Herman Frederick Griem, age 88, passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. Herman was born March 2, 1930 in Enid, Oklahoma, and adopted as an infant by Frederick Herman & Bertha (Lee) Griem.

He attended elementary school in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, including a one-room school. Herman graduated in 1948 from High School in Maude, Oklahoma. Following high school graduation, he moved with his parents to Wichita County, Kansas, about six miles northeast of Leoti, Kansas. Herman helped his father farm, operated earth moving equipment building terraces and ponds in Wichita County.

In 1951 he enlisted in the military and was inducted at Fort Carson, Colorado. Herman trained in San Marcos, Texas as an aircraft mechanic. His service during the Korean Conflict in the United States Army concluded in 1954 with him earning the rank of Corporal.

He then studied electronics through a correspondence school in New York State, learning how to build his own television and receiving his certificate as an electronic technician. Herman used his knowledge servicing televisions and appliances in Leoti, Kansas for the Gambles Store and Harkness Motors. He later owned and operated his own shop for several years and then worked for Western Hardware in Leoti for twenty-five years until his retirement.

Herman was a man of many talents. He enjoyed woodworking and welding. His children said, “Dad could fix anything”. His special interests lie in music and photography. He played piano, guitar, accordion and his favorite electric organ. He had a small amateur photo-lab in his home where enjoyed developing and printing photos for his family and friends. He also enjoyed collecting cameras. Being outdoor, camping and fishing at Cedar Bluffs Reservoir with his family always gave him pleasure.

On February 11, 1952 he married Georgia Rowton in San Marcos, Texas. They observed their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary this year. They were blessed with Ten children, five boys and five girls. They were lifetime residents of Leoti aside from a short time in Garden City and Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

Herman’s surviving family includes-

His wife-
Georgia Griem- Leoti, Kansas

Nine Children-
Rick & Jean Griem- Scott City, Kansas
Barbara King- Wilburton, Oklahoma
Edward & Susan Griem- Benton, Kansas
Debra & Jerry Eikelberger- Scott City, Kansas
Judy Lechenberg- Greenleaf, Kansas
Kenny & Krisi Griem- Lawrence, Kansas
Rennie & Donna Griem- Salina, Kansas
Elizabeth & John Gould- Leoti, Kansas
Lee Griem- Basehor, Kansas

One sister-
Delena McCullough- Lamar, Colorado

22 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 6 step great grandchildren an 6 step great great grandchildren.

His parents, a daughter, Nancy Sue Griem, and 2 grandsons, Terri Burch and Alvin Burch precede him in death.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas with Terry Laws presiding. Family will be at Wichita County Senior Center, 108 Indian Road, to receive visitors following services.

Friends may call from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Wichita County Health Center in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website.

Olmer J. Wittman, Hays, Kansas, age 92, died Sunday, August 12, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society of Hays.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 13th and Ash, Hays. Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at St. Joseph Church, Hays, Kansas.

A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, a Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree rosary will be at 6:45 P.M. Tuesday, followed by a vigil service at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

died peacefully at home in Weir, KS, surrounded by family on August 9, 2018.

John was born in Colby, KS on June 17, 1937. He was a lifetime resident of Kansas, and resided in Colby until he retired in 1999. He was a 1955 graduate of Colby High School. John worked in many industries and finished his career as a professional salesman. John moved to southeast Kansas to be closer to his two children Kevin and Lisa.

John had a very active retirement. When he wasn’t spending his time fishing with Kevin, he became an international traveler with his son Kevin and his wife Nadine, getting his first passport at age 75. John made trips to Jamaica, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and all over the Caribbean. Each trip always consisted of a fishing trip with his son Kevin. John really enjoyed these family trips and looked forward to them yearly.

John loved spending time with his daughter Lisa, her husband Gary, and their three children. Lisa loved having her dad as her next-door neighbor, as they were able to share many visits while exploring their shared love of politics.

John loved helping his daughter and at the start of every school year could be seen helping her setup her library, or during the school year he would help her and Gary judge at their debate and forensics tournaments.

John’s other passions included KU basketball and woodworking. But at the end of the day, family was most important to John. John was his children’s biggest cheerleader in their lives, never missing a school activity and always being their biggest supporter in their chosen professions.

As a grandfather of three, he was very involved in attending recitals, baptisms and other activities.

He loved to spoil his family at birthdays, Christmas and every opportunity he could when the family was together. His last request was to have everyone over for a family barbeque. It was a perfect day for John as his whole family was together for a day filled with good food, good stories and lots of laughter.

John is survived by his son Kevin Franz and his wife Nadine of Overland Park, KS, his daughter Lisa (Franz) Leiker, her husband Gary, and their three children Kaitlyn, Adriana and Alex of Weir, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents Arvid and Zelma Franz.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of John P. Franz to Avalon Hospice at https://www.avalon-hospice.com/donate.

