Gary Schlaegel 1939-2026
Gary Dee Schlaegel, 86, of Whiting, passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at his home with family by his side.
He was born March 9, 1939, in Oneida, the son of D. Herbert and Mary Lou (Walden) Schlaegel.
He attended Corning Elementary School and graduated from Centralia High School in 1956. He attended Kansas State and Washburn University.
Gary had many occupations over the years. As a young man, he was a bank examiner and hospital administrator. He gave that career up to establish and operate a Grade A dairy farm. During that time, he also did taxes for friends and family, as well as growing popcorn. After the dairy cows were sold in 1986, Gary and Marian focused their efforts on their tax and popcorn business.
He loved their land, including the farm pond where many fish were caught and some stories were exaggerated. He also loved K-State football and didn’t miss watching many Chiefs, Royals, Jackson Heights Cobras and Holton Wildcat games. He announced games for KNZA radio and coached many softball games for his daughters.
He was a member of the Whiting United Methodist Church, Jackson Heights School Board and the Brown Atchison Electric Co-op Board. In 2023, Gary and Marian were inducted into the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
Gary married Marian Kay Brey on Aug. 23, 1964, in Ozawkie. She survives of the home after more than 61 years of marriage.
He is also survived by two daughters, Cheryl Yingst (Jon) of Whiting and Gayla Reece (Eric Snell) of Holton; a brother, Charles S. “Chuck” Schlaegel (Connie) of Holton; five grandchildren, Jacob Yingst (Molly), Tanner Reece (Taylor), Jason Yingst (Sara), Zachery Reece and Olivia Yingst; and two great-grandchildren, Henry Dee and Madeline Barry Yingst.
He was preceded in death by his parents, D. Herbert and Mary Lou Schlaegel; a sister, Debbie Schlaegel; and a brother, David M. Schlaegel.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital Foundation or Netawaka Family Fitness Center, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
