Augustine "Francis" VonFeldt

Augustine “Francis” Vonfeldt passed away on October 10, 2022, in the Anthology of Olathe Assisted Living in Olathe, Kansas at the age of 90. Francis was born on November 13, 1931, to August and Celestine (Kinderknecht) Vonfeldt in Gorham, Kansas. He was united in marriage to Shirley A. (Robben) Vonfeldt on August 22, 1951, in Gorham. The couple was blessed with four children: Roger, Karen, Keith, and Alan.

Francis grew up in Gorham where he graduated from Gorham High School in 1949. He worked as an oilfield mechanic for many years and eventually owned Oilfield Engine Services in Plainville. He was hard working, enjoyed people, and never turned down a time to lend a helping hand. Francis was highly involved in Alcoholics Anonymous as a recovering alcoholic sponsor, and also a member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree Knight. There was always coffee to be drank and friends to visit with at Crawford’s, Fish Frys to assist and enjoy at the K of C, and cards to be played at the Ponderosa. Francis also enjoyed being in the outdoors enjoying a round of golf, fishing, hunting and boating across Kansas and Colorado, or soaking up the warmer winters in Rio Hondo, Texas.

Francis was a man who loved his Lord, Jesus Christ, and passed that love on to his family so it would continue to grow and be nurtured in their lives. Let Matthew 22:37-39 be a constant reminder, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”. The legacy of the strength, love, and encouragement Francis has shown others will always be in our hearts and memories.

Francis is survived by his wife, Shirley Vonfeldt of Olathe, KS; children, Roger (Karen) Vonfeldt of Pullman, WA, Karen Adams of Olathe, KS, Keith (Stacey) Vonfeldt of Wichita, KS, and Alan (Pamela) Vonfeldt of Andover, KS; siblings, Rosemary Bahr of Sterling, CO, GL Vonfeldt of Larned, KS, Steve (Peggy) Vonfeldt of Auburn, WA, Dennis (Judy) Vonfeldt of Dover, NH; sisters-in-law, June Denning of Plainville, KS, Lil (Ken) Hoffman of Sacramento, CA, Louise Robben of Victoria, KS, Doris Robben of Victoria, KS; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, August and Celestine Vonfeldt; brothers, Gervas Leo, Robert (Belva) Vonfeldt; sisters, Viola (Harvey) Walton, Agatha (Fred) Gross, Augusta (Bob) Nunn; brother-in-law, Ed Bahr; sister-in-law, Shirley Vonfeldt; mother and father-in-law Francis and Josie Robben; brothers-in-law, Norbert Robben, Chuck Robben, Kenny Robben; and sister-in-law, Natilie Shumacher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be on Friday from 2 PM until 4:00PM at the funeral home and will be moved to the church at 6 PM until 8 PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7PM.

John Henry Schruben

Velma Mona Garvert

Velma Mona Garvert passed into her heavenly home on June 25, 2022 at the Silverleaf Group Home in Plano, Texas at the age of 91. She was born on November 3, 1930 in Palco, Kansas to Frank and Elizabeth (Desmarteau) Marcotte. Velma was united in marriage to Donald Garvert and the couple was blessed with six children: Terrance (Terry), Mark, Randall (Randy), Donna, Roger, and Kay.

Velma grew up in Rooks County where she graduated from Palco High School in 1948. Following high school she entered the workforce for a short stint at the Stockton Bank. She met and later married Donald Garvert on October 12, 1953 in Plainville at the catholic church and the couple moved to Fort Riley and Georgia before returning to Rooks County after Donald’s honorable military discharge. Velma had a competitive side, she enjoyed golf, entering her baked goods in competitions, any activity with her kids or grandchildren as well as rooting for the K-State sports. She loved to polka dance and later in her life she picked up painting and writing poetry and became very accomplished with her Christmas Card creations that were worthy of being on a Hallmark shelf. It was known by her friends and family, Velma was the life of the party. She would show up with a contagious smile and ready for a little mischief. Above all she was firm in her beliefs and raised up her children in a Godly home. She belonged to the Sacred Heart Church of Plainville, belonged to the D of I, and became a member of the St. Francis of Assisi when she moved to Texas in 2011.

