Stuart Lee Henzel was born December 16, 1934, in Riverside, California, the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Henzel. He passed away May 23, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Society in Oberlin, Kansas, at the age of 82.

Stuart, a long-time resident of Klamath County, Oregon, was raised in Malin, Oregon, along with his sister Jane. He attended grade school and high school in Malin. During school, he enjoyed working on the ranch, in the machine shop, operating amateur radios, and learning to fly and earning his pilot’s license. After graduating, Stuart attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture.

On June 24, 1956, Stuart married Mary Lucille Dillard in Klamath Falls. Four sons were born to their union. Stuart enjoyed taking trips with his family, by car, train and in his private plane.

Stuart and Mary owned and operated cattle ranches while residing in Midland, Oregon, and later in Holdenville, Oklahoma, where they moved in 1981. One of Stuart’s passions was the study of minor elements and animal nutrition. Working in conjunction with Oregon State University, he was instrumental in determining trace mineral deficiencies local to the Klamath Basin. Steps were taken to dramatically increase gains on pasture. He brought this success to all his cattle operations. Stuart loved working with cattle and was a longtime member of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, for which he was a past State President. In 1998, the couple moved to a farm six miles east and six miles south of Oberlin where they raised cattle and enjoyed their horses and dogs. Stuart was a current member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Oberlin and past member of Rotary International.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; three sons, Jim Henzel (Connie), of Pahrump, NV, Barron Henzel (Tom Fitzpatrick), of San Diego, CA, and Richard Henzel (Pamela Newby), of St. Petersburg, FL; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Wayne Buck, of Corvallis, OR; grandson, Jacob Henzel (Ali), of Sapulpa, OK; in addition to other family members and friends.

Stuart was preceded in death by a son, Clint Henzel, and his parents, Richard and Elizabeth Henzel.

At Stuart’s request, his body has been donated to the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, Kansas, for the advancement of science. A celebration of life service will be planned for a later date. Donations can be made to the Good Samaritan Society, in care of the funeral home.

DODGE CITY – Robert Dean “Bob” Pfannenstiel, 77, died on May 23, 2017, after his struggle with cancer. He was born on September 2, 1939, the son of Isidore and Adolphine (Gabel) Pfannenstiel of Munjor, Kansas. Bob graduated in 1957 from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, Kansas, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country for two years. Upon returning from the Army, Bob attended Garden City Juco and Washburn University. He graduated in 1963 from Washburn University with a degree in Business Administration.

Bob married the love of his life, Martha L. Akers on June 10, 1961. From this union came three children, one daughter, Sherry Ann, and two sons, Steven Dean and Brian Keith.

After college graduation Bob went to work for the Fleming Company. He owned and operated the Pay Day IGA stores in Dodge City and Great Bend from 1970-1992. He presently owns the Locker Room.

Bob was an avid sports lover and supported all local athletic programs, but dearest to his heart was his Pay Day IGA softball teams. He enjoyed watching KU basketball, Notre Dame football and the Kansas City Royals.

Bob was an active member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Knights of Columbus. He served on the board at St. Mary of the Plains College and the Salvation Army.

Survivors include: wife of 56 years, Martha, daughter, Sherry McMahan (Trent) Franklin, TN, son, Steve (Cherie) Jetmore, brothers, Harvey (Peggy) Windsor, CO, Jerry, Windsor, CO, sisters, Mary McDonald (Tom) Gilbert, AZ, Cora Stockman, Las Vegas, NV. Four grandchildren: granddaughter, Mandy Shaw (Dillon), Franklin, TN, grandsons, Scott McMahan, Chattanooga, TN, Parker and Austin Pfannenstiel, Jetmore. Bob is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and an abundance of dear friends.

Preceding him in death were; his parents and his son, Brian Keith.

Vigil service will be 7:00 pm Friday, May 26, 2017 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dodge City. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Saturday at the church with Fr. Wesley Schawe presiding. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, with full military rites by Howard Gotschall VFW Post 1714 at Military Honors for the State of Kansas. Visitation will be noon to 5:00 pm Friday at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials to: Brian Pfannenstiel Memorial Scholarship, Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund, Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, and Hospice of the Prairie all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.

Willard J. “Will” Bieker, 77, Schoenchen, died Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at HaysMed.

