Kansas motorists are being urged to exercise extra caution on roadways as the state enters peak season for vehicle-deer collisions, with multiple state agencies launching a coordinated awareness campaign.
The warning comes as alarming statistics reveal the scope of the problem: deer-related crashes accounted for 39% of all single-vehicle accidents across Kansas in 2024, resulting in five fatalities and 674 injuries, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
"These crashes greatly increase from now until the end of the year because of deer breeding season, with November typically the peak time," officials said.
The Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, AAA Kansas, and the Kansas Turnpike Authority have joined forces to help decrease the number of deer-vehicle crashes during this critical period.
Stay in Your Lane
Lt. Chad Crittenden of the Kansas Highway Patrol emphasized that attempting to avoid deer can be more dangerous than the collision itself.
"Serious crashes are more likely to occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer, as this can lead to loss of vehicle control, departure from the roadway or collisions with oncoming traffic," Crittenden said. "It is often safer to brake firmly and stay in your lane."
Rising Repair Costs
Beyond the safety concerns, the financial impact of deer collisions has skyrocketed. Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas, noted that repair costs have more than doubled in recent years.
"AAA insurance statistics show the average claim in Kansas for an animal strike in 2024 was $8,430 – up 103% in just five years," Steward said. "This is largely due to advanced vehicle technology such as cameras and sensors, driving up the cost of repairs."
Steward also warned that comprehensive auto insurance coverage is necessary to cover such damage.
Seasonal Behavior Increases Risk
Levi Jaster, Big Game Program Coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, explained that while the agency prioritizes reducing deer-vehicle collisions through population management, seasonal factors create unavoidable hazards.
"Even in areas with fewer deer, seasonal habitat changes and mating can bring deer onto roads at any time of day or night," Jaster said. "Drivers should be especially cautious at dawn and dusk and stay attentive in areas with good deer habitat. Slowing down and remaining alert are the best ways to avoid a collision."
What Drivers Should Do
Safety officials recommend the following precautions:
Watch for deer especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. Deer rarely travel alone, so if you see one, expect more.Reduce speeds near wooded areas and water sources where deer are more likely to cross.Pay attention to deer crossing signs, which mark areas with historically high collision rates.Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic, as deer's eyes often reflect light.Never swerve to avoid a deer, as this can cause you to hit oncoming traffic, run off the road, or overturn.If a collision occurs, move the vehicle to the shoulder if possible, turn on hazard lights, keep seat belts fastened, and call law enforcement — KHP dispatch at *47, turnpike users at *KTA, or local law enforcement at 911.
State law requires anyone involved in a collision with a deer or other animal to immediately report the incident to law enforcement if it results in personal injury or property damage totaling $1,000 or more.
Drivers should also contact their insurance company to report any damage.
Officials stressed that vehicle-deer collisions can occur on any Kansas roadway, whether rural or urban, and urged motorists to stay alert, obey posted laws, eliminate distractions, and always wear seat belts throughout the fall season and year-round.
Jeffrey Arthur Kirk
Jeffrey Arthur Kirk, 59, known to many as Jeff, passed away at his home with his mother at his side, in Wheaton, Kansas, on October 3, 2025.
Jeff was born on March 2, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to parents Arthur and Deloris (Werth) Kirk.
Jeff joined the Army in his 20s, serving overseas in Germany. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to welding, working in various manufacturing, construction, and large equipment companies, including Parker Hannifin in Manhattan, Kansas, and Caterpillar in Wamego, Kansas.
Jeff was a private man and found joy in hobbies that included making model cars and growing his gun collection. Among his proudest accomplishments was the creation of the iron parts of the oxen and wagon at the Oregon Trail historical marker in Westmoreland, Kansas.
Jeff is survived by his mother and stepfather, Deloris and Alvin Matzke; his children; sister Brenda (Larry) Roach; brother Bradley Kirk; step-brothers Brian (Marcie) Matzke and Brent (Marcie) Matzke; step-sister Jennifer (Larry) Davis; along with his nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Jaen Plummer.
The family will hold a private memorial service. They suggest memorial contributions in Jeff’s honor to be made to the charity of your choice.
