Dennis Alan Wahlgren
Dennis Alan Wahlgren, 77, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Salina, Kansas.
Born on March 3, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, Dennis was the fourth son of Swedish immigrants, Carl and Eleanor Wahlgren. He graduated from Bethany College where he met his wife of 54 years, Jeanie Wahlgren (Beverly J. Peterson). They resided in Salina for more than 46 years.
Denny was a loving husband, supportive father, loyal brother, and proud “Papa.” He is survived by his wife and children, Chad (Emily), Leah Gentry (Stephen), and Brett. His legacy continues through them, and his four cherished grandchildren who were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his brother, David. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Gordon.
From a young newspaper delivery boy, to a master's degree graduate, to an implausible State Champion, Denny was steadfast and resilient in every endeavor. Following retirement, he was still known by most as “Coach,” for his lifelong commitment to the basketball court and classroom. He also found joy in music and community, sharing his voice in the church choir and the Salina Chorale, and enjoyed playing pickleball with all comers.
A Memorial Service will be held on January 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Salina with a reception to follow. A private interment will be arranged at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Jimmy V Foundation, in care of Ryan Mortuary.
Wayne Keith Westblade
Wayne Keith Westblade, 85, of Salina, KS, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Eagle Crest Assisted Living.
He was born April 20, 1940, in Lindsborg, Kansas, the eldest son of the late Clifford Westblade and Florence (Hall) Westblade. On August 14, 1965, he married the love of his life, Erma Baker Westblade, at Fort Riley Kansas.
Wayne received his Bachelors in Music Education from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, joining the US Army where he played trombone in the band at Fort Riley Kansas. It was at Fort Riley that he met Erma, a civilian religious advisor to military families. After his army service, Wayne became the band director at Strong City and Clifton Schools before moving to his family farm near Lindsborg and joining the local police force. Wayne graduated from Washburn Law School and dedicated his career to helping communities as a passionate advocate for clients, serving a term as the Hamilton County attorney in Syracuse, KS.
Wayne was a strong person of faith and supported many humanitarian and legal causes as well as being active in church and raising his two daughters along with his wife.
Wayne is survived by two daughters, Miriam Holzmeister (Greg) of Gypsum, KS, and Rebecca Guthrie (Carl) of Noblesville, IN, three granddaughters, Rachel Byarlay (Aaron) of Quinter, KS, Victoria Jones (Brady) of Roxbury, KS, and Morgan Guthrie of Noblesville, IN, three great granddaughters Annabelle and Baylee Jones and Ariana Byarlay, two brothers, Willard (Nancy) Westblade of Littleton, CO, and Marlon Westblade of Cozumel, Mexico, and two sisters, Virgie Christy of Lawrence, KS and Melanie Westblade of Belton, Mo as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters in law.
He was preceded in death by his wife Erma, parents Florence and Clifford, brother Howard Westblade, and brother-in-law Mac Chrisy.
Friends and family may call from 10 am - 11 am Wednesday, January 14 at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, 304 W. Grand Ave. Salina, KS, with services following at Grand Avenue UMC.
Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg, KS after a church luncheon.
Memorials may be made to Grand Avenue UMC, 304 W. Grand Ave., Salina, KS, 67401.
Gary D. Webb
Gary D. Webb, lovingly known as “Papa,” age 86, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family who will forever feel the strength of his love and treasure his memory.
Born in Beverly, Kansas, on August 31, 1939, to Helen F. (Berkley) Webb and Gerald Webb, Gary grew into a man whose presence made life feel steadier. He lived with quiet strength, a generous heart, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to those he loved. Friends and family will remember his dependability, gentle humor, and the way he always showed up—no matter what.
Gary spent most of his career as a machinist, working at Roberts Manufacturing, Federal Mogul, and later Premier Pneumatics, retiring in 2006. Retirement never slowed him down; he continued his rental business for over 50 years, while helping his parents on the farm. His work ethic was unmatched, and he taught by example—with patience, resilience, and kindness.
He leaves behind countless stories, cherished memories, and life lessons, all rooted in his deep love for family. To those who knew him, Gary was a hero, a constant source of strength, and the one who was always there. After a long, difficult battle, his family takes comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.
Survivors include three daughters: Kim Kirby (Jason) of Salina; Pam Reed (Chad) of Wichita; Amy Gerbrandt (Todd) of McPherson. Brothers: Robert Webb (Lynn) of Abilene; Dennis Webb (Connie) of Salina; Danny Webb of Smolan. Grandchildren: Jordyn and Carter Kirby; Madison and Mason Reed; Cody, Clayton, Quincy, and Allie Gerbrandt. Great-grandchildren: Blakely, Keegan, and Jace.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Shirley Dudley and Connie Watson; brothers Stanley Webb and Kenny Webb.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 16, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at Lincoln Cemetery in Lincoln, Kansas.
The family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.
Brenda Sue (DeWester) Russ
Brenda Sue (DeWester) Russ, 63, of Salina, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026. She was born in Bagdad, Arizona, on June 23, 1962, to Ralph and Ardis (Reinwalt) DeWester. She worked as a devoted Certified Nurse Assistant for many years. She was a stubborn woman full of love and faith. There’s not a person she met that she didn’t take under her wing.
She is survived by her children, Rachal Anne Russ (Israel Velazquez), Thomas Walter-Ralph Coit, DsAnthony Michael Charles Henderson, and Yazmin Marquis-Renee DeWester (Bernice DeeDee Ocasio-DeWester), and Jessica Ann Milan (Edward Milan), all of Salina; grandchildren, Austen Durton, Da`Shawn Powell, DeVontae Orr, Ny`Ashia Johnson, Ke`OndreJohnson, Ke`Andon Brookhouser, Kinyan Coit, Michael Jr., Yulani Amorrae DeWester, Kahleaghsha Johnson, and Mahkeeya Johnson, great-grandchild, Jaxson Durton; siblings, JoLynna Taddiken, Patti Albers, David DeWester, and Jason DeWester, many nieces, nephews, and many others she loved as her own children.
She is preceded in death by her parents; great-grandchild, Kouper Coit; and sister, Nancy Morales.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina.
Memorials may be made to Genetiva Hospice in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.
