Richard Lee Ahlvers, 90, passed away Oct. 27, 2023, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kan. He was born at home on the family farm on May 19, 1933, in Mitchell County, Kan. to Leo and Eunice (Smith) Ahlvers. He married Kathryn Deines Nov. 19, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis.  

Richard was a United States Army Veteran, serving from 1955 to 1957 as a Signal Officer, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. “Mr. Ahlvers” was a long-time educator and administrator in Kansas. His dedication to his career began as a science and math teacher at Stafford High School. He then transitioned to a principal and athletic director at St. Francis for 12 years. He served as principal at Mankato Elementary, and then superintendent at Pike Valley, retiring in 1996. Failing at retirement, he served as interim superintendent at North Central School District, before finally officially re-retiring in 1998. A resident of Great Bend since 1998, Richard served as a volunteer for the AARP Tax-Aide Program until 2019. He was an active member of the Great Bend Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend Noon Lions Club, the County Planning Committee and served as a board member of the Boys Home. Richard was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan and, as a Fort Hays State and Kansas State alumnus, enjoyed all Kansas college athletics, particularly after his daughters attended KU and Emporia. Never having an idle mind, he was a lifelong learner and enjoyed extensive conversation spanning everything from history to politics to agriculture.    

While Richard was the ultimate professional at work, his passion was for his family, of whom he was immensely proud (especially his beloved grandson). Having children gave him both the perfect opportunity to indulge in his love of horses, and to spend time with his family.   

Survivors include his wife of 62 years Kathy; two daughters, Alicia Ahlvers of Henrico, Va. and Richelle Ahlvers-Dolphin and husband Wade Dolphin of Monument, Colo.; a brother, Rodney Ahlvers and wife Norma of Glen Elder; a sister, Pat Boyd and husband Jim of Beloit; a sister-in-law, Carol Ahlvers; a brother-in-law, James Deines and wife Marsha; a sister-in-law Vickie Riedl and husband Martin; a sister-in-law Marcia Brewer and husband Lee; and a grandson, Jonathon Ahlvers and wife Dale Northrup of Colorado Springs, Colo.; as well as a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Bob Ahlvers and David Ahlvers; two brothers-in-law Robert Deines and Frank Deines; and one sister-in-law Elizabeth Deines.  

Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend, with Reverend Jay Welshonse presiding. Military Rites will be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Cremation will follow services with a private inurnment to be held at a later date. Memorials have been designated to Great Bend Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund or the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia 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 Rd. 

Great Bend, KS.  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 2, 2023