Marvin J. Ziegler, 80, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, August 08, 2018, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Marvin was born on July 10, 1938, in Collyer, Kansas, the son of Leo J. and Celestina (Wildeman) Ziegler. He grew up in Collyer, Kansas, and graduated from Collyer High School and attended Ft. Hays State University. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Helga Fecher on June 11, 1966, in Hays, Kansas. From this union they were blessed with 3 children Michael, Ramona & Michaela. Marvin worked as an insurance salesman for Mutual of Omaha, later he went out on his own and became an independent insurance agent. He also owned the Daylight Donut Shop and Daus Essen Haus. He also worked as a realtor and worked for the Russell County Sheriff’s office in the Russell County Jail. He was a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. He worked at the church as a CCD teacher for 17 years and was a church lector since 1978. His primary passion was working and promoting the Knights of Columbus and was a 3rd and 4th degree knight and was a former Knights of Columbus Color Guard Commander. He enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, all kinds of sports and coaching youth sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving family include his wife Helga of the home, son Michael Ziegler (Bethany) of Wichita, Kansas, daughter Ramona McKay of Lubbock, Texas and daughter Michaela Hammond (Bradley) of Skiatook, Oklahoma; brothers Robert Ziegler (Deanna) of Lawton, Oklahoma, Wilfred Ziegler (Ann) of Youngstown, New York, David Ziegler (Marianna) of Kemp, Texas and Louis Ziegler (Margaret) of Collyer, Kansas; sisters Eileen Schmidt of Santa Anna, California and Leona Grippin of Flagstaff, Arizona and 4 grandkids Matthew, Marty, Tyler & Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of the funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The Rosary will be performed at 10 A.M. on Saturday at the church prior to the funeral mass. Visitation will be from Noon to 8 P.M. on Friday, August 10, 2018, at the mortuary with the family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Friday evening. Memorials may be given to St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or Knights of Columbus and can be sent to the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

William A. “Billy” Nondorf of Colby, Kansas passed away August 4, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, Kansas at the age of 68. Billy was born March 14, 1950 to Wilfred “Willie” and Betty Dautel Nondorf in Goodland, Kansas.

Billy graduated from Goodland High School. He farmed for the Urban Brothers and worked at various odd and end jobs until diabetes put him in PSLC in 2010. Billy loved to hunt, fish and raise a garden and build things. He loved to tell his nieces and nephews wild stories. Billy”s motto was “Jesus Saves”

Billy was never married and had no children. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 great nieces and 2 great nephews. He is survived by 2 brothers, Jim/Priscilla of Altus, OK and Joe of Greeley, Co. 6 Sisiters, Linda/Mike Damon of Colby, KS Marge/Ralph Bretton of McCook, NE Judy/Steve Schroeder of Salina, KS Patty/Quentin Alberhasky of Las Vegas, NV Lucy Rooney of Benkleman, NE and Janet Nondorf of Wichita, KS. 39 nieces and nephews , 47 great nieces and nephews and 17 great great nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Friday, August 17, 2018 in Atwood, KS. Memorials in Billy’s name in care of Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel – 745 S. Country Club Dr. – Colby, KS 67701

Condolences: kersenbrockfuneralchapel.com.

Kim Marie Buller, 58, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 9:27 p.m., Saturday, August 4th, 2018 peacefully, at Angel Arms. 

Kim was born in Belleville, Kansas on February 9, 1960, a daughter of Marvel Berniece (Lyons) and Bobby Lee Lewis.

Because of dad’s job and often relocating, Kim attended several grade schools. After the family settled in McPherson in 1970, Kim attended Park School, McPherson Junior High and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1978. She then attended the Salina Area Technical School and completed and received the Commercial and Advertising Art Degree.

She was a member of Countryside Covenant Church McPherson, Kansas, where she was a member of the Women’s Precept Class and Adult Sunday School Class. 

Kim was a homemaker and also worked for Modern Graphics and the Canton Pilot and later as an Operator for Disability Supports of the Great Plains, McPherson, Kansas. 

Kim was blessed with an amazing artistic talent and enjoyed working on the sets for the musicals in high school and continued using her talents in everything she did. Kim was diagnosed with MS early in her adult life. The ups and downs of this disease were very challenging. Losing her sight as well as feeling in her hands was an awful thing for an artist to experience. Kim had an amazing attitude and was such a positive person as she faced life and she was able to share that positive attitude to everyone around her. 

Kim Marie Lewis was united in marriage to Eldon Ray Buller on May 31, 1980 at McPherson, Kansas. This union was blessed with the birth of two children, a daughter and a son, Angela and Andy. 

She is survived by her children, Angela O’Dell and husband Billy, of Lee Summit, Missouri and Andy Buller, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; her siblings, David Lewis and wife George Ann, of Canton, Kansas and Kara Smith and husband Terry, of Goodland, Kansas; her uncle and aunts, Jim and Mitzie Lewis, of Salina, Kansas and Helen Shaffer, of Salina, Kansas; her 3 nieces, Britney Smith (Kameron Duncan), Nicole Ploeger (Matt), and Emily Smith; 1 great-nephew, Weston Toplikar, with one on the way due on Kim’s Birthday; her DPOA’s over the years, Marcia Williams and Vaughn Ingram; other relatives and a host of friends. 

