Kirk L. Hahn, 60, passed away on August 30, 2019 in Osborne, KS. Kirk was born June 9, 1959 to Clifford E. and Iris (Foster) Hahn in Osborne, KS. He was one of several children.

Kirk graduated from Osborne High School in 1977. He then went on to college earning his Bachelors degree. He later became a Mud Engineer working for Halliburton, and later for himself. Kirk has 3 children.

Kirk was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Hahn (2017) and a sister, Cynthia Nelson.

Kirk is survived by his mother, Iris Hahn of Osborne, KS; daughter: Andrea West of Shawnee, KS; sons: Kasey Hahn of Omaha, NE; Kody Hahn of McCook, NE; sister: Sheila Ruble of Osborne, KS; brother Kraig Hahn of Manhattan, KS.

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Carolyn E. (Meyer) Wright passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019, at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTC in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 80. Carolyn was born in Quinter, Kansas to Michael and Regina (Phlieger) Meyer. She attended country school through her elementary years and attended Oakley High School, graduating with the class of 1957. Carolyn married James L. Wright on June 1, 1959, in Oakley, Kansas. They lived in Oakley for a short while and then moved to Wichita, Kansas. They were blessed with two children, James and Bill. From Wichita, the family moved to Hoxie, Kansas where Carolyn and Jim raised their boys, worked and lived for the remainder of their lives.

Carolyn was a kind, gentle woman who loved her family dearly. Carolyn’s main focus was the care of her family and of her home. In her spare time, she filled in as a cook for USD 412. She enjoyed raising flowers, gardening, and loved volunteering at the Swap Shop. She helped wherever and whenever she could. She greatly enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She was a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and the St. Frances Cabrini Sodality.

Carolyn is survived by her sons, James Wright and wife Celine of Great Bend, Kansas and their children Anastacia, Christopher, and Mackenzie; Bill Wright and wife Rachel of Rose Hill, Kansas and their children Kole and Gage; sister Ilene Schwarz of Hays, Kansas; brother Tony Meyer and wife Carolyn of Hoxie, Kansas and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Wright; parents, Michael and Regina Meyer; brother, Virgil Meyer, and brother-in-law, Dave Schwarz.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery following the service. Lunch will follow the service. Visitation will be held Monday, September 2, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Service and Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. all at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the St. Frances Cabrini Church or the Hoxie Swap Shop and may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.

Carolyn was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a gentle, kind soul. She loved others unconditionally. The loves of her life were her Lord Jesus Christ and her family. Carolyn was a very special person who gave warmth, kindness, and love to others.

James “Jim” Lewis Hilmes, age 88 passed away on August 31, 2019 at Via Christi Village, Hays, Kansas. He was born on October 30, 1930 in Ransom, Kansas, the son of Joseph and Mary (Kraus) Hilmes. He was raised on the family farm north of Ransom along with his two brothers and three sisters. He attended a one room elementary school near the family dwelling and graduated from Ransom High School in 1949.

James was extremely proud of his military service to his country. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951, ultimately serving on the USS Nereus, a submarine tender ship, in the South Pacific during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of Engineman Second Class. Upon moving to Great Bend, Kansas in 1955, he began a 42-year career with Bell Engine Service as a diesel fuel injection service technician. He served most of those years as the Diesel Fuel Injection Service Manager. He gained recognition as one of the most respected specialists in his field in central and western Kansas.

On January 23, 1956 James entered into marriage with Mary Catherine Seib at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ness City, Kansas. James and Mary raised their five children in Great Bend and were parishioners of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. James was also a member of the Great Bend American Legion. In 2000, after retirement, James and Mary moved to Hays, Kansas to be closer to family. There they became parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. They lived comfortably in Hays and ultimately moved to Via Christi Village in 2016.

James introduced his children and grandchildren to, and supported and furthered their interests in automobiles, off road motorcycling, camping, hunting and fishing, sports and nature activities of all kinds. He and Mary made many exciting and educational trips with their grandchildren. He was especially drawn to the natural beauties and wonders of the world, most enjoying his time spent in Colorado and Alaska with his family and siblings. James was a proud supporter of the Great Bend High School and American Legion baseball programs. During the time his two younger sons played baseball in the 1980’s, he was personally responsible for building the batting cage used for many years at Veteran’s Memorial Park Baseball Fields. James was a master of trouble-shooting and repairing things of any size, shape or purpose. He was also a master of the local newspaper crossword puzzles.

