LYONS — Herbert Dean ‘Herb’ Unruh, 90, of Lyons, Kan., passed away Sept. 10, 2025, at his home. He was born Nov. 7, 1934, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Arline and Francis (Turpin) Unruh. Herb has resided in Lyons since the 1960’s, formerly of Great Bend. 

Herb graduated from Great Bend High School, with the class of 1953, where he was a star basketball player and class clown. He owned and operated Tobias, Birchenough & Wright Redi-Mix, Lyons, for 34 years. Following his retirement, Herb worked as a field man for the FSA office in Lyons for 11 years. He also managed the Lyons Town and Country Club, where he served two terms as board president. Herb enjoyed playing golf, basketball, and baseball, and watching the birds later in life. He was married to Gloria Dienes, they later divorced. On Oct. 26, 1973, Herb was united in marriage with Patricia “Patty” Young in Alva, Okla. Herb is survived by his wife, Patty Unruh of Lyons, Kan.; two daughters, Andrea Ingram of Hoisington, Kan., and Mandy Lofgren of Junction City, Kan.; brother, Lester Unruh and wife Bonnie of Harrisonville, Mo.; and four grandchildren, TiJay Unruh, Emma Willesden, Braeden Willesden, and Titan Lofgren. Herb is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ronald Unruh. 

Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Lyons, with Father Bob Pinninti officiating. Burial will follow at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons. A visitation will be from 5 until 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present. A rosary will be said at 6 p.m. Memorials may be given to Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Birzer Funeral Homes

214 West Ave. South

Lyons, KS  67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 13, 2025