Earl Ward, of Hays, passed away on April 25, 2019.
Arrangements pending with Brock’s North Hill Chapel in Hays.
Year: 2019
Kansas court bolsters abortion rights, blocks ban
By JOHN HANNA
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ highest court ruled for the first time Friday that the state constitution protects abortion rights and blocked a first-in-the-nation ban on a common second trimester method for ending pregnancies.
The state Supreme Court’s ruling represented a big victory for abortion rights supporters in a state with a Republican-controlled Legislature hostile to their cause. It comes with other, GOP-controlled states moving to ban most abortionsin direct challenges to the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortions across the nation.
The Kansas decision prevents the state from enforcing a 2015 law that could have greatly limited second trimester abortions. But even worse for abortion opponents, the ruling clears the way for legal challenges to a string of abortion restrictions approved in recent years by state lawmakers under past Republican governors.
The court said vague language protecting “equal and inalienable rights” in the first section of the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights grants a “natural right of personal autonomy” that includes the right to “control one’s own body.” Because that right is independent of the U.S. Constitution, Kansas courts could strike down restrictions that have been upheld by the federal courts.
“This right allows a woman to make her own decisions regarding her body, health, family formation, and family life — decisions that can include whether to continue a pregnancy,” the court’s unsigned majority opinion said.
Justices ruled 6-1 on the language in state constitution. Justice Caleb Stegall, the only appointee of a conservative Republican governor, declared in his dissenting opinion that the ruling “fundamentally alters the structure of our government” to “arbitrarily grant a regulatory reprieve” for abortion.
The ruling immediately prompted abortion opponents to call for amending the state constitution. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who took office in January, is a strong abortion-rights supporter, but the Legislature still has solid anti-abortion majorities.
“The liberal, activist Supreme Court showed just how out of touch they are with Kansas values,” Senate President Susan Wagle, a conservative Wichita Republican, said in a statement issued minutes after the decision. “We understand that life is sacred, beginning at conception, and we must always stand and defend the most vulnerable among us, the unborn.”
In previous cases, Kansas’ highest court avoided the question, allowing U.S. Supreme Court decisions to determine what restrictions would be allowed. But a state district court judge ruled in issuing an injunction to block the 2015 law that the Kansas Constitution grants its own protections.
The Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower court for a trial on the lawsuit challenging the law but kept the judge’s injunction in place, saying the lawsuit was likely to succeed in invalidating the law.
The decision Friday comes two years after the Kansas court heard arguments from attorneys, an unusually long delay for a ruling. Iowa’s Supreme Court issued a similar decisionin 2018.
The Kansas Bill of Rights says residents’ natural rights include “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and that “free governments” were created for their “equal protection and benefit.”
The state’s attorneys argued there is no evidence that when the state constitution was written in 1859, its drafters contemplated abortion rights. In the Kansas Territory, abortion was illegal except to save a woman’s life, and that policy carried over in the new state’s laws.
The Kansas law at issue would bar physicians from using forceps or similar instruments on a live fetus to remove it from the womb in pieces, using the non-medical term “dismemberment abortion” to describe the procedure. Such instruments are commonly used in dilation and evacuation procedure, which the Center for Reproductive Rights has described as the safest and most common abortion procedure in the U.S. in the second trimester.
The Kansas law was model legislation drafted by the National Right to Life Committee. The group says similar bans have been enacted in 10 other states — Oklahoma, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Ohio and North Dakota.
Abortion providers reported performing 484 dilation and evacuation procedures in Kansas in 2018, according to state health department statistics. That was 6.9% of the state’s total abortions; most pregnancies were terminated during the first trimester.
The lawsuit against the Kansas law was filed by Drs. Herbert Hodes and Traci Nauser, a father and daughter who operated a women’s health center together in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park. Hodes has since retired.
After the district judge’s ruling put the law on hold, the Kansas Court of Appeals split 7-7, allowing the judge’s decision to stand.
————–
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court is preparing to rule on whether the state constitution protects abortion rights.
The court announced that it would issue a decision Friday in a lawsuit filed by two abortion providers in 2015 against a Kansas law banning a common second-trimester procedure.
