John David Fixsen

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John David Fixsen was born January 20, 1958 to Merle and Louise (Tagtmeyer) Fixsen of Goodland, Kansas. He left this world on October 8, 2020, at home, with his wife Wanda by his side, after a 10-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.
Growing up John was a smart kid who prided himself on getting good grades but always found ways to be ornery in the process. From getting a whole extra hour of sleep his entire senior year by sneaking into band because he knew his teacher took roll as students LEFT class to writing all of his notes backwards. John also had a love for animals starting at a young age, especially dogs, he was partial to beagles and basset hounds. The love of camping and fishing was instilled in young John as well since his parents spent their summer vacations taking him camping and fishing in many lovely places in the U.S. He was introduced to bowling at an early age by his mother, who also enjoyed the sport. He did some bouts in vocational schools at Garden City JUCO and Goodland NW Kansas Vo-Tech before working at his cousin’s shop, Fixsen TV and Appliance repair shop, also in Goodland. 
John had perfected the art of sarcasm, almost to a fault. When he first met his wife, Wanda, he convinced her he had a condition called “striped-belly disease” (which was later determined to be a striped tank top under the sweater he was wearing). He may have gotten that first date out of pity, but he must have done something right. These jokes and pranks continued all throughout their marriage of 41 years, much to the expense of Wanda’s nerves, but they were always able to laugh at his jokes together, which lead to his coined self-description of being 16 going on 60. John and Wanda were wed on December 2, 1978 and made their first home in Goodland, Kansas. In 1982, when Wanda was pregnant with their first child, the couple moved back to Wanda’s hometown of Sharon Springs to take over her parent’s farm. 
John spent his adult life being a husband and father, while running the farm and ranch. He never knew the definition of sitting still, if he got a break from farming you could find him doing odd jobs like helping Floyd’s Refrigeration & A/C install and/or fix furnaces and air conditioning units, or processing grain samples or beans as a Kansas Feed and Grain Inspector. For entertainment, John loved bowling and getting away to do some fly fishing in the mountains of Colorado. As if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, John opened his own Gun and Ammunition shop, Rose Creek Arms in 2013.
John was also an avid reader, had a wonderful singing voice and even had some artistic talents (his children can attest that his Mickey Mouse pancakes tasted better than any other pancakes in the world). 
John joins his parents, Merle and Louise, in the glorious afterlife. His memory will be carried forth by his dearest loved ones, including his wife of 41 years, Wanda Fixsen, their three daughters, Sarah Fixsen-Ziegler (Kem Matthews), Lindsay Hartman (Jarrod Hartman) and Ellen Fixsen, six grandchildren, Marissa, Ethan and Sophie Ziegler and Nicholas, Oliver and Bristol Hartman and his sister Delores (Alvin) Depe along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 
John didn’t know a stranger, he was funny, smart and could talk to anyone about anything. We know he touched so many individual’s lives and he will be missed so deeply by more people than anyone could ever count. His family is grateful for all of the love and support during his diagnosis and battle with cancer, especially from the community they have called home, Sharon Springs, Kansas. We have appreciated the strength and grace others have lent to us when our own has faltered. In memory of John we hope you all crack open and enjoy a nice frosty Shiner Bock or other (adult) beverage of your choice.
Memorial services for John will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:30 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs with Pastor Phil Know, SAM officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be designated to the Strand Theatre and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.

OBITUARIES

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Dean & Lolly Schick

Dean Ernest Schick was born June 19, 1947 to Ernest and Leah Schick of Burlington, CO.  Dean was an avid fisherman, cook and farmer. If you have been around him, “Dilly Dilly” was one of his favorite sayings. He attended Bethune and Burlington schools. Eulalah... [More]

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Lila Jean (Roeder) Elder

Longtime Sharon Springs, KS resident Lila Jean (Roeder) Elder, 88, passed away January 30, 2024 at the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, KS.   Jean was born on the family farm located 15 miles northwest of Goodland on April 19, 1935.  She was the only daughter to... [More]

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Shirley Deines Smith Parr

Shirley Deines Smith Parr of Dalton’s Place of Star City, formerly of Hazen, passed away January 19, 2024. Shirley was born March 25, 1938, to Julius and Martha Deines in Hays, KS. The family later moved to Sharon Springs, KS where she lived until she graduated. She worked... [More]

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Virginia A. “Ginger” See

Lifelong Wallace County resident Virginia A. “Ginger” See, 90 passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Hope Springs in Sharon Springs, KS. Virginia was born to Ted and Edith (Peterson) Reiss on July 23, 1933 at her parents’ home east of Weskan.  She was... [More]

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Ruth Louise Harold Hull

Ruth Louise Harold Hull left this world January 12, 2024, and joined her husband Wendell Hull in their heavenly home. Ruth was born on September 30, 1920 on the Harold homestead to Edward and Elizabeth Harold. She was eighth of ten children. She grew up in this large family of... [More]

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Elizabeth A. Core

In her own words: Elizabeth A. Core (March 7, 1933 – January 10, 2024) was born in Chilkoot Barracks, Territory of Alaska, the daughter of Ellis McFerrin Altfather and Dorothea E.B. Boeker. Her father, then a US Army Captain, was the only doctor within 100 miles. She had... [More]