He was born July 2, 1939 in Schoenchen the son of Alexander A. and Regina (Gottshalk) Bieker. He graduated from Schoenchen High School where he played football and sang in the choir. He was united in marriage to Theresa Jacobs on April 4, 1970. She died on March 14, 1972. On February 23, 1974 he married Geraldine M. “Shirley” Herrman in Schoenchen, celebrating 43 years of marriage. He took over the Schoenchen grocery store from his dad and he and Shirley owned and operated the liquor store and Shirley’s Café in Schoenchen. He was also the Schoenchen postmaster for 54 years and because of his love of singing was well known as the “singing postmaster”. He liked listening to Elvis gospel and old-time country music, sitting on his back porch every day, and most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #4166.

Survivors include his wife Shirley of Hays, three daughters; Janell Underwood and husband Chad of Schoenchen, Diane Hoar of Englewood, FL, and Donna Campbell of Portland, OR, two sons; Robert “Robby” Rasmussen of Germany and Robert “Bob” Harvey and wife Dolly of Alma, WA, one brother; Kenneth Bieker and wife RoseAnn of Schoenchen, one sister-in-law; Rita Bieker of Hays, and the nieces and nephews he helped raise; Bob Pfannenstiel and wife Gloria of Topeka, Don Pfannenstiel and wife Myra of Hays, Shirley Werth and husband Les of Schoenchen, Dennis Pfannenstiel and wife Pam of Hays and Marlene Sloan and husband Howard of Hays, twelve grandchildren; Ciarra Owens, Alyssa Underwood, Robert L. Rasmussen III, Bobbi Jo Harvey-Malcholz and husband Fred, Dwayne Campbell and wife Jenny, Gerald Harvey, Jr., Lynna Campbell, Tammy Williams and husband Shawn, Dale Harvey and wife Teri, Dustin Harvey, Michelle Curington and husband Dan, and Heidi Harvey, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Theresa, his parents, a son; Gerald Harvey, two brothers; Marvin Bieker and Vic Bieker, five sisters; Alice Sauer, Lyla Bieker, Armella Bianchino, Nita Lyhane, and Mabel (Pfannenstiel) Gross, and a grandson, Michael Harvey.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Schoenchen. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tuesday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 9:00 am until service time on Wednesday at the church. A parish vigil will be at 7:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30, both on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested in Willard’s memory to Hospice of Hays Medical Center, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Christina Louise Elliott, 93, Hays, a resident of the Hays Good Samaritan Society, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at HaysMed.

She was born June 15, 1923 south of Russell, Kansas the daughter of Albert and Christina “Lottie” (Richter) Corwin. Louise lived her early life on the family farm near Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise Rural High School in 1940. On October 4, 1944 she was united in marriage to Arvis Nathan Elliott in Russell. After Arvis’s discharge from military service, they returned to Kansas and made their home on a farm near Paradise. Four children were born to this union; Vicki, Dwight, Paul, and Arlene.

In 1963, they moved to Paradise and Louise began her retail sales career at Brown’s Grocery Store. In 1975, she began work at the TG&Y and then Pamida store at Russell. She retired from retail sales in 1990. In 1987, Arvis and Louise moved to Hays due to Arvis’s health. They were members of the Paradise United Methodist Church for many years, where she was an active member of the UMW, and transferred their membership to the First United Methodist Church of Hays. Louise became a member of the Ruth Circle and enjoyed the fellowship and embroidering towels for their projects. Louise was a wonderful cook; she enjoyed making family dinners and making sure that everyone had plenty to eat.

Survivors include her children; Vicki McDowell and husband Jim of Lucas, Kansas, Dwight Elliott and wife Laura of Owasso, OK, Paul Elliott of Dodge City, KS, and Arlene Morgan and husband Pat of Wichita, a sister Violet Herring of McPherson, ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arvis in 1998, three sisters; Amy, Ruby, and Norma Lee, and five brothers; Albert “Bud”, Donald, Clarence, Richard, and Chester.

A celebration of Louise’s life will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street, Hays. Burial will follow in the Mt. Herman Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Hays Good Samaritan Society, the Paradise United Methodist Church, or to the First United Methodist Church of Hays, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Lawrence “Larry” Dale Taylor, born March 2, 1952 in Wichita KS to Dale & Arlene Taylor, went to be with Jesus on May 22, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita KS at age 65.

He was a member of Gospel Fellowship Church and Howard First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Elk County Community Foundation.