A trial-court judge ruled that the state constitution’s Bill of Rights provides protections for abortion rights that are independent of protections under the U.S. Constitution.
If the Kansas Supreme Court agrees, state courts could invalidate abortion restrictions upheld by the federal courts. Such a decision also would likely spur an attempt from abortion opponents to amend the state constitution.
The law’s fate also is at issue. It was the first of its kind in the nation in 2015 but has yet to be enforced.
Drug Take Back Day will be Saturday in Ellis Co.
The Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit is taking back unwanted prescription drugs at the Hays Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, 27th & Vine St. in Hays; the Ellis Police Department, 815 Jefferson St. in Ellis; and Victoria City Hall, 1005 4th St. in Victoria – on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Ellis Co. DEU and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 17th opportunity in nine years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to one of the above sites. (Sites cannot accept needles or sharps, only pills or patches and liquids in sealed containers.)
The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
6-year-old boy dies from injuries in Kansas ATV crash
LONGTON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say one of two brothers hurt in an all-terrain vehicle crash in rural southeast Kansas has died from his injuries.
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Rick Wingate identified the boy as 6-year-old Owen Cannon, of Longton. His 9-year-old brother was driving the ATV when it crashed into a pickup truck on April 18 while cresting a hill on an Elk County gravel road.
Both boys were flown away from the wreck. The truck driver wasn’t hurt. A GoFundMe says the older boy had a broken leg, while Owen had swelling on his brain and cracked vertebrae in his neck.
Wingate says the investigation is ongoing.
Anthony ‘Tony’ Souchek
Anthony “Tony” Souchek, 74, of Atwood, died Sunday, April 21, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. He was born March 31, 1945 in Stratton, Nebraska to Henry and Frances (Horinek) Souchek.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gery Lee in 1966, and beloved partner Charlotte Findlay in 2006.
He is survived by his children, Jennifer, Decatur, TX and Jeremy (Jill), Fort Worth, TX; one grandchild, Mackenzie; his sisters, Marguerite Ward (Bob), Perth, Australia & Frances Ann Souchek, Colorado Springs, CO and brothers, Leonard Souchek (Doris), Payallup, WA, Marvin Souchek (Anne), Lincoln, NE and JD Souchek (Giovanna), Gainesville, VA.
Tony was disabled at barely 3 yrs of age, due to a farm accident, but this did not hinder him enjoying his life. Tony endured many surgeries on the growing lower leg bone in his formative years. Between surgeries and the healing process Tony was still able to help on the farm.
While the disability had its limitations, it did not stop him from activities like tubing down a mountain stream.
Tony spent years in the oil fields in Oklahoma, Louisiana and over 20 years in Northern Africa.
Golf, watching and especially playing, became his hobby. He played courses in Scotland, England, Spain and the States. Tony returned to Atwood in 2007 and joined the Country Club. He spent many happy days on the course and fun-filled nights with his friends at the clubhouse. Tony and Charlotte also enjoyed traveling the world and spent many years doing so.
Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, with a private family burial to follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com
New retirement home opens for old homeless dogs
KANSAS CITY (AP) — A new retirement home of sorts gives homeless senior dogs that don’t get adopted from shelters a place to romp and roam.
Shep’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary opened about two weeks ago in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.
Founder Russell Clothier says that he came up with the idea after he started volunteering at shelters and saw elderly dogs never finding a new home. He decided the dogs need to be spending their “golden days in retirement.”
The sanctuary is named after a 10-year-old beagle-basset hound mix that Clothier adopted. It has kennels for around 20 dogs to be housed together and a large yard. Clothier says the sanctuary takes only dogs that “fall through the cracks” and can’t find a home through a shelter.
FHSU’s Lindell honored with MIAA Women’s Tennis Sportsmanship Award
FHSU Athletics
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As the 2018-19 women’s tennis seasons comes to an end, the MIAA has announced this year’s All-Conference teams and awards. Fort Hays State’s Lauren Lindell earned the achievement of sharing the Sportsmanship Award for the year. The announcement, made Thursday (April 25) from the conference office, also named first, second and honorable-mention teams as well as other awards.
Lindell shares the honor with Claire Neil of Nebraska-Kearney and Sara Grozdanovic of Northwest Missouri State. She is the second Tiger in two years to earn this honor as Laura Jimenez-Lendinez captured the mention in 2017.
