Winnifred Iris Wamhoff, 100, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 15, 2017,in Loveland, CO, where she lived for the last 6 years.

She was born in Cowles, Neb., Aug. 21, 1917 to parents Fred and Floy Brubaker. At a very young age she moved with her parents and extended family to Bird City, Kansas. She spent all of her school years in Bird City graduating with the class of 1935. While in high school she enjoyed playing on the girls’ basketball team and singing with a quartet for functions in the area. She continued her education at Colorado State University where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She accepted a teaching position at the high school in Hollyrood, KS where she met and later married Alvin Wamhoff. When World War II broke out he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at the Navy Pier in Chicago where she was able to join him with their infant son, Stan. When Alvin got his orders for the South Pacific she returned to Bird City where she gave birth to a daughter, Alana. After the war ended she was joined in Bird City by her husband where he and brother-in-law Vic Frevert purchased and operated F&W Hardware & Furniture Store. Three other children were born there, Carolyn, Arlan and Luann.

After all five children were in school she began to substitute teach in the Bird City school system. Later she accepted a full-time position teaching 5th grade. She loved working with these students and taught for a number of years. She found time to serve on the Cheyenne County Extension Board, the Bird City Library Board and handled memorials for St. John Lutheran church for many years. She was an active member of AAUW, the American Legion Auxiliary, St. John Lutheran church and many other clubs through the years. Her greatest love was her family who gathered in her home for holidays and vacations. The longer the stay and the more family members present the happier she was. She also loved teaching fifth grade, her dogs, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing and many forms of crafts.

Preceding her in death was husband Alvin; sister-in-law Carol Brubaker; daughter-in-law Harriet Wamhoff; brother Richard Brubaker and his wife Darlene; and cousin Helen Brubaker.

Surviving family members are Stan (Brenda)and his daughters Sheri Langenberger (Bob), Bonnie Michael (Dwight) and children Justin and Makenna; Lori Couch (Charlie) and children, Taylor, Brandon, Caleb and Emily; Alana Wamhoff; Carolyn Rothfuss (Jerry) and children Laura Squires ( Steve) and son Hunter; Teri Swanson ( Eric) and sons Jordan, Cooper, Paxton and Carter; Arlan Wamhoff; and Luann Ingersoll (Kerry). Winnifred will be missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial service will be held on April 28 at 10:30 a.m. CT at St. John Lutheran Church in Bird City, Kansas.

Memorials may be designated to the St John Lutheran Church, the Bird City Library, or the Antique Engine and Thresher Association, all of Bird City and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, Kansas 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Service arrangements are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.