SMITH CENTER – Ken Schwertfeger, age 87, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2019, at his home in Smith Center.

Arrangements are pending with Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary.

Coleen Rita Nuss, 70, passed away September 11, 2019, at Wheat State Manor, Whitewater. She was born July 26, 1949, at Great Bend, to Eilt and Reita (Yarmer) Miller. Coleen married Larry Nuss December 18, 1971, at Albert. He died November 22, 2010.

Coleen, a lifetime Barton and Rush County resident and a 1967 graduate of Otis Rural High School, was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, rural Albert, and enjoyed woodworking, skilled in producing anything from crafts to fine furniture. Most of all, she loved and adored her grand and great grandchildren. Coleen was a 20 year employee of Sunflower Diversified Services, retiring in 2017, managing day workers, shop workers and serving as a direct contact for in-home clients.

Survivors include one daughter, Tonya Ross and husband Mike of Whitewater; foster daughter, Beverly Witt and husband Nicholas of Calumet, Okla.; one brother, Stephen Miller and wife Julie of West Des Moines, Iowa; one sister, Shelly DeWald of Otis; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and canine companion, Destiny.

Coleen was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Larry; brother-in-law, Paul Menzer; and beloved pet dog, Jessie.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019, at Peace Lutheran Church, rural Albert, with Pastor Wayne Baldyga and Pastor Tonya Andrews presiding. Interment will follow at Peace Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials have been designated to the Coleen Nuss Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Bradley Lane Funk, 47, of St. George, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 9, 2019.

Bradley was born February 8, 1972 in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of Larry Dean and Carolyn L. (Wilson) Funk. His dad was in the Air Force while he was growing up and they lived in Big Spring, Texas; Salina, Kansas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Edwards Air Force Base, California; Hampton, Virginia; Las Vegas, Nevada; Oslo, Norway; and finally ending up during his high school years in Manhattan, Kansas. He graduated from Manhattan High School and then he attended the Air Force Academy. He returned to Kansas State University where he obtained a Masters Degree in Accounting.

Bradley worked for the Sink, Gilmore & Gordan Accounting Firm for over five years before he started his own business. He was the owner and operator of the Funk & Associates Accounting. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Manhattan. In college, he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He also was a member of the Board of Accountancy in the State of Kansas. He enjoyed playing golf and soccer, and fishing and hunting. His greatest love in life was his children.

Bradley’s surviving family include his three children; Emmalee Funk Raleigh, North Carolina, Abbygale Funk of Lexington, Kentucky, and Garrison Funk of Great Barrington, Massachusetts; parents, Larry and Carolyn Funk of St. George, Kansas; sister, Lora Collins (Shane) of Chelsea, Alabama; and three nieces, Katherine Collins, Michaela Collins and Christie Collins; and several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Funeral Services for Bradley will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, September 16, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. No visitation is planned at this time. A Memorial has been established with 1st United Methodist Church of Manhattan. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Frieda Vernice Graff, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at Wichita County Health Center Long Term Care in Leoti, Kansas.

Frieda was born February 13, 1926 at Nashville, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Henry & Johanna Marie (Kerschen) Ridder. A resident of Wichita County since 1930, she graduated from Garden City Nursing program in the late 40’s and later worked as a Registered Nurse as well as a homemaker and Farm Wife.

Frieda was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary Alter Society, Daughters of Isabella all of Marienthal, Kansas, and Wichita County Health Center Volunteers.

On October 28, 1947, she married Justin Graff in Marienthal, Kansas. Justin passed away on January 24, 2002, in Wichita, Kansas.

