Richard F. Bretz

Richard Frank Bretz was born July 4, 1949, in Colby, Kansas. His parents were Tauscher and Opal (Martin) Bretz. Richard was raised on a farm 12 miles west of Winona, Kansas, with his younger brother Michael. Rich’s life ended on September 26, 2026, after a year long battle with cancer.

Richard graduated in 1967 in the first class from Triplains--the newly consolidated school district of the Russell Springs, Page City and Winona schools. During his first year of college at Ft. Hays, a classmate asked him if he would be interested in working for the South Dakota Geological Survey for the summer. He took the opportunity and spent the next two summers working at the Survey. He graduated in 1971 from Fort Hays State with a bachelors in Geology.

He began a Masters program in Salt Lake City and took a semester off to help haul bales with Jerry Nichols. Rich returned to the Masters program at Ft. Hays State and graduated in May 1979. He continued his career with the South Dakota Geological Survey as a Field Geologist for the next 16 years.

Rich’s Aunt Mary Glad persuaded him to write a single teacher in Weskan. After a year of letters and a quick courtship Rich and Jean (Diedrich) were united in marriage in Rapid City, South Dakota on May 25, 1982. On July 2, 1984, Blake Kelson made his appearance.

In May 1985, Rich relocated his family to the farm west of Winona, KS, where he began farming and ranching with his dad. Two more sons were born in Colby: Warren Kent on December 19, 1986 and Kaler Kendal on May 2, 1988.

Richard continued to farm and ranch after his parents retired in 1988. He was a board member of: Triplains-Winona school; Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center; Logan County Farm Bureau; Logan County Conservation District; and McAllaster township; and an active member of the Winona United Methodist Church.

Rich was an avid reader of science and farming publications. He loved spending time with his sons, daughters-in-laws, and 9 grandchildren and working on the farm and ranch.

Rich is survived by his wife Jean (Diedrich) of 44 years; sons Blake (Rebekah) and Noah, Harper and Isla of Aurora, CO; Warren (Melissa) and Beckett, Canaan, and Avonlea of Sharon Springs, KS; Kaler (Samantha) and Sadie, Clayton, Kara of Wallace, KS, brother Mike (Roberta) Bretz of Goodland KS, and brother in law Paul Diedrich of Leadville, CO.

Cremation was chosen. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, PO Box 255. Winona, KS or your favorite charity. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.