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Hoisington Dispatch, 163 South Main Street, Hoisington, KS (2024)

06/04/2024

Virginia Helen (Jacobs) Jacobs of Hesston, Kan., peacefully went to be with her heavenly Father on June 2, 2024. Virginia was born on August 18,1930, in Pfeifer, Kan., daughter of George and Bridget (Schmidt) Jacobs. She married Lloyd “Buddy” Crain August 31, 1948. He preceded her in death July 26, 2000. Virginia and Alfred Jacobs were wed in 2004. Alfred passed away May 3, 2018.

Virginia was a longtime resident of Great Bend, and was employed as a ward secretary and nurses’ aide on the Medical Surgical floor of CKMC. She was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and served as a communion minister. Virginia also belonged to the Altar Society. She was talented in art and loved sewing, drawing, embroidery, cooking, and baking.

Virginia is survived by sons; Mark D. Crain of Pratt, Ks, Michael L. Crain (Renay) of Eads, Colo.; Her daughters, Cheryl Alexander of Great Bend, Ks., Debra Moss (Ed) of Pratt, Ks., Nancy Wetig (John) of Wichita, Ks., and Lisa Viegra (Jeremy) of Larned, Ks., sister; Janice Leiker, Ellis, Ks.; 23 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and 27 great great grandchildren.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, step father, Joe Urban; her brothers; Norman Jacobs, James Jacobs, Larry Urban, sisters; Rita Jacobs and Florence Morris; and two grandchildren; Maria Fuentes and Lyndee Scott.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2024, at St. Rose Of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kan. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2024, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and Vigil at 7:00 p.m. all at Bryant Funeral Home. Additional visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Friday, May 7, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Prince of Peace Parish or Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

06/03/2024

Thomas L. Demel, 87, passed away June 2, 2024, at Credo Senior Living, Hoisington, Kansas. He was born February 21, 1937, on the family farm west of Odin, Kansas, to Frank and Mary (Klug) Demel. On May 6, 1961, Tom married Darleen Graves at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, and shared 63 years together.
Tom graduated from Odin High School in 1955, and proudly served in the Army from 1955-1957 as a Specialist Third Class in the 155th Artillery in Darmstadt Germany along the Russian border. He returned to the states and worked for DS&W in the oilfield, for Jerry Beran at The Odin Store, for Marlette Homes and for Bob Beran at the Tap Room. Tom then started his career in auto parts sales working for Great Bend Auto Parts and Sidles Auto Parts and eventually buying into Sidles Auto Parts to own his own business. In 1977 he changed the name to TD’s Auto Parts and relocated to Main Street, Hoisington, Kansas, and was in business until 1999 when he retired.
Tom was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, Kansas, Odin Knights of Columbus, the VFW and American Legion serving on honor guards for many functions. Tom collected baseball cards, coins, and sports memorabilia. He enjoyed every level of sports and was known to watch 4 to 5 TV’s so he wouldn’t miss any action and you never thought to try to grab the remote to change the channel. He was also an avid pitch player and was known for being very competitive in his younger days. He was a huge fan of the Hoisington Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kansas State Wildcats and Kansas Jayhawks basketball. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to whom he was proud to gift his sports memorabilia collection and who enjoy this same passion. Tom was also known for his friendliness by giving out Smarties candy.
Survivors include his, Darleen, of the home; daughters, Janet (Shawn) Jonas of Hoisington, and Tammy (Peter) Burke of Campbell, Texas; and son, Tom (Brenda) Demel of Wichita; grandchildren, Austin (Katie) Jonas, Cosby, Missouri, Audra (Adam) Paquette, Manhattan, Brandon (fiancé Blair) Burke and Walter (Meaghan) Burke, Campbell, Texas; great-grandchildren, his greatest joy, Hunter, Jordy and Brecken Jonas, Anthony, Ajla and Audie Leonard, Layton and Landyn Burke, Bodie and Stella Rose Burke, Austin Paquette, Jeremiah Valles, Layton, Liam and Averie Garcia, and Jacob and David Alter; brothers, Robert (Rosemary) Demel, Great Bend, Marvin (Phyllis) Demel, Kanopolis, Allen (Margaret) Demel, Elk City, Oklahoma, Mark (Barbara) Demel, Hoisington; sisters, Dolores (Jim) Rosenberg, Simsbury, Connecticut, and Rosemary Schremmer, Hoisington, and sister-in-law Patricia Demel, Great Bend.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Raymond Demel, brother-in-law Kenneth Schremmer, and nephew, Lance Walters and great-grandchildren Jack and Cade Jonas.
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Family will greet friends from 6- 8 p.m. with Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, Kansas, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Interment with military honors will follow at the St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington.
Memorials have been designated to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, St. John Catholic Cemetery Fund, or Gentiva Hospice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544.

