Virginia (Jean) Marie Nickelson, 89, Hays, Kansas, formerly of New Almelo, Kansas, died Friday, October 26, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society of Hays.

Jean was born March 13, 1929, in Plainville, Kansas to Leo and Rose (Dreiling) Wolf. She married Randall Nickelson October 25, 1949, in New Almelo, Kansas. He preceded her in death in May of 1999. Jean was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society. She was a homemaker all her life. Jean enjoyed her church quilt guild, polka music and reading, especially the Capper’s Weekly. Tending a huge garden and bird watching were two passions she and her husband Randy shared. She liked camping and occasionally fishing. In her later years Jean loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and later with her great grandchildren. After moving into Centennial Towers in Hays she made new friends.

Besides her husband, Jean was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Rose Ann; a sister, Arlene Flagg; three brothers-in-law: Vick Flagg; Everette Keith; and Duane Streit; and a sister-in-law Hazel Wolf.

Survivors include three sons: Terry and wife Sherri, Byers; Jerry and wife Carol, Hill City; and Neil and wife Thelma, Hays; two daughters: Rhonda Shepard and husband Steve, rural Collyer and Gail Brandyberry and husband Neal, rural Alma, Nebraska; a brother Bob Wolf, North Platte, Nebraska; three sisters: Tillie Keith of Hill City; Eleanor Streit of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Donna Scott and husband Joe, Fort Scott; 14 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

Throughout her life, Jean’s faith never wavered. So let us take comfort in the words from Corinthians. “Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?”

“Thanks be to God who gives us this victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

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Dallas Dee Heinitz, age 66, of Ulysses, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 27 2018, in Ulysses. He was born on April 30, 1951, to William and Della (Blau) Heinitz in Garden City, Kansas.

Dallas attended a one room school house in Logan County, Kansas, and graduated from high school at Wichita County High School in Leoti, Kansas. He attended Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kansas. Dallas began a long career at Pioneer Communications. In 2013 after 39 years of service, he retired from Pioneer Communications.

On September 1, 1973, he married Colette Heble in Atwood, Kansas. They celebrated 45 years of marriage this year. They were blessed with four children Kep, Alyse, Katina and Alaina.

Dallas was active in his community and always willing to lend a helping hand. He served as Cub Master and Scout Master for Pack and Troop 186 for over 15 years. The first time was with his son, Kep, and the second time with his grandson, Lincoln. He was also a member of Kiwanis for many years.

Dallas was a master woodworker. From dollhouses, rocking horses, quilt racks, tackle boxes; everything he made is a treasure. Recently Dallas began to make Bamboo Fly Rods. Dallas enjoyed family, fly fishing, boating, and trains.

Surviving family members include his wife Colette of Ulysses, Kansas, children Kep and Cherina Heinitz of Buena Vista, Colorado; Alyse and Brian Stanley of Wichita, Kansas; Katina and Jacob Harter of Durango, Colorado; Alaina and Britt Madison of Yukon, Oklahoma; including nine grandchildren, Zharria, Reau, Brice, Elliott, Catherine, Aundrea, Lincoln, Hadley and baby Harter (Due January 20th). Also surviving are his siblings Bruce, Dennis, Dana, Barry and Tanis.

Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, William and Della (Blau) Heinitz and his parents-in-law, Clarence and Martha Heble.

Memorial service will be Friday, November 2, 2018, at 10:30 AM at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses with Reverend Peter Fernandez officiating. Memorial contributions may be given in Dallas’ name to Troop 186 in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.

Frances L. Myers, 98, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2018 at SunPorch of Smith Center.

Arrangements are pending with All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center.

Longtime Tribune, Kansas resident and former Sharon Springs, Kansas resident, Tillie Rocha O’Leary, passed away on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the Greeley County Long Term Care Center. She was 86.

Tillie was born on May 4, 1932 in San Antonio, Texas to Anastasio and Brigida (Cuevas) Hernandez. She was one of five children. She attended school through the 3rd grade.

On November 25, 1952, Tillie married Juan Rocha in Plainview, Texas. To this union six children; Ted, Martina, Juan, Lupe, Antonio and Rosa were born. On November 11, 1978, Tillie married Paul O’Leary in Sharon Springs, KS.

