Lynne Albers, 67, died Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM.

She was born October 11, 1948, in Hastings, NE to Frank and Donna Bradley. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1966. Lynne went on to graduate with a degree in Science and Education in 1970 from Fort Hays State University.

She married Robert Albers on June 20, 1970 in Lawrence, KS.

Lynne was an active volunteer with such causes as Ellis County Environmental Awareness, was an All American City presenter in 1996, Dream Camp, Citizen Review Board and many others. In 1990, she received a Kansans Caring for Kansans volunteer award from Governor Mike Hayden. In 1996, she received Citizen of the Year Award from the Hays Chamber of Commerce, making her the first woman to receive the award.

A lover of writing, she has written and published several stories in CUP OF COMFORT and CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL.

Survivors include her husband, Albuquerque; one daughter, Jennifer Kysar of Luray, KS; one son, Wade Albers of Lenexa, KS; her parents, Frank and Donna Bradley of Hays, KS; and one brother, Bruce Bradley of Aurora, NE.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm until 7:00 on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 10:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions can be made to USD 489 – 323 W 12th Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 – www.usd489.com. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Victoria, Kansas – Louise A. (Windholz) Schmidtberger, age 61, died Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at Hays Medical Center Hays, Kansas.

She was born April 19, 1954, in Hays, Kansas, to Otto and Blanche (Weber) Windholz.  She married Jerry Schmidtberger on January 26, 1974, in Victoria, Kansas.

She was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, the St. Fidelis Adult Church Choir and Cantor, and Daughters of Isabella all of Victoria, Kansas. She was a member of the “Nostalgics”  singing group with Marilyn Braun and Kathy Dreiling-Amrein.  She was a 1972 graduate of Victoria High School and was a member of the Sweet & Sour Kraut Variety Show. She and her husband sang for weddings, funerals, anniversaries and other events from 1972 to 2007. She and her husband were high school religion teachers, CYO sponsors and marriage prep volunteers. She was an in-home day care provider, worked at the Ellis County Star, Insurance Planning of Hays and Robben Insurance of Victoria.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Schmidtberger, of the home; two sons, Brandon Schmidtberger and wife, Angie, Overland Park, KS; Corey Schmidtberger and wife, Kim, Olathe, KS; three grandchildren, Paige Schmidtberger, Brody Schmidtberger and Jacob Schmidtberger; two brothers, Virgil Windholz and wife, Louise, Ness City, KS; Otto Windholz and wife, Jackie, Houston, TX; two sisters, Charlotte Blake and husband, Don, Augusta, KS; Carolyn Pfannenstiel, Austin, TX; father-law and mother-in law, Robert L. and Marie Schmidtberger, Victoria, KS; five brothers-in-law, Gary Schmidtberger and wife, Wanda, Hays, KS; Leroy Schmidtberger and wife, LeeAnn, Wayne Schmidtberger, Ron Schmidtberger and wife, Kim, all of Victoria, KS; Pat Schmidtberger, Wichita, KS; one sister-in-law, Judy Rupp and husband, Rick, Victoria, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one grandson, Jonah Schmidtberger, and one great nephew, Dustin Blake.

Services are at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 27, 2016, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.  Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.

A Daughters of Isabella rosary is at 6:30 P.M. Friday and a vigil service at 7:00 P.M. Friday both at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday and from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Saturday at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Memorials to The Basilica of St. Fidelis or the Alzheimer’s Association.  Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected].

Tyler Michael Graff, age 31, went to be with the Lord and his Grandpa Vic on Monday, February 22, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

Tyler was born a fighter, October 17, 1984, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Gary & Sherry (Silvey) Graff, with a rare birth defect called Omphalocele, spending his first 100 days of his young life in Wesley Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

Following eleven operations he returned home to the family farm near Marienthal, Kansas. Tyler attended St. Mary Grade School, where he was the Wichita County Spelling Bee Champion, attended St. Mary Religion Class and enjoyed showing his hogs through 4-H. He graduated from Wichita County High School in 2003 and from Colby Community College in 2005 with a degree in Farm Management, returning to the family farm to do what he loved most, helping his dad and grandfather. He loved his Peterbuilt trucks, picking corn, cutting silage and driving the cutter and sprayer. He was always ready for the next harvest.

