James “Jim” Lawrence Hoffman, age 84, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays.

He was born December 31, 1934, in Plainville, Kansas to Lawrence and Josephine (Karlin) Hoffman. On May 30, 1964, he married Vera Sander in Hays, Kansas.

Jim worked for the City of Hays for 27 years and for Alco for 17 years. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church of Hays. He enjoyed playing polka and gospel music on the piano, playing cards, watching sports especially the Kansas City Royals, gardening and listening to Johnny Cash.

He is survived by his wife, Vera of Hays; a sister, Lillian Pfeifer of Hays as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a niece, Barbara Winston and a nephew, David Hoffman.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will be in the St. Anne’s Cemetery, Walker, KS.

Visitation will be Saturday 9 AM until service time with a rosary service at 9:30 AM all at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to HaysMed Hospice or the Good Samaritan Society, Hays.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]

Alva Dee Winters II, 61, passed away October 8, 2019 at the Graham County hospital, Hill City, Kansas. He was born August 21, 1958 to Alva Dee and Edrie LaVerne (Marshall) Winters Sr. in Denver, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his mother; his sister, Patricia Spradlin; one niece; and one granddaughter.

Alva is survived by his father, Alva Dee Winters Sr.; a son, Jeremiah Winters of Hill City; a daughter, Victoria Winters of Hill City; three grandchildren; brothers: Ralph Winters of LaCrosse, and Cid Weishapl of Denver; and a sister, Barbara Sterling (Marvin) of Bailey, Colorado.

Click HERE for service details.

William Michael Wininger — “Mike” to friends and family — was born October 3, 1946 in Fowler, California to William Minor and Evelyn (Foreman) Wininger. He has one sister, Sandra Lynn Doty.

Mike graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Stockton, California in 1965. While still in high school, he studied college architecture and had a house built. Less than a year after graduation, Mike was drafted. Rather than going where the Army wanted him to go, he enlisted opting for the Nuclear Missile field, where he became a computer operator. He served his first overseas tour of duty in Korea.

Then while stationed at Fort Cronkite, just outside of Sausalito, he met Terry Cox, the love of his life. They were married on March 1, 1969. That summer he was transferred to Zweibrucken, Germany, where their daughter Suzanne Marie (Suzie) was born December 17, 1969, on Terry’s 20th birthday. Most of Mike’s stateside tours were at Fort Bliss (El Paso), Texas. In 1972, he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where their son William Michael Wininger, Jr. (Billy) was born December 12, 1972. Mike’s next overseas tour took the family back to Germany, this time to Ludwigsburg, just outside of Stuttgart for 3 years. Upon returning to the states, and with another transfer looming, Mike decided to leave the military in 1978, after 12 years of service.

The family moved to Sharon Springs, KS where Terry’s grandparents Wilbur and Addie Cox, step-mother Virginia (and husband Everett) Linton, and two brothers Gary and James Cox lived. Mike went to Northwest Kansas Area Vo-Tec in Goodland for a year, studying auto mechanics while working part time for Cowles Ford in Sharon Springs. After finishing school, Mike had second thoughts about leaving the military, and so he re-enlisted in 1979. He was immediately sent back to Germany, this time Germersheim. After completing that 3 year tour the family moved back to El Paso for the final time.

While planning for retirement, and Suzie’s graduation, 14 year old Billy was stricken with a brain aneurysm and passed away on May 18, 1987. Since the family had planned to move to Connecticut, where Terry was originally from, Billy was buried there. Mike reluctantly stood his retirement ceremony on May 31st, and Suzie graduated June 6th. The next day, they left for Connecticut.

After a couple of years of various mechanical positions, Mike went back to school for Truck Driving. With his certificate in hand, he and Terry moved to Phoenix, AZ, where he got his CDL and drove truck for a while. He quickly tired of being on the road all the time, so he changed to bus driving locally. He eventually went to work for “VIA Adventures” where he drove tour buses locally and for “Tauck Tours” throughout the Southwest.

While in Phoenix, Mike got involved with Remote Control Airplanes. It was a hobby that he enjoyed most and stuck with the longest. It was the next best thing to actually flying. He’d taken flight lessons in Germany, and again in Connecticut, but never got his pilot’s license.