Frieda’s surviving family includes:

Six Children-
Steven & Shelly Graff- Leoti, Kansas
Carol & Ron Schuster- Phoenix, Arizona
Allyson & Dale Young- Thornton, Colorado
Elaine & Mike Hodgson- Overland Park, Kansas
Major & Lori Graff- Marienthal, Kansas
Deidre & John Davidson- Olathe, Kansas

Two brothers-
Elmer Ridder – Leoti, Kansas
Norman Ridder- Whitehall, Montana

Twelve grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren

Her husband, Two Sons, Roger Graff & John Graff and Two Brothers, Joseph Ridder, Jr. and Jerome Ridder precede her in death.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 pm Friday, September 13, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:30 am Saturday, September 14, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fathers Tim Hickey & Benjamin Martin and Deacon Don Schmidt officiating.

Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

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

Memorials may be given to the Frieda V. Graff Memorial Fund in care of:

Price & Sons Funeral Home
PO 161
Leoti, Kansas 67861.

Mark Allen Combs, 60, passed away September 11, 2019, at Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita. He was born August 17, 1959, at Hutchinson to Clarence “Chief” & Florence “Jean” (Berry) Combs. He married Helen Lamatsch April 30, 1983, at Great Bend. She survives.

Coming from Hutchinson in the late 1970’s, Mark was a Great Bend resident. He was an auto salesman for several auto dealerships. Mark was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, Olmitz Knights of Columbus and the Great Bend American Legion. He enjoyed car shows, hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling, motorcycles and his Chevelle. He was a KU and Chiefs fan.

Survivors include, his wife Helen of the home; son Jeremy Combs and wife Crystal of Great Bend; one brother, Robert “Mike” Combs and wife Rosalyn of Augusta, GA; 3 nieces; 2 nephews; and 3 grandchildren, Bryson Combs, Madison Combs and Ava Combs. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Russell Combs.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home. Vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials are suggested to the Grandchildren’s Education Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Phillipsburg resident Mary Joan Sage passed away Sept. 10, 2019 at the Norton County Hospital in Norton at the age of 89. She was born Feb. 3, 1930 in Cherryvale, KS, the daughter of Frank & Cora Parret.

Survivors include her son S. Scott & wife Candace of Phillipsburg; her daughter, Stephanie Dusin & husband Allen of Phillipsburg; 2 sisters, Nelda Hutsell of Edmond, OK & Barbara DeWitz of Conaway Springs, TX; 6 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Sat. Sept 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church or to the Phillips Co. 4-H Foundation.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Thursday & 9:00 to 9:00 Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. William A. Huseman, age 67, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019, at his home in El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

He was born on February 8, 1952 in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Arthur A. and Catherine E. Janssen Husemen. Bill became a resident of Scott City, Kansas in 1978 pursuing a career of farming and ranching. He carried his passion of conservation and land preservation for over 50 years. In 2000, he moved to El Dorado Springs, Missouri, continuing his love for land and cattle.

After graduating from high school in Scott City, he attended Kansas State University earning his degree in Veterinary Medicine. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Scott City, Kansas, American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas Livestock Association and the National Cattleman’s Beef Association.

Survivors include his Two Sisters – Cheryl & Leon France of Scott City, Kansas, Joann & Jerry Riemann of Dighton, Kansas, Five Nephews and Nieces – Kim & Mark Sorensen of Garden City, Kansas, Chanelle & Corey Stephens of Dighton, Kansas, Tracy France of Kansas City, Kansas, Clint & Amy France of Marienthal, Kansas, Heath & Tara France of Hays, Kansas. He was also loved and adored by many Great Nieces & Nephews

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Aunt – Velma Huseman and Two Nephews – Justin Martin and Dallas Martin.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2019 at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Rodney Hopper presiding.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials can be made out to the Dr. William Huseman Scholarship Fund or First Christian Church in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

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

Mark Reif, age 56 of Plainville, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019 at his home in Plainville.

Mark was born on August 21, 1963, in Great Bend, Kansas to Charles and Lucille (Pierce) Reif. Mark spent his life in Rooks County, graduating from Plainville High School with the class of 1981. He furthered his education at Northwestern Kansas Technical College in Beloit before enlisting in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany for 3 years. After his honorable discharge he returned home to raise a family of four children and later pursued his dreams of owning and operating his ranch and continued to run Reif Welding and Construction.

