Edgar “Eddie” Joseph Phlieger passed away Monday, December 11, 2017 at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas at the age of 87. He was born on September 11, 1930 in Quinter, Kansas to the late Thomas Leonard and Matilda (Weigel) Phlieger. Having been unable to enlist in the United States Army at the age of 14, in order to join his brother during WWII, he was eventually drafted from 1951-1953 and entered the Korean Conflict. On October 13, 1955 he was married to Esther J. Gilbert in Plainville, Kansas. They were blessed with seven children. He and his family lived in the Denver, Colorado area where he worked for the Gates Corporation making tires before returning to Plainville in 1963. He then went to work for the City of Plainville as the Water Department Superintendent and retired in 1993.

Eddie was a man of many hobbies who loved to travel. He was into antique German and British cars, was an avid vegetable gardener, amateur geologist, fisherman, and made Indian and Mexican jewelry. One of his favorite places to go was Canada, and he enjoyed taking leisurely drives around Webster Lake. A man of strong faith, he was a daily attender of Mass and was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, and past member of the V.F.W.

Eddie is survived by his wife Esther J. Phlieger of the home in Stockton; children Anthony Phlieger and wife Pat of Jacksonville, TX, Beth Brand and husband DeWayne of Kearney, NE, Joan Werth of Harlingen, TX, Michele Williamson and husband Kim of Tampa, FL, Laura Morris of Hays, Scott Phlieger and wife Dawn of Natoma, and James Phlieger wife Bobbie of Plainville; brother James “Jim” Phlieger and wife Bonnie of Jacksonville, TX; sisters Theresa Koehler of Hays, Lorraine Hessler and husband Don of Denver, CO, Virginia Kroos and husband Fred of Olathe; sister-in-law Norma Bard of Hays; sixteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Matilda Phlieger, brother Everett Phlieger, sister Rosemary Roberts, and brother-in-law Fred Koehler.

Eddie was a man who truly lived for God and Country. He loved spending time with his family and was always a trusted friend and a good neighbor. His life of deep faith and patriotism leaves a legacy of honor, character, and integrity that will continue to be passed on for generations to come.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Friday, December 15, 2017 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Inurnment will follow in the St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Friends may sign the guestbook from 1:00-7:00pm with Prayer Vigil at 6:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the St. Labre Indian Schools and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st Street, Stockton, KS 67669.

Roger M. Hendershot, age 89, of WaKeeney, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family, Sunday, December 10, 2017 at Good Samaritan Society, Ellis, Kansas. He was born June 14, 1928, in Deerfield, Kansas, to Arthur and Edith (Cafferty) Hendershot.

Roger graduated from Trego Community High School and attended Fort Hays State University. He went to serve our country in the U.S. Army for a short time until discharged for medical reasons. On March 17, 1952, he was united in marriage to Betty Irene Bradley Riedell in WaKeeney. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage together. Roger loved his children, “grands,” and “greats” and cherished each hug and kiss. He worked for many years as a Standard Bulk Agent, a WaKeeney policeman, and the WaKeeney Bus driver, working for 20 years until he was 85, helping young and old alike with shopping, errands, and school. Roger enjoyed kids of all ages and always had a joke for all. Roger was a devout Kansas City Chief fan, “helping” them win their most recent game.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his children, Chuck Riedell of Hays, Colleen (Richard) Wolf of Larned, Tracey (Terry) Berry of WaKeeney, and Ginny Parker (Randy Schmitt) of Hutchinson; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, V. Ann Wright of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jim Riedell, and a sister, Liza Beth Deines.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 18, 2017 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to WaKeeney General Transportation Bus Fund. Contributions made to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Hays, Kansas – Darin Alan Stiles, age 51, died Sunday, December 10, 2017, in rural Rush County.

He was born May 28, 1966, in Larned, Kansas to Ronald Joy Stiles and Josephine (Harr). He married Kelly A. (Gottschalk) on June 15, 1991, at Hays, Kansas.

He was a manager and supervisor of the convenience stores in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado for Gottschalk Enterprises. He grew up in Great Bend, Kansas and was a 1984 graduate of Great Bend High School. He worked in the oil fields from age 18 to age 25 then moved to Hays in 1991, and then went to work for his father-in-law. Darin loved the outdoors, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and making custom knives.