Kim was preceded in death by a brother Terry Lewis and her parents, Marvel and Bob Lewis.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Glidden – Ediger Chapel, McPherson.. 

The funeral service will be held at Glidden – Ediger Chapel, McPherson, Kansas, at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 10th, 2018 with Reverend Jon Black officiating. 

The final resting place will be the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Multiple Sclerosis; Countryside Covenant Church or Angel Arms and they can be sent in care of the Glidden – Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460. 

Wendell D. Tobaben, beloved son of Horst and Marilyn (Poppe) Tobaben, was born in Cozad, Nebraska on March 29, 1962, and passed away August 6, 2018 at the Decatur Health System in Oberlin, Kansas, at the age of 56.

Wendell attended schools in Eustis, Nebraska and later received his GED and Tech Certificate. On May 11, 1984, Wendell married the love of his life, Deborah Kugler in Eustis, Nebraska. They lived in Cozad, Nebraska before moving to Norton, Kansas in February to make it their forever home.

Wendell was a Harley-Davidson mechanic and loved his motorcycles. He greatly enjoyed going on road trips with his wife and dogs, visiting art museums, and anything that had to do with art or history. His greatest love was his dogs and his soul mate, Deborah.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Deborah Tobaben of their home in Norton; two brothers, Dave, and wife, Kim Tobaben, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Doug, and wife, Sue Tobaben, Plattsmouth, Nebraska; one sister, Lori, and husband, Kevin Welch, Leigh, Nebraska; one sister-in-law, Marilyn, and husband, Rich Twehous, Maricopa, Arizona; several other relatives and friends.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents.

Deborah would like to express her heartfelt gratitude for everyone who took the time to try and help save her husband. A very special thank you to the Decatur EMS, Decatur Health System Staff, and especially Dr. Jeffrey McKinley for everything he did.

FUNERAL SERVICE – Saturday, August 11, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, KS
VISITATION – Friday, August 10, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Enfield Funeral Home in Norton.
INURNMENT – Private inurnment will take place at a later date.
MEMORIALS – Wendell Tobaben Memorial Fund

Fredrick “Howard” Miller passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Ellsworth County Medical Center in Ellsworth, Kansas at the age of 75. He was born on May 15, 1943 to the late Gerold and Vona Lee (McGuire) Miller in Alva, Oklahoma. After graduating from Alva High School with the Class of 1961, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962 and proudly served his country for 20 years until his honorable discharge and retirement in 1982. After having met on a blind date, he was united in marriage to Patty Whitmer in Alva on June 30, 1967. They were blessed with three children, Fredrick II, Danetta, and Theresa.

After retiring Fred went on to complete his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus (K-State Salina). Always wanting to stay busy, he also worked several jobs including, Bob’s Plumbing, Russell Police Dept., Russell County Sherriff’s Office – Lake Patrol, delivering mail in Ellsworth, locksmithing, and volunteering with the Ellsworth County EMS. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wilson, American Legion Post #153 in Olathe, and VFW Post #6240 in Russell. He was an avid chess player and loved to dabble with gem stones, but the greatest love of his life was his grandchildren and spending time with them whenever possible.

Fred is survived by his wife Patty Miller of the home in Wilson; son Fredrick Miller II and wife Julie of Olathe; daughters Danetta Hill and husband Charlie of Platte City, MO, and Theresa Heinrich and husband James of Wilson; brother John R. Miller of Russell; and grandchildren Jesse and Samantha, Rex, Deedra, Kristina, Alexis, and Harlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gerold and Vona Lee Miller, and brother Wesley Miller.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Wilson. Burial will follow in the Wilson City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm on Friday at the funeral home in Wilson. Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm.

Keith Gillis was born on December 31, 1936 on a farm near Breckenridge, MI to Denver and Clara Gillis. He was the youngest of 8 kids. Keith graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1955 and joined the Air force at the age of 19. He served in Korea and Vietnam and was stationed in many other places.

While he was stationed in Salina, KS, he met and married Judy Larson and they were married for 36 years before she passed away in 1996. During their marriage they welcomed 2 children, Robert and Sarah. Keith retired from the Air Force in 1976 and the family settled in Gaylord. Keith was active in the community, serving on the City Council, calling bingo on Thursday nights, being a member of the American legion and the Commercial Club. Keith was also active with the local Boy Scouts. Keith also was a member of the local fire department and was a fireman for twenty years. He was a member of the Gaylord Community Church.

Keith had many hobbies including, collecting trains, wood working and crafts and fishing. Later in life, Keith met and married Doris Hartung and were married for 6 years before she passed away.

Keith was preceded in death by wives Judy and Doris. Left to celebrate his life are his son, Robert and his daughter, Sarah Wildfong (Bret), 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Click HERE for service details.