Donald Ferdinand “Don” Hachmeister, 88, of Hill City, Kansas died May 7, 2018, Plainville, Kansas.

He was born August 25, 1929, in Natoma, Kansas to Ferdinand William and Bonita (Richards) Hachmeister.

He married Cora Lea “Cork” Cafferty January 20, 1951, in Hill City, Kansas. Don was the Facilities Manager for the Graham County Hospital.

Survivors include his children Charles (Judy Bolin) Hachmeister, Bill (Kathi) Hachmeister, Cheri (Nick) Swanstrom, eight grandchildren, six great grandchild, brothers: Marvin, Paul and Herbert Hachmeister; sister: MaryAnn Beisner and sister-in-law Eleanor Morel and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife “Cork”, brother, George and one grandchild: Donielle.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church, Hill City, Kansas or Graham County Hospital, Hill City, Kansas in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Click HERE for service details.

Former Hays resident Jordan Jay Wiesendanger, 13, Topeka, passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018. He was born Aug 28, 2004, in Wichita to Jay and Lori (Smith) Wiesendanger.

Jordan attended Washburn Rural Middle School in Topeka and became buddies with his special education teachers and home health nurses. He enjoyed high-fives, fist bumps, listening to music and his tricycle. Jordan was a very loving person with a huge grin.

Survivors include his parents, Jay and Lori, Topeka; siblings Morgan Haselhorst, Keegan (Ali) Bednasek and Logan Wiesendanger; nephews Tathan, Mason, Brody and Kaydan; and grandparents Gary and Lois Smith, Leora “Lee” Smith and James “Bud” Wiesendanger.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Patricia “Tek” Wiesendanger.

Services are at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 10, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina; burial in Indian Hill Cemetery, Chapman.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Ryan Mortuary, with family greeting visitors from 6 to 8.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City, either monetary or toys.

Condolences can be sent to the family at ryanmortuary.com.

Clinton R. Turner, age 82, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on February 21, 1936 in Sterling, Kansas, the son of Walter Wyman and Lula Pearl Whittaker Turner. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1945 moving from Emporia, Kansas, he worked for B.H. Kimball for 12 years and then for Brookover Cattle Company for over 25 years.

He was an US Army Veteran serving from 1958 to 1960 and then in the Reserves until 1964.

On June 1, 1963 he married Margaret Marie Minor in Leoti, Kansas. She survives.

Survivors include his Wife – Margaret Turner of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sons – Jeff & Becky Turner of Scott City, Kansas, Roger & Donna Turner of Woodward, Oklahoma, One Daughter – Kerry & Larry Wishon of Collinsville, Texas, Twin Brother – Clayton & Wanda Turner of Hope, Kansas, Six Grandchildren – Amber & Justin Elwell of Collinsville, Texas, Derek Wishon of Inola, Oklahoma, Dylan Wishon of Stilwell, Oklahoma, Lane Turner of Manhattan, Kansas, Cody Turner of Scott City, Kansas, Eric Robertson of Woodward, Oklahoma and Four Great Grandchildren – Jadyn, Jordan, Austin & Addison Elwell of Collinsville, Texas.

Funeral Services will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2018 with Rev. Justin Elwell presiding.

Memorials can be made to the Scott County EMT’s in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

James E. (Jim) Hayes, age 82, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. Jim was born June 29, 1935 in Crofton, Kentucky, the son of Richard E. & Annie (James) Hayes. A resident of Leoti, Kansas since 1966 moving from Kalvesta, Kansas, he was Owner/Operator of Hayes Sales and Service in Leoti, Kansas.

Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church serving as Sunday School Superintendant. He was also active in the Leoti Lions Club, Leoti Area Chamber of Commerce, Hi-Plains Educational Cooperative Board of Directors, and Goodland Area Vo-Tech Board of Directors and served on USD 467 School Board for many years.

On July 22, 1961 he married Rosetta Woods at Cimarron, Kansas.

Jim’s surviving family includes-

Wife-
Rosetta Hayes-Leoti, Kansas

One son-
Brian Hayes-Wichita, Kansas

Three daughters-
Dayla & James Jensen-Wichita, Kansas
Shannon Hayes-Wichita, Kansas
Shonda Hayes & Vince Evans-Wichita, Kansas

One sister-
Glenda Luttrull-Trenton, Kentucky

One brother-
Donnie & Monna Hayes-Sacramento, Kentucky

Twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren

His parents, a sister, Annette Coker and a granddaughter, Schuyler Carlson precede him in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, May 11, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Leoti, Kansas with the Reverend Brad Kirk officiating.

Burial will be in Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas.

In celebration of Jim & his family, there will be a dinner at the Wichita County Community Building following committal services. All are asked to attend.

Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Wednesday and from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Leoti E.M.T.’s in care of the funeral home.

Vincent “Vince” Dreiling, 96, Hays, died Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society of Hays.

He was born July 27, 1921 in Victoria, Kansas the son of Balthazar and Elizabeth (Graf) Dreiling.  He was united in marriage to Ellen Linenberger in 1946 at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria, and they celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death on March 20, 2015.  He served in the Civil Conservation Corps and Works Project of America programs, and then served in the South Pacific during World War II as a member of the United States Army Air Corps.  During the war he received various awards.  After the war, he married and held several positions for the city of Hays.  He implemented the building codes and inspection program and held that position until his retirement.  He also served as interim fire chief.  With his wife, he built several commercial buildings and homes they lived in.  He loved working with leather and owned Dreiling Shoe Repair for several years.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the VFW, and the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325.  He put others’ needs ahead of his own and took his parent and grandparent roles seriously.

Survivors include his eight children; Firma Carrithers and husband Jim, Diane Long and husband Mike, James Dreiling and wife Paula, Marlene Taxter and husband Mike, Anthony Dreiling and wife Cindy, Dean Dreiling, Joseph Dreiling, and Geralyn Dreiling, nine grandchildren; Lori, Keri, Krista, Shawn, Kelley, Scott, Dawson, Levi, and Olivia, six great grandchildren; Treyton, Kirstan, Ashley, Michael, Brody, and Brooklyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ellen, five brothers; Fred, Bill, Sylvester, Robert, and Francis, five sisters; Freda, Sarie, Caroline, Theresa, and Betty, and one granddaughter; Jami.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 201 W. 13th, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.  Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 will follow in the 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 the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.  A parish vigil will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Third Degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 pm, all on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Basilica of St. Fidelis in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com 

Peggy Kay (Hattrup) Lee, 73, Hays, died Sunday, May 6, 2018 at her home in Hays.

She was born December 28, 1944 in Dodge City, Kansas the daughter of Bernard “Ben” and Mary (Schmidt) Hattrup. She attended grade school and middle school at St. Joseph Private School in Offerle and graduated from Windthorst High School in 1962. After high school she attended the Dominican School of Nursing in Great Bend, Kansas and became a registered nurse. Her career included working at Hadley Hospital in Hays, Edwards County Hospital, the Medical Lodge in Kinsley, Dodge City Medical Center, and as a school nurse for USD 347. On May 27, 1995 she married John Edward Lee in Offerle, Kansas.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Offerle, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays, and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Kinsley. She enjoyed reading, singing, dancing, and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Survivors include her husband John, of the home in Hays, two daughters; Jamie Wallace and husband John of Raymore, Missouri, and Cindy Smith and husband Mike of Hays, a son; John Balman and wife Seana of Manhattan, three step-daughters; Donave Yarmer and husband Mel of Albert, Julie Yarmer and husband Maurice of Russell, and Valisa Wagner and husband Scott of Denver, a step-son; Rick Lee and wife Crystal of Beeler, Kansas, two sisters; Marcella Heeke of Conroe, TX and Linda Strecker and husband Joe of Dodge City, ten grandchildren; Shane McBee, Sarah McBee, August Balman, Wyatt Balman, Jonas Balman, Juliet Ballman, Ethan Balman, Catherine Balman, Shannon Smith, and Cassidy Smith, eleven step-grandchildren; Danny Yarmer, Valerie Wondra, Tim Yarmer, Matthew Yarmer, Diana Harmony, Justin Yarmer, Neil Yarmer, Sara Simoneau, Danielle Lee, Caleb Lee, and Michalla Pratt, a great granddaughter; Cora Cooper and twenty step-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; John Aumiller, an infant brother, a sister; Benita Bullock, and a brother-in-law; Pete Heeke.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, with Fr. Leo Blasi officiating. Burial will be at 3:30 pm on Friday at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Offerle, Kansas. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 10:00 am until 10:45 on Friday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested in Peggy’s memory to EWTN Global Catholic Television Network, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Berdena (Dena) Legere, 92, Hays, formerly of Graham Co., KS, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2018.

Dena was born on September 28, 1925 to August and Annie (Keith) Hildebrand; and was a retired school teacher and accomplished quilter.

She married Don Legere on October 19, 1946 in Hill City, KS; he preceded her in death, along with her parents; son-in-law, Rodney Yost; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Survivors include five daughters, their spouses, and families; Becky and Doug Stites of Ellis, Rhonda Yost of Salina, Nancy and Roger Harman of Hays, Donna and Greg Seibel of Emporia, and Mary and Ken Neely of Derby; nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A family graveside service was held at the Hill City Cemetery where she was laid to rest beside her husband of 61 years.

