Wilmer Bahe

Lifelong Goodland, KS resident, Wilmer Bahe, 89, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Hillcrest Nursing Home McCook, Nebraska.

Wilmer William Bahe was born on July 17, 1934, on the family farm in Republic County, Kansas, to William Bahe and Nannie Bahe.  Because of the 1930’s depression, his family moved to Bruning, Nebraska in 1939, and lived there until moving to Goodland, Kansas, in June of 1946, where Wilmer started school in the 7^th grade.  He graduated from Sherman Community High School in May of 1952. After graduation and for the next 2 years he served as Manager of grocery stores in Goodland, Kansas, Burlington, Colorado, and Sharon Springs, Kansas. 

On August 1, 1954, Wilmer married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Kanuch, at the Lutheran Church in Goodland, Kansas.   Wilmer enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 8, 1956, and served in the Army as a Nike Missel Radar Operator.  He was named Soldier of the year at 47^th A.A.A. Brigade, Fort McArthur, California, in May of 1958.  He received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army on August 7, 1958, and returned to Goodland with his family.   

In the Spring of 1964, Wilmer leased some irrigated farm ground that began a successful 45 year farming business that was operated by his whole family.   

In 1979, Wilmer was elected to the Goodland City Council and served 2 terms with being elected as Council President for the final year of his second term.  In January of 1994, Wilmer was asked to serve as a Bank Director at Bankwest in Goodland.  He served on the Board of Directors with Bankwest for 25 years.  Wilmer also served as a Goodland Ambassador for 7 years.   He was a lifelong member of the Goodland Elks Lodge.   Wilmer was a devout fan of high school wresting, and enjoyed spending 27 years as the voice of the GHS Cowboys KLOE Radio wrestling broadcasts.   He was rewarded for his many years of broadcasting service by being awarded as an Honorary G Club Member for which he received a GHS Letterman’s jacket.    

Wilmer also enjoyed many camping and fishing trips with his family members throughout the years.  Another very enjoyable part of his life was watching his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events over many years.  

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Nannie Bahe, sisters Denelda Tyrrell and Opal VanDonge, brother Loren Bahe, and granddaughter Brandi Bahe.   

He is survived his by wife, Peggy Bahe, of McCook, Nebraska, and his children Randy (Kathy) Bahe of McCook, Nebraska, Terry (Linda) Bahe of Goodland, Kansas, and Denise (Danny) Archer of Goodland, Kansas.  Also surviving him are 8 grandchildren, Bryce Bahe, Blayze Bahe, Brett Bahe, Brook Bahe, Brenae Bahe, Whitney Larson, Ashley Townsend, and Levi Archer.  In addition, he is survived by 10 great grandchildren, Nolan Bahe, Addilyn Bahe, Lawson Bahe, Brylee Bahe, Bodie Larson, Layton Larson, Rowdy Larson, Letty Larson, Harper Townsend, and Laney Townsend.  

In Lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be designated to the Goodland United Methodist Church or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.