Doris Tranel

DORIS TRANEL, 93, longtime Big Springs Resident, passed away June 8, 2021, at the Sedgwick County Nursing Home.

Doris was born May 9, 1928, on a farm west of Big Springs to Charles J. and Edna B. (Zalman) Robb. She graduated from Big Springs High School.

On November 27, 1946, Doris married LaVern Tranel at Chappell. The couple made their home on a farm less than a quarter-mile from where she was born, where they lived and raised their family. Their union was blessed with four children, Kenneth, Kathleen, Konni, and Kori. The family worked hard on the farm and built a good life, focused on family, friendship and fun.

Doris was the matriarch. She loved to spend time around her family, and when they gathered, she cooked endlessly for them. She always had special treats for her grandkids and great grandkids. Grandma's house was always a safe harbor for grandkids whenever they were in trouble at their home. Doris loved to have fun and had a heart for the simple good things in life, like grilling burgers, enjoying a drink and her buttered popcorn was unrivaled, her popcorn balls for Halloween were a family tradition. She loved a good game of Pitch and had mastered the exquisite art of table talking. Always looking for alternative cures for all ailments she had a cabinet full of supplements for everything that could possibly be afflicting her family. And if you were ever cold she had endless quilts that she could give you. Doris also loved to reference the Farmer's Almanac for everything from planting wheat to weaning calves and kids.

Doris was a strong Catholic woman, which informed the way she lived life and supported her amid life's challenges, like when LaVern passed away in 1995. Her experience of deep loss grew her faith even more, and when someone in the community experienced a loss, Doris always brought a dish and a kind and comforting word.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Don Robb, and brother-in-law, Orville Kemper.

Survivors include her children, Kenneth Tranel of Julesburg, CO, Kathleen (Brent) Rochlitz of Big Springs, Konni (Dave) Sauder of Big Springs, Kori (Karoll) Ham of Big Springs; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Kemper of Julesburg and Mary Robb of Sidney; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Doris' memory with the intent to support the church, ambulance, and school. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com

Funeral Mass will be on Friday, June 11, 2021, at 10:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Julesburg, with Fr. Mike O'Brien as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Big Springs Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church from 1 pm until 5 pm with family receiving friends from 2 pm to 4 pm. The Rosary will be recited at 7 pm on Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.