Velma’s beauty and warmth radiated so brightly from her heart to everyone she met. She will be remembered for her tender care, her smile as bright as sunshine, and always there to help when needed. Her beautiful spirit will endure forever. We mourn the years that she will not have and we celebrate the time that was hers and the life that she lived.
She is survived by her children, Terrance (Linda) Garvert of Plymouth, MN, Mark (Sharon) Garvert of Olathe, KS, Randall (Janet) Garvert of Broomfield, CO, Donna Ruder of Frisco, TX, Roger (Anita) Garvert of Naperville, IL, Kay (Kevin) Czerwinski of Plover, WI; thirteen grandchildren, Brooks Garvert, Remington Garvert, Marissa Bunn, Mary Finkbone, Katy Czerwinski, Brannon Garvert, Meg Garvert, Cheyenne Garvert, Lindsay Kershner, Bryanne Keblis, Anthony Garvert, Jessica Day, Stacie Shea; and seven great-grandchildren, Pippa, Colby, Brodie, Charlie, Ronald, Cecilia, and Vincent.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Elizabeth Marcotte; husband, Donald Garvert; siblings, Henry Marcotte, Elsie Arpin, Adelore Marcotte; and son-in-law, Ron Ruder.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 PM until 8 PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary starting at 7PM at the funeral home.

Darlene Curry

Darlene M. Curry passed away on June 10, 2022, in Salina, Kansas at the age of 84. She was born to Leo and Lola (Benoit) Thibault on May 13, 1938, in Rooks County, Kansas on the family farm near Damar. Darlene was united in marriage to Rex Curry on June 27, 1957, in Osborne, Kansas at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with five children: Kendall, Cheryl, Dale, Mark, and Darren.

Darlene grew up in Osborne where she graduated from Osborne High School in 1956. Following high school, she married Rex, and after the loss of Dale the couple moved from Smith Center to make their home in Plainville, Kansas. Darlene went to work for Travelnol in Hays, Kansas as one of the first and last employees of the business. Once Travenol relocated, she went to work as head of housekeeping for Redbud Village for several years and then continued to keep busy with odd jobs and her grandchildren. She and Rex were also locally known for their firework stand that helped the community celebrate the 4th of July for 35 years. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and D of I.

Darlene enjoyed sewing, gardening, and baking. She was known for her pies, and the amount she would bake at a time - 18! Her husband even invented a little device to help carry 4 pies at a time. If she wasn’t enjoying time with her family, baking a plethora of pies, Darlene enjoyed testing her luck at casinos or getting away on a camping trip.

As a woman of strong faith and love, her family was second only to God. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will forever remain.

She is survived by her children, Kendall (Sheryl) Curry of Topeka, KS, Cheryl Schremmer (Chuck) of Salina, KS, Mark (Rhonda) Curry of Florence, KS, and Darren Curry of Salina, KS; siblings, Delmar (Marilyn) Thibault of La Crosse, KS, Leola Crittenden of Albuquerque, NM, Sister Carmella Thibault of Concordia, KS, Gerry Peterson of Salina, KS, Joyce (Dan) Rice of Hays, KS, Marion (Paul) Steichen of Salina, KS, Gary (Gayle) Thibault of Omaha, NE, Alvin (Danette) Thibault of Omaha, NE, Lonnie (Lea) Thibault of Osborne, KS, Lester Thibault of Osborne, Ks, and Bob Thibault of Topeka, KS; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Darlene joins in her heavenly home, her parents, Leo and Lola Thibault; husband Rex Curry; and son, Dale Curry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be on Sunday at the funeral home from 2 PM until 5 PM and will be moved to the church from 6 PM until 8PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary starting at 7 PM.

Lisa Marie VonFeldt

Lisa Marie VonFeldt passed away in her home on June 6, 2022, at the age of 58 after her four-year battle with cancer. She was born on January 9, 1964, to Leo and Dorothy (Goetz) in Kanorado, Kansas.

Lisa grew up in Rooks County where she attended Palco High School and graduated with the class of 1982. After high school, Lisa obtained a bachelor’s degree in Agra Business from Fort Hays State University and then entered the workforce in Hays, Kansas, working for Amphenol Adronics for 20 years as a line leader, lab tech, and auditor. She finished out her working career at Rooks County Health Center where she worked for almost 10 years when her health began to decline. Lisa enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest; she was happy, kind, and family-oriented. Her passion to spend time reading, crocheting, or finding a good place to eat could only be matched by her time spent with her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Lisa was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville and the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays as well as a member of the D of I.

A hardworking woman of faith, hope, and love, Lisa showed us all by her life that the greatest of these is love. Although she will be greatly missed, she will live forever in the hearts of those who knew her best, for they were greatly loved.

