Donald Dean Dolezal, Sr., 90, passed away March 18, 2021, in Great Bend. He was born Sept. 24, 1930, in Gorham, Kan., to John Dolezal, Sr. and Agnes Sabina Breer. Donald married Fern Maria Klotz October 28, 1951, in LaCrosse. Fern passed away March 8, 2021.
Don moved from Gorham to Ellinwood in 1947, graduating from Ellinwood High School in 1949. Serving during the Korean War, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Oct. 30, 1951, and was discharged July 29, 1953, with the rank of Corporal. Following his service, Donald moved to Great Bend, and was employed in the oilfield industry as a roustabout for FH & B, partner in D & M Roustabout Service and roustabout foreman for Clinton Oil, Energy Reserves Group and BHP, retiring in 1989. Donald was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, V.F.W. Post 3111, Lake Barton Golf Club and enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing (shooting three hole in ones!), gardening and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s activities and spending time with his family.
Survivors include two sons, Donald Dolezal, Jr. of Great Bend and Ray Dolezal of Hoisington; three daughters, Ida Woydziak and husband David of Hoisington, Donna Manwarren and husband Tom of Greenwood, Mo., and Jean Jones and husband Michael of Hoisington; one sister, Shirley Gerhart of Stratford, Okla.; twelve grandchildren, Aaron Dolezal, Brian Dolezal and wife Andrea, Michelle Jenkins and husband Chad, Matthew Dolezal, Nathan Woydziak and wife Melissa, Shawn Woydziak and wife Brittany, Crystal Schroeder and husband Brian, Cortney Boor and husband Glenn, Tyler Manwarren and wife Chelsea, Derek Ludwig, Ethan Ludwig, and Sienna Ludwig; and twenty-three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John Dolezal, Jr. and Wayne Dolezal; and sisters, Lenora Staab, Irene Chisholm and Marjorie Leath.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday March 23, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Barbara Jones presiding. Interment will follow at 3:15 p.m. in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Gorham, with military rites conducted by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday March 22, with family receiving friends 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 21, 2021
