Minnis Chapel Inc, 113 N Main Street, Ellinwood, KS (2025)

11/05/2025

Ellinwood, KS
Catherine JoAnn Wyatt, 94, passed away at home in rural Ellinwood, KS on Nov. 4, 2025. Born on June 20, 1931 in Kansas City, KS she was the daughter of Edward Chester and Violet Edna (Pate) Hoffman. She married Clifford E. Gray in 1951 and later Roger L. Wyatt in 1974. Catherine worked as a monitor at Easton Bus Service in Leavenworth County, Kansas. A resident of Ellinwood since 2020 she was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood, KS.

Survivor includes son, Carl E. Gray Ellinwood, KS. Catherine was preceded in death by husbands, Clifford E. Gray and later Roger L. Wyatt; son, Clifford E. Gray; and daughter, Cathy M. Rieken.

Private graveside services will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association or American Heart Association in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

11/01/2025

Curtis Norman Schmidt, 85, passed away in Ellinwood, KS on October 31, 2025. Born January 28, 1940 in Great Bend, KS to parents Edward C. and Shirley E. (Sutton) Schmidt. Curtis attended Rural Banner then graduated from Chase High School in 1958 soon after he joined the United States Marines where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego for 5 years. Curtis worked construction in CA and TX. Later he worked abroad in Saudi Arabia for a year and Haiti for two years also in construction. Curtis later spent 5 years working for Dowell. In Kansas he worked 30 years at feedlots in Ellinwood, St. John, and Pratt. A resident of Pratt for 10 years he moved to Ellinwood in 2018 where he always had a friendly wave and enjoyed spending time at the American Legion and Senior Center with close friends.

Curtis loved riding/roping and working with horses. He was a horseman through and through and was an expert at cutting cattle on horseback. Memberships include American Legion member since 1964 in Great Bend, Pratt, and Ellinwood and Odin Saddle Club.

Survivors include Siblings, Margaret Snyder, Choctaw, OK, Debby (Larry) Steffan, Chase, KS, Doug (Michelle) Schmidt, Garden City, KS, Denice (James) Sledd, Chase, KS and numerous Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents; Son, Curtis Schimidt Jr (2019); Sister, Martha Kassin; and Brother in law, Byron Snyder.

Graveside service with military honors will take place 11 AM, Saturday, November 8th at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS with Pastor Samuel Ryan officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Food Bank or American Legion Post #320 in care of Minnis Chapel, Po Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

10/21/2025

Call for an appointment or stop by to grab your complimentary planner or to check out our selection of granite monuments and headstones.

09/20/2025

Ellinwood, KS
Jerry Lee Oberle, 61, died tragically on Sept. 18, 2025 in Ellinwood, KS. Born in Great Bend, KS on June 29, 1964 he was the son of Lawrence Eugene and Sharon Kay (Juby) Oberle. A lifetime Ellinwood resident Jerry graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1982 and worked in the oil field, for TNT Transport, and for Jeff's Body Shop in Ellinwood. Jerry played softball and enjoyed hunting specifically Archery. He competed in Archery Shoots and was a past member of Ellinwood Archery Club.
Survivors include siblings Larry Oberle, Geneseo, KS, Cindy Fothergill, Ellinwood, KS, Toni (Jeff) Hicks, Ellsworth, KS, Vickie Hoffman, Ellinwood, KS. Jerry also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and Grandparents George & Edna Oberle and sister in law Tamra Oberle.
Memorial service will be Sat., Oct. 4th 10:00 AM at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. Memorials are suggested towards Funeral Expenses, Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at

09/05/2025

Melvin Urban - Homily

09/03/2025

Cheryl Marie (Meier) Isern, age 62, of Ellinwood, KS, unexpectedly passed away on her family’s farmland on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025.

She was born on October 4th, 1962 in Claflin, to Lowell “Red” Meier and Carolin Sue (Redding) Meier, where she grew up and attended high school. After school, Cheryl went to work for Garvey Elevator (later Gavilon Grain) where she would meet her husband Carl and continue to work off and on for 30+ years. Cheryl is survived by Carl, her husband, her “rock” of nearly 40 years; whose love kept her going all these years, their children Christopher (Morgan) Isern, CayLee Isern, Cody (Anna) Isern, and her beloved grandchildren Warren and Isla. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Byron and Rick, and her dear cat Clyde.