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Charles W. Studt

Charles W. Studt, age 86, died January 3, 2024, in Hutchinson, KS.  He was born June 4, 1937, in Concordia, KS, the son of Charles A. and Juanita Buck Studt. Charles was a graduate of Glasco High School and the University of Kansas. He served in the United States Army for... [More]

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Donald Lee “Donnie” Hoss

Lifetime Wallace County resident Donnie Lee Hoss died on January 2, 2024, in Sharon Springs, KS. Donnie was born January 5, 1946, in Goodland, KS, the son of Wayne and Verna Hoss. He graduated from Wallace County Community High School with the class of 1963. On August 21, 1963,... [More]

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NEWS

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Oklahoma defeats Kansas in the 72nd annual Pitch Tournament

The top 8 teams from the Wallace County Pitch League hosted the top 8 teams from Mountain View / Gotebo, Oklahoma on March 8-9 for the 72nd annual pitch championship. Kansas had won the annual battle 14 years in a row. The Oklahoma teams arrived throughout the afternoon hours... [More]

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Brittani Bennett Joins Greeley County Health Services Providers

Greeley County Health Services (GCHS) is proud to announce the addition of Brittani Bennett, Nurse Practitioner, as the newest provider to the Medical Staff team. Brittani joins the team of experienced practitioners at GCHS with over 10 years of nursing and emergency medical... [More]

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Lady Cats Return from State with 3rd Place Win

The Lady Wildcats traveled to Great Bend on Thursday, March 7th, for the first round of State Basketball—their first game against the Blujays of Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton had fans on the edge of their seats. Trailing behind most of the game, the ladies amped up their... [More]

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Wildcats Defeat Coyotes in Thrilling Sub-State Game

Cade Funk sinks a 3-pointer during the Wildcat-Coyote match up at the sub-state game in Tribune on Thursday, February 29th. The Wildcats bested the Weskan Coyotes 70 - 63.  They will return to face the Dighton Hornets on Saturday. The Lady Cats had a bye for the first round... [More]

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Rhea wins County Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Braxton Rhea for winning the Wallace County Spelling Bee!  As county winner, Braxton has the honor of representing Wallace County in the Sunflower State  Spelling Bee, which is sponsored by the Kansas Press Association, on Saturday, March 23, 2024,... [More]

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Visiting van Gogh

Our last day in Amsterdam was a bit more laid back. We had already ‘shopped ‘til we dropped’, learned about WWII with our visit to the Anne Frank House, wound our way through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the city, walked by the Royal Palace, escaped from... [More]

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QOV Honors Martinek

On Sunday, January 28th, the High Plains Quilts of Valor Group honored 3 area veterans, James McGuire, Dennis Staehnke, and Wallace resident, Joseph Martinek, where each was given a unique quilt. Joseph Martinek enlisted in the Air Force in 1997 and completed his basic training... [More]

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Wildcats Advance to Second Round

Thursday, February 22nd, the Wildcats faced off against the Jackrabbits of Greeley County. The Wildcats dominated the Jackrabbits throughout the game and won by a score of 60 to 40.  This was the 3rd win against the Jackrabbits this season. This win improved their record... [More]

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BUGLE NOTES

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Fort Wallace Museum to Host Symposium/Banquet

The Guardians of the Fort Wallace Museum will host their annual symposium and banquet on Saturday, March 16, at the museum, with symposium beginning at 8:30 am MDT and Capt. Keogh’s Emerald Banquet at 5 pm MDT. The theme of this year’s events is “The Moccasin... [More]

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Bugle Notes 11/28/23

The Christmas Season approaches! Our annual Candlelight Christmas Service will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00 MT, starting at the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church located on the west side of our Museum grounds. The traditional Swedish Lutheran service in the historic atmosphere... [More]

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Bugle Notes 10/31/23

On Thursday evening, Nov. 2nd, come on over at 6 pm to hear a most talented musician, mandolinist and singer/songwriter John DePew! We will be hosting John inside the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church. John Depew is a Kansas-based musician, songwriter, and traveler with a knack for... [More]

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Bugle Notes 10/24/23

The fall travel season has featured strong attendance at the Fort Wallace Museum, with many retired couples and international travelers coming through. Our RV Park has also been busy, with many people staying to experience the local flavor of Wallace County. Our summer hours... [More]

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Ft Wallace Museum Holds 4th Annual Education Day

This past Friday and Saturday, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds once again sprang to life -this time with the sights and sounds of a Native American village. 10 traditional tipis glowed in the sun, as well as military tents and a complete 1800s chuckwagon set-up. During Friday’s... [More]

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Bugle Notes - Native Tribes of the High Plains

On Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds will come alive with the stories of the Native Tribes of the High Plains during the History Exposition and Outdoor Education Days. There will be demonstrations and talks on topics including home life, tools... [More]

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Bugle Notes 8/22/23

We are very excited about our upcoming History Exposition and Outdoor History Days “Native Tribes of the High Plains!” Please plan to join us on Sept. 8-9 on the grounds of the Fort Wallace Museum.  Our grounds will be open for demonstrations on Friday, Sept.... [More]

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Bugle Notes 8/15/23

On, Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds will come alive with the Native American story, with demonstrations and talks on home life, tools and weapons, flint-knapping, games, ledger art, pony painting, beading, languages, trading and stories.... [More]

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