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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OBITUARIES
Leon Edward Schneider
“Larger than life, and even bigger in heart.” Leon Edward Schneider, age 67, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025. Leon was born on August 28, 1957, in Denver to Paul E. and Evea (Petty) Schneider and raised in Sharon Springs, Kansas, where he was confirmed in the... [More]
Tyler Ray Theron Chaney
Former Sharon Springs, KS, resident, Tyler Ray Theron Chaney, 28, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. Tyler was born on January 2, 1997 to Theron R. Chaney and Tammy L. Duraso. He was one of two children born to... [More]
Norva Jean Kriegh
Norva Jean Kriegh was born August 11, 1931 to Jesse Louis and Myrtle Bell (Alumbaugh) Hickman at their home in Sharon Springs, KS. She was welcomed by brothers: Ivan, Earl, twins Lynnel and Lyle, and sisters: Vada and Audrey. She passed away at the Good Samaritan Home, Oberlin,... [More]
Joseph Lee Fuentez
Joseph Lee Fuentez, 52, of Windsor, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2025. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him. Joe was born on November 12, 1972, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, to Oscar and Bonnie Fuentez. After graduating from Sharon... [More]
Jim Bussen
Lifelong Wallace County resident, Jim Bussen, passed away on March 20, 2025 at Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, KS. He was born on October 3rd, 1946 to Leo Bussen and Dolores (Basgall) Bussen in Goodland, KS. He was the oldest of six: Twins Butch and Johnny, Kenan, Trina,... [More]
Dixie Anne (Chain) Schemm
Dixie Anne (Chain) Schemm age 87 of Sharon Springs, passed away Sunday, March 16th, 2025. Dixie was born December 13th, 1937 to Ralph and Mamie Chain of Haven, KS. Her journey on this earth was marked by unwavering faith in God, and a love of her family and life on the farm.... [More]
Larry Dean Smith
Larry Dean Smith, 72, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025. He was born on February 13, 1953, in Garden City, Kansas to Elmer and Luella (McIntyre) Smith. A devoted son, brother, stepdad and uncle, he lived in Sharon Springs, KS. He graduated from Weskan High... [More]
Robert Eugene Arnberger
Robert Eugene Arnberger, 90, of Winona, died Friday, March 7, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1934, in Modoc Kansas. Robert was born to Karl and Adel (Wemmer) Arnberger. He was the second oldest of six children. He attended Little Eagle elementary school south of Russell Springs... [More]
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- Jeanne Cox
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FEATURE STORY
71st Annual Fort Wallace Rodeo Held along with the 14th Annual Cole Hudson Memorial Saddle Bronc Riding
Briggs Fischer hangs on tight as he shoots out of the gate for the Mutton Bustin' Event last weekend. Photo by Peggy Fischer. Rodeo results to follow in an upcoming issue of The Western Times.
Muffins with Mom
Smiles and laughter filled the dining room during Muffins with Mom, an event held in honor of the lovely Mothers at Hope Springs. Pictured (top left) Debbie Summers and her mother Bonnie Mitten, (top right) Marsha Johnson with her daughters, Gina Johnson Hoffman and Jana Gfeller,... [More]
Willis Appears in Wallace County Court
On Monday, May 12, 2025, Tyler J Willis, 33, Sharon Springs, made his first appearance in Wallace County District Court for case number 2025 WA CR 00006. The Hon Judge Steve Unruh presided. Willis has been charged with the following four counts: Count 1: Rape; Sexual... [More]
Wallace County Students Attend Ag-Safety Day in Tribune
Third through fifth grade students from Greeley and Wallace County gathered in Tribune on Wednesday, April 30, to take part in an Agriculture Safety Day. The event, which was sponsored by Greeley and Wallace County Farm Bureaus in partnership with Greeley County FFA, featured... [More]
A family tradition: Hartman will be 5th Generation Graduate of WCHS
On Sunday, May 4th, Nicholas Hartman will walk across the stage to accept his diploma, making him the first to be the fifth generation of his family to graduate from Wallace County High School. In 1919, Hartman's Great-Great Grandmother Mabel (Kyner) Jennings was... [More]
Governor Signs Senate Bill 114
On April 7th, Governor Kelly signed SB114 into law, authorizing nonpublic and virtual school students to participate in ancillary public-school activities and making it unlawful for the Kansas state high school activities association and school districts to discriminate against... [More]
Wright Has Record-Breaking Year
Weskan High School sophomore Karsyn Wright recently broke the school record in the 400m with a time of 50.86 -and- the 100m with a time of 10.96. The previous 400m record was set in 1977 by Kevin Cox, Wright’s grandpa’s cousin, with a 51.3. Von Hoss had... [More]
New Farm Bureau Agent Opens Door in Former Ford Dealership
It's official, Staci Hennick has become the newest agent for Farm Bureau. Hennick has been working for Farm Bureau while she was preparing for the testing process. As of April 1st, she is officially an agent for Farm Bureau. She is located at 204 N Main, in the building... [More]
More Feature Story
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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