The long-awaited opening of Donut Palace has arrived. The store's open sign was illuminated this morning.
Treva Joye Mumaw
Treva Joye Mumaw, 92, from Belvue, Kansas, passed away at her home surrounded by the love of her family on September 30, 2025.
Treva's family will greet guests during a visitation at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego, Kansas, on October 18, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will follow the visitation.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Wamego Senior Center. Please make checks payable to the "Wamego Senior and Community Center" and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS, 66547.
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Carolyn Sue Blenn
Carolyn Sue Blenn, 88, of Westmoreland, Kansas, passed away on Monday (September 30, 2025) at Wellsprings of Westmoreland.
Born December 19, 1936 in Braymer, Missouri, Carolyn was the daughter of William “Willie” and Mary Belle (Bowers) Simkins. She married Galen Dean Blenn on September 2, 1956 in Emmett, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 14, 2007.
Faith was an important part of Carolyn’s life. She was a longtime member of the Westmoreland United Methodist Church where she was active with the ladies group serving funeral dinners and had served as treasurer for the United Methodist Women for several years. Carolyn was also a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed the fellowship with the other ladies.
Carolyn loved caring for her family, staying home to raise her children and serving as a Den Mother for the Girl Scouts. She also had worked at Hoffman Pharmacy in Westmoreland and as a telephone operator in St. Marys.
Survivors include her son in law, Jody Decker of Westmoreland, KS; two grandchildren, Chester Decker of Westmoreland, KS and Cristina Decker of Topeka, KS; two great grandchildren, Devin Decker and Kylie Boyce; and several nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Galen; a son, David Dean Blenn; a daughter, Debra Sue Decker; and her siblings, Helen Mae, Billie Eugene, twins, Anna Vee and Genevieve, Donald, Mary Christine, Robert, Peggy, Reta June, Ivan Lee, Patsy and Charles.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon (October 7, 2025) at 2:00pm at the Westmoreland United Methodist Church with Pastor Bryan McBride officiating. Burial will follow at the Westmoreland City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday evening (October 6, 2025) from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Westmoreland United Methodist Church. Please make checks payable to Westmoreland UMC and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547
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Roger L. Schwalm
Roger L. Schwalm, 85, a longtime former Alma resident, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025 at St. Mary Manor in St. Mary, Kansas.
Born April 29, 1940, in Alma, Kansas, Roger was the son of John E. and Eleanor Elizabeth (Tenbrink) Schwalm. A man of strong faith, Roger was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma. He was also a member of The Legion of Mary, the Knights of Colombus, and active in several prayer groups in the area and came to know many people and form many friendships through these activities. Roger made trips to Our Lady’s shrine in Medjugorje, Bosnia Herzegovina. He remained prayerful throughout his life, particularly during his struggle with Parkinson’s disease and was an inspiration to the staff and residents at St. Marys Manor in St. Marys.
Roger served in the National Guard in the early sixties. He earned a master’s degree in counseling with an undergraduate in History from Emporia State University. He farmed the family farm for many years and later was a real estate agent. Roger retired from the maintenance department at Kansas State University.
An avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and sportsman, Roger played fast pitch softball for the Alma town team when he was younger. For many years, he coached youth basketball and enjoyed teaching the fundamentals of the game. He also enjoyed playing a good game of five-point pitch whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Survivors include three sisters, Darlene Bloomfield of Wamego, KS, Mary Button of Portland, OR and Letha Elsasser of Salina, KS; a brother, John Raymond Schwalm (Marilyn) of Nortonville, KS; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Fr. Donald Schwalm, Dorothy Ronnau (Theophil “T”), Edna Baldwin (Robert), Wilma Willmer (Jack), Nyla Schwalm and Maxine “Mickey” Schwalm; and three brothers-in-law, John R. Bloomfield, Bob Button and Terry Elsasser.
A memorial mass will be Wednesday morning (October 8, 2025) at 10:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma with Fr. Michael Peterson officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Alma.
A memorial visitation will be Tuesday evening (October 7, 2025) from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma. A Rosary Service will be Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Family Catholic Church or St. Marys Manor. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.
Nathen “Nate” William Boyce
Nathen William 'Nate" Boyce, age 44, died September 23, 2025, at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, after lifelong health and medical struggles.
