SALINA — Wallace J. Tiede, 85, passed away on Feb. 3, 2026, at his home in Salina, Kan. He was born on Feb. 10, 1940, in Billings, Mo., to Ernest John and Ruby Jeanette (Branstetter) Tiede. In 1979, he married Murietta Buettgenbach.
Wallace moved with his family to the Great Bend area in 1952 where he attended school, graduating in 1958. A talented athlete in school, Wallace lettered in football two years and three years in baseball with the Great Bend Panthers. He also played two years of Junior American Legion and hit a .333 in Ban Johnson games. While playing baseball with the Great Bend Beejays, Wallace was signed to the St. Louis Cardinals.
His hard-working nature and dedication showed at an early age. He started working for a farmer at the age of 13. After graduating, Wallace served four years in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hancock Aircraft Carrier from 1961 to 1965. Upon his discharge, Wallace then was employed at the Mullergren Power Plant where his jobs consisted of plant operator, plant maintenance, and assistant plant manager, which also oversaw asbestos removal and maintenance at all of the company facilities. He worked for the electric company, Western Light and Telephone, which later became Aquilla. He retired after 37 years in 2002. He didn’t stay fully retired long – Wallace then went to work for the Keith Miller farm for approximately 15 years.
Wallace enjoyed bow hunting, camping, farming, and piddling in his workshop.
Survivors include his wife of the home; daughter, Shawna Tiede of Wichita; stepson, Brent Buettgenbach of Waskam, Texas; stepdaughters, Kim Steinert (Marty) of Topeka, and Tamra Larzalere (Dr. Jim) of Salina; five grandchildren; nine step grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; two brothers, Harold Tiede and James Tiede, both of Great Bend; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly Rummell; three brothers, Leo, Richard and Ray Tiede; sisters, Ernestine Butler, Helen Tiede, and Jeanette Cribbs; sisters-in-law, Pat, Velma, Wilma Jean and Cleora; and stepson, Rob Buettgenbach.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Mike Munz presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, with military honors presented by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, with family receiving guests from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to V.F.W. Post 3111, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed atwww.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 7, 2026
