ELLINWOOD, KS – Elaine Frances Wendel, 65, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital on Dec. 23, 2025. Born in Great Bend, KS on Nov. 4, 1960 to parents Frank A. Jr. and Margaret Cecelia (Bahr) Wendel. 

A graduate of Ellinwood High School in 1979, Barton Co. Community College in 1981, and last Kansas State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin. After college she worked as a Medical Tech at Hutchinson Hospital. Later she worked as an accountant for H & B Petroleum, Turner & Boisseau Law Firm, Turner Farms, and ASCS in St. John, KS. Memberships include St. Joseph Catholic Church and Altar society, Ellinwood Historical Society, and Ellinwood Heritage Club. Elaine also was a longtime blood donor.

Survivors include many Cousins on both sides; Nephews John and Daniel Csencsits, Phoenix, AZ; Niece, Denise Csencsits, Phoenix, AZ; Sister, Dorothy (Ron) Ochnser, Oregon. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and Sister, Lois Csencsits and Brother-in-law, John Csencsits.  

Memorial Mass will take place 10:30 a.m., Tues., Dec. 30th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood, KS with Father Aneesh Parappanattu and Father Pascal Klein officiating. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. Visitation will take place 3-7 p.m., Mon., Dec. 29th with Altar Society Rosary at 3 p.m. at Minnis Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Heritage Club Senior Center or American Cancer Society in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 27, 2025