Survivors include his wife, Kelly Stiles, of the home; one son, Derek Stiles and wife, Mireya, Hays, KS; one daughter, Kaley Stiles, Hays, KS; one granddaughter, Emmie Stiles; his father, Ronald Stiles, Kinsley, KS; his mother, Josephine Stiles, Great Bend, KS; one brother, Dustin Stiles, Great Bend, KS; one sister, Kim Mason, Hoisington, KS; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Sharon Gottschalk, Hays, KS; one sister-in-law, Kim Briney, Hays, KS.

He was preceded by his grandson, Eli Joy Stiles.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 15, 2017, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

The family suggest memorials to “Hays Big Creek Longbeards” in part of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

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

Lifelong WaKeeney resident Robert “Bob” Buchholz passed away Sunday, December 10, 2017 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney.  He was 77 years of age.  Bob was born December 20, 1939, in Hays, Kansas, to August “Gus” and Emma (Schneider) Buchholz.

Bob proudly served our country in the United States Air Force after graduating from Trego Community High School.  In 1966, Bob was united in marriage to Carole Ann Berry, in WaKeeney.  They later divorced, but remained close friends.  To say Bob was involved in car racing would be an understatement.  He built, drove and was involved in almost every aspect of racing, and that was anything from super modified to go-carts.  He was also an IMCA Tech (track inspector).  He also owned and operated “Concrete Treasures”, a concrete statuary company.  He was gifted with the ability to make or fix about anything with his hands.  He loved to go to coffee and have lunch with his groups, both WaKeeney and Hays.  Bob cherished his family, and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his five children, Blaine (Stephanie) Buchholz of WaKeeney, Carla (Kelly) Bujnoch of VanVleck, Texas, Paula (Ezra) Carter of Burlington, Colorado, Denise Billinger of Russell, and Julie (Jerry) Tynon of Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren, Brandon (Shelby) Knipp of Russell, Amanda Bujnoch of Kansas City, Missouri, Austin Wancura of Colby, and Demi Bujnoch of VanVleck, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Onykah, and Krysta Bujnoch, and Kaitlyn, Mason, Braxton, and Skye Knipp; a brother, Jon “Mike” (Janet) Buchholz of Hays; and two sisters, Shirley (Everett) Lahmann of Nevada, and Penny (Glen) Hafliger of WaKeeney.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Dennis “Gus” Buchholz.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.  There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Robert Buchholz Memorial Fund.  Contributions to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12^th, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Hays, Kansas – Caron A. Hecker, age 76, died Friday, December 8, 2017, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

She was born January 28, 1941, in Orion, Kansas to William and Frances M. (Allen) Stevenson. She married Gilbert Peter Hecker on January 17, 1959, in Oakley, Kansas.

She worked in accounting and was a bookkeeper all her working years. Caron worked at Hardman’s Lumber from 1970 to 1984, and Glassman’s Heating and Air from 1984 to 1988, both in Russell. She then worked at Mid-West Drugs Center in Hays, from 1988 to 1998, when she then retired.

Caron attended her first eight years of school at the Union School House at Orion then finished her schooling at Oakley. She was a 1959, graduate of Oakley High School.

She lived in Oakley until 1970, then moved to Russell, and in 1986, she moved to Hays.

While living in Russell she was a member and Past President of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and played the organ at St. Mary Catholic Church. She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra’s Catholic Church both in Hays.

After she retired, she and her husband traveled the States in their motorhome and on their motorcycle until 2017. She was a seamstress, making a lot of her family’s clothes and Bridesmaid dresses. She loved to crochet and made crochet show dresses and ballgowns for dolls.

Survivors include her husband, Gilbert, of the home; two sons, Robert Hecker, Watkins, CO; Douglas Hecker, Russell, KS; one daughter, Jacqulen “Jackie” Postier and her husband, Lowel, Inman, KS; one brother, Jack Stevenson, Oakley, KS; one sister, Ilene Rose, Oakley, KS; five grandchildren, Jesse Postier, Amanda Postier, Jordan Hecker, Taylor Hecker and Jonathan Hecker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Walter Stevenson; one sister, Myrtle Katzenmeier and one grandson.