He was a member of Cross Point Church in Wamego and had a sincere faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. At 4 months of age, Nathen started showing symptoms of what was later called "auto-immune bowel disease" with his own immune system attacking his body. Nathen was the first baby to leave KU Medical Center on home TPN care in March of 1982, where mom and dad dedicated their lives to providing the best home IV care they could. Through years of experimental drug programs and the dedication of Dr. Jon Vanderhoof in Omaha, Nebraska, Nathen's disease was held in a level of control that gave him a functional life. He was finally able to have the permanent IV catheter removed in October of 2006
Nathen is the son of Bill and Christy Hall Boyce of Wamego. Growing up on the family farm with his older sister Bethany Garren (Jarad) and his younger sister Rachele Thompson (Michael), he developed a love of farming with dad and grandpa and helped as much as his medical condition allowed. He could operate anything on the farm from planting, spraying, to combining. Nate was a natural helper.
Nathen attended Wamego schools from kindergarten through 8th grade and then was home-schooled with his younger sister Rachele through high school and graduated in 2000. In 1997, Nathen joined his dad in the hobby of long track kart racing, and he was instantly successful with his short stature and aggressive driving skills. He raced at Daytona Speedway, Road Atlanta, Heartland Park Topeka, Hallett Raceway, Oklahoma, Gateway in St. Louis, Motorsports Park near Ft Worth, TX, Lake Afton near Wichita, KS, and several more, winning several national titles and many local series races. He was known by racers all through the Midwest as a threat to win whenever he could race.
In 2006, after he was able to survive without the IV, his world got bigger, and he met and married Angela Christian of Mountain Home, AR, in April 2008. Angie survives at their home. After all the years of being on strong medicines and being told that children were probably not going to happen, they were blessed with their first child, Natasha, in June of 2009, then again blessed with a son, Memphis, in August 2010, and one more time, Serenitie, in March of 2015. Angie started developing signs of Multiple Sclerosis during her pregnancy with Serentie. Nathen went from being cared for to being the caregiver for Angie until his death.
Nathen is survived by his parents, Bill and Christy, wife Angie, children Natasha, Memphis, and Serenitie; sisters Bethany (Jarad) and Rachele (Michael), nieces and nephews Mason, Ethan, Marshall, and Turner Garren; Evelynn, William, Henry, and Ayla Thompson; and several extended family members.
Nathen was preceded in death by his grandparents, Everett and Viola Boyce, John and Illa Hall. Nathen never had an enemy and was liked by all who had time to converse or joke around with him. He made friends quickly and had quite a sense of humor. His non-threatening stature and outgoing personality drew people to him, and they left feeling better for knowing him.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Nate will lie in state starting at 4:00 p.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Cross Point Community Church, 612 US-24, Wamego, KS 66547, with Pastor Jol Klein officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service at Wamego City Cemetery in Wamego. A memorial contribution is pending and will be announced.
Donald Kenneth TenEyck
Donald Kenneth TenEyck, 94, of Alma, Kansas, died Thursday, September 25, 2025, at his home. Complete obituary information is pending.
The Pottawatomie County District Court will be closed the morning of September 25, 2025, so staff may attend the funeral of District Magistrate Judge Erich Campbell.
Any hearings previously scheduled for the morning of September 25, 2025, have been rescheduled to the afternoon at 1:30 PM.
Wamego (2-1) @ Topeka Hayden (3-0) | Friday, September 26
After bouncing back from their lone setback of the season with a dominant 34-8 victory over Marysville, the Wamego Red Raiders face their most formidable challenge yet when they visit second-ranked Topeka Hayden on Friday night.
The Red Raiders opened their season with a statement, crushing Concordia 40-6 in Week 1. Week 2 brought their only stumble—a hard-fought 21-13 loss to rival Rock Creek. Last week's 34-8 dismantling of Marysville got them back on track and has the Red Raiders riding high heading into Friday's showdown.
But Friday presents an entirely different level of competition.
The Hayden Challenge
Topeka Hayden faces Wamego carrying an undefeated record, the weight of high expectations, and recent championship heartbreak. The Wildcats sit at No. 2 in Class 3A after back-to-back appearances in the state title game, falling to Andale and Cheney respectively over the past two seasons.