In the eyes of his family and acquaintances James was a man of God, country, wisdom, courage and honor – a loving husband and dedicated father. As his health diminished in later years he met all challenges with no regrets.

James was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gerald Hilmes; two sisters, Joan Roths and Virginia Stoecklein; and a brother-in-law, Howard Roths.

James is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine, his five children, Terry Hilmes and his wife Kelly (Lawrence), Joyce Montelongo and her husband Joseph (Fort Collins, CO), Elaine Younger and her fiancé Brad Schaben (Bazine), Rodney Hilmes and his fiancé Kristie Chaney (Ardmore, OK), and Brian Hilmes and his wife Chelley (Edmond, OK); one brother, Ralph Hilmes and his wife Rita (Montrose, CO), one sister, Arlene Roths (Benton), a sister-in-law, Donna Hilmes-Hurn (Topeka), and two brothers-in-law, Jake Roths (Ransom) and Tom Stoecklein (Ness City); 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Palmer officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:30 am until 10:15 on Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:00 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village or the Great Bend American Legion Baseball Program. Condolences and memories of James may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Rodney Lee “Rod” Milke, 60, Hays, died peacefully and surrounded by people who loved him Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. He had fought a year long courageous battle with brain cancer.

He was born November 4, 1958 in Plainville, KS, the son of Clarence C. and Vera Rose (Jacobs) Milke. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Munjor Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #11492, and Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, twice receiving the honor of Knight of the Year. He graduated from Plainville High School and moved to Casper Wyoming to attend Trade School. On Nov 7, 1981 he was united to Lori Christianson at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Lusk, Wyoming. They celebrated nearly 38 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children and three grandchildren. He became one of the best welder/ fabricators in the business. For the past 14 years he was the shop foreman at Discovery Drilling in Hays.

For 15 years Rod and Lori were involved with Engaged Encounter. He enjoyed traveling, camping, riding motorcycles, his dogs, and bass fishing. He enjoyed cooking and was very good at it. He was Patriotic, organized and hard-working. He loved his family and was quietly proud of each of them.

Survivors include his wife; Lori of the home in Hays, two sons; Ben Milke and girlfriend Amy Bergstrom of Casper, WY, Matt Milke of Hays, a daughter; Emilie Eaton and husband Josh of Ellis, three grandchildren; Jordyn Eaton, Beau Eaton, and Presley Eaton, all of Ellis, two nephews; Zachary Milke and wife Laura of Durango, CO and Joseph Milke and wife Kelli of Greeley, CO, and a niece; Sarah Scott and husband Rory of Greensboro, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Clarence and Vera Milke and a brother; Joe Milke.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Palmer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service will be at 6:00 pm, followed by a combined third and fourth degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:30, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. The fourth degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:00 pm until 6:00 on Wednesday. Memorials are suggested to The Wonder Woman League for “Matthew’s Gift” bags. Condolences and memories of Rod may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Loree M. Riggs, 97, Hays, died Saturday, August 31, 2019 at HaysMed.

She was born December 26, 1921 on the family farm south of Stockton, the daughter of Lester and Lydia (Borin) Maddy. In 1939 she graduated from Stockton High School, and she attended Fort Hays State University. Loree was a sales associate for JCPenney, retiring after 38 years with the company. On June 30, 1940 she was united in marriage to Donald H. “Don” Riggs. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on September 10, 2003. She was a member of North Oak Community Church, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, and attended FHSU Encore performances. Loree was a beautiful pianist and often played for the Rotary Club. She enjoyed playing Pinochle, and Bridge and would play duplicate Bridge with Don.

Survivors include a daughter; Linda O’Connor of Hays, a daughter-in-law; Terri Riggs of Hays, a sister; Joan Balderston of Stockton, seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Lester and Lydia Maddy, a son; Richard “Dick” Riggs, a daughter; Donna Medina, and two sisters; Lillian Lawson and Naomi Green.