04/22/2024

Marilyn Ann Redetzke, 91, died April 19, 2024, at Aster Estates in Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on April 25, 1932, at the Atkins Hospital in Hoisington Kansas. Marilyn was the 2nd child of Leo and Cecilia (Schauf) Redetzke. The family moved several times before settling on the family farm one mile east of Susank, Kansas in July of 1941.
Marilyn attended District 103 grade school in Susank, Kansas and graduated grade school in April of 1946. She attended her freshman year of high school at Hoisington High School, her sophomore year in Great Bend High School and junior and senior years at Mt. Carmel Academy in Wichita, Kansas. Marilyn then attended Mt. St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas (now Benedictine College), graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education in May of 1954.
After graduation, Marilyn taught 41 third graders at Blessed Sacrament Grade School in Wichita, Kansas for 2 years. (Sept. 1954 to May 1956). She then taught third and fourth graders for two years at District 54 in Odin, Kansas until May of 1958.
Marilyn then moved to San Francisco, California and went into the insurance business in September of 1958, working for Liberty Mutual in San Francisco for 6 ½ years. She then took a European trip and upon return she went to work for Aetna Life & Casualty in Leawood, Kansas from March 1965 until May 1, 1994, when she retired.
In 1996, Marilyn moved to Hoisington, Kansas to live the life of leisure.
Marilyn enjoyed doing crafts, bowling, playing cards and some gardening. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where she taught CCD to the kindergarten class and was a Eucharist minister for the homebound. She was also an active member of the Altar Society working at many church funeral dinners.
Survivors include: a brother, Norman Redetzke and wife Pam of Salina, two sisters, Jeanne Reilly of Pittsburg, California, and Bernie McCay and husband Art of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and a sister-in-law, Pat Redetzke of Hoisington; she was blessed with 28 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Maurice, Leo “Butch” and Clarence Redetzke; and two sisters, Eileen Larkin and Cecilia Monaghan.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, with Vigil and Rosary service to begin at 7 p.m., all at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 26th, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Graveside service will be 1:30 p.m., Friday at St. Catherine Cemetery, Dubuque, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to Aster Estates or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

04/22/2024

Cecil Orliss Cheney, 94, passed away February 24, 2024, at home in Hoisington, Kan. surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 17, 1929, at Dundee, Kan., to James and Rosa (Myers) Cheney. Cecil married Leona Erb June 20, 1948, in Hutchinson, Kansas. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary together in June of 2023.

Cecil, a resident of Hoisington since 1952 coming from Hutchinson, had been a long-time employee of KPL. He started as a service technician and retired in May, 1992, as a the local manager of the Hoisington office. Previous to his employment at KPL, Cecil worked in the oilfield, was a cook at various area restaurants, and was a dedicated employee of the City of Hoisington, serving on the police, electrical and water departments. Never having idle hands, following his retirement, Cecil worked in the produce department at Town and Country Supermarket. He was a member of Hoisington United Methodist Church, Lake Barton Golf Club, and a former council member for the City of Hoisington. He enjoyed fishing, cooking and calling Bingo at the V.F.W, however, above all he enjoyed time with family, whom he loved so dearly. Among his many interests, he was most passionate about golf, having a great fondness for his golf family.

