Delroy Lee Holzwarth
Delroy Lee Holzwarth passed away at his home in Salina, Kansas, on December 23, 2025. He was born on October 28, 1946, in St. Francis, Kansas, to Marie and Alvin Holzwarth.
Delroy grew up on working on the family farm, and enjoyed spending his days exploring alongside his dog and best friend, Rex. Guided by an adventurous spirit, he set out after graduation to experience new places and pursue new opportunities.
He entered the food service industry, where he met Kathy Place. They were married in 1976 and shared 49 years together. An entrepreneur at heart, Delroy, alongside Kathy, built a variety of successful business ventures, ranging from real estate to futures and options trading, and ultimately an award-winning BBQ restaurant, featured in Food Network Magazine, The Hickory Tree, in Smolan Kansas.
Over the course of his life, he enjoyed many things, including what his family would call “treasure hunting” with his metal detector, riding motorcycles with multiple trips to Sturgis, exploring new places, “playing” on his tractor and as he got older, spending time with his sweet King Charles Cavalier, Wylee.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy Holzwarth; and his mother, Marie Holzwarth.
Delroy was the proud father of five children: Mylee (Jon), Darin (Suzanne), Kama (Phillip), Shamryn, and Josh (Marcie). He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Holzwarth, and his son, Darin Clapper.
The Funeral Service will be held on January 3rd at 11am at the St. Francis United Methodist Church in St. Francis Kansas. A luncheon at the church will follow the service.
There will be an open house on January 17th from 1-4pm at the Holzwarth residence at 1365 Bethel Circle, Salina KS.
Any and all are welcome to either.
Prayer of Conviction:
Father,
Thank you for inviting me into Your presence. Help me remember that my soul finds rest not busyness but in being still before You – to hear Your voice, feel Your nearness and draw strength from Your love. Recharge my weary heart today. Renew my mind and restore my spirit. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Jackhibbs Ministries, PO box 1273, Chino Hills, CA 91709 or the friends of the Salina Animal Shelter.
Gaylord “Gabe” Lynn Decker
Gaylord “Gabe” Lynn Decker of Salina passed away on December 24, 2025.
Gabe was born on February 5, 1942, to Harvey and Pansy (Reese) Decker. His early years were spent on a farm east of Roxbury. When he was in the second grade, his family moved to Roxbury, where he attended grade school and graduated from Roxbury High School in 1960.
After graduation, he started his career in the construction business, working at the Salina Testing Lab. As the father of three young boys, he started taking engineering classes at Kansas Technical Institute at night. He later worked for the city of Salina and Wilson & Company Architects and Engineers as a draftsman. He worked for several engineering firms as an estimator before starting his own company, Decker Construction, in the late 1980s. In Gabe’s mind, he never” officially” retired, working into his 70s, until his health would not allow him to continue.
In 1961, he married Karen Crowther, and they had three sons, Michael Lynn, Mark Allen, and Jeffrey Todd. They divorced in 1985.
Gabe was a man who built more than structures and projects; he built a life rooted in love, service, and family.
He was skilled with his hands, proud of honest work, and known for his ability to fix just about everything, which he passed on to his sons and grandchildren. If something was broken, he could be counted on to find a solution. He was the one everyone called when something needed fixing around the house, and he showed up without hesitation.
His greatest joy, however, was his family, especially his grandchildren. When a new grandbaby arrived, he would lovingly create sweet projects for nurseries, from shelves to quilt racks to cabinets. He and Karen refurbished furniture, created with care, each one built not just with tools, but with a grandfather’s devotion. These pieces stand as lasting reminders of his love.
Gabe spent many hours when the boys were young, coaching their various sports teams. When they were older, he never missed a game unless he was out of town working. Just as faithfully, he could be found in the stands or on the sidelines at his grandchildren’s sporting events, proud and present at every game, match, tournament and championship.
He especially loved spending time fishing with his granddaughters, spending those quiet, patient moments together. He rarely missed a soccer game for his granddaughters and was just as devoted to cheering on his great nieces and nephews at their football and basketball games. Because his grandsons lived out of state, he wasn’t able to attend many of their games, but he was so proud of their accomplishments. After retirement, he was able to travel to watch his grandson, Noah, play hockey. Even though hockey was a “new” sport for him, he was so excited to get to see Noah play. Whether on the sidelines or in the stands, Gabe was always there, even driving hundreds of miles to other states, proud, present, and supportive.
Though he appeared rough and gruff on the outside, those who knew him best understood that he had an enormous heart. He showed his love through actions rather than words, through steady presence, hard work, and always showing up when it mattered most.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his loyal presence on the sidelines and the deep, unwavering love he showed to his family.
Gabe was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his former wife and companion, Karen Sutton, his sons, Mike (Brenda) of Henderson, NV, Mark (Mauri) of Topeka, KS, and Jeff (Laurie) of Thorton, CO; sister Gloria (Gary) Seib of Denver, CO; and grandchildren, Tyler (Nikki) Decker of Atlanta, GA, Mackenzie Decker of Topeka, KS, Madison Decker of Nashville, AR, Macy (Seth) Boxberger of St. Louis, MO, Maggie Decker of Kirksville, MO, Nick and Noah Decker of Thorton, CO, and his first great- grandson, Maddox Decker of Atlanta, GA. Gabe also leaves behind sisters and brothers-in-law, Katie and Gary Weis, Karleen and Wendell Burch, Lynnie Crowther, and Jim and Darla Crowther, as well as many nieces and nephews.
This excerpt was written by his ten-year-old granddaughter, Madison, in 2005, after a fishing day with her grandpa and her best friend, Dylan:
“My grandpa is a hard-working man. He likes to spend time with us at the pond. It is always an adventure going to the pond with these two. When you have a friend like Dylan and a grandpa like mine, it’s impossible not to have fun together.”
No services are planned. Memorial donations may be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit, Salina, KS 67401.
Marsha Kaye (Maurath) Berg
Marsha Kaye (Maurath) Berg, age 56, of Salina, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. Marsha was born on June 13, 1969, in Salina to Albert Maurath and Velva (Vel) Matlack.
She was a devoted and loving mother, sister, daughter and loyal friend. Marsha worked for several years as a daycare provider. She also worked several other jobs until she was unable to.
She always enjoyed hanging out with her children and grandchildren. She also liked playing bingo and cards. You would also find her watching hallmark movies and football. She will be remembered for her smile, kindness, and always being happy to help lend a hand.
She is survived by her children, Lindsey Berg, McKayla Berg and Derek (Danielle) Berg; grandchildren, Kalani Hadnot and unborn Baby Berg; her parents, Albert and Sue Maurath; her sister, Michelle (Steve) Carey; her niece Ashely Carey; her nephews, Pierce Carey and Joe Erickson.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Allyson Kaye Berg; her grandchild, Baby Berg; her parents, Stan and Velva (Vel) Matlack; her grandparents, Max and Beula Wilson and many others.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St. Salina, KS.
A private burial will take place at a later date.
Memorials and donations to Fresenius Kidney Care Salina (Dialysis Center) at 700 E. Iron Ave, Salina, KS 67401, or the Breast Diagnostic Center, 520 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite #100, Salina, KS 67401.