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy VonFeldt of Palco, KS; siblings, Dana (Bernie) Schmid of Colby, KS, Sara VonFeldt of Plainville, KS, Jon (Jeanette) VonFeldt of Hinsdale, NH, Amy (Mike) Melendez of Hays, KS; nieces and nephews, Hope Wagoner, Christina (Curt) Beringer, Robyn (Tyson) Reed, Laura (Scott) Johnston, Brittany VonFeldt, Darius VonFeldt, Brandon VonFeldt, Rick Maestas; and great-nieces and nephews, Dakota VonFeldt, Jett VonFeldt, Elle Beringer, Burke Beringer, Lynk Reed, Myck Reed, Blaine Wagoner and Emma Johnston.

Lisa joins in her heavenly home, her father, Leo VonFeldt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville at 10:30 AM. Graveside Service will be held at the St. Fidelis Cemetery in Victoria, Kansas at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be on Friday 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the funeral home, D of I Rosary and Vigil Service will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 7:00 PM.

Douglas Frank Budig

Douglas Frank Budig was welcomed into his heavenly home on April 1, 2022, at the age of 62, in Plainville, Kansas. He was born on August 21, 1959, to Arthur and Viola (Dreiling) Budig in Hays, Kansas. Doug was blessed with four children: Tish, Tauni, Reagan, and Forrest. He later in life gained four bonus children: Adam, Jennifer, Cassandra, and Jeremy.

Doug grew up in Plainville until his family moved to Woodward, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school in 1978. Following high school, he went to work in the oilfield with his dad before his short stent with Schult Homes Corporation in Plainville then later attended Fort Hays State University. After college he went back to the oil field as a tool pusher and moved around for the job, but always fell back to Plainville as home. Doug’s passions in life were OU football, tinkering and woodworking, animals, time with family and friends and recently politics. He was humble, kind, and strong.

Doug was a man of great character, strong values, and deep love for family and friends. Although he will be greatly missed, his love and influence will remain in the hearts and lives of his family and friends. May Doug’s legacy inspire each of us to encourage one another, cherish the ties that bind, and live to serve God, Home, and Country everyday of our lives.

He is survived by his friend and soulmate, Deb (Staab) Meyers of Plainville, KS; children, Tauni (Derek) McCleary of Waynesville, MO, Reagan (Tyler) Wiesner of Olathe, KS, and Forrest Anders (Jasmine) of Bennett, CO; siblings, Vernon Budig of Londale, OK, David (Patty) Budig of San Antonio, TX, Kathy Budig Harrison of Seiling, OK, and Robert (Laurie) Budig of Piedmonet, OK; five grandchildren, Ethan, Carson, Makson, Macy, Colton; bonus children, Adam and Jennifer, Cassandra and Jeremy; and bonus grandchildren, Corbyn, Abigail, and one on the way, Easton Douglas.

Doug joins in heaven his parents, Arthur and Viola Budig; daughter, Tish Budig; and siblings, Arthur Jr., Jack, Janice, Nick, Sharon and Eleanor Budig.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville at 10:30AM. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2 PM until 4PM at the funeral home; and 6PM until 8PM at the Church with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7PM.

Robert "Bob" Edward Beiker

Robert “Bob” Edward Beiker passed away on March 23, 2022, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas, at the age of 61. He was born on October 23, 1960, in Plainville, Kansas to Joseph and Elvera (Holzhauer) Beiker. Bob was united in marriage to Stacey (Denney) Beiker on October 3, 1981, in Plainville, Kansas. The couple was blessed with two sons: Josh and BJ.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Plainville. He graduated from Plainville High School with the class of 1979 and attended Salina Area Vocational Technical School for two years before working a short stent in Russell for Lauries Heating then spent some time at Murfin Drilling and Lightening Well Service. He moved back to his hometown in the early 2000’s and started his own business, Double B Tank Service, which he owned and operated until his passing. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, working cattle, and was known for being a little loud and even a little ornery.

Bob was a hardworking and caring man. While he strived for perfection in all that he did, he knew how to have fun and enjoy life along the way. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will serve as an inspiration to those who knew him… always do what you love, and always love what you do.

He is survived by his mother, Elvera Beiker of Plainville, KS; wife, Stacey Beiker of Plainville, KS; sons, Josh (Christa) Beiker of Hays, KS and BJ (Megan) Beiker of Hays, KS; siblings, Sue Beiker of Aurora, CO, Chris (Bob) Sauber of Salina, KS, Ken (Michelle) Beiker of Wichita, KS, Gene (Julia) Beiker of Rossville, KS; and two grandchildren, Taryn and Avryn Beiker.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Beiker; and siblings, Tom Beiker, Doug Beiker and Steve Beiker.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 10:30 AM, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the funeral home from 2PM until 8PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary starting at 7PM.