Tillie worked for many years as a custodian in the Greeley County School System. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and spending time with grandchildren. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tribune.

Preceding her in death were her husbands Juan Rocha and Paul O’Leary, one son Juan Rocha and one sister and three brothers.

She is survived by her five children; Ted Rocha of Garden City, KS, Martina (Marvin) Urban of Colby, KS, Lupe Rocha of Wichita, KS, Antonio Rocha of Garden City, KS and Rosa (Jon) Patton of Tribune, KS. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Tillie was held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs with Pastor Justin Sherer officiating. Burial followed in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.

Memorials may be designated to the Greeley County Long Term Care or to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.koonsrusssellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services were entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.

Minnie Michaelis Rufenacht, age 98, died on October 25, 2018 at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City. She was born on March 7, 1920 on the farm in Trego County the daughter of Joseph and Regina Reitmeyer Flax.

She was a homemaker and farm wife and a lifetime resident of Trego and Ness Counties. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Leisure Years Center, both of Ness City.

On November 25, 1936 she married Arthur L Michaelis. He preceded her in death on February 12, 1985. She later married Ray Rufenacht on February 12, 1992. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1996.

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Schweitzer, and her husband, Darrel, of Lake Wappapello, Missouri; three sons, DeWayne Michaelis and his wife, Sandy, Wade Michaelis and his wife, Gayla, both of Ness City and James Michaelis and his wife, Deanna, of Bazine; 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson; three step-children, Dale Rufenacht (Cindy), Della Steffan (Gerome), and Howard Rufenacht and their families; and long time caretaker and family friend, Donna Ellis. She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, one son, Jerry Michaelis, three brothers, John, Frank, and Carl Flax, 5 sisters, Rosie Stieben, Betty Eaton-Shipley, Pauline Smith, Francis Ashenbrenner, and Helen Costa; and one granddaughter, Tracy Michaelis.

Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City followed by burial in the Ness City Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Ness City Leisure Years, Our Redeemer Lutheran church, and The Kansas Center for Autism.

Memories and words of support maybe be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Victor J. Riebel, age 91, died at Cedar Village, Ness City on October 27, 2018. He was born on the family farm near Ness City on January 30, 1927 the son of Clem and Anna (Dinges) Riebel.

He attended Ness City High School and was a part of the State track team. He had to end his high school career early to work on the farm when his father was no longer able to work. Vic was a US Army Veteran. He worked as a mechanic for Slagle Implement fixing cars and farm implements. He also hauled fuel and worked for Pickerell Drilling as a pumper. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling and playing cards. When his grandchildren started playing sports, he attended every game that he could and listened to them on the radio when he couldn’t. Vic was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, all of Ness City.

Sixty-Six years ago, on April 14, 1952 he married Wilma Kreutzer in Ness City. She survives. Other survivors include his son, Perry Riebel (Judy) of Russell; five daughters, Vickie Leiker (Donald) of Ness City, June Stoecklein (Steven) of Manhattan, Jane Stoecklein (Lester) of Ness City, Randae Rufenacht (Benjie) of Ness City, and Karen Stoecklein (Ron) of Ness City; four brothers, Johnny, Willie, Melvin, and Leon Riebel; three sisters, Sister Florentia, Sister Leona and Sister Barbara Riebel; 13 grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Norbert and Paul Riebel; two sisters, Arlene Drake and Sister Winfred Riebel, and a granddaughter, Tara Ann Riebel.

Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City. Burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 30 from noon until 9:00 p.m. Rosary and Parish Vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Cedar Village, Sacred Heart Church or the American Legion, all of Ness City.

Lola A. Donecker, 92, passed away October, 25, 2018, at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend. She was born February 19, 1926 at Trego County to William and Katie (Strauch) Bauer. She married Lewis H. “Hap” Donecker September 19, 1948 at Dighton, Kansas. He died June 29, 2010.

Coming from Dighton in 1972, Lola was a Great Bend resident. She was a member of First Christian Church. She was a clerk at Gibson’s Discount Center, retiring in 1991, when she obtained her GED. She then worked for a short time at ASI telemarketing. She enjoyed reading, baking, embroidery, crocheting, gardening, canning, sewing, quilting, playing “noodle balloon ball”, noodle making, and above all, spending time with her family. She was a member of the River Bend Bible Study Group and the River Bend Bell Choir.

