BURBANK, Calif. — John Dean Stoss, 84, passed away peacefully Aug. 28, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Calif. He was born April 17, 1940, in Great Bend, Kan., to James & Ethel (Bartonek) Stoss, Sr.

John obtained a bachelor’s at Fort Hays State University and worked as a sports reporter for the Great Bend Tribune. He moved to Salinas, Calif., where he resided for thirty years. He became a talented, published author of poems, screenplays, and songs. He had an artist’s heart and created breathe taking paintings. His talent knew no bounds. He loved to travel the world and experience different cultures. His greatest joy was spending time with his friends, who will miss him.

Survivors include sister; Bernice Neeland of Great Bend, nieces; Debbie New of Olmitz, Bonita (Tom) Penkaof Olmitz, Roberta (Tony) Spangenberg of Hudson, Diane (Jim) King of Pittsburg, Trish (Patrick) Bryant of Salina, nephews; Craig Neeland, and Steve (Lisa) Neeland of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Stoss, Jr.

Cremation has taken place. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at St. Ann Cemetery in Olmitz, with Father Warren Stecklein presiding. Memorials have been designated to Fort Hays State University Foundation (to benefit the Neeland Family Scholarship Fund) , in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 

Funeral arrangements by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 5, 2024