Michael "Mike" Dean Simon

Michael “Mike” Dean Simon, 71, passed away on March 17, 2022, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas surrounded by his life long best friends and loved ones. He was born on December 27, 1950, to James and Lola (Nichols) Simon in Wichita, Kansas. Mike was united in marriage to Marilyn (Ostrom) Simon on April 16, 1982, in Hays, Kansas. The couple was blessed with one son, Chad.

Mike grew up in Rooks County, Kansas and graduated from Palco High School in 1969. He went to work for Schult Manufacturing for a short stent before going to work as a station manager for Coffeyville Resources which was formerly Farmland Resources, for 37 years before his retirement. He was a proud member of the NRA, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and St. Anne’s Catholic Church.

Mike was very handy and could build, forge, or weld anything he could look at a picture of. Mike moved into a late 1800’s schoolhouse and turned it into the home he would raise his family and build over 60 years of memories. He lived in that home up until his earthly departure.

Mike was a man that was known by many and loved by all. You could guarantee he would greet you with his well-known belly laugh and a rather rough back-pat. There wasn’t a whole lot more that could make Mike happier than when he and his best friends would get together for a cold beer, story time, and maybe even trouble; or time at the lake when he was camping with Chad and Aimee, fishing with his faithful dog, Milley; or when Aimee’s girlfriends would come over for pool parties.

We find comfort that Mike was a man of God and of great love. He lived by example that each day is a blessing, and we need to find joy in every moment we get with the ones we love. We will see our father, brother, friend, and follower of Christ again, and with his famous greeting - a belly laugh and a good, rough, back-pat.

Mike is survived by his mother, Lola Simon of Plainville, KS; son, Chad Simon (Aimee Gardanier) of Plainville, KS; sister, Jolene (Rod) McElroy of Ohio, Stanley (Maria) Simon of Plainville, KS; mother-in-law, Charlotte Ostrom; and a grand-pup, Piper Jo.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Simon; wife, Marilyn Simon; and father-in-law, Delbert Ostrom.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, KS at 10:30AM. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2PM until 8PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7PM at the funeral home. Family will be receiving friends from 6PM until 8Pm.

Ronald Francis Werner

Ronald Francis Werner passed away on February 24, 2022, at the age of 77, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas. He was born on the family farm outside of Plainville to Joseph and Nettie (Larson) Werner on June 2, 1944. He was united in marriage to Sharon Casey in 1967 and to this union, four children were born: Ronald, Braden, Sharris, and Justin. They later divorced and Ronald married Jacquelyn (Bledsoe) Werner in 1997 and he gained two stepdaughters: Vonda and Tarina.

Ron was born and raised on the family farm. He attended Plainville High School and graduated with the class of 1962. He furthered his education at the Air Traffic Control Academy and went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller and a flight instructor until his retirement. After his retirement he continued private flight instruction. Ron loved flying and teaching others was his passion. It could be said he was a born leader and lived life to the fullest. In his earlier years he flat tracked motorcycle raced! Above his career was his family. He grew up very close with his parents and siblings and continued that love of unity with his own family. He enjoyed time spent with his kids and grandkids, hunting, fishing, and gardening, or singing along to his favorite country music. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Above all, he will be remembered for his love of God and family.

Ron is survived by his wife Jacki Werner of the home in Plainville, KS; children, Ronald (Cappy) Werner of Plainville, KS, Braden (Tammy) Werner of Plainville, KS, Sharris Werner (Jason Duffey) of Hays and Colby, KS, and Justin Werner of Plainville, KS; stepdaughters, Vonda (David) Pfeifer of Stockton, KS, Tarina (Delbert) Hunt of McPherson, KS; siblings, Richard (Judy) Werner of Plainville, KS, Vernon Werner of Flagler, CO, and Marylee (Eddie) Schmidtberger of Pratt, KS; sisters-in-law, LaVonne Werner of Plainville, KS, Lucille Werner of Plainville, KS; twenty grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren with two on the way!

He joins in his heavenly home, his parents, Joseph and Nettie Werner; siblings, Joseph Werner, Leonard Werner, and Donald (Ann) Werner; sister-in-law, Nancy Werner; and a grandson, Maverick Werner.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, from 2PM until 5PM and will be moved to the church starting at 6PM until 8PM with a K of C Rosary and Vigil Service starting at 7PM.