Elmer Sothers

Dean's family will be greeting family and friends Monday 7pm to 9pm at the funeral home.

Elmer “Dean” Sothers, son of Elder and Juvernia (Garman) Sothers, was born on May 21, 1931 at the family homestead east of Courtland, Kansas and passed away on December 26, 2014 at the age of eighty-three years, seven months, and five days.  After graduating from Courtland High School in 1949, he worked on the family farm until 1953 when he entered the US Army for two years.  During his tour of duty, he spent one year in Korea following the Korean War before returning home in 1955. On August 19, 1956, Dean was united in marriage to Anita J. Anderson at the Amana Lutheran Church in Scandia, Kansas.  To this union, they raised five children, Deann, Debra, Darice, Danell and Darin. Dean farmed from 1955 to 2013.  He had a true passion and love for animals.  Dean spent much of his time raising and feeding cattle.  For several years, Dean was a livestock fieldman for the sale barns in Belleville and Washington, Kansas.  Dean was also instrumental in the establishment of the Rural Water District in the Courtland area. Dean’s favorite pastimes included going to the “sale”, hunting, welding, and watching his children and grandchildren’s activities.  Dean was a member of the Courtland United Methodist Church, as well as, the Moose Lodge, American Legion, and VFW. Dean was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ralph and Ronald. He is survived by his wife, Anita Sothers of the home, daughter, Deann (Gary) Sklenicka, grandchildren, Rachel, Nathaniel, Rebekah, Keri and great-grandchildren, Sophia and Matthew of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Abby (Chris) Zarger and great-grandchildren, Alex and Katerina of Manhattan, Kansas; daughter, Debra (Jerad) Monzon, grandchildren, Chelsie, Courtney and Corben of Concordia, Kansas; daughter, Darice (Brad) Wilkinson of Belleville, Kansas, grandchildren, Kellie (Jeff) Gossman, great-grandchild, Declan of Neligh, Nebraska, and Brett of Ellsworth, Kansas;  daughter, Danell (Dale) Strickler, grandchildren Cole and Cassie of Courtland, Kansas; and son, Darin (Jackie) Sothers, grandchildren Taylor, Briley, and Joslyn of Lincoln, Nebraska. He is also survived by his sister Judy (John) Nylund and brothers Gerald (Ida May) Sothers and Maurice (the late Marilyn) Sothers; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Dean will be forever remembered for the love of his family, the land, his cattle and his willingness to always help others. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Courtland, Kansas with Pastor Kathy Aeillo officiating. Burial was in Courtland Cemetery with Military Rites by American Legion Post 193, Scandia and the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Family suggests memorials to Republic County Long Term Care, Belleville, Kansas or the Courtland United Methodist Church, Courtland, Kansas. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas is in charge of these arrangements.