OLMITZ — Ted Michael Petz, 68, died April 12, 2026, at Ascencion Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kan. Ted was born Oct. 5, 1957, in Ellinwood, Kan., the son of Allen and Norma (Lamb) Petz. Ted graduated in 1976 from Ellinwood High School.

A longtime resident of Salina, Kan., Ted worked for 40+ years as a route driver for US Foods. In 2022, Ted moved to Olmitz, Kan.

Ted loved to watch college basketball and professional football. Ted also enjoyed the annual five brother’s fishing trip with his brothers in Colorado and enjoyed being with his family.

On Feb. 14, 1998, he married Wanda Simmons Peterson in Salina, Kan. Wanda preceded Ted in death on Oct. 27, 2020.

He is survived by three sons, Chad Petz (Amber) and Shaun Petz (Sandy), both of Ellinwood, Bryan Vollmar of Berthoud, Colo.; a daughter, Terra Bernhart (Johnny) of Berthoud, Colo.; six siblings, Allen Petz (Kathy)of Hutchinson, Connie Oetken (Ron) of Olmitz, Danny Petz (Barbara) of Parkville, Mo., Richard Petz (Jan) of Denver, Colo., Cathy Castor (Brian McKinney) of DeSoto, Kan., and Steve Petz (Elina) of St Petersburg, Fla.; five grandchildren, Lauren and Cole Petz both of Ellinwood, Taylor Petz of Sterling, Kan., and Lyla and Holly Bernhart both of Berthoud, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Ted’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial and gathering of family will be held on April 25, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Olmitz, Kan. Friends are welcome from 1 to 3 p.m. to share stories, desserts, tea and coffee. Memorials may be made to Golden Belt Humane Society or the Father Murphy Foundation in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 16, 2026