Wayne Edward Windholz, 72, of Victoria, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 at the Russell Regional Hospital.
Wayne was born October 20, 1947 in Hays, Kansas. He was the first of two sons born to Edward and Virginia (Weigel) Windholz. He grew up in the Gorham area and graduated from Gorham High School, Class of 1965.
Wayne was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, enlisting in 1966. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 27th Artillery Unit, reaching the rank of SP5. Upon completion of his service, he returned home to Gorham in 1969. He attended Ft. Hays State University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1972.
Wayne was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Werth on June 8, 1970 in Schoenchen, Kansas. This union was blessed with five children; Rachelle, Jeffrey, Cory, Jessica and Justin. They made their home in the Hays and Russell areas.
Wayne was the epitome of entrepreneurial spirit. He enjoyed the challenge of creating new businesses and developing ideas. As an independent businessman he was involved in starting numerous small businesses in the Russell and Hays areas, including T&W Convenience Store, Showcase Jewelers, and 8th Street Autos, to name a few. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham, and the Russell Knights of Columbus. He was a life member of Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, a life member of the Russell American Legion Post #99, and the Hays VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America) #939. He enjoyed outdoor activities with his family, especially fishing and Lake Wilson camping. He never passed up the opportunity for conversation and made friends wherever he went.
Wayne was a very loving and generous father and grandfather. His surviving family include his cherished wife of 49 years, Carolyn of the home; two daughters, Rachelle Windholz (John Hobson) of Stillwater, Oklahoma and Jessica Phoenix of Lawrence, Kansas; three sons, Jeffrey Windholz of Russell, Kansas, Cory Windholz (Myka Small) of Lawrence, Kansas and Justin Windholz of Kansas City, Kansas; brother, Kenny Windholz (Natalie) of Gorham, KS; step-father, Raymond Herrman (Katie) of Russell, Kansas; step-brother, Kevin Herrman (Marlene) of Abilene, Kansas; four step-sisters, Lois Koerner (Dale) of Lawrence, Kansas, Chris Heit (Jerry) of Overland Park, Kansas, Lynette Herrman of Lawrence, Kansas and Colleen Kasson (Stu) of Liberty, Missouri; and eight grandchildren, Kent Windholz, Alex Windholz, Jacob Windholz, Townes Windholz, Wyle Windholz, Sorsza Small, Noah Farmer and Jonah Windholz; countless nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and his devoted pet, Lizzy. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Due to restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, private gravesite services will be held. A memorial Mass and joyful celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established with Gorham’s St. Mary’s Church, The Vietnam Veterans of America #939 and The Wayne Windholz Memorial Flag Fund, to provide continuous upkeep of the giant Community Flag which he installed at the intersection of US HWY 40 and 281 in 1990. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.