Services are 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 14, 2017, at St. Nicholas of Myra’s Catholic Church, 2901 East 13th Street, Hays, Kansas. A private family inurnment will be held later.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Thursday, at the church.

Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

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

Margaret Elaine Cobb, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, December 08, 2017, at Homestead of Russell (Vintage Place Assisted Living).

Elaine was born on July 27, 1923 in Effingham, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Anna ( Fitzmorris) Schrick. She lived in Effingham and Norton before moving to Russell as a young child. She graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1941. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Vaughn A. Cobb on November 18, 1942 in Russell, Kansas. From this union they were blessed with six children Charles, Paul, Mary Ann, Jean, Joe and Theresa. As a teen she worked at the Mecca Theater in Russell but after marriage she became a full time wife and mother. When all her children reached school age she returned to work. She was a cook at Nickerson Farms Restaurant and later worked at Boogaarts Super Market. She was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Lioness Club, V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and, later in life, a senior companion. Elaine was also involved in the beginning of Santa’s Helpers which continues to this day. She was a regular at the Senior Center for more than 20 years, and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren.

Surviving family include her children Paul Cobb (Marsha) of Salina, Kansas, Mary Ann Thill (Carl) of Dorrance, Kansas, Jean Coltrain (Tom) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Joe Cobb of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Theresa Wagner (Brad) of Russell, Kansas, nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vaughn, son Charles Cobb, brother Fred Schrick, Jr. and sister Patricia Dragoo.

A celebration of the funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell. A vigil and rosary will be held at 7 P.M. on Monday, December 11, 2017, at the church. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Monday, December 11, 2017, at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the St. Mary’s Handicapped Fund or the Russell Senior Center, sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Jason Allen Zerr, 35, of Mitchell County, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2017. Jason was born May 23, 1982 to Steve Jr. and Lucy (Moellering) Zerr.

Jason’s passions for life were hunting, fishing, and helping people in any way he could. He lived life to the fullest each day glorifying his Lord and Savior. Jason was currently working at Ringneck Ranch in Tipton which he enjoyed very much. He faithfully attended Bethany Church of Lincoln County where he spent time serving the young people and children during Awana, VBS, and Bible Camp. His vibrant smile and bear hugs will be very missed. He was in the 388th MED LOG Unit of Hays Army Reserves. His rank was E5 Sergeant. He served a tour in Iraq from 2004-2005. He served his country with great honor and pride for 13 years.

He was preceded in death by: grandparents, Reynold and Hilda Moellering; cousin, Kevin Zimmerman; as well as many brave comrades in arms.

He is survived by his parents Steve Jr. and Lucy; sister, Stacy (James) Finney and their children Corban, Hannah, Lydia, and Philip; grandparents, Steve Sr. and Louella Zerr; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 12th, from 1-6 p.m. with family present from 4-6p.m. at Schoen Funeral Home and Monuments, Beloit. A celebration of Jason’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 13th, at Beloit’s Municipal Building. Interment will follow at Bethany Church of Lincoln County Cemetery, Hunter KS. Memorials may be given to the Jason Zerr Memorial, to be designated at a later date.

Howard O. Jeffcoat, 91, Hays, died Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Newton Medical Center in Newton, Kansas.

He was born December 12, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the son of Andrew David and Mary Bertha (Mixon) Jeffcoat.  After graduating High School, he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and was discharged from service in 1946.  He was united in marriage to Jeanne Marie (Smith) Jeffcoat and together they raised two sons.  He then flew for commercial airlines for ten years and spent twenty-six years as a production supervisor for Western Electric Cooperative.  He was an avid golfer and loved to play bridge and was a member of several bridge clubs, Smoky Hill Country Club, and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays.

Survivors include two sons; James “Jim” Jeffcoat and wife Beth of Edmond, Oklahoma, and John Jeffcoat of Independence, Missouri, three grandchildren; David Jeffcoat and wife Mary of Del Rio, Texas, Marie Phillips and husband Tim of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and Theresa Roggow and husband Jonathan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Roberta.

A Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13^th Street, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.  Interment will be at a later date.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church and a rosary will be recited at 10:30 am at the church.  Military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow the funeral services.  Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Howard’s memory and can be left in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.