All Obituaries

WILSON   Richard Duane “Dick” Lantz, 83, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026 surrounded by his family in Hutchinson, KS. He was born January 6, 1943 in Russell Co., KS to Harold and Lois (Ward) Lantz. Following high school graduation, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years before his discharge. He married Susan “Sue” Schroeder on October 13, 1963 in Lincoln, KS. Richard and Sue moved to Wilson in June of 1968 and opened Interstate ...

HOLYROOD   Lois Melva Wenz, 71, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, May 3, 2026. She was born September 12, 1954 in Ellsworth, KS to Dale and Mabel (Choitz) Anschutz. Lois graduated from Ellsworth High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Southwestern College. She taught in the Bennington and Wilson school districts. Lois married Gilbert Wenz on June 4, 1977 in Ellsworth. Together, they owned and ...

ELLSWORTH   Betty Louise Rathbun, 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at her home in Ellsworth. She was born January 18, 1930, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to William "Dan" and Ada (Moore) Stockstill.   On March 18, 1949, Betty married Ronald K. Rathbun, in Ellsworth. Together, they built a life rooted in the land, managing farm and ranch operations in Ellsworth County. They were married for 73 years before Ronald passed ...

ASHLAND, KS   Donna Kay Siemsen, 86, passed away April 21, 2026, in Ashland, Kansas. Born August 24, 1939, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, Donna lived a life defined by kindness, responsibility, and a deep love for animals and the outdoors.   She graduated from Hays High School in 1958 and spent 15 years as an aide at Hodgeman County Health Center caring for others. Donna married Bruce Siemsen on March 1, 1986. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, the Red Hats of ...

HOLYROOD   Glenn R. Reed, 81, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026 with his family at his side. He was born June 11, 1944, the sixth child of Ralph and Ruby (Tenhulzen) Reed. Glenn attended Wichita West High School and graduated with an associate’s degree from Hutchingson Community College. He also earned a diploma from the Faith Bible Institute. Glenn served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era and earned an honorable discharge in January of 1969. He married Jenny ...

LONGMONT, CO   Garry Lynn Griffitt Sr., born in Kiowa, Kansas, on September 21, 1941, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family.   He was a devoted husband to Judy Griffitt, a loving father to Sondra Donovan, Vallorie Gilbreath, Garry Griffitt Jr., and Garry Griffitt III, a doting grandfather to Sara Donnelly, Jeremiah Donovan, and Lindsay Lee, and a loving brother to Audrene Brown, Larry Griffitt, Rosie Reed, and Gayle Green.   He ...

HOISINGTON   Allen Joe Jirik, 89, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Hoisington, KS. He was born January 20, 1937 in Ellsworth, KS to Joe and Mary (Votruba) Jirik. Allen served in the United States Navy during Korean War. He was a member of the Holyrood American Legion Post 200 and the Russell VFW Post 6240. Allen married Frances Wagner in Ellsworth on April 22, 1961. He was a schoolteacher and principal, primarily in Hoisington, before starting his own HVAC and plumbing business, ...

ELLSWORTH   David M. Koralek, Sr., 83, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at his home in Ellsworth, KS. He was born November 17, 1942 in Ellsworth to Ben and Lillian (Choitz) Koralek. David enlisted in the United States Army at semester of his senior year of high school and continued to serve in the National Guard and Army Reserve for many years after his active duty service. He married Marjorie Bohl on November 20, 1962 in Salina, KS. David was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth where ...

EMPORIA   Douglas Joseph Kepka, 78, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, Kansas. He was the son of Leo Joseph and Betty Jean (Andreasen) Kepka. Doug graduated from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1966 and went on to attend Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1970. He married Honor Louise (Fiddler) Kepka on June 9, 1973. They celebrated 52 years of marriage together.   Doug was preceded in death by his parents and ...

ELLSWORTH   Charles Raymond Dolezal passed away on March 16, 2026. He was 87 years old. (32043 days). He was born on June 23, 1938 son of Charles and Tillie Dolezal. He married Virginia Lee Grubb on April 23, 1960. Charles graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1956 and Brown Mackie college with an Associate’s Business degree in 1964. He also attended Fort Hays State University. Charles was a draftsman and surveyor for Van Gundy and Associates for 18 years, manager of Post Rock ...