Donald E. Wilber

     Donald Eugene Wilber was born in rural Republic County, Kansas on July 23, 1932 to Stuart J. and Bertha M. (Klaumann) Wilber. He left this earthly life on August 17, 2025 at the age of 93 years and 25 days.

     Donald attended rural school and graduated from Belleville High School in 1950. After high school, he worked at Ernest Runft's turkey farm. Later, he farmed his own land and began working at the Co-op fertilizer and grain elevator. In 1970, Don, Max Ball, Ralph Walter, and Jack Hill, built the business, Rural Gas Inc. with Don specializing in herbicide application operating a Hagie. He worked there until his retirement in 1997.

     While attending a community dance, Donald met Katherine Havel of Cuba.  The couple wed August 17, 1955 and made their home in Belleville. To this union four children were born Debra, Morris, Donna, and Matthew.

     Donald was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Belleville, Republic County Historical Museum, Republic County Czech Club, volunteering for 4-H, and bloodmobile.

     After retirement, Donald and Katherine enjoyed polka dances, traveling twice to the Czech Republic. His passion was restoring and displaying his collection of Farmall tractors. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law, Ronald E. Ball, brothers-in-law Edward F. Havel and Clair Dove; sister, Marjorie, and an infant sister.

     Donald is survived by his wife of 70 years, Katherine; children, Debra Ball, Morris (Chris) Wilber, Donna (Pete) Farmer, all of Belleville, Matthew (Cathy) Wilber of Wamego;  Grandchildren, Andrew and Heather Wilber, Jacob Wilber, Laura Wilber, Isaac Wilber, Isabella Wilber; one sister, Wilma Dove of Belleville; sister-in-law Mary Havel of Salina; other family and a host of friends.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Belleville with Pastor Amos McCarthy, officiating.  

     Interment will follow at the National Bohemian (Kopsa) Cemetery, rural Cuba, Kansas

     The casket has been closed.   Friends may sign the register book from 1 PM until 7 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS where the family will greet friends from 5 PM until 7 PM on Friday.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Republic County 4-H Council, Republic County Czech Club, or First United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. 

    Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com

    Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th Street, Belleville, KS is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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