LeRoy Eugene Wilhelm, 95, passed away on Sept. 25, 2023, at Azria Health Woodhaven in Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Oct. 28, 1927, to Henry Wilhelm, Jr. and Martha Ernst Wilhelm. He was born and raised on a farm northwest of Susank and went to school in a one room schoolhouse 1 ½ miles from the farm through the 8th grade.  

On June 6, 1954, he married Arlene Muth in Hoisington at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, having been married over 68 years. He was a farmer and then entered the United States Army. He was a tank driver for his military commander at Fort Riley. 

He was a member of the church council, head usher and Sunday school superintendent of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington. He then moved to Great Bend and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church until his death. He was a member of Eagles Lodge of Great Bend for 55 years. 

Survivors include, two daughters, LaVentrice Wilhelm of Surprise, Ariz., and LaVeneia Smith and husband, Kyle, of Claflin, Kan.; a grandson, Preston Smith, of Claflin, Kan.; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Rice of Greenwood, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; a brother, Ernest Wilhelm; and three sisters, Janiece Cowan, Janeal Rodecape, and Darlene Rundle.

Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Nancy Mitchell, PMA presiding. The family will be receiving guests prior to the service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to the Gentiva Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 27, 2023