HOLYROOD — Kenneth L. ‘Kenny’ Willt, 87, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 in Sterling, Kan. He was born Sept. 17, 1938 in St. Francis, Kan. to John and Ruby (Daniels) Willt. Kenny was a longtime resident of Holyrood where he was the manager of the CO-OP grain elevator. He married Elaine Krien in St. Francis on Sept. 23, 1962. Kenny served in the US Army Reserve and was a member of the Holyrood American Legion Post 200. His favorite hobbies were hunting, especially elk, fishing, gardening and being out in nature. He always had a story to tell and very much liked to joke and pull pranks.

Kenny is survived by his wife Elaine Willt of Holyrood; daughter Keela Riedel of Holyrood; son Kevin Willt (Tina) of Collinsville, Okla.; grandchildren, Chanda Rooney (Mark), Cassandra Stryker (Adrian), Riley Willt, Logan Willt, and Bryn Willt; seven great grandchildren; and sister Jeanette Baker of St. Joseph, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family memorial service will be held. Memorial contributions can be made to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Parsons Funeral Home

PO Box 45

Ellsworth, KS 67439

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2025