On August 13, 1972 he married Marcia Winn in Howard KS. They were married for almost 45 years. Larry was a missionary with Teens for Christ Connection for 20 years. He was the pastor at Gospel Fellowship Church in Shallow Water KS for 13 years until retiring in October of 2016. He was an ordained youth pastor. He had a heart for teenagers and all people. He went on mission trips to Russia, Belarus, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, China and various places throughout the United States. He had a passion for disaster relief and SPLASH trips. He touched many lives through performing marriages and funerals.

Larry & Marcia had two children, Heather & Adam Carver and Ben & Megan Taylor. They had seven grandchildren: Emma Carver, Noah Carver, Karys Carver, Carson Taylor, Brynlee Taylor, Kaeson Taylor & Breckyn Taylor. Larry loved his kids and grandkids and loved to go Jeeping with them. He loved to go to the top of the Colorado Mountains and experience God’s creation.

Larry’s greatest wish was that all people would know Jesus as their Savior. His favorite verses were John 3:16 & 17 and Matthew 28:16-20. He showed Jesus’s love to everyone he met; he did not know a stranger. He tried his best to live out the Great Commission and was never shy about sharing the love of Jesus with people.

Survivors include his wife, Marcia, Heather & Adam Carver, Burlington KS; Ben & Megan Taylor, Richmond Hill GA; seven grandchildren; one brother, Terry & Pearl Taylor; his mother-in-law, Gleneva Winn; Kevin & Dianna Deniston; Steven (who lived with them in high school) & Megan Fulton, Kashton & Jaxson; many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts & uncles, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale & Arlene Taylor and his father-in-law, Dwight Winn.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2017 at Howard First Baptist Church with Alan Hunter presiding. Interment will be at Grace Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard KS.

A register book is available to sign at Price & Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St. Scott City, Kansas 67871, from 10-8 on Thursday, May 25, 2017 and from 10-5 on Friday, May 26, 2017.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Teens For Christ Connection in Phillipsburg, KS & the Howard First Baptist Church in Howard, KS, and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349.

Charles Richard Roemer, age 94, of Quinter (formerly of Gove) passed away Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Gove County Medical Center- Long Term Care, Quinter, KS.  He was born August 19, 1922 in Hays KS, the son of Charles William and Jacqueline (Strong) Roemer.

He attended Gove Rural Schools. After finishing one year at Fort Hays State College he enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps and was called to duty in 1943. After serving in WWII, he was honorably discharged, receiving the Purple Heart. He came home and completed his college education at FHSC, receiving a degree in Agriculture and Industrial Arts.

On December 20, 1947, Richard married Florence Elizabeth Dietz in Hays, KS. After their marriage they began farming on the Roemer Ranch west of Gove. He was a member of the Gove County Farm Bureau, KS Livestock Association, V.F.W., American Legion, Gove International Order of Oddfellows Lodge, Gove Lions Club, Gove High School Board, Trustee of FHSU Endowment Assoc., FHSU Phi Kappa Phi, Gove County Commissioner, FHSU Endowment and Scholarship Committee Chair,  Gove County Red Cross and Gove Community Bible Church.

Richard worked hard, played hard, and never met a stranger. His joy was boating and camping with family and friends at Cedar Bluff where he taught many to ski. He was a WWII buff and enjoyed the annual convention of the Third Armored Division. Through the FHSU Endowment he worked to ensure others were able to get a higher education.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Jacqueline Roemer; two sisters Mary Roemer and Lola Reed; and a brother, Raymond F. Roemer.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Florence Roemer of the Long Term Care, Quinter; one son, Douglas Roemer, Gove; and two daughters, Janet Schmidt, Minnesota and Tima and husband, Terry Burris, Oregon.

Grandchildren include Sam Schmidt, Sarah and husband, Ryan McCoy, Maggie and husband, Dominick Schneganz, Aubrey Schmidt, Jessica Burris, Jared Burris and wife Cristy, Lydia Burris and Alexis Burris.

Great-grandchildren include Camilla Schneganz, Leila Schneganz, Ivonne Roch- Burris, Aiden Roche-Burris and many nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 27, 2017, at Gove Community Bible Church with Pastor Chris Thomas officiating. Burial will be at Gove City Cemetery with military honors.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gove Community Bible Church, Gove County Long Term Care or FHSU Foundation for Richard and Florence Roemer Scholarship Fund for graduates of Gove and Trego counties. Checks made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Vernon E. Meckel, 96, retired manager of the Hays Music Company entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Vernon served in the Army Air Corp from 1944-1945, were he flew 124 missions over the Himalayans. He managed the River View Condos, was an active member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, helping in the Lord’s Pantry and raised the highest bid for the Bachler auction for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Preceded by parents, brothers Vivian and Ozie Meckel, his loving wife of 66 years Evelyn, son-in-law Dee Hoyt, great grandson Dalton Palmer. Survived by his children Vernon (Kaori) Meckel, II of Ash Grove, MO, daughter Sheryle Hoyt of Mabank, TX, grandchildren Mathew Meckel, Jennifer Palmer, Lea Nicholson, Brenda Stenovitch, Michael Hoyt, 10 great grandchildren with one on the way.