Survivors include his wife, Leona Cheney of the home; two daughters, Carolyn Mitchell and husband Jim of Prescott, Ariz., and Jolene Sparks and husband Darrel of Perry, Okla.; four grandchildren, Shari Carter (Darrin), Daren Sparks (Laurie), Amy Mitchell, and Wesley Sparks (Lindsey); five great-grandchildren, Braydan and fiancée (Lauren Duncan), Cassidy and fiancé (Will Oldham), Cale, Kendall, and Lincoln; one great-great-granddaughter, Paisley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by five brothers, Harold, Kenneth, Eugene, Jerry and Raymond.

Family will greet friends on Friday, April 26th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday April 27, 2024, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to GPS Kids Club, Kans for Kids, Lake Barton Golf Club, or First United Methodist Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

04/18/2024

Edward Benjamin Galliart, Jr., 70, died Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home in Hoisington. He was born June 23, 1953, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Edward Benjamin Galliart, Sr. and Oma Mae (Smith) Galliart.

In the summer of 1972, July 8th he married Sonya Kay McKay. To this union two children were born, Edward Benjamin Galliart, III and Crystal Marie Galliart. They had 13 years together, but they later divorced.

Edward worked in the oil field working for Dresser Atlas Oil and N.L. Acme in his earlier years and then went on to be an over the road truck driver. He later worked as the building supervisor for the Scottish Rite Temple in Wichita retiring at the age of 52 due to health reasons. Edward loved golfing, working on his truck, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. He was quite the jokester and was always making silly noises and playing practical jokes on his family, but in all sincerity, it was done in love. He loved his family, his kids and grandkids and genuinely missed his parents. He also deeply missed his loyal four-legged companion Bear.

He is survived by his children; Edward Benjamin Galliart, III and wife Angie Anderson-Galliart of Great Bend, and Crystal Marie Brown and husband Brian of Newton; sister, Glenna Mae Ritchie of Great Bend; ex-wife, Sonya Viegra and husband Tim of Great Bend; and six grandchildren, Trinity Galliart of Havasu City, Arizona, Elijah Shah and Chelsi Cordray of Sterling, Mikayla L. Galliart and Steven M. Sexton II, Kayden Benjamin Galliart, and Tatum and Keelon Anderson, all of Great Bend; and a great-grandson, Liam Matias Shah.

Friends may sign the book now until service, there will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding. Inurnment will follow in Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to LADA Paws Rescue, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington KS 6754

03/26/2024

The Hoisington Trolley and Friendship Meals will not be running today. Please stay warm and safe and .

03/19/2024

John James Wise, Jr., 72, died February 22, 2024, in Hoisington, Kansas. He was born October 28, 1951, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of John J. Wise, Sr. and Jean C. (Hoover) Wise. John received his bachelor’s degree in business from Louisiana Tech University. He was the owner of Wise Motors in Bossier City, Louisiana.
An avid hunter and sportsman, John would often visit Barton County to hunt at Cheyenne Bottoms. In 2014 after his retirement, his love for the area led him to take up permanent residence here. John would always start his mornings hunting or just enjoying time at Cheyenne Bottoms and every afternoon walking at the Activity Center where he made many friends. He was also an accomplished tennis player and had recently taken up pickleball.
He is survived by his sister, Virginia “Ginny” Hathorn and husband Dave, and a brother, Robert Dayton Wise, all of Shreveport, Louisiana; three nephews, Joshua Hathorn and wife Charm and Caleb Hathorn and wife Katy of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Daniel Hathorn and wife Hannah of Monroe, Louisiana; and nine great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family service.
Memorials may be made to the City of Hoisington for the benefit of the Hoisington Police Department, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
John James Wise, Jr., 72, died February 22, 2024, in Hoisington, Kansas. He was born October 28, 1951, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of John J. Wise, Sr. and Jean C. (Hoover) Wise. John received his bachelor’s degree in business from Louisiana Tech University. He was the owner of Wise Motors in Bossier City, Louisiana.
An avid hunter and sportsman, John would often visit Barton County to hunt at Cheyenne Bottoms. In 2014 after his retirement, his love for the area led him to take up permanent residence here. John would always start his mornings hunting or just enjoying time at Cheyenne Bottoms and every afternoon walking at the Activity Center where he made many friends. He was also an accomplished tennis player and had recently taken up pickleball.
He is survived by his sister, Virginia “Ginny” Hathorn and husband Dave, and a brother, Robert Dayton Wise, all of Shreveport, Louisiana; three nephews, Joshua Hathorn and wife Charm and Caleb Hathorn and wife Katy of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Daniel Hathorn and wife Hannah of Monroe, Louisiana; and nine great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family service.
Memorials may be made to the City of Hoisington for the benefit of the Hoisington Police Department, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