"Topeka Hayden is #2 in 3A and coming off back to back State Runner Up finishes," said Wamego head coach Weston Moody. "They have not lost a lot of football games the last two years and there are a lot of the same jersey numbers as last year on the field for them."
That continuity and championship experience makes Hayden a formidable opponent. The Wildcats return a battle-tested core that knows what it takes to win at the highest level—they're just looking for that final breakthrough.
Red Raiders' Weapons
Wamego won't back down from the challenge, not with the weapons they've developed through three weeks.
Quarterback Logan Fulton has been efficient and explosive, completing 48 of 73 passes for 709 yards and eight touchdowns. His favorite target has been Dominic Falco, who has emerged as one of the area's most dangerous receivers with 360 yards and five scores already this season.
On the defensive side, Mason Isch has been everywhere, leading the Red Raiders with 35 tackles through three games. His ability to read and react will be crucial against a Hayden offense that has proven difficult to stop over the past two seasons.
What to Watch
This game will test Wamego in ways they haven't been tested yet this season. Can the Red Raiders' offense maintain its explosiveness against a defense that's played in state championship games? Can Wamego's defense slow down a Hayden squad loaded with championship-caliber talent?
The answers to those questions will reveal a lot about just how good this Wamego team can be in 2025.
A Pottawatomie County ambulance was involved in an accident last week while transporting a patient, EMS Director Andrew Couchman reported during Monday's county commission meeting.
According to Couchman, both the crew members and the patient on board remained safe during the incident. The ambulance was traveling on Havensville Road when another vehicle crossed the center line. In response, the ambulance driver moved to the shoulder, but the narrow roadway caused the vehicle to go into the ditch before ramping up into a farm field.
"The paramedic really just put himself over the cot for the course and duration while everything was falling out of the cabinets," Couchman told commissioners. He added that the paramedic sustained minor injuries during the accident.
Couchman credited the crew's training for the positive outcome, noting that the driver "did exactly what we teach" by letting off the gas, keeping the vehicle steady, and warning their partner to hold on.
The ambulance has been transported to Topeka for assessment. The county's insurance provider will examine the vehicle to determine if the frame was bent during the accident. Couchman explained that if frame damage is discovered, decisions about repairs would become more complicated than simply "unbending the frame and putting the box back on."
The manufacturer will ultimately determine whether the ambulance box can safely be remounted on the vehicle frame, Couchman said.
The accident has created additional challenges for the department during football season, reducing the number of available vehicles in the fleet. Couchman indicated he would like to schedule a work session with commissioners to discuss ambulance issues once the full assessment is complete.
The Pottawatomie County Commission examined ongoing efforts to expand mental health services during their recent meeting, focusing on community outreach programs and the implementation of telehealth carts throughout the county.
Commissioners discussed various approaches to addressing mental health needs, particularly among the agricultural community, where suicide rates were noted to be higher than average. The commission explored potential programs that could support farmers and others in the agriculture industry.
"There are a lot of good ideas around the state that we could replicate," one commissioner noted during the discussion. Some counties are implementing "Coffee Chat" programs where residents can gather to discuss mental health concerns and find ways to help their neighbors.\n\nThe meeting highlighted existing telehealth initiatives. Currently, each of the ten counties in the region has a telehealth cart at their health department. Officials are looking to expand this service to include Community Care Ministries in Wamego.
"They are looking at getting one at Community Care Ministries in Wamego, because they say that the people come there and then they have a hard time getting to the Highway 24 number one," a health official explained during the meeting. "You can't walk there. There's not really a good sidewalk to get there."
The telehealth carts were funded through a grant received by Pawnee Mental Health. According to officials, the organization received initial funding during COVID and has since secured additional grant money for the program.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of keeping mental health services connected to local healthcare systems. "We want to make certain that stays in our communities for all the other services. They don't want to connect someplace else," said one county representative.
The discussion also touched on concerns about administrative costs and the need for coordination among multiple agencies providing mental health services. One commissioner noted the importance of collaboration to avoid duplication of services, stating, "It's very, very important that the different agencies come together, not each try to budget a full spectrum of all the services."
