Steven Michael Gestl
It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of Steven Michael Gestl, a devoted Christian, loving family man, loyal friend, and proud veteran. Steven passed away on August 10, 2025—just one day before his 73rd birthday.
Born to the late Paul and Claire Gestl, Steven grew up with a deep sense of family and community. He was preceded in death by his brothers Paul Jr. and Frank Gestl, his beloved wife Joyce (2011), his grandson Tyler, and his nephew Jamie. He is survived by his sister Claire Mary, his brother John, his sons Jeremy, Aaron, Jessive, and Cody, and numerous grandchildren who will carry on his legacy.
Steven was an accomplished athlete and proudly served his country as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserve. Following his military service, he became the owner and operator of Kansas Builders in Topeka, where his hard work, skill, and dedication earned him deep respect throughout the community.
Those who knew Steven best knew his love for collecting—coins, gems, jewelry, vintage G.I. Joes, and firearms. His collections reflected his appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the stories behind each piece.
Later in life, Steven found a new calling—caring for migrant children who had arrived in the United States without their parents. This work reflected his lifelong compassion and generosity of spirit. Steven had countless friends and was known for his ability to connect with anyone; he truly “never knew a stranger.” He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need, and his loyalty and integrity were unmatched.
Steven’s life was defined by service—to his faith, his family, his country, his community, and to anyone in need. His witty sense of humor, generous heart, and steadfast friendships will be deeply missed.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 23, 2025, at The First Church of the Nazarene, 1425 S Ohio St., Salina, KS, followed by burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A reception will be held at the church after the burial.
Katherine Louise “Kathy” Tinkler
Katherine Louise “Kathy” Tinkler, 87, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025. She was born in Salina on January 15, 1938 to Ray and Helen (Kean) Lopshire.
Kathy married Vernon O. Tinkler on August 10, 1956. Together they worked at the Assaria Telephone Company and were both school bus drivers for Southeast of Saline.
She is survived by her son, John (Rhonda) Tinkler; grandson, Steven Tinkler; granddaughter, Stephanie Henley; great-grandsons, Ryen Tinkler and Kobie Henley; and sister, Martha (Dennis) Oakes.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Tinkler; daughter, Jane Tinkler; father and mother, Ray and Helen Lopshire; and brothers, John Lopshire and Shawn Lopshire.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 137 N. 8th St. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 20th at Mentor United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be in Gypsum Cemetery, Gypsum, KS.
Memorials to Mentor United Methodist Church, 616 E. Mentor Rd. Mentor, KS 67416 or Bethany Home 321 N. Chestnut, Lindsborg, KS 67456.
Lyla Lee Bergmen Buehre
Lyla Lee Bergmen Buehre passed away at Presbyterian Manor on August 15, 2025 at the age of 92. She was born April 7, 1933, in her maternal grandmother’s home in Tescott, Kansas to Delbert D. (Buck) Bergmen and Flora Alene Nelson Bergmen. Growing up, Lyla traveled with her parents and went to many schools in her early years but attended all four years of high school in Tescott, graduating as Valedictorian in May of 1951.
Lyla went on to attend Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas and was employed at Salina Tractor Company when she met Leonard L. Buehre. They married in April of 1956 and raised three children in Salina. Lyla enjoyed working for Research Products Company for 24 years but traveling was the real joy for her. She loved following family activities all around the country, wherever they happened. She and Len were also fortunate to travel to many countries abroad during their 69 years of marriage
Lyla was active at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, where she was an Elder and enjoyed the Church family and gatherings. She was an avid reader attending book clubs and even worked at the Salina Library in retirement. Her family loved her devotion to photographing every occasion, event and trip.
Lyla was preceded in death by both parents in 1962 and her beloved 8-year-old grandson Beau Leonard Buehre.
Family remaining to celebrate Lyla’s life include her husband, Leonard; son, Barri (Melissa) Buehre in New Braunfels, TX; daughter, Gina Buehre (Lynn) Elder in Salina; and daughter, Heidi Buehre (Rob) Linsky in Chicago, IL. Her five grandchildren are Nick (Janet) Buehre, Cierra Elder (Kellen) Johnson, Jake (Megan) Elder, Hannah Linsky and Sam Linsky along with four great-grandchildren, Aislynn and Brennan Buehre and Ellie and Parker Johnson.
Cremation has been chosen and a private burial will be held at Roselawn Cemetery. A small memorial service was held at Presbyterian Manor’s chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held to commemorate the wonderful life and legacy of Lyla.
Condolences can be sent to Len Buehre at Presbyterian Manor, 2601 E Crawford St, #409, Salina, KS 67401.
Gary Dean Enfield Sr.
Gary Dean Enfield Sr., 67, of Salina, passed away on August 11, 2025.
Gary was born on October 30, 1957, in Pratt, Kansas, to Vincent LeRoy Enfield and Mae E. (Enfield) Millen.
Growing up in Pratt, Gary played baseball with local recreational teams. He was also an accomplished musician, playing guitar, bass, and singing. After high school, Gary worked in the oil fields in and around Pratt. He later moved to Great Bend, where he became a CNA and spent several years working in the healthcare field. Eventually, he relocated to Salina to continue his career.
Gary enjoyed spending time outdoors, with fishing and camping being his favorite pastimes. He also loved being with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent Enfield and Mae Millen; his brother, Larry Enfield of Norton; and his granddaughter, Alyssa Williams of Haysville.
He is survived by his brother, Danny (Jane) Enfield of Iowa; his sister, Carolyn (Bill) Graves of Ellsworth, KS; his sons, Gary Jr (Kendra) Enfield of Haysville, KS, and Vincent (Victoria) Enfield of Haysville, KS; his grandchildren, Zayla Enfield, Caitlin Williams, Alexander Enfield, and Isabella Warne; and his great-grandchild, Elias Arredondo.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Salina Rescue Mission.