On the season, Lindell posted a 3-10 overall record in singles play and a 4-9 doubles mark. Lindell was a part of a Tigers squad which held a 3-10 record alongside a 0-8 MIAA mark.
Below is the 2019 All-MIAA Women’s Tennis Team.
2018-19 MIAA Women’s Tennis Awards and All-MIAA Teams
Co-Players of the Year: Adel-Byanu Abidullina – Central Oklahoma, Alexis Czapinski – Washburn
Freshman of the Year: Adel-Byanu Abidullina- Central Oklahoma
Coach of the Year: Lance Lysaught – Washburn
Sportsmanship Awards: Lauren Lindell – Fort Hays State, Claire Neil – Nebraska Kearney, Sara Grozdanovic – Northwest Missouri
First-Team
No. 1 Singles – Adel-Byanu Abidullina- Central Oklahoma
No. 2 Singles – Alexis Czapinski – Washburn
No. 3 Singles – Paola Landin – Central Oklahoma
No. 4 Singles – Maria Soler Valverde – Washburn
No. 5 Singles – Svea Crohn – Washburn
No. 6 Singles – Sara Grozdanovic – Northwest Missouri, Sarah Van Eeckhoudt – Central Oklahoma
No. 1 Doubles – Alexis Czapinski and Logan Morrissey – Washburn
No. 2 Doubles – Adel-Byanu Abidullina and Nikki Boyar – Central Oklahoma
No. 3 Doubles – Sarah Van Eeckhoudt and Alix Williams – Central Oklahoma
Includes Ties In Voting
Second-Team
No. 1 Singles – Tatjana Stoll – Northeastern State
No. 2 Singles – Mayra Jovic – Northeastern State
No. 3 Singles – Marta Ferrando – Northwest Missouri, Klara Vickov – Southwest Baptist
No. 4 Singles – Diana Cabrera – Southwest Baptist
No. 5 Singles – Karla Tomaic – Northeastern State
No. 6 Singles – Silvana Caceres – Emporia State
No. 1 Doubles – Tatjana Stoll and Mayra Jovic – Northeastern State
No. 2 Doubles – Jacqueline Engelbrecht and Svea Crohn – Washburn
No. 3 Doubles – Camryn Parnell and Claire Neil – Nebraska Kearney
Includes Ties In Voting
Honorable Mentions
No. 1 Singles – Jill Van den Dungen – Southwest Baptist
No. 2 Singles – Isabella Dunlap – Central Oklahoma, Irene Recuenco – Northwest Missouri
No. 4 Singles – Kirtana Bhat – Central Oklahoma, Julia Aliseda – Northwest Missouri
No. 5 Singles – Nikki Boyar – Central Oklahoma, Julie Rinderknech – Northwest Missouri
No. 6 Singles – Madison Lysaught – Washburn
No. 1 Doubles – Isabella Dunlap and Paola Landin – Central Oklahoma, Tania Teruel and Marta Ferrando – Northwest Missouri, Jill Van den Dungen and Klara Vickov – Southwest Baptist
No. 2 Doubles – Viktoria Mackova and Karen Santiago – Emporia State, Irene Recuenco and Julia Aliseda – Northwest Missouri
No. 3 Doubles – Silvana Caceres and Shannen Meyer – Emporia State, Melissa Vera and Emma Warnock – Northeastern State, Julie Rinderknech and Sara Grozdanovic – Northwest Missouri
P-burg student earns scholarship for exchange student program in Japan
The exchange scholarship, worth more than $11,000, is for the FCCLA members to travel to Japan for four to six weeks as an exchange student.
“Part of the application included writing many different essays explaining my interest in studying in Japan, as well as my ideas about what I could contribute to the program. I also had to interview over Skype,” Weishaar said. “I am excited to be dropped into a culture with other students my age and get the opportunity to use the language I have been learning.
Plainville rallies around injured brothers; poker run set for Saturday
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Plainville community has rallied around a local family who experience two tragedies in the matter of three months.
