Obituary

Willard Keith “Billy” Umholtz, 79, died on Tuesday (May 11, 2010) at his home in rural Cottonwood Falls.

He was born on Jan. 27, 1931, in Newton to William Edward and Anna Marie (Schertz) Umholtz. He married Evelyn Irene Caldwell on Sept. 5, 1954, in Newton. She preceded him in death on Aug. 3, 1995 at her home in rural Admire. He then married Sharon Truan Stedry on June 30, 2001. She survives of the home. He worked as a brakeman and conductor for BNSF Railroad for 34 years. He had been retired 15 years at the time of his death. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Emporia and attended First Presbyterian Church in Cottonwood Falls.
He was a life member of Lowry-Funston Post No. 1980, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Emporia and a member of Ball-McColm Post No. 5, American Legion in Emporia. Other memberships include the United Transportation Union, Disabled American Veterans, Eagles Aerie No. 2587 in Emporia and the Purple Heart Association.

He is survived by his son, Randy E. Umholtz and wife Susan of Lebo; stepson, Grant E. Youngdahl of Wichita; daughter, Jacqueline K. Umholtz of Admire; stepdaughter, Dori L. Weber of Marquette; grandchildren, Jason Ellis and wife Kathy of Franklin, Pa., Phillip Hohn and wife Sara of Ankeny, Iowa, Jonathon Hohn of Ankeny, Josh Umholtz-Judson of Emporia and Sara Umholtz-Lloyd and husband Chris; stepgrandchildren, Brynne Weber and Christine Weber, both of Marquette, Paige Youngdahl and Luke Youngdahl, both of Wichita; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn; parents; a son, Bradley Dean Umholtz and his wife Brenda; three brothers; and three sisters.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Pat Ireland of First Presbyterian Church in Cottonwood Falls presiding. Burial will be at the Rosean Cemetery, north of Emporia, with military honors provided by Lowry-Funston Post No. 1980, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ball-McColm Post No. 5, American Legion. Memorials can be made in care of the funeral home to Hand In Hand Hospice, Emporia Friends of the Zoo or Strong City Depot Restoration Fund.