Obituary: William Wolgast

William Arthur Wolgast passed away on August 15, 2024, with his four sons by his side. He was born in Alta Vista, Kansas on January 21, 1938, the son of Arthur and Esther Wolgast. 

William was third generation owner of Wolgast Lumber Company, which started in business in 1902. He worked side by side with his father in the lumber, hardware and construction business until his father’s passing in 1991. William continued his work at the lumber yard until recently when he became unable to physically do so.

He served as a trustee, elder and many other positions at St. Paul Lutheran Church and was often seen mowing the lawn, removing snow, performing maintenance tasks and putting out the Nativity Scene at Christmas Season. His faith was extremely important to him not only with his work and attendance at his home church, but following along with the online services, bible studies, and classes of his children’s congregations.

He married his high school sweetheart Stena Bonar on February 16, 1958. They did everything to support and raise their children. They never missed any of their children’s sporting events, concerts, and performances, and continued that pattern with their grandchildren. Bill and Stena spent thousands and thousands of miles in the car traveling to places across the Midwest to support their family.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Esther, and his wife Stena. He is survived by his four sons, Gregg (Marcia) of Wichita, Brett (Marita) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Eric (Lara) of Wichita, and Michael of Overland Park; 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Larry Wolgast (Anita) and Ruth Johnson of Topeka, and many nephews and nieces. 

The family will greet family and friends at the Visitation from 5:00 – 7:00pm, Thursday, August 22, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 303 Main, Alta Vista, Kansas.

The Funeral Service for William will be at 10:00am on Friday, August 23, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 303 Main, Alta Vista, Kansas. Burial will follow the service at the Alta Vista Cemetery.

After the burial, a luncheon will be provided for all to attend in the basement at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The family looks forward to visiting more with family and friends at that time.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Wolgast, please visit our flower store.

Source: Sawyer Chapel