Plainville native Brandon Werner, the son of Rick and Karen Werner, was in a car accident near his home in Colorado. He was thrown about 90 feet from the vehicle and received a severe head injury, said family friend Rhonda Wolf. Brandon suffered two strokes, which left him partially paralyzed on his left side. He has also experienced difficulty with his speech.
Brandon, who is in his 30s, had no insurance, so his mother and father moved to Colorado to care for him.
Friends conducted a series of fundraisers for the family, including a soup supper that raised more than $7,700 in two hours.
“The Plainville community has been totally amazing,” Wolf said. “They sure come out like crazy to help their people.”
On March 23, Jeremy — Brandon’s younger brother — was in involved in a multiple motorcycle crash in Atlanta at the American Flat Track Races. He was paralyzed from the chest down. Jeremy is currently in rehab at Craig Hospital in Colorado, about an hour and a half from his brother.
The doctors are unsure of what Jeremy’s final prognosis will be.
He has a bruised spinal cord that has been labeled a “complete” injury. Spinal cord injuries take six months to a year to heal.
“He has regained stable sensation in his right ankle, so time will tell, but the family and community are hopeful,” said Kylee Shae, Jeremy’s girlfriend.
Jeremy works for Stahl Products in Plainville, and Wolf said the company has gone out of its way to help the family during this crisis.
Karen, a nurse, has had to take leave from her job to help care for her sons, Wolf said. Rick Werner works in the oilfield and has someone temporarily filling in for him.
Friends of the Werners are selling T-shirts and other items, proceeds of which are going to help the family. More information on these items can be found on the WernerStrong Facebook page.
On Saturday, the Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club is sponsoring the Friends of the Werner Family Benefit Run. The poker run will begin at Westins in Stockton. Registration will be from noon to 1 p.m. Start time will be 1 p.m.
The first hand will cost $15. Additional hands will cost $5 each. The run will go from Westins in Stockton to Lucky Lady in Osborne to Roadside Park in Luray to Fossil Station in Russell and will end at the Burgers and Beer in Plainville. The special at the Burgers and Beer Saturday night will be prime rib.
All vehicles are welcome. Last vehicles need to be in by 5 p.m.
To make monetary donations, send them to Jeff Miller, 800 S. Broadway, Plainville, KS 67663. Make checks payable to Rick Werner.
For more information, contact Rusty at 785-302-0070 or Gary at 785-543-1874.
Helen Joyce Govert
Helen Joyce Govert, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Greeley County Long Term Care in Tribune, Kansas. Helen was born June 9, 1930 in Arkansas City, Kansas, the youngest of nine children, to Arthur & Pearl (Bundy) Leach.
Helen graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1948, attended Arkansas City Junior College and later graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelors Degree in Education. She taught elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Sumner County, Kansas.
At a fortuitous blind date, Helen met Joseph “Joe” John Govert, Jr. and they were later married on May 31, 1955 at Hays, Kansas. Helen’s sense of humor counterbalanced Joe’s seriousness for over sixty-one years, with Joe’s passing on June 3, 2016 at Tribune, Kansas.
In 1956, the couple relocated to Greeley County, Kansas to farm and raise their family, establishing Govert Construction in 1957. Helen briefly worked at the Greeley County Public Library and operated a porcelain doll studio, Exquizit Creations, with her friend Alice Robertson from 1989 through 2008.
Helen was an active volunteer, an avid reader and spirited storyteller, regularly being asked to give book reviews at community events. She enjoyed welcoming new residents to the community, with her friend Marge Kuttler as part of the Welcome Wagon. She enjoyed sharing her passion for drawing, painting and porcelain dolls with 4-H students, staffing Sacks on Broadway and as a member of the Pride Committee. Helen was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Tribune, Kansas, serving as Sacristan in assisting in setting up for services at the church and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, providing communion to the homebound.
Helen’s surviving family includes-
Three Children and their spouses-
Mike & Cathy Govert- Tribune, Kansas
Kevin & Cindy Govert- Tribune, Kansas
Sara & Gene Greeson- Tribune, Kansas
Nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Her parent, husband four brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.
Her family cherishes Helen in a million different ways, all because she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and great grandmother.
Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. (MDT) Sunday, April 28, 2018 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Tribune, Kansas.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 29. 2019 at the church with Fathers Tim Hickey and Benjamin Martin officiating.