A celebration of Loree’s life will be at 9:30 am on Friday, September 6, 2019 at North Oak Community Church with Pastor Dave Buller officiating. Burial will follow at Stockton City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday and from 8:30 am until service time on Friday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains. Condolences and memories of Loree may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Mary Ann Jeroue, 85, passed away August 31, 2019, at Villa St. Francis, Olathe, Kansas. She was born February 24, 1934, to Arthur and Gladys (Welch, Morell) Mahaffy in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She married Charles H. Jeroue July 18, 1953, at Marlette, Michigan.

A former Great Bend/Hoisington resident, Mary worked for USD #428 as a crossing guard for Lincoln School, owned C & M Upholstery Sales with Charles, worked for Marlette Homes and BCCC. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Painting, Ceramics and Gardening were her passions, her Family was her life.

Survivors include, two sons, Kenneth (Barbara) Jeroue of Russell, KS, and Kelly (Kathi) Jeroue of Great Bend, KS; five daughters, Barbara Gordon of Priest River, Idaho, Jody (Steve) Klepper of Great Bend, KS, Cindy Maser of Clovis, NM, Jacqueline Jeroue of Fresno, CA, and Tammy (Todd) Alsup of Olathe, KS; three brothers, Charles (Marlene) Mahaffy of Peck, MI, Lawrence (Sharon) Mahaffy of Romeo, MI and Brian (Jill) Mahaffy of St Clair; one sister, Brenda (Gary) Carty of Royse City, TX; 14 Grandchildren, Kasey (Kayla), Kaleb, Kynzi, Nicole (Dave), Kendra (Jerry), Tina, Charlie (Mandy), Mark (Misty), Brandon (Michelle), Michelle, Brian, Dannielle (Bryce), Taylor, Spencer; 20 Great-Grandchildren, Carter, Parker, Peighton, Braylynn, Phoebe, Samuel, Aiden, Jordan, Travis, Trystan, Austin, Ethan, Logan, Macy, Hayden, Harper, Karter, Makenna, Makeila, Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Jeroue; a son, Tracy Jeroue; a granddaughter, Dionne Jeroue Reed and son-in-law Douglas Gordon.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 5, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Dwight Dozier presiding. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to Crossroads Hospice or First Assembly of God Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Arlyn Edward Boxberger, 88, passed away Saturday August 31, 2019, at his home in Great Bend. He was born January 8, 1931 in Otis, the son of J. Edward and Pauline (Mai) Boxberger. He was united in marriage to Valeria “Vicki” Siedl on September 14, 1958, in Great Bend.

Arlyn had been a resident of Great Bend since 1958, coming from Ellis County. He was a construction superintendent with Clarke, Lindholm and Boxberger Construction Companies. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed being with his family, hunting and University of Kansas basketball.

Survivors include his wife, Vicki of the home; son, Randy Boxberger and wife Cherie of Houston, Texas; brothers, Dennis Boxberger of Otis and Kenneth Boxberger of Salina; two grandchildren, Megan Boxberger and Erin Boxberger. He was preceded in death by brother, Vernon; and four sisters, Doris Blank, Florence Ernest, Frances Huffman and Norma Schwein.

Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm with family present 5 to 6 pm Tuesday September 3, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday September 4, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Barbara Jones presiding. Burial will follow at Galatia Cemetery.

Memorials have been designated to Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Pamela L. “Pam” Koerner, 60, Hays, died Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Hays Good Samaritan Society.

She was born January 22, 1959 in Hays, the daughter of Frederick L. “Fred” and June (Rohr) Koerner. Pam was a graduate of Hays High School in the class of 1977 and earned an Associate Degree in computer science from Fort Hays State University. She was an administrative assistant at Northwest Kansas Area on Aging. In her youth, Pam enjoyed playing baseball. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed being involved in her local sorority, cooking, and helping others in any way she could.

Survivors include her mother; June of Hays, three brothers; Ben Koerner and wife Julie of Gilbert, AZ, Jay Koerner and wife Terry and Brent Koerner and wife Shelby, all of Woodstock, GA, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested for family wishes to be determined at a later date. Condolences and memories of Pam may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Helen Wilmetta Schwien, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, August 31, 2019, at the Great Bend Regional Hospital in Great Bend, Kansas.

