Wayne D. Nelson
Wayne D. Nelson, 89, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
He was born December 13, 1934, in Sylvia, Kansas, the son of Clifford C. and Alice (Harmon) Nelson. He was a 1952 graduate of Nickerson High School, Nickerson, Kansas and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army from September 17, 1954 until being honorably discharged on September 14, 1956.
Wayne began his banking career at Hutchinson National Bank, Hutchinson, and later served as President of banks in Syracuse, Tribune, and Gorham, retiring in October 31, 2009.
Summers were spent at the ballpark, coaching Joyce’s softball team, and coaching and officiating his sons’ games. He was also a Boy Scout leader, and a member of several civic organizations.
Wayne married Joyce E. Paepke on December 28, 1958 in Arlington. She survives in Topeka. Other survivors include three sons, Mike (Gwen) Nelson of Topeka, Scott (Deanne) Nelson Fishers, Indiana, and Tom (Julie) Nelson of Enid, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Paul (Brittany) Nelson, Haley (Travis) West, Lauren Nelson, Joshua Nelson and Gabrielle Nelson; four great-grandchildren, J.P. Nelson, Connor Nelson, Avery Nelson and Grayson West; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Carol and Glen Nelson.
Wayne loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, and was an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, and Fort Hays State Tigers.
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A celebration of life ceremony will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024, at Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, where a reception will follow until 4:00 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gorham Community Development Association, P.O. Box 24, Gorham, KS 67640.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
OBITUARIES
Ivan Earl Parks
Longtime Goodland resident Ivan Earl Parks, 95, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Greeley Long Term Care Facility in Tribune. Ivan was born on February 22, 1931, in Stockton to Earl and Pearl (South) Parks. He attended school in Stockton through the 8th grade.... [More]
Carl Levi Evans
Carl Levi Evans, age 42, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune. He was born on August 5, 1983, to Carl Albert and Synthia Lynne Evans in Tribune. He was a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and... [More]
David Northrup
David Northrup passed away on April 9, 2026. Born on October 18, 1950, Northrup was 75 when he passed away. David graduated from Greeley County High School in 1968. He was a member of the basketball team that won a state title that year. Services were held on... [More]
Lloyd E. Surprise
Lloyd E. Surprise, age 92, passed away on April 10, 2026 at Scott County Hospital in Scott City. He was born on September 3, 1933, in Greeley County, Kansas, the son of Mark and Effie Surprise. Lloyd went to grade school in Weskan. His family moved to Greeley County, where... [More]
Celebration of Life for Daryl Miller
The family of Daryl Miller warmly invites all Daryl’s friends to join them on Saturday, April 18, at 3 p.m. at the Greeley County 4-H Building for his “Going Away” party. Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Daryl’s life. All are invited... [More]
Derek Justin Smith
Son, even though you didn’t make it to the end of our story, we will always have the corner folded down on your page because it was one of our favorites. - Dad and Mom With heavy hearts and the world becoming quieter and dimmer, we mourn the traumatic and heartbreaking... [More]
Venita Fankhauser
Venita Fankhauser (née Stewart), aged 89, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Meridian, Idaho. Born on September 3, 1936, in Littlefield, Texas, Venita lived a life filled with love, dedication, and community. Venita met the love of her life, Paul Fankhauser,... [More]
Catherine Ann Wilson
Catherine Ann Wilson, 83, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Greeley County Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Ann was born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, in Okmulgee, Okla., to Clarence and Margaret (St. Clair) Ogle, Jr. She grew up in Rock Springs, Wyo.... [More]
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- Carl Eugene Le Blanc
- Jaqualine “Jackie” Smith
- Ethel D. Kuder
- Graveside Services scheduled for Carl LeBlanc
- Celebration of Life scheduled for Derek Smith
- Darrell Piper
- Daryl Eugene Miller
- Graicy Liv Platt
SPORTS
Jackrabbits compete in track meet in Elkhart last Thursday
