(1941-2026)

Gary Charles Kootz, 85, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Ellsworth, Kan. He was born May 6, 1941, in Ellsworth to Albert and Martha (Soeken) Kootz. Gary was a lifetime resident of the Holyrood, Kan., area where he was a farmer and member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church. He married Lorene “Loree” McNown in Holyrood on Feb. 24, 1968.

Gary is survived by his wife Loree of Holyrood; daughters Michele Renberger (Devin), Colorado Springs, Colo., and Elaine Donecker (Kevin), Claflin, Kan.; grandchildren Alyssa and Brooklyn Renberger, Julie Pobanz (Micah), Matthew Donecker (fiancé Emma Rodina) and Melissa Donecker; great-grandchildren Benjamin, Jacob and Chloe; brother Lloyd Kootz (Linda), Lindsborg, Kan.; sister Ruby Manke (Gilbert), Hutchinson, Kan.; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two nephews and a niece.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Holyrood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.