Helen was born on December 13, 1924, in Barton County, Kansas, the daughter of John and Rachel (Steinert) Karst. She grew up north of Galatia, Kansas, and attended the Galatia Country School. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Waldean Walter Schwien on June 17, 1945, in Bender Hill Trinity Lutheran Church in Bender Hill, Kansas. From this union Helen and Waldean were blessed with three children Ginger, John and James. Helen and Waldean lived on the Schwien family farm were they raised their three children. She was a hard working and dedicated homemaker and helped Waldean take care of the family farm. After 61 years of marriage, Waldean preceded Helen in death on July 08, 2006. She was a longtime member of the Bender Hill Lutheran Church where she played the organ for over 20 years and was also the choir director. She was also a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. She enjoyed cooking, singing in the Bender Hill Lutheran Church and St. John Lutheran Church choirs and enjoyed singing with the Dutchmasters Polka Band. She also enjoyed watching her grandsons and great grandsons race in the dirt track racing circuit. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her daughter Ginger L. Tittel (Ronnie) , sons John Schwien (Bonnie) and Jim Schwien (Gloria) all of Russell, Kansas; sisters Deloris Deutsch of Hoisington, Kansas, Norma Stricker (Glen) of Great Bend, Kansas, Margie Kraft of Ness City, Kansas, and Rita Thompson of Kansas City, Missouri; 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren and 12 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, September 05, 2019, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, September 04, 2019 at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Joseph Stegman Jr., 85, Hays, KS passed away August 29, 2019 at Park West Plaza – Legend Senior Living, Wichita, KS.

Joseph was born July 8, 1934, on the family farm 7 miles NE of Ness City, KS to Joseph and Regina Jacobs Stegman. He graduated from Ness City High School in 1952. He was a graduate of Fort Hays State University with BS and MS degrees. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War era. He later served as a teacher and administrator for 37 years at USD 241 Sharon Springs, Kansas.

Joseph married Marjorie Ann Jones on December 28, 1957, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, KS. She preceded him in death on October 27, 2015. Survivors include children: Theresa Endsley, Lawrence, KS; Michael Stegman (Marcie), Trenton, MO; Daryl Stegman (Laura), Spearville, KS; Carolyn Mason (Dennis), Goddard, KS, 10 grandchildren: Brandon Endsley (Anya); Rachael Endsley; Jessica Stegman; Katie Stegman Rice (Brad); Jason McNeal; Alex McNeal (MaryAnne); Megan Stegman; Heidi Stegman; Joseph Stegman; Austin Mason, and 9 great-grandchildren, sisters: Thelma Fehrenbach, Ness City, KS; Lillian Brown, Salina, KS; Venita Stoecklein (James), Hutchinson, KS, and brother: Dennis Stegman (Kay), Elkhorn, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Vivian and Sylvia, two brothers-in-law, Otto Fehrenbach and Vernon Brown, two sons-in-law, Mitchell Endsley and Scott McNeal.

He was a former member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Sharon Springs, KS and Kansas State Teachers Association. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow the services, inclusive of Military Honors rendered by members of the Hays VFW Post 9076, in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.

Viewing and Visitation will be Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from 4 PM to 8 PM, together with a Parish Vigil service at 7 PM, and on Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601.At 6:30 PM Joseph Stegman (grandson) will sing a solo for grandpa. Followed by: Paul McNall (family friend) will share some memories of Dad.

Memorials are suggested to Sharon Springs Grade School – Wallace County USD 241.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].

SMITH CENTER – H. Loudale Myers-Yenne, age 94, passed away Thursday August 29, 2019 at Sunporch of Smith County in Smith Center, KS. She was born the daughter of Rev. William & Helen (Crocker) Brown on December 11, 1924 in Thornburg, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Bud Myers, Second Husband Raymond Yenne and a sister Karen.

Survivors include her sons Bren (Carolyn) Myers of Beloit, Joel (Cynthia) Myers of Carbondale, Jack (Kathy) Yenne of Smith Center, Calvin Yenne of Mosier, OR; daughters Julee (Gerry) Kirnie of Smith Center, Jill (Bill) Flint of Oxford, OH, Patti (Michael) Horton of Green Valley, AZ; a sister Winifred Lawrence of Olathe; 4 grandchildren Chad Myers, Todd (Jacque) Myers, Seth (Hannah) Myers, Jarrah (Jason) Kennedy; 8 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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