By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Kermit Westfall 1934 - 2017
obits lgp westfallpic
Kermit Westfall 1934 - 2017

PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Kermit Westfall passed away on April 25, 2017, in Prescott, Ariz. Kermit was born March 27, 1934, in Oilton, Okla., to Amos L. and Beulah M. Westfall. He grew up in Great Bend and served in the United States Army. He followed his father’s footsteps, becoming an electrician. He married Geraldine “Gerry” Birzer, who preceded him in death Feb. 22, 2004. Together they had four children. They moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1972 where he was an electrical contractor until 2008. He married Donna Willis on Jan. 21, 2005, gaining one stepdaughter and three stepsons. Kermit retired to Chino Valley, Ariz., where he lived out his last days.
He is survived by his wife Donna Westfall; children Kevin Westfall, Brenda Crossland, Cheryl Neama and husband George, Kayla Smith and husband James, Kris Nemann and husband Butch, Steve Peugh, Jon Peugh and wife Robin, and Mark Peugh; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pat Waggoner and Linda Edwards and husband Mike Edwards; four sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Amos and Beulah Westfall; brothers Leon Westfall, J.C. Westfall and Bill Westfall; and grandson Steven Neama.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on May 13 at Evergreen Funeral Home, 1830 Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colo. Internment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colo. A reception will follow at Evergreen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, In Memory of Kermit Westfall, P.O. BOX 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or the Margaret T Morris Center, In Memory of Kermit Westfall, 878 Sunset Ave., Prescott, AZ 86305.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 30, 2017**

Theresa Lavona Dietz 1931 - 2025
obits_lgp_dietzpic
Theresa Lavona Dietz

Theresa Lavona Dietz, 93, passed away April 2, 2025, at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend, Kan. She was born Aug. 25, 1931, daughter of Wilhelm “Bill” and Olinda (Schwartzkopf) Popp. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Reformed Church, which was located 1 mile west of Hwy 281 and 2 miles north of the Galatia blacktop. Growing up on the family farm northwest of Susank, Theresa attended grade school at District #91, then graduated from Hoisington High School in 1949.

Emil S. Dietz and Theresa were married on Nov. 27, 1949, in Milberger, Kan. He preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 2017. Theresa worked alongside her husband on the farm. But her greatest accomplishment was being homemaker for her husband and five children. Her talent knew no bounds with baking, quilting, and gardening. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a 4-H Leader for the Fairview Scouts. 

Survivors include son, Ron Dietz (Debbie) of Dallas, Texas; daughters, Donna Wilhelm (Steve) of Galatia, Jane Steinert (Dennis) of Galatia, Laura Bryant (Daniel Wedermyer) of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Nancy Thiel (Mark) of Lenexa; grandchildren, Justin Steinert (Lauren), Kristi Engle (Cody), Todd Bryant (Cassie), Emilie Dietz and Mena Thiel; great grandchildren, Claire Engle, Gwen Engle, Kelsey Bryant, Kyler Bryant and Sophia Steinert; and sister, Shirley Maier. She was preceded in death her parents; beloved husband of 68 years, Emil; brother, Vernon Popp; sisters, Delores Dewald-Hanhardt, LoRee Dietz; and granddaughter, Andrea Bryant.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia with Reverend Wayne Baldyga presiding. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Galatia. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Fairview Cemetery or St. Paul Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, 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, April 5, 2025