The commission is planning to form a mental health work group, and requested that a commissioner participate in this group.
Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners will convene Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Sunflower Room at 612 E Campbell, Westmoreland
The Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners will hold their regular meeting Monday morning, with significant agenda items including quarterly health department updates and consideration of a charter resolution that would eliminate duplicative school inspections.
The meeting, chaired by District 5 Commissioner Terry Force, will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Sunflower Room at 612 E Campbell in Westmoreland. Other commissioners include Vice-Chair Deloyce McKee (District 1), Merl Page (District 2), Bill Drew (District 3), and Gary Yenzer (District 4).
Health Department Quarterly Report
Health Department Director Leslie Campbell will present her quarterly update, highlighting what she describes as "a strong start to State Fiscal Year 2026." Key points in her report include:
Funding Updates:
- The department requested $108,050 for four programs and was awarded $99,158
- An additional $5,000 remains pending release of federal preparedness funding
- The Drug Endangered Children Grant received approval for a no-cost extension
Programs and Outreach: Campbell will report on multiple ongoing initiatives, including support for school nurses during the 2025-2026 school year, immunization programs for students from preschool through college age, and senior education sessions. The department is planning a Senior Fair in Wamego for October 9.
The health department has scheduled an extensive flu vaccination campaign for October, including clinics at seven school sites, six community locations, four businesses, and a county training day clinic, in addition to regular clinic hours.
Charter Resolution on School Inspections
A significant agenda item involves a charter resolution that would exempt the county health officer from conducting annual sanitary inspections of school buildings and grounds, as currently required under Kansas statute K.S.A. 65-202(c).
Campbell's documentation argues that these inspections, established in 1927, have become duplicative due to modern oversight systems. Fire Marshal inspections, food service inspections, building code requirements, and utility oversight now address the same health and safety issues, according to the health department's justification.
The resolution would allow health department staff to focus resources on "higher-priority public health needs, such as disease prevention, immunizations, and emerging health issues," while schools would continue to be subject to existing oversight through other inspection systems.
EMS Department Updates
Emergency Medical Services Director Andrew Couchman will provide updates on recent equipment purchases and department activities. Recent acquisitions include:
- A Zoll E-series Advanced Cardiac Monitor, with total county cost of $21,530.49 after grant funding
- A Stryker Power Pro 2 power cot for $26,091.02, discounted from the original $41,000 budget
- Six Zoll auto-pulse batteries totaling $8,934
The department has applied for a $134,729 grant to replace five first-out power cots, noting that seven of the department's nine power cots are 8-11 years old, exceeding the manufacturer's seven-year expected service life.
Couchman will report that the department is fully staffed and has seen approximately 4% higher call volume compared to 2024. Through August 2025, the EMS department has billed $1,192,272.50 and received payments of $696,225.72.
Margaret (Coe) Figge
Margaret (Coe) Figge, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on July 27, 1932, in Greenock, Scotland, Margaret lived a life marked by grace, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.
Raised with strong Catholic values, Margaret dedicated herself to nurturing those around her. Her kindness was instinctive, her wisdom hard-earned, and her laughter a gift to all who knew her.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Clarmont Figge; parents, Alfred and Mary (Gordon) Coe; brothers, Alfred Coe, Charlie Coe, Edward Coe, Fredrick Coe, Frank Coe; sisters, Bridget Irby and Cathrine Darakjian. She is survived by her children: Kevin (Kelly) Figge, Colleen (Wayne) Walls, Eric (Stacey) Figge, and Chrissy (David) Parker; grandchildren: Nicholas (Danielle) Figge, Jessica (Luis) Palos, Timothy (Kassandra) Vaughan, Johnna (Christian) Cox, Joseph (Markio) Burger, Emily Quick, Ashley Cope, Tanner (Annie) Harding; eight great-grandchildren; brother Gordon Coe; sister Mary Bassler; and many nieces and nephews who will carry forward her legacy of compassion, love, and generosity.
