By STAN UNRUH
For Hays Post

TRIBUNE — In the summer of 2005, Dr. Randy Fahrenholtz came to Greeley County to help serve the health care needs in the farthest reaches of western Kansas. Now, after his death at age 63, he leaves behind a legacy of care and community.

Fahrenholtz died Saturday when his small, private airplane crashed outside of Tribune.

The community, which has a population of fewer than 800 people, is still reeling after the sudden tragedy.

“We are all doing the best we can,” said Chrysanne Grund, project director for Greeley County Health Services. “This is a small community, and Dr. Randy was involved in so many areas of the community.

“It is like a family here, and he was an important part of our small family.”

Fahrenholtz worked at the 18-bed Greeley County Hospital and saw patients at the family practice offices in Tribune and in the Wallace County community of Sharon Springs.

The community is preparing for Thursday’s 10 a.m. funeral services at First Presbyterian Church, Tribune.

“Dr. Fahrenholtz has a very close family beyond our community, and we are expecting most of them to be here,” Grund said.

The medical clinics also will be closed Thursday.

“We’ll have minimal staffing at the hospital to accommodate those who want to attend the service,” Grund said. “Just enough staff will be working to make sure the patients are well taken care of.”

Fahrenholtz would expect that.

“We are very fortunate to have the kind of physicians we have here at Greeley County Health Services,” Henry Garvin, interim hospital CEO, said in a statement on the hospital’s website. “Dr. Fahrenholtz cared greatly for his patients and was very invested in providing excellent care to all he came into contact with.”

Fahrenholtz and his wife, Janice, were active in the small community members. Fahrenholtz supported the arts, and was a part of the community band and would often volunteer and attend movies at Tribune’s Star Theater.

Janice Fahrenholtz serves on the Greeley and Wallace County Foundation and is president of the Greeley County school board.

“Dr. Fahrenholtz will surely leave a legacy of honor in our health system and our community. He was a kind man, an excellent doctor and a beloved community member and friend, both to his patients and the colleagues,” said Katy Reynolds, hospital human resource director. “His legacy will leave a lasting impact on the continued mission of Greeley County Health Services — to provide trusted care close to home.”

A full obituary can be found HERE.