Mike was a military dog handler while in Korea, and never lost his love of dogs. Over the years he had four Brittany Spaniels with “Lady Millennium of Sky Lodge”, Millie for short, being his favorite. His dream car was a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle, 396, in candy apple orange with white racing stripes. He loved bright colors.

During his 2nd tour in Germany, he took hang gliding lessons, with his graduation flight in the Alps. His hang glider was red striped with all the primary colors. He was always a bit of a thrill seeker from flying and motorcycles, to drag racing his Chevy Nova. His love for fishing came from his father. He and Terry enjoyed bowling together in leagues and tournaments for the majority of their marriage. His proudest bowling achievement was converting the 7-10 split. Mike and Terry always enjoyed vacationing in Kansas on her brother’s farm, usually over Thanksgiving with lots of good food, family and pheasant hunting.

In 2015, after battling Valley Fever for a few years, he convinced Terry to retire and move out of the southwest. They relocated in Depoe Bay, a small resort town on the Oregon coast. His Valley Fever symptoms cleared up dramatically, and he did well for about a year. Right after moving to Oregon, he purchased an ocean going boat with all the crab and fishing gear. He really enjoyed spending time on the boat with family. In January 2019, he collapsed with lung problems. Four months later, he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), an incurable unexplainable lung disease. Initial prognosis was maybe 5-10 years to live, but after only 2 years, it was revised to 6 months to 2 years.
Mike passed away in his sleep on October 1st, 2 days short of his 73rd birthday. There is no more pain and suffering. He is survived by his wife Terry of 50 years; his daughter Suzanne, her two children Ty and Nicole Zubrod; Suzanne’s 2nd husband James Mocek and his three sons, Jeremy, Zachary and Anthony; his sister Sandra Doty and her two boys, Jacob and Aaron. He is predeceased by his parents, his son William Jr., and brothers-in-law Gary Cox and David Doty.

Mike, you are in our hearts “Always and Forever”….

Graveside services for Mike will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM MT at the Weskan Cemetery in Weskan, Kansas with Reverend Paul McNall officiating.

Memorials may be designated to the Disabled American Veterans and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

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

Graveside services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.

Dorothy Dixon, 95, passed away October 7, 2019, at Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore.

She was born March 3, 1924, in Jetmore to Herman and Jessie Pearl Knoefler.

A lifetime area resident she was a homemaker and a housewife. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Happy Hour Club, and FCE Sunny West, all of Jetmore.

On August 2, 1944, she married William “Bill” Dixon at Hanston; he preceded her in death on March 5, 2007.

She is survived by a granddaughter, Leslie (Brooks) Welner, Olathe; a son-in-law, Bobbie Cameron, Washington, NC; great grandson, Sawyer Welner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Sharon Cameron; son, Robert William Dixon; two brothers, Leo Knoefler and Dale Knoefler; four sisters, Hazel Turner, Ruby Spreier, Marie Kort, and Natalie Sinclair.

Funeral service 10:00 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church, Jetmore, with pastors Mark Durham and Peter Mtuamwari presiding. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. Burial in Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore.

Memorials may be given to United Methodist Church, Jetmore, in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, PO Box 663, Jetmore, Kansas 67854.

Pauline Lucy Bender, 88, of Russell, Kansas died on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Pauline was born on November 22, 1930, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Cheesman ) Barker. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Clarence Bender on March 18, 1951, in Russell, Kansas. From this union Pauline and Clarence were blessed with 5 children Carol, Alvin, Elton Daniel and Roy. Clarence preceded her in death on May 28, 2012, in Russell, Kansas.

For several years, Pauline worked as a seamstress for Heffel Tailor Shop performing alterations for Banker’s Mercantile. She also worked for several years for Sprint Sports Wear sewing and altering sports uniforms. She was a longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell and was a member of the Russell Historical Society, church circles and Russell Garden Club. She enjoyed going to auctions, crocheting, working in the yard, gardening and working on genealogy. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving family include her three sons, Alvin Bender (Patricia) of Abilene, Kansas, Elton Bender (Letty) of Salina, Kansas and Daniel Bender (JoAnn) of Russell, Kansas; 17 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Roy Bender, daughter Carol Whitmer, grandson Charles T. Bender, brother Kenneth Barker & sisters Reba Johnson, Bessie Tackett, Mabel Harkness, Sybil Hayes and Wilma Campbell.