Tyler didn’t know a stranger and loved to help out in any way he could. He had many friends he considered family, and together they enjoyed racing cars, 4-wheeling and just being together. He had a way with people, stopping to hear or tell a story and to have a laugh. He coached baseball and basketball for Wichita County Parks and Recreation, was an assistant basketball coach for Wichita County High and Junior High Schools, trying to bring out each players individual strengths. Tyler loved the Kansas State Wildcat Football and attended games every fall.

Tyler was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas where he was a 3rd & 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an active Leoti Volunteer Fireman, Kansas Farm Bureau board member and the Wichita County Amusement Association. He death was unexpected and the loss has left a huge hole in our lives. We will miss his mischievous ways, his zest for life and his gentle soul.

On December 13, 2014 he married Ashley Konda at Spearville, Kansas.

Tyler’s surviving family includes

His wife-

Ashley Graff- Leoti, Kansas

Parents-

Gary & Sherry Graff- Marienthal, Kansas

Two siblings-

Tucker Graff- Manhattan, Kansas

Trinity Graff- Salina, Kansas

Grandparents-

Roberta Graff- Leoti, Kansas

Larry & Carol Silvey- Akron, Colorado

Numerous aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins and friends.

His grandfather, Victor Graff precedes him in death.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 pm Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, February 27, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas with Father Benjamin Martin officiating. Burial will be next to his grandfather in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas. Memorials may be given to Wichita County Amusement Association, Leoti Volunteer Fire Department or Wichita County Parks and Recreation in care of the funeral home. Friends may call from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Alan Dale Hilmes, age 63, of WaKeeney, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016 at his home.  He was born August 2, 1952, in Ransom, to Henry John and Armilla (Luetters) Hilmes.

After graduating from Ransom High School, Alan went to technical school to become a machinist.  He worked for Curtis Machine, in Dodge City.  On June 9, 2010, Alan was united in marriage to Linda Harrison in Indiana.  She preceded him in death on June 13, 2014.  He was a member of the VFW and was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Member.  Alan was a talented woodworker, an avid fisherman, and he loved a day on the golf course.  He will be dearly missed.

Alan is survived by a son, Kraig of Wichita; four daughters, Katherine (Chris) Cagle of Mullinville, Kassandra and Kellie of Wichita, and Kandice of Dodge City; ten grandchildren; three brothers, Fred (Gladys) of Ness City, Dan (Ninfa) of Othella, Washington, and Kenny (Brenda) of WaKeeney; a sister, Karen (Larry) Interman of Dodge City; and a sister-in-law, Carol Hilmes of WaKeeney.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers, Larry and Donald; and a sister, Sandra Hilmes.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney. Military honors will be provided by the US Navy.

Visitation and viewing will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home in WaKeeney.

 Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alan Hilmes Memorial Fund. Checks made to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

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

Lois Jean Harvey, age 81, of rural Collyer, Ks, died Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at her home.  She was born April 17, 1934, on the family farm in Trego County, Ks, to S. P. and Tabea (Deines) Fabrizius.  Lois was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in WaKeeney, Ks, on May 20, 1934.

Lois attended Trego Center Rural School through 8th grade, then attended and graduated from Trego Community High School.  She was confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church, Trego Center, Ks, on May 20, 1949.  On April 17, 1955, she was united in marriage to Donald L. Harvey in the Zion Lutheran Church.  They operated the family-owned dairy and farm.  He preceded her in death in 2005.  Lois was a member of the WELCA Women’s Organization and the Anything Goes Bridge Club.  She enjoyed embroidering quilts for her grandchildren and was also known for her talent in the kitchen; she loved cooking for everyone.  Family was very important to Lois and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially the surprise visits.  Lois was always willing to lend a helping hand with about anything.  She always looked forward to traveling with her husband and family, and she especially loved to shop with her daughter and granddaughters.

