Lois Elizabeth Brichacek, 98, passed away April 21, 2025, at Azria Health in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Anthony, Kan. to William and Rose (Vermillion) Gilek. Lois married Donald F. Brichacek August 19, 1950, in Salina. He preceded her in death Nov. 11, 1984.

Lois obtained her bachelor’s in education from Kansas Weslyan University. She worked in the school system for Sylvan Grove, Gypsum, and Argonia before moving to the Great Bend area in 1955 to be a home economics teacher for Roosevelt Junior High until her retirement in 1987. Following retirement, she worked as a travel host for Cheyenne Travel for 10 years, and administration for the Great Bend Convention and Visitor Bureau, and Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands Center.

Lois was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Pilot Club, Barton County Historical Society, Bungalow EHU, Retired Teacher’s Association, and Barton County League of Women Voters. She loved to play the piano and organ and kept her hands busy sewing, baking, or gardening. She loved to travel and lived life to the fullest, but she found all the joy in being surrounded by her children, grandkids, and great grandkids that will miss her dearly.

Survivors include son, Jay Brichacek and his wife Marsha of Johnstown, Colo.; daughter, Kay Burns and her husband Tom of Great Bend; grandchildren, Erin VanCamp (Chad), Allison Conine (Zach), Logan Burns (Traci), Wyatt Brichacek, Kelsey Brichacek; great grandchilden, Avery VanCamp, Aaden VanCamp, Ava VanCamp, Harper Conine, Callaway Conine, Sutton Conine, Conway Conine, Nora Burns, and Anniston Burns. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, John Wesley Gilek; and her husband.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Becky Gilette presiding. Burial will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.  A funeral luncheon will be provided at noon at the church, for those planning to attend the funeral. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with family receiving from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Barton County Historical Society or First Presbyterian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 24, 2025