HAYS — Dr. Steven Ray “Steve” Mosier, DVM, 79, Hays, entered Heaven on Sept. 11, 2022, surrounded at the time of his passing by family and skilled, caring HaysMed staff. This date fell on National Pet Memorial Day.
Steve was born on Dec. 14, 1942, in Hoxie, the 10th child of Decker and Lela (Mowry) Mosier, arriving five minutes before his twin brother, Stanley Jay. Henceforth and ever known as “the twins” by Lela, Decker, and his siblings, they were promptly placed in a shoe box to be kept warm in the farmstead oven. Their antics would become the stuff of legend throughout their childhood and adult years, from a fire lit playing with matches under the bed to pretending to be the other brother.
Steve went to Saint Paul school in rural Hoxie for six years and then into town for 7th and 8th grade. He graduated from Sheridan Community High School in 1960. He placed third in state wrestling his junior year and second his senior year, holding the flame of Hoxie’s notable wrestling history at a time when Hoxie competed with all of Kansas. This talent would serve him later in life, as his daughters Karen, Kristen, Karla and Kayleen unanimously recall being pinned simultaneously, each under an arm or leg and with no hope of escape, during spontaneous family floor wrestling. His grandchildren, Ethan, Decker, Isaac, Ben, and Hannah were also met with his famous full and half nelsons.
Steve went on to Kansas State University and, like four brothers before him, attended the School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1966. On June 5, 1965, he married Linda Louise Ward in Manhattan. Following graduation, Steve and Linda moved to Wichita to begin veterinary practice and then onto Aurora, Neb. From 1967-1969, Steve served in the US Army Veterinary Corps and was stationed in St. James, Minn. He was responsible for inspection of food going to overseas military and was a Survivor’s Assistance Officer, personally notifying 16 families regarding their fallen loved ones. He also assisted these families in planning funeral services. Following his military service there, Steve and Linda returned to Wichita in 1969, and then went on to join Hays Veterinary Hospital, hired by Dr. Paul McRae, DVM in 1970, choosing Hays because it was in-between Linda’s parents in Manhattan and Steve’s in Hoxie. Steve became full practice owner in 1995. His practice was purchased by Dr. Mark Meier in 2020. Steve thought that Dr. Meier, raised in Hays, was the perfect owner for the clinic.
Steve spent 50 of his 57 years in the practice of veterinary medicine in Hays. He felt very privileged to be a part of the human-animal bond. During his time as a practicing veterinarian, he was president of the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association in 1992 and received recognition as Kansas Veterinarian of the Year in 2000. In 2005, the Mosier family received the Alumni Recognition Award from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His favorite recognition was the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2016) because it was presented to him by friend and colleague, Dr. John Nelson.
Steve’s daughters were all a part of his practice in some way while growing up, and his grandchildren continued this tradition. Whether riding along on a country call where Steve managed to grab a daughter and a diaper while enroute to pull a calf or waiting patiently at the grocery store or in the car while Steve visited with a client about their livestock or beloved pet, Steve made room for his family in his practice, and many memories surround experiences there. In the surgery suite, his daughters could be found observing the precision of a surgeon, and his ability to suture as though conducting a symphony. There were after hours cesarean sections, calf deliveries, x-rays and broken bones. The girls were happy to assist on night calls, as were his grandchildren. For 25 years, Kayleen served alongside Steve as his practice manager. He accomplished his service through the love and support of his wife, Linda, as well.
Steve enjoyed traveling with his family, with favorite destinations being to beaches and to the mountains of Estes Park. He also held very fond memories of a family trip to Scotland in 1999.
Survivors include his wife Linda of Hays, four daughters, Karen Nicholson and husband Blake, Kristen Hill and husband Christian, Karla DuBois and husband Justin, all of Estes Park, Colo., and Kayleen Geist and husband Garrett of Hays; three brothers, Frank Mosier and wife Joan of Manhattan, Dr. Richard Mosier and wife Mary of Claremore, Okla., and Dr. Larry Mosier of Sargent, Neb.; a sister, Louise Simcox of Salina; three sisters-in-law, Betty Mosier of Manhattan, Bunny Mosier of Cedar Rapids, Neb., and Kathy Mosier of Wichita; five grandchildren, Blake “Decker”, Ben, and Hannah Nicholson, Ethan and Isaac Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son Darren Ward Mosier; five brothers: Ben, Dr. Jacob, Dr. Ross, Dr. Don, and Dr. Stan Mosier, a sister: Lila Marie Fansher and husband Stan, a brother-in-law: Flavel Simcox, two sisters-in-law, Joann and Margaret Mosier; and a nephew: Craig Mosier.
Family Inurnment with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Funeral Detail will be on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 in the Hoxie Cemetery followed by a gathering at the family farm, Sheephead Ranch. A community Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Hays.
Memorials are suggested to: City of Hays Parks Department, Note: Hays Dog Park, P.O. Box 490, Hays, KS 67601. This wonderful addition for pet lovers in the community of Hays is an amenity that Steve enjoyed visiting with his grand-dogs; Hays ARC Park, The ARC of Central Plains, 600 Main Street
Hays, Kansas 67601, www.haysarcpark.org. For decades, Steve and Linda were volunteers for the Special Olympics held in Hays and as such, ARC is an organization they have held close to their hearts. Memorials will support phase three of the ARC Park; Sheridan County Amusement Company, P.O. Box 153, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Since 1981, the Sheridan County Amusement Company has sponsored the Hoxie Carnival each July in conjunction with the annual Sheridan County Fair. The Mosier Family has long appreciated this community event, and Steve’s family attended annually as a part of the Mosier Family Reunion. Memorials will be designated for improvements to carnival facilities.
Condolences and memories of Steve may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com. The family also requests that memories and photos of pets be shared via email to: steve@stevemosier.com. These memories and photos will be posted to www.stevemosier.com.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 1906 Pine Street
Hays, KS. 67601
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 16, 2022
