Wilsey – Gary G. Dalquest was born September 24, 1935 in Junction City, KS to Charles Edward Dalquest and Mildred A Brewer Dalquest. He departed this life on June 14, 2019 at the Morris County Hospital.
Gary graduated from Wilsey Rural High School in 1953, where he enjoyed and excelled in basketball. After high school he attended the College of Emporia, where he was baptized, and continued to play basketball. He then transferred to Kansas State University where he worked for the Purebred Beef Unit and traveled via train with the cattle to national stock shows across the country.
On July 15, 1956 he married Marlene Yvonne Bullock at the Wilsey Christian Church.
After college Gary worked for Fairmont Creamery where he was a delivery driver for several years. He then bought Dalquest Feed and Grain, which he ran and operated until the early 1980’s. After selling the elevator, Gary pursued his true passion of farming/ranching as an owner of Dalquest Farms, raising show cattle that competed on both local and national levels
Gary was a horseman, he and his Grandfather Brewer traded horses over the years. They sold horses to Ft. Riley and he broke many colts. He rodeoed for many years, calf roping on his favorite horse, Dottie. He loved to hunt and fish every time he had the chance, especially with his children and grandchildren. He played slow pitch softball along with town team basketball, and those activities carried he and his family all over the state.
Gary loved kids and livestock and this passion led him to be heavily involved in the 4-H program. He was a member of the Peppy Pick Ups 4-H Club and was involved in showing livestock and best groomed boy contest from local to national level. He was a local club leader, served on the Executive Board of the County Extension Council, and was a superintendent at the local county fair and a founder of the Morris County 4-H Foundation. He could always be found following his kids and grandkids to different 4-H events and livestock shows or following the livestock he raised and sold.
Gary was always willing to give his time to the community. He was the local rural fire chief for many years and one of the founding members and investors in the Wilsey Community Grocery Store that served the community for 13 years. While he owned the elevator in Wilsey his tractors could always be found around town after a snow, clearing out driveways for people free of charge.
His smile and laugh will always be remembered by all who were lucky enough to have experienced them, and his fun-loving, ornery demeanor will be missed by a host of family and friends.
Gary is survived by Marlene Dalquest of the home. One daughter, Tamara Wainwright and husband Don of Manhattan, KS. One son, Clay Dalquest and wife Lori of Wilsey, KS. Four grandchildren, Kyle Wainwright and wife Nicole of St. George, KS, Erin Burkhead and husband Michael of Basehor, KS, Carissa and Cassidy Dalquest of Wilsey, KS. Three great-grandchildren, Austin and Adam Wainwright and Bode Burkhead, and a host of relatives and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Anita Dalquest Breakey.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 19 at Zeiner Funeral Home, Council Grove from 6 – 7:30 pm and funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 20 at 2 pm at the Wilsey Christian Church. Burial to follow at the Wilsey Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Morris Co. 4-H Foundation and the Morris Co. Hospital. They may be sent in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.
Keith D. Longabaugh, 92, lifelong resident of Herington, died Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home in Herington. He was born on July 30, 1926, at Herington, the son of G. Harold and Angeline M. (Stewart) Longabaugh.
