Richard Eugene Sanko, 60, born to Wilbert and Imogene Sanko at Ellinwood District Hospital on April 16, 1959, deceased at CHI Saint Alexius Hospital, Bismark, N.D. April 14, 2020.

Richard graduated at Ellinwood High School in 1977, attended Barton County Community College automotive and agricultural classes. He was employed by Reeds Testing, Sanko’s Conoco. He traveled throughout the country with various custom cutting crews. He then resided in Great Bend, farming for several local farmers including Sanko Farm owned by Wilbert Sanko.

Richards last days were spent custom cutting and ranch hand in Bison, S.D. for L.L.L. Harvesting, where he assisted in cutting over 20,000 acres of wheat throughout the United States.

Richard was joined in union with Linda Bennett of Great Bend in July 2000, and acquired four stepchildren, Dylan Doughtorty, Jamie Bennett, Mitch Selle and April Tramthen of Great Bend with six stepgrandchildren.

Richard was proceeded in death to Linda Bennett; his parents, Wilbert and Imogene Sanko; brother Gary Lee Sanko. Survivors include sibling Michael Sanko, Beth Bruno of Great Bend, Verna Klema of Hoisington, Deborah Frank of Wichita, Janelle Larabee of Newton; two aunts, Rosemary Sanko of Great Bend Rita Berqkamp of Fowler; and Uncle Jay C. Hayden of Montezuma. He leaves ten nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews.

Richard was a previous member of St. Rose Catholic Church where he often led the choir in Great Bend, AA and NA of Barton County, volunteer for the VFW and American Legion.

Due to virus graveside services for immediate family at St. John’s Cemetery in Hoisington on June 20.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 12, 2020