Memorial contributions are suggested to a cancer research organization of your choice.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Dena’s memorial webpage at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].

Janett M. Cook, age 74, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday, May 4, 2018 at Hays Medical Center. She was born February 7, 1944 in Great Bend, Kansas to Rudolph and Mollie (Radke) Hickel. On March 6, 1964 she married Ronald “Squeak” Cook .

She was a homemaker and loving mother. She was also an avid vegetable and flower gardener. Each day was made complete by her cat Kaydee following her every move around the house.

She is survived by her husband, Ron “Squeak” Cook of Hays; a daughter, Tyla Weber and husband Mike of Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother, Norman Hickel and wife Merlinda of Great Bend, KS and extended family, Jeremiah, Kayci, Ben, Ella, Jack, Max and Oliver Schumacher.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Todd Cook in 1990; three brothers, Rudy, Eddie, and Eldon Hickel and a sister, Cleora Tiede

Private family services will be at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

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

Patrick “Pat” Walters, age 86, of Catharine, KS passed away Friday, May 4, 2018 in Catharine. He was born March 20, 1932 in Catharine to Anthony and Ludwina (Polifka) Walters. H emarried Connie Nagel on Nov. 23,1972 in LaCrosse, Kansas.

Pat was a oilfield production superintendent working for Slawson Oil and Double Eagle both in Ness City, KS. After his retirement from the oilfields he worked as a courier for Hays Path Lab. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War stationed in Japan. He was a member of St. Catherine Church, 3rd Degree Catherine Council Knights of Columbus and a 4th degree Bishop Cunningham Assembly Knight. He was a lifetime member of the Hays VFW and a member of the Hays American Legion. Pat was an avid sports fan especially Notre Dame football and Kansas Jayhawks basketball.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of the home; three sons, Christopher Walters of Merriam, KS, Todd Walters and wife Michelle of Hanston, KS and Mike Walters of Ness City; four sisters, Sr. Ann Walters of Fond du Lac, WI, Katy Perino and husband Les of Holt, MI, Sr. Rose Walters of Fond du Lac, WI and Nettie Kuhn Verdi of Norton, KS; a brother, Thomas Walters of Catharine and four grandchildren, Macie, Kaylee, Bryce and Lauryn Walters all of Hanston.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Delbert, Dan, Marvin and Herb Walters and a sister, Delores Giebler.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine, KS. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.

Visitation will be Monday 4 pm – 8 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601 and Tuesday at the church from 9 AM until service time at the church.

A combined parish vigil service and Catherine Council Knights of Columbus rosary service will be Monday at 7 PM all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Catherine Catholic Church, TMP-Marian or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ness City.

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

Dr. Gerald John Thouvenelle, 67, long-time and well-respected veterinarian across central Kansas, and resident of Russell died in a fatal truck accident on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital Emergency Room.

He was born on February 14, 1951, in Fort Benning, GA, the son of Gerald Jack and Margaret Rose “Peggy” (Bibza) Thouvenelle. He grew up in a military family, traveling all over the world, graduating from Iolani High School in Honolulu, HI. While in high school he was an avid soccer player and surfer. After High School, he attended Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, TN, and continued his participation in soccer. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Carson Newman College in 1973. While attending undergraduate school as a student, he was employed as a Research Associate with the American Cancer Society.

He then attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Industry in 1977, and in 1979, matriculated with a doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine. In 1984, John established Russell Veterinary Service and Reproduction Lab, LLC, which since that time had been a leading innovator and provider of reproductive health and care for large and small animals, including bovine, horses, sheep and exotic animals. He was one of the few local veterinarians who offered acupuncture, and for a number of years provided a weekend acupuncture clinic for clients in the Kansas City area. For 14 years he served as the regulatory veterinarian for the Russell Livestock Commission. He was always supportive of young students interested in working with animals, so he mentored elementary age students through their 4-H club experiences, and often encouraged young volunteers “working” at the clinic. Additionally his enthusiasm for working with animals prompted his appointment as an adjunct faculty member of Fort Hays University.

John held veterinary licenses in Kansas and Colorado. He continued his professional development through active memberships in the following: American College of Theriogenology since 2007, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Kansas Veterinary Medicine Association, since 1979 and Academy of Veterinary Consultants.

Surviving family include his mother, Peggy recently of Charleston, SC, two sisters Suzanne Thouvenelle of Arlington, VA and Adrienne Ashby of Charleston, SC, a niece and a nephew also of Charleston.

John’s life and work touched many.
Memorials are suggested to Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education & Services, Inc. (CARES, Inc.) a group providing training for canine assistance to the elderly and those with disabilities. John was an active participant and avid promoter of their training and certifying animals suitable for this type of work. Memorials may be sent in care of the mortuary.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of these arrangements.