Margaret comes from a traditional Scottish catholic family being the middle child of ten. As the middle child, her older siblings were off working or serving in the Royal Military, leaving her to tend over her younger siblings. Margaret had the uncanny ability to rattle off all of the siblings' names in order, forwards or backwards, in a melodic rhythm in less than 15 seconds to the amazement to those she cantered it off to. Most of her siblings were strewn across the globe. The moments she cherished most were when she and her sisters reunited after long stents apart, especially the five years she spent living in Florida with Bridget and Mary.
Margaret moved to the United States under the sponsorship of Dr. & Mrs. Donio to be a live-in nanny for them making the trip to the states on the Queen Mary. After her service was complete with the Donio’s, she moved to Allentown PA., where she met her husband at the local USO where her and friends often went to dance. They returned to her husband's home state of Kansas to be wed and eventually landed in the Kansas City area where they raised their family.
Once Margaret's kids started school, she began working as cafeteria staff in the Turner School District. She spent over 30 years there, serving meals to students, including her own children and eventually her grandchildren. Margaret was a life member of the Moose Lodge #1999 where she and her husband spent their leisure time supporting the lodges many charities, dancing on Saturday nights (where they were known as Fred & Ginger), playing bingo on Friday nights and Sunday socials. She attended St. John the Evangelist & Sacred Heart Catholic churches faithfully.
Margaret enjoyed playing the slot machines, not only in Las Vegas, but also at the local casinos in Kansas City and taking senior bus day trips to various surrounding casinos. She enjoyed watching game shows, classic movies and TV shoes, and any show with John Wayne or Tom Selleck in them. She would watch TV and work her word search puzzles in her later years. Her stories about her life growing up in Scotland were enjoyed by all she met. Growing up in Scotland during World War II was quite daunting during her childhood years and provided interesting stories.
A memorial service will be held Thursday afternoon (October 2, 2025) at 2:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Burial will follow at St. Luke Lutheran South Cemetery in Wheaton, KS.
Visitation will be Thursday afternoon (October 2, 2025) from 1:00 until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities, Moose Lodge #1999, or St. Luke Lutheran Church Wheaton, KS in honor of her generous spirit. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Road, Wamego, KS. 66547
Margaret’s memory will live on in the stories we share, the traditions we uphold, and the love she gave so freely.
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Sigrid Elma Louise Holstein Straub
Sigrid Elma Louise Holstein Straub, 90, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on September 13, 2025, (the 55th anniversary of her father’s passing) at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Wamego, Kansas.
Sigrid was born on April 10, 1935, in East Prussia, later becoming Germany, to parents Karl and Hertha (Neumann) Holstein. She lost a baby sister, Urte Regina and her mother during WWII. She and her brother, Ulrich Karl, spent time in an orphanage in Poland until they were able to reunite with their father and extended family. Sigrid began correspondence with Norbert Straub with Christine Setzer acting as their interpreter. She made the decision to emigrate to the U.S. in 1958, sponsored by her future brother-in-law, Walter Straub. She married Norbert on February 3, 1959, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas. She learned English with help from Norbert’s family and Father Biehler, priest of St. Joseph Church. From their marriage, two children were born, Silke and Bernard. Norbert preceded her in death in 1996. Throughout her life in the United States, she stayed in touch with her extended family in Germany.
Sigrid was a gentle soul. She had a passion for knitting and crocheting. She found joy in gardening, both vegetables and flowers. Her home became a gathering place for her new family and friends. She and Norbert later opened their hearts and arms by babysitting all their grandchildren.
Sigrid is survived by her children, Silke Arand and Bernard (Brenda) Straub; her beloved grandchildren, Christopher Arand, Scott Arand, Robert (Sherry) Arand, Eric Straub, John Straub, and Nichole (Phil) Dreiling; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, J.D., Piper, Axle, Margo, Greta, Sybil, Zayne, Savannah, and Austin. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family in the United States and Germany.
Sigrid was preceded in death by her parents, brother, sister, spouse, grandson, Russell Arand, and son-in-law, Ron Arand.
Sigrid's family will greet friends during a visitation on September 22, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, Kansas. A funeral service will be held on September 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego. Burial will follow the funeral service at Wamego City Cemetery in Wamego.
Sigrid’s family suggests memorial contributions to “Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church” and those may be sent in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, Kansas, 66547.
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