Burial will be in Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas.
Friends may call from 2:00 until 5:00 pm Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Tribune, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the Greeley County Library in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com
This weekend’s Hays-area garage sales
Hays-area garage sales
Scroll to the bottom for a map of garage sale locations. Hays Post offers FREE garage sale listings weekly. Having a garage sale next weekend? Click HERE to submit your information.
—————-
2524 Henry, Hays
Friday April 26 7:00am to 8:00pm; Saturday April 27 7:00am to noon
Lots of toys, lots of household items, carpet, so many things, well organized, largest annual garage sale to date, must see it
—————
1204 Donald Drive, Hays
Friday, April 26, 9:00A.M.-6:00P.M.
Collectibles, Man Cave/Diva Den items, Household, Outdoors
—————–
3400 Summer Lane, Hays
April 27th 9AM-2PM
Junior/Women’s Brand Name Clothing
—————–
2500 Block Henry, Hays
Friday April 26th 8AM to 8PM
Multi-family garage sales
—————-
4107 Fillmore, Hays
Friday, May 31 9am-2pm and Saturday, June 1 9am- 2pm
Dining chairs, dining linens, breakfast nook table and chairs, filing cabinets (metal and wood), book shelves, media cabinets, garden tools, bedding, ski rack
—————-
115 Pembroke Lane, Ellinwood
Saturday, April 27, 2019 8 am-noon
Items from multiple households including many acquired while in the same residence for over 60 years: craft supplies, fabric, sewing notions, crochet items, holiday decor, Tupperware of many decades, glassware, dishes, cookware, cookbooks – including from area churches, jewelry, chairs, shelves, luggage, baskets, office supplies, household miscellaneous, ladders, John Deere RX75 30″ riding mower with rear bagger and new motor, garden hoses, leaf rake, bird feeder, bathroom sink, wall cabinet, 26″ woman’s bicycle and kids’ clothes. Part of Ellinwood’s spring city wide garage sales.
—————
1207 Hickory Victoria
Saturday April 27 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Furniture, tools, men’s work clothes, camping gear, rotisserie & BBQ oven, homemade potholders $2 each. Unique vintage items, sports bedding, tripods, books.
—————-
VICTORIA CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE
SAT. APRIL 27, 2019 RAIN OR SHINE! 8 a.m. to ??
1006 Ash. Women’s & kids’ clothing, home décor, patio set, desk.
1208 Ash. New compound bow, folding chairs, wooden footstool, old license plates, mirrors, kids’ games, music.
806 Cedar. Women & men’s clothing, baby items, household items.
709 Grant. Crib, pack n play, toys, excellent boy baby clothes NB-2T.
711 Hickory. Tools, lawnmowers, miscellaneous.
1004 Hickory. Boys’ clothing, name brand girls’ clothing, lots of miscellaneous.
1207 Hickory. Camping gear, unique vintage items, furniture, tools, homemade potholders, art.
502 Jefferson. Baby clothes, brand clothes, jewelry, dishes, antiques, misc.
627 Jefferson. Women’s clothing (s-xl), women’s shoes, girls’ clothes & shoes, little boys’ clothes, toys.
2569 Spring Hill Rd. Household items, furniture, clothing, shoes, jewelry, home décor.
—————–
408 E 13th St, Hays
May 18th & 19th from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Men and Women’s Clothing and Shoes, Various Household Appliances and Items including: shelving, dresser, dvds, lawn care equipment, kitchen items, office supplies, organizational items, and other miscellaneous things. This is a moving sale, all items MUST go!
