Erma Kufahl

Erma Jean Kufahl, 91, of Wheaton, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) at Community Hospital in Onaga, Kansas.

Born December 17, 1934 in Wheaton, Erma was the daughter of Otto C. and Jessie M. (Day) Abitz. A graduate of Wheaton High School where she was Valedictorian of her class, Erma was referred to as “the very fancy, Erma Abitz” for her athleticism. She played softball and basketball and held the basketball record for most points scored in a game for several years.

On May 31, 1953, Erma married Lyle L. Kufahl in Wheaton and they celebrated nearly 65 years of marriage until Lyle’s death on February 18, 2018. Erma was the true definition of a farm wife, taking care of their home and helping Lyle on the farm when needed.

Faith and family were Erma’s life. She was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Ladies Aid and helped plan many dinners and funeral luncheons over the years. She also loved raising her family, babysitting for her grandchildren and following their activities. An exceptional cook, Erma will be remembered for her dinner rolls and pies, and especially her pink cookies.

She also was an accomplished seamstress and quilter and enjoyed tending to her flowers and vegetable garden and canning what she grew. Erma was also active in the Wheaton community, working for a time at the Post Office and serving on the Election Board for many years.

Survivors include her children, Gerry Kufahl (Roberta) of Wheaton, KS, Jay Kufahl (Susie) of Wheaton, KS and Cindy Bryson (Chris) of Wamego, KS; eight grandchildren, Bridget Kufahl, Michael Kufahl (Holly), Adam Kufahl, Aileen Taylor (Ryan), Holly Thomas (Josh), Maggie Butler (Matthew), Tyler Bryson (Dorian) and Tara Shaw (Bret); fourteen great grandchildren, Eric Kufahl, Ava Kufahl, Jacklynn Brown (Beck), Rachel Kufahl, Cole Kufahl, Lena Taylor, Jillian Erma Thomas, Gabby Butler, Jaxon Butler, Arrabelle Butler, Avery Bryson, Kambree Bryson, Brynna Ade and Rowen Shaw; a brother, Eugene Abitz of Onaga, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle; two brothers, Frank Abitz and Roger Abitz; and a sister, Janice Loughmiller.

Funeral services will be held Monday morning (July 27, 2026) at 10:30 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton with the Reverend Terry DeGiovanni officiating. Burial will follow in St. Luke North Cemetery in Wheaton.

Visitation will be Sunday evening (July 26, 2026) from 5:00 to 7:00 at St. Luke Lutheran Church. A Prayer Service will be Sunday evening at 7:00 at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Luke Lutheran Church and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.