Despite her battle with depression, Cheryl was the best at making others feel loved. She was always the first to send a heartfelt, handwritten card or pick out a thoughtful keepsake and she truly found her calling as a mother and as “Grandma Cherlos.” No one was a stranger to Cheryl, as she welcomed everyone with a place to stay, a home cooked meal, and her genuine friendship. She loved hosting for her family and friends, especially during tailgates for the K-State Wildcats. She and Carl loved to travel and adventure together, whether it be near or far, with family or friends, to a concert or a football game.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 10:30 AM at St. John Lutheran Church. Following, friends and family are invited to celebrate Cheryl’s life at the Ellinwood American Legion. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Humane Society, and St. John Child Development Center.

09/03/2025

Melvin George Urban, 95, of Ellinwood, Kansas. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and Great-Grandfather(Great Papa) went to his heavenly home on September 2nd, 2025. He was born April 15th, 1930 at home in Loretta Kansas to Joseph and Josephine(Pfannenstiel)Urban. He grew up in the Hays area before moving to Hoisington and graduated from Hoisington high school. He served in the Korean war from 1951 to early 1953 earning the rank of Sergeant. He married Helen Beck on August 31st, 1953 and shortly thereafter moved to Ellinwood where he and Helen raised their four children and he resided until his death. She preceded him in death January 27th, 2019. He started working in the oilfield, initially as a roustabout and working his way up to Production Superintendent for Alladin Petroleum Company, and then in the same role for DR Lauck Oil Company before retiring at the age of 84. He was well respected in the Kansas oil and gas industry and was consulted by many for his knowledge and opinion on oil and gas production matters. He was a member of the Grove Park Golf Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, and St Joseph Catholic Church all of Ellinwood. Melvin was a devout Catholic, he loved his Lord and was a Grandfriend to many children at St Joseph School. He loved having a good time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cards (5 point pitch and pinochle). His most enjoyable moments were the times he spent making memories with family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years Helen, his brothers Julius Urban and Ervin Urban, his sisters Lillian Beck, Dolores Harris, Virginia Zimmerman, Lorraine Wedman, and Johanna Brodie. He is survived by his children Mike(Robin) Medicine Lodge, JaNan Rader Wichita, Chris(Pam) Silver Lake, and Brad(Theresa) Wichita, brothers, Arsenius Urban and Joseph Urban Jr, sisters, Alberta Klein and Twilla Kush, 9 Grand-children Jenny(Rich) Slivocka, Katie(Quentin) Berner, Ashley(Damon) Thompson, Josh Urban, Ryan(Marlisa) Rader, Austin(Ashley) Urban, Scott(Sarah) Rader, Corey(Kelsey) Urban, and Haley(Tyler) Nance, 16 Great Grand-children, Taelyn and Trace Thompson, Everly, Emma, and Ellie Berner, Maclin and Oakley Rader, Kinzie Urban, Noah and Molly Rader, Atzie and Eli Urban, Wade Nance, Carson and Claire Urban, Lucy Slivocka and two more who are on the way. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Funeral Mass will be September 5th 10:30 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will be September 4th 12-5 PM with family receiving friends from 3-5 PM at Minnis Chapel Ellinwood. Rosary/Vigil service will be 7 PM September 4th at St Joseph Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St Joseph Catholic School or Ellinwood Hospital Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be posted at www.minnischapel.org

08/27/2025

Patricia "Joelene" Bryant died August 26th, 2025 peacefully.
She was born July 23, 1931, at rural Pawnee Rock, Ks. Joelene was the daughter of Wayne and Leola (Eggerman) Cossman of Larned, Ks. She graduated from Pawnee Rock High School and later married Oliver Bryant, Jr. from Ellinwood, Ks. She was a resident of Ellinwood since that time and was a member of the Immanual United Church of Christ of Ellinwood. Joelene was secretary for the Ellinwood Women's Bowling Association for many years and did clerical work for the Great Bend Livestock Sales, Richardson Auction Service and was a tax preparer for H & R Block. As someone who lived a great life of traveling, working on the farm, taking care of her beautiful gardens, doing puzzles, volunteering in her community, showing love & compassion for everyone who crossed paths with her, Joelene lived a full life and left a great impact on many.

