Gerald Eugene Mauler, 85, passed away July 13, 2024, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Feb. 27, 1939, in Great Bend, Kan., to Bernard F. and Hermina A. (Skolaut) Mauler. On June 6, 1960, he married Lois A. Stoss at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Olmitz, Kan.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Gerald graduated from Otis  High School in 1957, then attended Kansas State University before transferring to Southeast Votech in Nebraska where he studied mechanics. He then returned to Great Bend and worked at Parish Motors, later Marmie Motors as a mechanic, even going on to share that knowledge by teaching mechanic courses at Barton Community College. Gerald eventually made the switch as a fourth-generation farmer at 4M Farm, which included raising cattle and growing and selling certified seed. 

Gerald was a member of Prince of Peace Parish and was a faithful navigator as a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He never met a stranger and was an active member of his community. Gerald was a delegate to the Kansas State Board of Agriculture, member of the 4H Holding Board, ASCS Board, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, and Sunflower Polka Club. He was instrumental in starting the Barton County Fair and the Tractor Pull. Gerald taught tractor safety courses, built stock cars for racing, and enjoyed bowling and golfing. Above all, he loved his family, always being there for them and never missing an event. 

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Lois; children, Kevin Mauler and fiancé Pollie Unruh of Great Bend, Kathy Fischer of Great Bend, Connie McKee and husband Bill of Colleyville, Texas, Jeff Mauler and wife Sally of Great Bend, and Shelly Taylor and husband Deron of Olathe; 16 grandchildren, Brandon Mauler and wife Mindy, Kaley Williams and husband Brett, Rebecca Karlin and husband Matt, Trent Mauler and wife Chelsea, Kenzie Folk and husband Ben, Maddi Unruh, McKenna Stetler and husband Cody, Nakita Adame and husband Kino, Justin Fischer and wife Autumn, Sam McKee, Lindsey Kelly and husband Ryan, Hannah Mauler, Payton Mauler, Morgan Taylor, Sydney Taylor and Jackson Taylor; 20 great grandchildren; brother, Alvin Mauler and wife Marcy of Lawrence; and numerous other loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Charles H. Mauler; grandson, Quinton Allen Mauler; and brother, Bernard F. Mauler, Jr.

Visitation will take place noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and vigil with Knights of Columbus rosary at 6 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu and Father Warren Stecklein presiding. Interment will follow at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz, Kan. Memorials have been designated to St. Ann Cemetery Fund or Gerald Mauler Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. 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, July 16, 2024