With a ranch and a welding and construction company, there was always work to be done, but away from work he enjoyed kayaking, shooting guns, traveling, and above all, spending time with this kids and grandkids. Mark was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.

Left to cherish Mark’s legacy are his parents, Charles and Lucille Reif of Plainville; children, Vincent (Brittany) Reif of Pittsburg, KS, Patrick Reif of Plainville, Amber Reif of Lawrence, Peony (Kyle) Weber of Palco, and Callee Pfannenstiel of Hays; brothers, Michael (Emily) Reif of Hays, and Marvin Reif of Plainville; sisters, Tabea Reif of Hutchinson, Sarah McWhirter of Dighton, Laura (Kendall) Foss of Plainville, and Donna (Shane) Oaks of Grainfield; and grandchildren, Denali Reif, Keralina Reif, Kelsey Reif, and Kayley Reif.

Mark is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Neil McWhirter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. with burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Plainville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 12, 2019 with family receiving friends 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Mark Reif Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.

Patricia “Pat” Fisher, age 61, of Hays, Kansas passed away Monday, September 9, 2019, at Hays Medical Center. She was born December 27, 1957 in Hays, Kansas to A.P. and Catherine (Kuhn) Leiker.

Pat graduated from Hays High School in 1975. She married Darrell “Munch” Fisher on September 14, 1985, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, Kansas. Pat was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Hays. She enjoyed sewing, baking and especially family time.

She is survived by her husband, Darrell “Munch” Fisher of Hays; two daughters, Chelsey Dawson and husband Eric of Hutchinson, Kansas and Natalie Ellis and husband Brian of Hays; three sisters, Norma Arnhold of Wichita, Kansas, Susan Kosinski of Huntsville, Alabama and Pam Middleton of Hoisington, Kansas as well as three grandchildren, Koen Dawson, Penelope Ellis and Aspen Dawson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Betty Smith and a brother, Pete Leiker.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, September 12, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays. Burial will follow services in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday 6 PM – 8 PM with a parish vigil at 7:30 PM all at St. Joseph Church, Hays.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the MS Foundation or to St. Joseph Church. 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]

August 21, 1963 – September 9, 2019

An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

Click HERE for service details.

Elroy Leon Dietz, 91, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2019 at the Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas.

Elroy was born July 25, 1928 on the family farm southwest of Russell, Kansas. He was one of three children born to Henry L. and Magdalena “Lena” (Templing) Dietz. He grew up and attended schools in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1946.

Elroy was united in marriage to LoRee Glendora Popp on September 10, 1950 in the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. This union was blessed with three children; Melinda, Martin and Richard. They made their home on the family farm. LoRee preceded him in death on March 3, 2019.

Elroy was a Rancher and Farmer his whole life. During the 1970’s, he also sold insurance for Farmers Stockman Insurance Company. In 1977, Elroy with LaVerne and Marvin Becker started the Dietz- Diamond B Club Calf Sale. Then in 1980, Elroy took over the business and was called the Dietz Club Calf Sale, which has been active for over 43 years. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church. He was also a member of Farm Bureau. In 1967 he was the recipient of the Kansas Bankers Award. He enjoyed fishing, attending cattle shows and taking care of his cattle. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends.

Elroy’s surviving family include his daughter, Melinda Olson (Robert) of Russell, Kansas; son, Martin Dietz (Linda) of Russell, Kansas; brother, Harlan Dietz of Hays, Kansas; sister, Mary Oppenheimer (Stan) of Shreveport, Louisiana; four grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, wife LoRee, and son Richard Dietz.

Celebration of Elroy’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the St. John Lutheran Church. A private family burial of ashes will follow at a later time. The family will be present to greet friends from 10:00 AM to Service Time at the church on Thursday. Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Russell Regional Hospital. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.