03/01/2024

Rabies clinic, 2024

The City of Hoisington is working with the Hoisington Veterinary Hospital to offer its annual rabies clinic at the Hoisington Fire Station on March 2.

All dogs and cats, residing in the city of Hoisington are required by city, county, and state law to be vaccinated for rabies.

Pet tags/license will be available and should be purchased by March 31 to avoid late fees.

We hope to see you and your pets on March 2 ! 🐱🐶

02/29/2024

Randall Lee “Randy” Smith, 79, passed away February 28, 2024, at University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend Campus, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on May 10, 1944, in Glendale, California, to Chester “Chet” and Anna Louise (Issac) Smith. On June 4, 1965, he married Sandra Sue Pedigo in Great Bend, Kansas. She passed on June 12, 2020.

A lifetime resident of Barton County, Randy worked for the KBI as a field agent. He was also a Criminal Justice professor at Barton Community College, and worked for the Barton County Sheriff’s Office both in the Reserves as well as maintenance. Randy was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking, wood burning, drawing, sculpting, supporting community activities and members, and spending time with family. Randy was well known along with his wife as being Mr. and Mrs. Claus to spread Christmas magic in Great Bend for over 50 years.

Survivors include four granddaughters, Kenda Werth and husband Brandon, Kaycee, Madison, and McKayla Smith, all of Great Bend; three great granddaughters, Ava Vonfeldt, Jaselyn and Brielle Werth, all of Great Bend; brother, Ron Smith and wife Christina of Hoisington; and beloved dog, Otis P.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; son, David Smith; his parents; and sister, Rhonda Blazek.

Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024, with family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Bever presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to the Barton County Sheriff’s Reserve Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

02/29/2024

Jewell Butler Schlicht, 103, of Lakeview Village, Lenexa, Kansas, passed away on February 6, 2024. Jewell was born on January 10, 1921, in Crosses, Arkansas. She moved with her family to Claflin, Kansas in 1926. She graduated from Claflin High School in 1939 and the Brown Mackey School of Business in Salina, Kansas in 1941.
While in high school, she met her future husband, Ralph Robert Schlicht. They were married on February 28, 1942, in Claflin. Jewell followed Ralph while he served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. They settled in Prairie Village, Kansas in 1953.
Jewell was an avid bridge player. Along with husband Ralph, she played bridge several times per month for many years. She was also an avid gardener, cook, domestic and international traveler, and had an eye for interior decorating. Jewell was not afraid of any challenge and really loved her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by son, Mark (Carol); granddaughter; Elizabeth Schlicht (Kurtis Hanlon); and grandson, Robert (Katrina).
Jewell was preceded in death by husband, Ralph; son, Gregory; sisters, Opal Weaver and Hazel Grossardt; and brother, Garland Butler.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 9th, 2024, at Pleasant View Cemetery in Claflin, Kansas, at 11:00 AM, handled by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, Kansas. Memorial gifts can be made to the Lakeview Village Foundation, 9100 Park Street, Lenexa, KS 66215.

