William Verdell (Bill) Mai
William Verdell (Bill) Mai was called home to his Savior on December 29, 2024 at Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, Kansas. Bill was born on June 21, 1936, at the family farm in Wallace County to William and Martha (Deines) Mai--the fourth of six surviving children. He graduated from Wallace County High School in 1954 and earned a degree in biology from Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, in 1958. He wed Wilma Seilheimer in 1960 and the two took over management of the Mai family farm, where they raised their children Cheryl, Carl, and Rebecca.
Bill was active in service to his church, the arts, and the agricultural community. He held leadership positions in his local congregation and in the regional synod of the Lutheran Church in America. He was a long-time volunteer or board member for the Western Plains Art Association and Fort Wallace Museum. Highlights of his many service activities in agriculture included positions on the Kansas Corn Commission, Kansas State Board of Agriculture, Kansas State Fair Board, Kansas Master Farmer, and Farmer Direct Foods. He was an active research partner with Kansas State University Extension. Concerned about declining water tables in the Ogallala Aquifer, Bill was a leader and promoter of a return to dryland farming in western Kansas.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Katherine, Carl, Arthur, and Raymond; and son-in-law Eric. He is survived by his wife; brothers Vernon and David (Linda); sister Marilyn (Patrick) Pickett; children Cheryl Goldenstein, Carl (Jacalyn), and Rebecca (Stephen) Gillet; grandchildren Dieter, Mattias (Catherine), Kai, Holden (Danielle), Miranda (Dalton), Benson, and James; and great-grandchildren Lydia, Hannah, Heinrich, and Callum.
Funeral services for Bill will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM MT at the Sharon Lutheran Church with Pastor Phil Knox officiating. Burial will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.
In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to Lutheran World Relief, Western Plains Arts Association, or Fort Wallace Museum and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.
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FEATURE STORY
Greeley County Health Services Seeks Participation in Survey
Every three years, non-profit hospitals are tasked with evaluating the community and public health needs. Greeley County Health Services (GCHS) has been working with community partners in this effort since 2013 in both Greeley and Wallace counties. GCHS has convened local entities... [More]
Pioneer Pastoring part 4
One of the problems for most Western Kansas pioneer pastors was the weather. No matter the season, much of the weather was intense: intensely hot, intensely cold, intensely dry, intensely wet, intensely windy, intensely cloudy…and Rev. Brock and family were constantly... [More]
4H'ers Shot for the Moon at the Wallace County Fair
Watch for the Fair Results Special Issue in the coming weeks.
Pioneer Pastoring part 3
Shortly after Rev. Brock and Doris arrived at their appointment to West Bethany and Stone Church, (an area called the West Kansas Conference) their first child, Evelyn, was born. The tiny baby joined them in “…their little basement mansion.” Pioneer... [More]
Pioneer Pastoring part 2
When Rev. Brock and Doris arrived in 1930 to accept their second circuit appointment in Western Kansas, the appointment was to: Winona, Pleasant View, West Bethany, and Stone Church. Seeing that Winona was about seventy miles from Stone Church, it was decided (wisely) that was... [More]
Shoot for the Moon at the Wallace County Fair this week!
There is plenty to get excited about this year at the Wallace County Fair, including a new ride at the carnival called The Frolic. Swinging baskets spin around in a small circle as they orbit the center of the ride. The Frolic may not get you to the moon, but it’s sure... [More]
Hope Springs Ice Cream Social
Our Ice Cream Social was a huge success—and the smiles were the cherry on top! From classic sundaes to shared laughs, our family enjoyed a delightful afternoon filled with love, laughter, and (of course) lots of ice cream! Special events are announced in The Western Times... [More]
West Bethany Free Methodist Church nears 100 year milestone
As I was preparing for the 100th year anniversary of West Bethany Free Methodist Church, I began to read different renderings of the church’s history. I came across a book, Pioneer Pastoring, written by Lyle & Doris Brock, the third Circuit Pastor assigned to West Bethany... [More]
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BUGLE NOTES
Bugle Notes 11/28/24
Peak travel season may be over, but that doesn't mean that we are closing up shop at the Fort Wallace Museum! We have re-vamped winter hours that are already underway - you can visit Mon - Sat 10-4 MT this winter, weather permitting. If there is questionable weather, you can... [More]
Bugle Notes 5/21/24
It’s that time again in Wallace! It’s Rodeo Time! This year’s 70th Edition of the Fort Wallace Rodeo is shaping up to be a special one! There are again two performances; Saturday May 25 at 7 pm MDT and then on Sunday May 26 at 5 pm MDT. Admission... [More]
Annual Symposium held at Fort Wallace Museum
This past weekend, the Fort Wallace Museum had record-breaking attendance at the annual Symposium, and an equally successful Fundraiser Banquet. Around 90 people were in attendance at the day’s lectures and presentations, with attendees from all over Kansas, as well as... [More]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
More Bugle Notes
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