Wally Kathrens 1930-2026
Wallace “Wally” Wendell Kathrens, 96, of Holton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at The Pines in Holton.
Wally was born on Friday, June 13, 1930, on the family farm just outside of Holton, the son of Walter Franklin and Helen Margaret (Glenn) Kathrens. A lifelong resident of the Holton area, he spent his life doing what he loved most — working the land and caring for livestock. Wally was a dedicated farmer and stockman and later worked as a truck driver for Holton Livestock Express. His strong work ethic, quiet determination and love for agriculture were evident throughout his life.
Wally married Shirley June Fraser, and although the couple later divorced, they shared the blessing of three sons.
He is survived by his sons, Steve (Diane) Kathrens, Larry (Rae) Kathrens and Jeff (Nancy) Kathrens, all of Holton; his sister, Roberta (Kaye) of Hines, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven sisters, Helen “Maxine” Cook, Jean Baker, Barbara Clark, Evelyn Schultz, Frances Schuyler, Norma Walden and Audrey Howard; four brothers, Jay Kathrens, Philip Kathrens, Frank Kathrens and John Kathrens; and his granddaughter, Kelly Ane Kathrens.
Wally will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to farming, his dedication to his family and the steady, dependable example he set through a life of hard work and perseverance. His legacy lives on through the generations of family he loved and the community he called home.
Wally will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 29 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at Mercer Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Larkinburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Holton Community Hospital Foundation, 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)