02/26/2024

On February 23, 2024, Torryn René Helton was born to Gunner and Breanna (Holmes) Helton at Hays Medical Center, and God unexpectantly called her home. Though left broken hearted, the family is comforted in knowing that part of them will be forever with her. “I carried you every second of your life, and I will love you for every second of mine”

Survivors include her parents, Gunner and Breanna Helton of Claflin; siblings, Henry Dean and Faye Avery Helton; maternal grandparents, Toby and Sheri Holmes of Claflin; paternal grandparents, Kahle and Lori Helton of Goodland, Kan.; great grandmother, Sherry Helton of St. Francis, Kan.; and uncles and aunts, Garth and Maddie Helton, Abby Holmes, Kylie Holmes, and Tyler Holmes. She was preceded in passing by great grandparents, Kenneth Helton, Dwight McDuffee, Bonnie Hill, Jimmie and Leona Holmes, and Francis and Marcella Wahlmeier;

Public visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 26, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Private family funeral services will be held Tuesday with Father Benjamin Dande presiding. Interment will follow at Claflin Cemetery, Claflin.

Memorials may be given to the Torryn René Helton Memorial Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, KS 67544.

02/26/2024

Cecil Orliss Cheney, 94, passed away February 24, 2024, at home in Hoisington, Kan. surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 17, 1929, at Dundee, Kan., to James and Rosa (Myers) Cheney. Cecil married Leona Erb June 20, 1948, in Hutchinson, Kan.

Cecil, a resident of Hoisington since 1952 coming from Hutchinson, had been a long-time employee of KPL, retiring in May, 1992, as a service technician. Previous to his employment at KPL, Cecil worked in the oilfield, was a cook at various area restaurants, and was a dedicated employee of the City of Hoisington, serving on the police, electrical and water departments. Never having idle hands, following his retirement, Cecil worked in the produce department at Town and Country Supermarket. He was a member of Hoisington United Methodist Church, Lake Barton Golf Club, and enjoyed fishing, cooking and calling Bingo at the V.F.W, however, above all he enjoyed time with family, whom he loved so dearly. Among his many interests, he was most passionate about golf, having a great fondness for his golf family.

Survivors include his wife, Leona Cheney of the home; two daughters, Carolyn Mitchell and husband Jim of Prescott, Ariz., and Jolene Sparks and husband Darrel of Perry, Okla.; four grandchildren, Shari Carter (Darrin), Daren Sparks (Laurie), Amy Mitchell, and Wesley Sparks (Lindsey); five great-grandchildren, Braydan (Lauren), Cassidy, Cale, Kendall, and Lincoln; one great-great-granddaughter, Paisley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by five brothers, Harold, Kenneth, Eugene, Jerry and Raymond.

Celebration of Life services are pending with Nicholson-Ricke Funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to GPS Kids Club, Kans for Kids, or Lake Barton Golf Club in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

02/21/2024

Mary Ann Funk, 93, died February 21, 2024, at Brookdale Senior Living, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born July 9, 1930, in Marienthal, Kansas, the daughter of Martin and Anna (Lauber) Younger. Mary Ann graduated from Hoisington High School in 1949.

On July 19, 1951, she married Leonard A. Funk in Galatia, Kansas. He preceded her in death on August 17, 2017.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Mary Ann was a member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Milberger where she had sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, and had been a member of the Women of the ELCA. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. Mary Ann was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening and canning her harvest. She was talented in embroidery, crocheting and ceramics. Mary Ann treasured time with family, particularly reunions, but most importantly attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sports and school activities.

She is survived by two sons, Dennis Funk and wife Sue of Galatia, and Dave Funk and companion Ellen Berry of Russell; daughter, Shirley Funk of Russell; daughter-in-law, Glenda Funk of Hoisington sister, Betty Shaver of Mesquite, Texas; seven grandchildren, Richard (Ann) Funk, Trish Martin, Jordan Funk, Jennifer (Dalton) Bell, Amy (Justin) Kinderknecht, Heath (Shannon) Funk and Taylor (Trevor) Popp; nine great-grandchildren, Aubree Martin, Ava Martin, Landon Funk, Lydia Funk, Lena Funk, Kyndall Kinderknecht, Karsyn Kinderknecht, James Bell and Timothy Joseph Bell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, son, Tim Funk, brothers, Leonard, Al, Paul, and Jerome Younger; sister, Martina Luebbers, and grandson-in-law, Jason Martin.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, with family to greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Milberger, Kansas, with Pastors Delvin Strecker and Brenda Roger presiding. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Galatia, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to the Fairview Cemetery Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

02/19/2024

James Leo “Jim” Churchill, 80, passed away February 17, 2024, in Stafford, Kansas. He was born January 23, 1944, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Lawrence and Ellie (Kramer) Churchill. On July 22, 1972, he married Rojean “Jeanie” Hoeme in Great Bend, Kansas. She passed on October 30, 2009.

