Harvey Donald Willhaus, 85, of Sterling, passed away September 21, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society of Lyons. He was born October 10, 1933 in Sterling, the son of Richard and Katie A. Zwick Willhaus. Harvey graduated from Nickerson High School with the class of 1952. He was a farmer, Golden Harvest seed dealer, and raised cattle and hogs. Harvey served in the United States Army from November 24, 1953 until November 9, 1955. He was a member of Midland Community United Church of Christ, Sterling, where he served as treasurer; member of the Moose Lodge #982, Hutchinson; Elks Lodge #0453, Hutchinson; and Lyons VFW. Harvey enjoyed square dancing, and had danced in every state except Vermont. Harvey always enjoyed his morning coffee with friends at Dairy Queen in Lyons. On March 10, 1957, Harvey was united in marriage with Marilyn Halley in St. John, Kansas. She survives of the home. They spent every winter in Rockport, Texas for the past 20 years. Harvey is survived by his five children, Byron K. Willhaus of Sterling, Cedric R. Willhaus of Wichita, KS, Nolan C. Willhaus and wife Paula of Alden, KS, Teresa A. Maxwell and husband Mike of Sterling, and Verlan D. Willhaus and wife Stephane of Pretty Prairie, KS; four siblings, Kathryn Lorenson of Salina, KS, William R. Willhaus and wife Ida May of Kansas City, MO, Fredrick Willhaus and wife Rosie of Springfield, MO, and Rose Jennings of Holton, KS; grandchildren, Adam Willhaus and Ashlee Ruckman of Sterling, Andy and Tiffany Willhaus of Wichita, Nick Willhaus of Lyons, KS, Amanda and Ryan Breckenridge of Wichita, Samantha Willhaus and Skyler Sumner of Wichita, Clinton and Molly Willhaus of Nickerson, KS, Christen and Josh Dreiling of Nickerson, KS, Spencer and Laura Maxwell of Sterling, Skyler and Whitney Maxwell of Lawrence, KS, Austin Maxwell and Ashley Savage of Sterling, Cody Willhaus of Pretty Prairie, KS, Cooper and Caitlyn Willhaus of Kendell, KS, and Morgan Willhaus of Manhattan; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother Willhaus; and daughter-in-law, Melissa Willhaus. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Midland Community United Church of Christ, Sterling, with Pastor Matt Perkins officiating. Military honors will be by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Private burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Midland Community United Church of Christ or Kindred Hospice in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.
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