Gary Dee Schlaegel

Gary Dee Schlaegel, 86, of Whiting, KS, passed away Thursday, February5, 2026 at his home with family by his side. He was born March 9, 1939 in Onieda, KS, the son of D. Herbert and Mary Lou (Walden) Schlaegel.

He attended Corning Elementary School and graduated from Centralia High School in 1956. He attended Kansas State and Washburn University.

Gary had many occupations over the years. As a young man he was a bank examiner and hospital administrator. He gave that career up to establish and operate a Grade A dairy farm. During that time, he also did taxes for friends and family, as well as grow popcorn. After the dairy cows were sold in 1986, Gary and Marian focused their efforts on their tax and popcorn business.

He loved their land, including the farm pond where many fish were caught and some stories were exaggerated. He also loved K-State football and didn’t miss watching many Chiefs, Royals, Jackson Heights Cobras and Holton Wildcat games. He announced games for KNZA radio and coached many softball games for his daughters.

He was a member of the Whiting United Methodist Church, Jackson Heights School Board and the Brown Atchison Electric Co-op Board. In 2023, Gary and Marian were inducted into the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.

Gary married Marian Kay Brey on August 23, 1964 in Ozawkie, KS. She survives of the home after over 61 years of marriage.

He is also survived by 2 daughters, Cheryl Yingst (Jon) of Whiting, KS and Gayla Reece (Eric Snell) of Holton, KS; brother, Charles S. “Chuck” Schlaegel (Connie) of Holton, KS; 5 grandchildren, Jacob Yingst (Molly), Tanner Reece (Taylor), Jason Yingst (Sara), Zachery Reece and Olivia Yingst and 2 great-grandchildren, Henry Dee and Madeline Barry Yingst.

He was preceded in death by his parents, D. Herbert and Mary Lou Schlaegel; sister, Debbie Schlaegel and brother, David M. Schlaegel.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital Foundation or Netawaka Family Fitness Center c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.