Survivors include, three daughters, Kathleen Donecker of Hutchinson, Vicki Sheets and husband John of Great Bend and Reneé Dykes and husband Luke of Great Bend; one sister, Evelyn Lawless of Topeka; five grandchildren, Jennifer Keener and husband Jarrod, Rachelle Sheets, Joshua Sheets, Danielle Keenan and husband Pat, Sarah Haberman and husband Jason; and ten great-grandchildren, Kelsie Brown and husband Trent, Kameron Keener, Blake Sheets, Kaleigh Sheets, Addilie Sheets, Waylon Sheets, Olivia Keenan, Caroline Keenan, Kori Haberman and fiancé Troy Ostmeyer, Gavin Haberman and Cohen Haberman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis “Hap” Donecker; one son, Lewis Dean Donecker; three brothers, Walter, John and Benjamin Bauer and, three sisters, Rosie Ferris Lolley, Mabel Flinn and Lillian Bauer.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2018, with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at First Christian Church, with Rev. Joshua Leu presiding. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. in the Lane County Cemetery, in Dighton, Kansas, with a reception to follow at the Dighton First Christian Church.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church or the River Bend Assisted Living Activity Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Lyalla LeeAnn (Henricks) Pywell, 84 passed away Friday, October 19, 2018 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She was born July 21, 1934 in rural Smith County, KS to Dr Alvin A & Pansy (Lyall) Henricks.

Lyalla was a long-time Phillips County resident, graduating from Phillipsburg High in 1952. She was faithful in her attendance of the annual alumni banquets, always keeping up with fellow classmates.

Lyalla married Roger Chester in 1952. To this union three children were born. Roger proceeded her in death, passing away in 1974.

October 23, 1976 Lyalla married Lonnie Pywell in Phillipsburg, KS. This union also added two daughters from Lonnie’s previous marriage. Lyalla was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, crossword puzzles and helping the kids any way she could.

The family moved from Phillipsburg to Lakin KS in 1985. During this time she worked part-time at Kearny County Hospital and served on election boards. After retirement in 2002, the Pywells moved to Poncha Springs CO, achieving their dream of mountain living. They remained there until Lyalla’s failing health mandated relocation to Hays KS in 2014. February of 2018 saw another move; this time to an assisted living facility in Las Cruces, NM.

Lyalla is survived by her husband Lonnie of the home, sons, Michael Chester, whereabouts unknown and Scott Henricks (wife Patty) of Lawrence, KS, daughters Cristin Chester, Hays KS, Deb (Pywell) Smith (husband Keenan) of Las Cruces, NM and Donna (Pywell) Griem (husband Rennie) of Salina KS, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Cremation was planned. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, October 29, 2018 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. A memorial service will be held at a later date at United Methodist Church, Salida CO.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amber Care Hospice in Las Cruces, NM

Lawrence Frederick Oelkers, 93, Hays, passed away peacefully at his home on October 24, 2018 with his loving wife, Bernadette, by his side.

Lawrence was born February 6, 1925, to John B. and Ethel Rose (Carmen) Oelkers in their home in Fairview Township, Rush County Kansas. He attended rural school in the community of Cordia and graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1942. After graduation, he attended Fort Hays State University. During that time he started his work as a Farmer and Stockman.

A member of the “Greatest Generation”, Lawrence was a WWII Veteran. In July of 1944 he joined the U.S. Navy to be part of the call to defend America. He began his training at Great Lakes, Illinois and took his amphibious training in Florida. He was assigned to the SS Haines as a Boatswain’s Mate 2C. Following basic and seamanship training his assignments took him to Pearl Harbor, the Marshall Islands, Panama Canal, and Guam. His final duties included transporting the Bomb Survey Group to different ports in Japan so they could assess the damage done by the bombings. Most importantly, he walked among the unforgettable ruins of the Atomic Bomb at Hiroshima. Later in life, physicians and members of the medical community were always astonished at his good health and long life after having done such a feat. Lawrence was awarded the distinguished Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Victory Medal, and the Point System Medal.