A lifetime central Kansas resident, Jim worked as a UPS driver until his retirement in 2002. He was also employed at Marlett Homes, Ford Tractor, and was owner of Ward Bar and Gas Station. Jim was a member of the American Legion Riders. In addition to motorcycles, he enjoyed wood working, hunting, camping, boating, fishing, dancing, playing pitch, and (very competitively) playing pool at the Eagles.

Survivors include two sons, Todd Churchill and wife Michele of Hays, Kansas, and Larry Churchill and wife Angela of Mooreland, Oklahoma; two daughters, Amanda Reed and husband Dusty of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Miranda Tolin and husband Benny of Sedgwick, Kansas; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Cheryl Muth and husband Jim of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; and companion, Vicky Harris of Stafford, Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; stepfather, Elgie Wilkinson; and sister, Linda Renfro.

Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials have been designated to Leisure Homestead Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

02/15/2024

You could donate $50,000 to your college and they won't even put you in the newsletter.

If you donate $500 to your high school, they'd build a statue** of you.

**Statue not guaranteed.

02/15/2024

Clara Constance “Connie” Tuzicka, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Connie was born on December 28, 1929, in New York City, New York, the daughter of William John and Irma Grace (Miller) Hewitt. She grew up in Ocean Side Long Island, New York and attended local schools. She met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Floyd Charles Tuzicka on November 17, 1963, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. They made their home in Olmitz, Kansas and moved to the Russell area the last several years. She worked as a certified nursing assistant at The Manor nursing home in Great Bend, Kansas. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell and former member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Olmitz. She was also a member of the church altar society and V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed cooking, watching the Kansas City Chiefs football and Kansas State University football and basketball.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Floyd on July 24, 2023.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 15, 2024, at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell, Kansas, with the rosary being performed at 10:00 A.M. just before the funeral mass. A graveside service will be held after the funeral at 2 P.M. Thursday afternoon at the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Olmitz, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

02/14/2024

Vivian Leroy Bryant, 50, died February 12, 2024, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born September 18, 1973, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Carl Lee and Rose Marie (Bird) Bryant.
In 1994 Vivian graduated from Great Bend High School. He later worked with Sunflower Diversified Services in the Recycling Center, a job he greatly enjoyed. Always wanting to help in any way he could, he took his chores seriously when living at home with his parents. The dishwasher was always unloaded and the laundry promptly hung to dry. Although he may play hooky if he could take a fishing trip with his dad. He also loved his old mutt dog that was lovingly named Paleface.
Vivian is survived by his two sisters, Louann Clark and husband Lawrence of Susank, and Janice Lauber and husband Daniel of Great Bend; 11 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Roy Bryant, and two great nieces, Olivia Hamby and Abigail Richardson.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding. Burial will follow in Hoisington City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Sunflower Diversified Services Foundation or Midwest Transplant Network, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

02/08/2024

New week, new school.
This week is Hoisington Middle School, please consider making donations to help the children in our district in need.

02/02/2024

Remember each other week is another school, this week is Lincoln Elementary.

01/27/2024

Partnered with the Meyers Enterprises and USD 431 we’ve organized a drive for these PAWvisons, starting with Roosevelt. Each week the paper will showcase a school along with a list of the supplies it needs. You can help by donating these items to the school or directly to the district office. They'll also take cash donations.

As perfectly stated by Meyers Enterprises:

“”Expect to win” is not a random, AI-generated slogan. The thing that sets Hoisington apart from any given small town community is a palpable expectation of success: from our businesses, our people, our students, and our teams.

How do we maintain a winning culture? We build it from an early age. But we can't expect our youth to succeed if they lack basic necessities.”