Vance Loren Wise, 83, passed away Oct. 1, 2026, at Azria Nursing Home, in Wichita, Kan. He was born Jan. 1, 1943, in Plainville, to Raymond and Ethel (Weaverling) Wise.

Vance married Marilyn Keller, Aug. 15, 1961, in Ellis County. They made Great Bend their home in 1965. He attended trade school and made a lifetime career as a powerplant operator with Midwest Energy (formerly Central Kansas Electric) for 37 years before retiring in 2006. Vance loved hot rods and cherished going to see all the different models at car shows. He was a versed mechanic and took pleasure in working on his own cars. He always was ready to lend a helping hand to friends and family with their automotive projects. He loved to play Mickey Mouse and entertain his grandkids, whom he loved very much. Vance was a faithful follower of Christ and held membership with St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his treasured wife of 65 years, Marilyn Wise; daughter, Jody Price and her husband Brent of Ponca City, Okla.; son, Joel Wise Great Bend; grandchildren, Courtney Eldridge and husband Taylor, Brittney Bakri and her husband Austin; great-grandchildren, Caio, Grayson, and Brynn. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith Wise; and sister, Dona Olivera.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Oct. 5, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Chaplain Jeffrey Owen presiding. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North. Visitation is available from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 4, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials may be made out to St. Mark Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 3, 2026