Photo caption: Taven Schmidt, wearing bib number 12, and Marco Coello, next right, challenged a couple of Hugoton runners at last Thursday’s high school track meet in Elkhart. Schmidt placed first in the 800-meter run; Coello placed fourth. Photo by Trista Shafer. ... [More]
Golf team competes at Goodland, Grinnell, and Atwood
Photo caption: Braxon Mangan, Maggie Votruba, James Marquardt, and Knox Mangan claimed second place as a team at the Saturday, April 18, varsity meet in Atwood. They are pictured here with Head Coach Keith Slattery. Photo by Brecken Mangan. The Greeley County High School... [More]
JH Tracksters break records at two meets
Photo caption: Brielle Harkness, Tenley Stewart, Kendrix Mangan, and Baileigh Schmidt claimed first place in the 4x200-meter relay, breaking a school record and setting a new team record. Photo by Brecken Mangan. On Tuesday, April 14, the Junior High Track team traveled... [More]
Golfers tee off season with three first-week meets
Photo caption: James Marquardt, Marco Coello, Luke Clevenger, Knox Mangan, Caleb Young, and Braxon Mangan, pictured here with golf coach Keith Slattery, competed in their first varsity meet of the season on Tuesday, April 7. Photo by Brecken Mangan. The Greeley County... [More]
Jackrabbits place fourth, fifth as teams at home opener
Photo caption: Bailey Moritz, Jeryn Stewart, Charlize Shafer, and Jailyn Brandl finished first in the 4x800-meter rely with a time of 11:29.05. Courtesy photo. The Greeley County Jackrabbits hosted the first track meet of the season on Tuesday, March 31. It was a windy and... [More]
Junior High Jackrabbits break four school records at first meet
Photo caption: Baileigh Schmidt, Reagan Hahn, Brielle Harkness, and Haidyn Brandl ran the 4x400-meter relay in a time of 4:49.66, breaking the school record, which had been set by Andrea Schneider, Jordan Miller, Mona Shafer, and Shancee Howell in 2000. Photo by Sheryl Crotinger.... [More]
Mangan breaks one free throw record, ties second
Junior Braxon Mangan broke the record for the percentage of free throws made in a season. He made 88.57% of his free throws, making 93 of 105 in the 2025-2026 season. This broke the previous records of 83% set by Shea Stewart (2000-2001 season) and Brett Crittenden (2004-2005... [More]
Four Jackrabbits named to Northwest Kansas All-League Teams
Photo caption: Gael Yanez, Jadence Stewart, Braxon Mangan, and Jamir Yanez were recognized with Northwest Kansas All-League Honors. Greeley County Jackrabbits Braxon Mangan, Jadence Stewart, Gael Yanez, and Jamir Yanez have been recognized with All-League Post Season... [More]
More Sports
- Lady Jackrabbits defeated by Longhorns to end season
- Grubb places second, Reynolds places fourth at WaKeeney Powerlifting Meet
- Basketball Memories
- Jackrabbits defeat Eagles, fall to Lancers to end season
- Lady Jackrabbits defeat Kiowa County to advance to next round of sub-state play
- Jackrabbits advance
- Lady Jackrabbits wrap regular season play with wins over Coyotes, Indians
- Jackrabbits finish regular season play with wins over Weskan, St. Francis
NEWS
Jackrabbits bring home state powerlifting titles
Photo caption: Mia Reynolds, junior at Greeley County Schools, claimed first place in her division in squat, lifting 285 pounds. Photo by Megan Reynolds. Seventeen Greeley County Jackrabbits traveled to Claflin (Central Plains) last weekend to take part in the 2026 Kansas... [More]
Greeley County Fair Theme for 2026
This year’s fair theme is “250 Years of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!” The Greeley County Fair will take place starting on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and run through Saturday, August 1, 2026. We are planning a major change for this... [More]
Evans honored
Firefighters and community members gathered Friday morning, April 18, to honor Greeley County Assistant Fire Chief Levi Evans. Governor Laura Kelly ordered that all flags fly at half-mast Friday in Evans’ honor. Wednesday, April 16, local and regional emergency personnel... [More]
Board of Education unofficial meeting minutes
Unapproved minutes of the regular meeting of the USD #200 Board of Education held April 13, 2026, 6 p.m. Board members: Sheryl Crotinger, Shanon Schneider, Aaron Myers, Kenton Mangan, Shea Stewart, Jessica Alexander, and Scott Clevenger. Superintendent John Niehues, JH/HS... [More]
Trees still available
Sandy Lewis handed out trees at the Museum last Thursday. A museum volunteer will be available at the Horace Greeley Museum from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. this Thursday to continue distributing trees in honor of Daryl Miller and the 250th anniversary of America.
Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness workshop
TOPEKA – A virtual workshop on Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness will be hosted by the Kansas Corporation Commission on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. House Bill 2107, passed by the Kansas Legislature during its 2025 session, requires the KCC to hold a... [More]
Freezing temperatures, dry conditions threaten wheat
Photo caption: The sun set brilliantly behind Walkinghood elevator Friday evening. Photo by Mallory Walk. Hope for an average wheat crop is waning after continued dry conditions mixed with overnight lows in the 20s descended upon the county. The week’s high of... [More]
Stewart to play in June 6 All-Star Volleyball Game
Photo caption: Jadence Stewart, #14, will play in the Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star Game on June 6. Jadence Stewart, a senior at Greeley County Schools, will compete in the Kansas Volleyball Association’s All-Star match. It will be held on June 6, 2026,... [More]
More News
- Mobile Tone Hearing expands local services
- Historical Society hosts community potluck, annual meeting
- Harlem Wizards entertain rowdy crowd
- KSHSAA recognizes officials for years of service; Dautel honored for 20 years
- Carnival improvements
- Dry conditions linger
- Greeley County Historical Society Annual Report
- Board of Supervisors meeting notes
OPINIONS
Letter to the Community: We need lifeguards
How lucky are we to have a small-town swimming pool? Honestly–very. It’s more than just a place to cool off. It’s where summers happen. Kids learn to swim, teens hang out, families relax, and the whole community comes together in one spot. In a small... [More]
In Pursuit: Lesson #1 – From George Washington
Editor’s Note: The Kansas Press Association and Kansas Humanities have partnered to provide access to a series of essays honoring the 250th Anniversary of our nation. There is so much we can learn from the lessons of our past. In Pursuit is a new initiative from... [More]
FFA isn’t all sows, plows, and cows
Photo caption: Anna Marquardt, left, attended the ACC Conference in Lakin last week. Courtesy photo. FFA is growing tomorrow’s leaders, instilling confidence in members, and preparing members for career success and the ACC Conference did just that. ACC stands for authentic,... [More]
Letter to the Editor: Passing the Rotor Act is Plane Common Sense
Failure to pass it means another day, week, month that we put at risk the safety of all passengers who fly our skies. By U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) March 6, 2026 Crafted as a response to the deadly midair collision that occurred over the Potomac River in January... [More]
Letter to the Editor
Many of your readers may be interested to learn an artist of national reputation has painted a landscape entitled, Greeley County Summer. It may be viewed on the artist’s website: catherinefreshleyart.com. Click on prints, select paper or canvas and scroll until you find... [More]
Letter to the Editor: Trump promises handouts to farmers. Politicians promise development benefits. We pay for it all.
As has been widely speculated, Monday brought news that the Trump administration will provide several billion dollars in bailouts to farmers, with an emphasis on corn and soybean growers. Only a small portion may go to Kansas wheat farmers. Predictably, political dances followed... [More]
Letter to the Editor
After watching about three hours of the Supreme Court debate over tariffs, I learned something significant. As of Wednesday, November 5, tariffs amount to an 18% tax on all of us. On top of all the other taxes, that 18% shocked me. That number was shared in the Supreme Court... [More]
Right to repair
Right to Repair is one of the hottest topics not only in agriculture, but also in the US. In the bustling industrial economy, money-hungry companies are looking for any way to save a penny or pass on costs onto the consumer. This then accumulates into the Right... [More]
More Opinions
- Letter to the Editor
- Letter to the Editor
- Letter to the editor: Political uncertainty shakes Kansas farmland values, and prosperity hangs in the balance
- From the Editor’s desk: Reflecting on the Symphony in the Flint Hills
- Letter to the Editor: With Trump and Musk driving U.S. policy, Kansas farmers have been played for suckers
- Letter to the Editor: Donald Trump is not our king
- Open letter to Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall
- Letter to the Editor - School bond issue
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