A celebration of Pauline’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 11, 2019, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Michael Eurit officiating. A private family burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.

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

Judith A. “Judy” (Schmidtberger) Braun, age 76, died Monday, October 7, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Society of Ellis.

She was born October 31, 1942, at Victoria, Kansas to Edmund L. and Elizabeth (Hertel) Schmidtberger. She married Everett J. Braun on June 2, 1962, at Victoria, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 6, 2005.

She was a homemaker, served on St. Fidelis Parish Council, was Religious Ed teacher for a number of years, and enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls. She grew up in Victoria and Plainville, and attended Plainville High School. She was a member of the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers, and a Sweet and Sour Kraut cast member all of Victoria, Kansas.

Survivors include three sons, Douglas and wife, Jeri Braun; Lenexa, KS; Scott and Terri Braun, Hays, KS; Curt Braun and wife, Dr. Jessica Braun, Hays, KS; eight grandchildren, Brandon Braun, Rachel Braun, Bryce Braun, Coby Braun, Alec Waelchli, Isabelle Braun, Addie Braun and Mabel Braun; one brother, Edmund Schmidtberger and wife, Mary Lee, Pratt, KS; three sisters, Marjorie Gagnon and husband, Ralph, Overland Park, KS; Cheryl Hammerschmidt and husband, Lloyd, Lawrence, KS; and Paula Walts, Lawrence, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 14, 2019, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Burial will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service and combined Daughters of Isabella / Christian Mothers rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sunday, and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Monday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to The Basilica of St. Fidelis or the Good Samaritan Society of Ellis.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Wanda Lee Muller, 88, of Minneapolis, died Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO. She was born September 5, 1931 in Mountain Grove, MO to Walter and Olive (Steadman) Abrams.

Her father was a construction superintendent and she attended 40 different schools while the family moved to the next highway or airbase project. In 1948, she moved to Minneapolis and graduated from Minneapolis High School in 1949. On July 31, 1949 she married Neil Muller.

Wanda was employed at Sparger’s Drug Store, Worthington’s Department Store, veterinarian offices, the Ottawa County Treasurer’s office, and she served as Deputy Ottawa County Clerk.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Neil Muller.

She is survived by three sons; Steve (Deby) Muller of Salina, Mike (Tami) Muller of Ness City, and Rick (Jennifer) Muller of Springfield, MO; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 12 at Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. Memorials may be made to the Minneapolis Public Library or the Golden Wheel Senior Center.

J Richard Caldwell, 89, lifetime resident of Goodland, KS, passed away October 6th, 2019 at Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis, Kansas.

Richard was born to Irma (Nye) Caldwell and Jim Caldwell on November 30, 1929. He was the third born of four children. He attended Sherman Community High School and graduated in 1947. After High School he attended Kansas University for one year. He enjoyed driving around in his 1947 Ford Sportsman convertible with his friends, especially Gayle Fixsen, they had big fun even skipped school and took a road trip to Florida. Richard married Barbara (Elmore) Caldwell in 1952 in Las Vegas Nevada and had two children. Richard’s occupation throughout life was owner/operator of Caldwell’s Inc. in Goodland.

Richard’s favorite times were in Las Vegas with his wife, Barbara.

Preceding him in death are his wife Barbara (Elmore) Caldwell, his parents Jim and Irma (Nye) Caldwell, his sister Peggy Newhouse, brother Don Caldwell of Burlington, Co.

Survivors include, Daughter Terri Caldwell Lucas (Tony Poling) of Kingman AZ, Son Jaymes Caldwell (Tammy) of Goodland. Grand-children Michelle Kaup Kaiser (Paul Kaiser) of Goodland, Aubree Caldwell (JC Ely) of Stratton, CO, Joseph Caldwell of Cherryvale, KS. Great-grandchildren Emily Purvis of Denver, CO, Ezra Kaiser of Lawrence, KS, and Isaac Kaiser of Goodland.

The Caldwell family will have a celebration of life in November more details will be posted at a later date.