Her family includes four children, Michael Jon (Elizabeth) Harvey of Salina, Ks, Steven Craig (Deb) Harvey of WaKeeney, Ks, Bradley David (fiancé, Gayla) Harvey of Collyer, Ks, and Dona Jean Harvey of San Antonio, Tx; 14 grandchildren, Spencer Harvey, Ian Harvey, and Erin Harvey of Hays, Ks, Addison Harvey of Salina, Ks; Rebecca Capps of Kirwin, Ks, and Dona Jo Lowry of Almena, Ks; Kassie Remington of Quinter, Ks, Kelsey Howard of WaKeeney, Ks, Hayley Harvey of Arlington, Tx, and Marissa Harvey of Collyer, Ks; Jordon Hutto of LaVernia, Tx, Kelly Koenigsman and Amanda Koenigsman of Lawrence, Ks, and Brent Koenigsman of Hays, Ks; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Carroll E. Fabrizius (Judy) of WaKeeney, Ks; one sister, Wilma Peil of Manhattan, Ks; three sisters-in-law, Betty Harvey of Garden City, Ks, Karlynn (Albert) Yanke of WaKeeney, Ks, and Phyllis Womack of Houston, Tx.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother, Elvin C. Fabrizius; sister, Ella Reavis; four brothers-in-law, Lanny Harvey, Bruce Peil, Bill Womack, and Jack Reavis; and daughter-in-law, Karen (Werth) Harvey.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 22, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church, south of WaKeeney, Ks.

There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church (Zion Roof fund).  Donations made to the church may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th St., WaKeeney, Ks, 67672.

Condolences may be sent online www.schmittfuneral.com.

Viola (Wilhelm) Schneider, of WaKeeney, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Trego Manor, WaKeeney. She was 92 years of age. Viola was born January 20, 1924, in Barton County, to Heinrich and Amelia “Mollie” (Miller) Wilhelm.

Viola was united in marriage on November 10, 1945 to Bernhardt Schneider in Trego Center. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage before he passed away on August 10, 2001. She is survived by four children, Richard Kimm (Susan) Schneider of Harker Heights, Texas, Michael Lee (Kathy) Schneider of Collyer, Sherryl Ann (Jeff) DiLallo of St. Louis, Missouri, and Mark Allen Schneider of Springfield, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Troy (Lisa) Schneider of Arvada, Colorado, Tabitha (David) Albertson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tamara Schneider of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Adam (Jannelle) Schneider of Lawson, Missouri, Kahl (Heather) Schneider of Adair, Iowa, Chauncy (Liz) Schneider of WaKeeney, Becky (Aaron) Hanneke of Great Bend, Mary (Joe) Herskowitz of Hoxie, Jon (Chelsea) DiLallo of Kansas City, Missouri, Sarah DiLallo of St. Louis, Jennifer DiLallo of Bagè, Brazil, and Amerie Schneider of Littleton, Colorado; twenty five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jeanie Bailey of Russell. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Connie Schneider, a grandson, Tate Aaron Schneider, six sisters, and nine brothers.

Viola was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church Women’s Group, and the VFW Auxiliary. She worked at the Boeing Factory in Wichita during World War II and was nicknamed
“Blondie” –which was embroidered on her factory uniforms.

Viola was a proud homemaker, who cherished time spent together with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed a good fishing trip, cooking, quilting, gardening, and trips to the casino. She was an accomplished checkers player who relished a challenging match with family and friends. She was known for her feisty spirit, giving heart, and joyous nature. She made and gave many hand sewn quilts and home-cooked meals to those she loved and were in need. Her unconditional love and forgiveness were constant throughout her life.
Her entire life was guided by her forgiving nature and unconditional love.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Trego Center.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church. Donations made to the church may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

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