To celebrate Vernon’s life the family requests you to wear red, white and blue to the services.

Rosary, 7:30pm, Thursday, May 25, Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30am, Friday, May 26 both at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2 007 Arkansas, Wichita with Graveside Service, 10:30am, Saturday, May 27 at St. Mary Cemetery in Russell, KS.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lord’s Pantry at St. Patrick Catholic Church or Make-A-Wish Foundation

Tracy Paul Jacka, age 57, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tracy was born January 28, 1960 in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Wilfred Glenn & Jessie Marie (Brown) Jacka. Tracy was a chef and had been a resident of Oklahoma City since 2015 moving from Texas.

Tracy’s surviving family includes-

One son-
Joshua Ryan Jacka- Missoula, Montana

One Grandson-
Jones Alexander Jacka- Missoula, Montana

His Mother-
Jessie Marie Jacka- Wichita, Kansas

His Father-
Wilfred Glenn Jacka- Oakley, Kansas

Three siblings-
Marquita Rae Jacka- Wichita, Kansas
Joni Lynn Brack- Willowdale, Kansas
William Keith Jacka- Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Two brothers, Robert Theodore Jacka and Glenn Wayne Jacka, precede him in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Beeler Cemetery in Beeler, Kansas with the Reverend Robert Nuckolls officiating.

Memorials may be given to the Tracy P. Jacka Memorial Fund in care of
Price & Sons Funeral Home
401 Washington Street
Scott City, Kansas 67871

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

Charles Richard Roemer, age 94, of Quinter (formerly of Gove) passed away Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Gove County Medical Center- Long Term Care, Quinter, KS. He was born August 19, 1922 in Hays KS, the son of Charles William and Jacqueline (Strong) Roemer.

He attended Gove Rural Schools. After finishing one year at Fort Hays State College he enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps and was called to duty in 1943. After serving in WWII, he was honorably discharged, receiving the Purple Heart. He came home and completed his college education at FHSC, receiving a degree in Agriculture and Industrial Arts.

On December 20, 1947, Richard married Florence Elizabeth Dietz in Hays, KS. After their marriage they began farming on the Roemer Ranch west of Gove. He was a member of the Gove County Farm Bureau, KS Livestock Association, V.F.W., American Legion, Gove International Order of Oddfellows Lodge, Gove Lions Club, Gove High School Board, Trustee of FHSU Endowment Assoc., FHSU Phi Kappa Phi, Gove County Commissioner, FHSU Endowment and Scholarship Committee Chair, Gove County Red Cross and Gove Community Bible Church.

Richard worked hard, played hard, and never met a stranger. His joy was boating and camping with family and friends at Cedar Bluff where he taught many to ski. He was a WWII buff and enjoyed the annual convention of the Third Armored Division. Through the FHSU Endowment he worked to ensure others were able to get a higher education.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Jacqueline Roemer; two sisters Mary Roemer and Lola Reed; and a brother, Raymond F. Roemer.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Florence Roemer of the Long Term Care, Quinter; one son, Douglas Roemer, Gove; and two daughters, Janet Schmidt, Minnesota and Tima and husband, Terry Burris, Oregon.

Grandchildren include Sam Schmidt, Sarah and husband, Ryan McCoy, Maggie and husband, Dominick Schneganz, Aubrey Schmidt, Jessica Burris, Jared Burris and wife Cristy, Lydia Burris and Alexis Burris.

Great-grandchildren include Camilla Schneganz, Leila Schneganz, Ivonne Roch- Burris, Aiden Roche-Burris and many nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 27, 2017, at Gove Community Bible Church with Pastor Chris Thomas officiating. Burial will be at Gove City Cemetery with military honors.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gove Community Bible Church, Gove County Long Term Care or FHSU Foundation for Richard and Florence Roemer Scholarship Fund for graduates of Gove and Trego counties. Checks made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.