murphy and husband Jim and Lisa Mohr and husband Wes, all of Great Bend; two grandchildren, Jett and Nova Kern; three nephews, Rex Kern and wife Lacey, Dalton Murphy and Slade Mohr; three nieces, Taylor and Kylee Mohr and Madison Murphy; and two great-nephews, Trenton and Kale Kern.

There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Great Bend Events Center, with Rev. Dick Ogle presiding. Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to the 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