When his tour of duty was over, he returned home to his greatest passion…raising cattle and farming.
In 1957 Dad met and began dating Brown Country School teacher, Bernadette Legleiter. They were married on February 12, 1960. In the absence of a mother, Bernadette bonded with the children and took on the title of Mom. They blended as a family and Dad and Mom began the task of raising the children together.
Memories of our Father: Dad was a strong man, tall in stature, with sky blue eyes, and an endearing smile. He was easily noticed when entering a room. To his children he was a gentle giant.

Dad led by example, with the time held tradition that, “Actions speak louder than words.” We understood that “Yes” meant whatever was asked of him it would be accomplished. Whereas, “No” meant do not ask again. Dad did not yield and could not be persuaded. Now as adults we realize how important a quality that probably was. Although a Farmer by trade he was a Gentleman in conduct and looked striking in a suit whenever an occasion called for it. Lawrence was patient, tolerant, and a man of his word. He was gifted with the ability to maintain the values of integrity, and strong character. He believed in loyalty, love of family, hard work, faith in God, trustworthiness and respect. That’s how he lived his life. Aside from his family his greatest joy was working the land that had been held by his family for generations.

Although no framed “degree” hung behind his desk, he was a very capable and knowledgeable man. Farming requires an extraordinary amount of planning, math, politics and economics. He enjoyed reading and expanding his understanding of the ever changing world. One could always see a group of magazines, newspapers, books, articles, and a Bible near his easy chair.

Other than his work as a farmer and rancher, Lawrence built and remodeled several homes. They showcased his ability as a carpenter, plumber, electrician and woodworker. He was also a skilled mechanic who rebuilt and repaired many vehicles. He had worked for a time as a mechanic in both Hays and LaCrosse to supplement his farm income. Whether it be a car, truck, tractor, combine, or any manner of farm machinery, Dad could fix it.

As years went by, his garden became a source of pride and joy and he enjoyed sharing what he grew. Dad looked forward to it every year. With Mom’s help he always had a good variety of vegetables.

Mom and Dad had a love of discovering the world. They traveled extensively during their years of marriage, including most States of the Continental U.S., including three trips overseas to areas of Europe. During our growing years we were taken along on many of those exciting adventures.

This was our father; a quiet and yet confident man. To his children he gave the greatest gift on earth: a feeling we were loved, and a sense of our own self-worth!

Lawrence was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the Hays VFW and American Legion.
Lawrence is survived by his wife of the home, Bernadette; Son, Lee and wife Debbie (Reynolds) Oelkers; their family: Granddaughter, Carolyn L., J.D., ESQ. and husband, Scott Payne, MAJ (Ret); their children: Katherine (Katie), Anna Marie, and Stella; Granddaughter, Michelle L. Quigley and husband, Dylan; their children: Aubrey, and Kobie; Daughter, Vicki Herrman and husband, Dr. Leo Herrman; their family: Grandson, Colonel John Herrman and wife, Angela; their children: Jacob, Hunter, Madelyn, and Allison; Grandson, Sgt. 1st Class Leonard Herrman; his family: Emily, Britton, Kaden; Grandson, Bernard Herrman and wife, Marita; their son Conrad, Daughter, Connie Kisner and husband, Kenneth; their family: Grandson, Trevor Kisner; Grandson, Tyler Kisner and wife, Liberty: their children Lawson Kisner, Geordy Deatherage, and Logan Deatherage.

Lawrence is also survived by: Sister-in-law, Jean Oelkers (Erman.); Sister-in-law, Margaret Hamilton; Sister-in-law, Maureen Legleiter (Greg); Sister-in-law, Marietta Walker and husband, Richard; Brother-in-law, Rudy Legleiter and wife, Maralyn; Sister-in-law, Mary Ann Legleiter (Francis); and many nieces and nephews who were important in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Erman Oelkers; sister, Fern Zimmerman; Brothers-in law: Connie Zimmerman, Gilbert Legleiter, Francis Legleiter, Julie Legleiter, Greg Legleiter, and Gene Legleiter; Mother & Father-in law, Frank and Ludwina Legleiter; and life-long friend Wilber Albers.

Private family services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays American Legion and VFW honor guard will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to family wishes for a memorial to be determined at a later date and checks may be made out to the Lawrence Oelkers family. These may be mailed to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences and memories of Lawrence may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com