Survivors include her beloved daughter, Sandra of Ponca City, Ok; two grandsons, Jason and wife Sara Bryant and Chad Bryant and fiancée Melissa; sister, Vaudene Hiller; great-grandchildren Kiley Bryant, Kaylee, Olivia and Makynna.
Joelene was greeted with open arms by husband of 62 Years, Oliver Bryant, Jr. (2011) and her son Darwin Bryant (2024).

As Joelene loved purple, her family welcomes attendees to wear their favorite purple colored items in honor. Funeral Service will take place 10:00AM, September 2nd, at Ellinwood Community Church with Pastor Sam Ryan officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. Memorials are suggested to the family to Ellinwood Community Church or Donor’s Choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

08/21/2025

Ellinwood, KS
Thomas Joseph Vander Meer, 82, passed away at Azria Woodhaven in Great Bend, KS on Aug. 18, 2025. Born June 19,1943 in Le Mars, IA he was the son of Petar and Margaret (Tuynman) Vander Meer. Tom grew up in Le Mars graduating from Gehlen High School in 1961. Later he graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a Master’s in Business. Tom also graduated from Iowa State University with an Associate’s Degree of Electronics. He married Barbara A. Grosenheider on Nov. 26, 1966 in Le Mars she passed away in 2013. Tom later Married Lynda Osteen Dec. 24, 2016 in Ellinwood, KS.
He grew up baking later owning Donut World from 1967 until 1979 in Yankton, SD. Tom then worked for Yankton Police Dept. until 1981 before moving to Great Bend, KS and the Great Bend Police Dept. from 1981-1983. Later he worked at Great Bend Industries until retirement. Tom was also an avid HAM radio operator.
Survivors include spouse, Lynda Vander Meer, Ellinwood, KS; siblings, Mary Conry, Wankee, IA, William Vander Meer, Ankeny, IA, Evely Albrect, Burnsville, MN, Anna Savage, Sarasota, FL, Dorothy Kelly, Boston, MA; sons, Peter (Cynthia) Vander Meer, Ellinwood, KS, Mike Vander Meer, Olathe, KS, and Paul (Patricia) Vander Meer, Oronogo, MO. Other survivors include many Grandchildren and Great- Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by previous spouse, Barbara A. Vander Meer; and siblings, Peter Jr. Vander Meer and James Vander Meer.
Cremation has taken place inurnment will be scheduled at a later date at Lakin- Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67626.

07/21/2025

Blake Allen Peters, 35, of Ellinwood, Ks, passed away on July 19th, 2025 after a tragic accident ultimately leading the Good Lord to call him home. He was born in Great Bend, Ks on November 12th, 1989 to Kerri Elsen (Peters). Blake married Madison Kilgore and had two beautiful children and later divorced. Then, met and married his soul mate Kymberle (Kymie) Peters with whom brought two children to the marriage and is expecting their first child together. Blake graduated from Great Bend High School in 2008. Then, he went and got his welding certification in Salina. Besides work, Blake loved to hunt, fish, be at the river, play softball, and most of all loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Kymberle Peters; daughters Graceleigh Peters and Brooklynn Jackson of Ellinwood, Ks; sons Rhett Peters and Owen Jackson of Ellinwood, Ks; mother Kerri (James) Elsen of Ellinwood, Ks; father Bill Bird of Kanopolis Lake; sister Emily (Wade) Honomichl of Great Bend, Ks; stepsisters Jessica (Nolan) Hoffman of Hays, Ks, Erica Manning of Ellinwood, Ks, and Becky (Oscar) Montes of Ellinwood, Ks; grandfather Benjamin (Benny) McCaskey of Great Bend, Ks; nephews Kohan, Kelton, and Briggs Honomichl; niece Brailyn Honomichl He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sheryl McCaskey. Memorial service will be held Thursday July 24th @ 10am at Heartland Community Church in Great Bend, Ks. In lieu of flowers family requests memorials to Minnis Chapel, Po Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Private inurnment in McCracken Cemetery will take place at a later date. Service will be recorded and posted at Minnis Chapel facebook.

07/20/2025

Ellinwood, KS

Blake Peters, 35, died tragically on July 19th, 2025. Services are pending with Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood.

Minnis Chapel Inc

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