Mark Alan DeWald

Mark Alan DeWald, 72, passed away November 19, 2025, in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on October 12, 1953, in Hays, Kansas, to Harlan and Delores (Popp) Dewald. On May 26, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Enid June "E.J." Schlegel at the Alexander United Methodist Church. She passed on August 19, 2020.

A resident of Great Bend since 2009, Mark was a band and music instructor for many area schools both in Barton County and western Kansas. He was known for caring for his students – not just those in his classroom, but throughout whatever school he was in. Mark exhibited compassion, kindness, and dedication to those around him. Even once his student's graduated, Mark took great joy in following their music careers, attending their performances, or catching up with updates on their lives. He cared about them as the people they were and became, not just who they were in his classroom. Mark was loved by many because he poured his life in service and love to so many.

That consideration and servant leadership carried over to his family as well. From his exemplary work ethic to his sacrificial caretaking abilities, Mark proved himself to be loving and devoted. While he could be sternly patient, he was also known for his above and beyond generosity and spoiling those closest to him. Loving referred to as "Papa" by the grandchildren, he shared with them his wisdom from his talented musical skill as well as about life and taught both through his natural educational ability and his example of character.

Mark was a member of First Lutheran Church in LaCrosse and KMEA. Along with his many musical talents and support for others, he was always ready with a band joke of the day and enjoyed spending time at and maintaining the family farm.

Survivors include daughter, Jessica Riebel and husband Chase; son, Jonathan DeWald and significant other Julie Selbe; twelve grandchildren, Jacob, Abigial, Alexandria, Anastasia, Ashley, Flint, Tinesha, Reuben, Heaven, Christian, Mason, and Sebastian; seven great grandchildren with two on the way; sister, Janice Huthoefer and husband Don; brother-in-law, Gary Wilson; aunt, Shirley Maier; and numerous cousins and extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years; infant daughter, Justina Elizabeth DeWald; father, Harlan DeWald; mother, Delores DeWald-Hanhardt and husband Robert; and nephew, Daniel Huthoefer.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in LaCrosse with Reverend Phyllis Burdge and Pastor Chase Riebel presiding. Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, with family receiving guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Memorials have been designated to First Lutheran Church or donor's choice of the Great Bend, Hoisington or Central Plains Band Programs, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.