—————-
3202 Country Lane, Hays
Friday from3:00-6:00 and Saturday 8:00-11:00
Stadium seats, men’s and women’s clothing, yard decor, oak microwave cart, home decor, bedding
——————
1306 Donald Drive, Hays
Saturday, April 27th
4 – Family “Too much stuff” Garage Sale (from Kansas and Missouri) 1306 Donald Dr. Hays, KS Saturday, April 27th Open 8am to 2pm We will have a wide variety of items, something for everyone & great prices. Hope you can come! Marshall Guitar Amp Exercise Cycle: Gold’s Gym Boy’s bike Plastic hockey sticks, baseball bats and toys New items Books & Movie Teacher items Baby things Clothes for: Baby – Children – Women – Men Home Décor Kitchen items including Pampered Chef Stoneware & a Bread Machine Lots & lots of miscellaneous
——————-
Myrna Faye Campbell
Myrna Faye Campbell, 87, passed away April 24, 2019 at her home in Great Bend. She was born November 11, 1931, in Rural Smith Center to Melvin & Velma (Staley) Yenne. She married Donald Gene Sheets on February 7, 1950 and they later divorced. She then married Eldon Spike Campbell on October 6, 1978. He died July 2, 1987.
Coming from Smith Center in 1962, Myrna was employed as a bookkeeper for Doonan Truck for 6 ½ years, the Great Bend Tribune for 23 ½ years and then retired in March 1994. She worked part time then for Lou’s Printing, Dairy Queen, Dollar Tree, and Satellite Pros. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Great Bend. She graduated from Smith Center High School and was a volunteer for Compeer & Hospice. She enjoyed going to Branson, MO and playing Black Jack, golf and going to baseball and basketball games and spending time with her family.
Survivors include, one daughter, Donna Marbut; one son, John Sheets and wife Vicki of Great Bend; two step daughters, Cathy Winters of Phillipsburg and Sheila Stocker and husband Randy of Shelton, NE; one brother, Robert Yenne of Arvada, CO; three step sisters, Carolene Stutterheim, Lorraine Wells and husband Roger of Phillipsburg, Shirley Stutterheim of Almena; step brother-in-law, Dick Van Der Wege of Lindsborg; a host of nieces and nephews; 5 grandchildren, Jason Marbut and wife Mandi, Jennifer Keener and husband Jarrod, Trevor Marbut and wife Samantha, Rachelle Sheets and Joshua Sheets; step grandchildren, Talatha Reese and husband Jay and Jason Winters, all of Phillipsburg; 7 great grandchildren, Tyler Marbut and wife Taylor, Kelsie Brown and husband Trent, Kameron Keener, Kaleigh, Addilie and Waylon Sheets, and Blake Sheets, all of Great Bend; 4 step great grandchildren, Hannah, Abbigal, and Jacob Winters, Kaleigh and Makenzie Marbut; three great great grandchildren, Brantlie Mae Marbut, Kayson Brown and Carter Marbut. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Eldon; her step father William DeBoer, two son-in-laws, Dale Marbut and Leon Winters; two step sisters, Helen DeBoer, Elnor Van Der Wege; and brother-in-law Roger Stutterheim.
Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Johnson presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church or Kindred Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Adolph Degenhardt
Adolph Degenhardt, 97, formerly of Hays, died Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at McCrite Health Center in Topeka.
He was born November 20, 1921 in Pfeifer the son of John J. and Anna Marie “Emma” (Basgall) Degenhardt. He served for three years in the Civilian Conservation Corps and was a United States Army World War II Veteran. Adolph was a welder, co-owner, and foreman for Hays Machine Works for 38 years. He married Elsie Wendling on August 24, 1942 in Pfeifer. She preceded him in death on March 21, 1951. He married Florentine Meder- Urban in Hays on July 19, 1952. She preceded him in death on August 29, 1971. He married Alice Wudarczyk, and she preceded him in death. He spent over 20 happy years with companion and dear friend, Lydia Sander before she preceded him in death. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Anthony’s Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166, the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and the Knights of Columbus in Topeka. He was hard working, generous, devoted to his religion and his church, had a good sense of humor, enjoyed playing pinochle, polka dancing, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters; JoAnn Degenhardt-Staley (Lyle) and Priscilla Degenhardt-Burke (Bob), two sons; Raymond Degenhardt (Donna) and Col. (Ret) Ernest Degenhardt (Tish), 11 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 12 step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wives; Elsie, Florentine, and Alice, special friend; Lydia, five brothers; Sylvester, Victor, Walter, Dale, and John, two sisters; Regina Basgall and Alvina Bieker, a step-daughter Eileen Urban-Jacobs, and a grandson; Derek John Degenhardt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Barry Brinkman officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A parish vigil service will be at 7:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Condolences and memories of Adolph may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com