William (Bill) MentzerIola, KS

William 'Bill' Leslie Mentzer, age 95, of Iola, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola, Kansas. Bill was born on October 1, 1930, at home in Neosho Falls, Kansas, to Leslie George and Vesta Marie (Danielson) Mentzer.

Bill graduated from Iola High School, Class of 1948. Bill married Marjorie Hiser on October 28, 1951, in Iola, Kansas.

Throughout his life, Bill dedicated himself to serving his community, his country, and those around him. A proud veteran of the Korean War, he served honorably from 1951 to 1953.

His passion for agriculture and rural communities was evident in the many leadership roles he held. He served on the Chanute Production Credit Board, was a member of the Kansas Farm Bureau Board, spent 20 years as a 4-H leader, and served as a Kansas State Extension Advisor.

His banking career spanned several decades and included serving as Vice President and Agriculture Representative for Allen County State Bank in Iola, President of Piqua State Bank, and later Vice President of Humboldt National Bank. He also spent ten years as tour director for Community National Bank's Ramblers bus tours, where he enjoyed creating memorable travel experiences and lasting friendships.

His heart for serving others extended well beyond his professional life. He volunteered with VASA/ACDI on humanitarian missions in both the Philippines and Poland, served as a houseparent at Youthville in Newton, Kansas, and faithfully filled numerous leadership and volunteer roles within his church and local community.

Whether mentoring young people, supporting farmers, helping families in need, or serving alongside neighbors, he lived a life marked by faith, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Vesta Mentzer; wife, Marjorie (Hiser) Mentzer; son, Rev. Bruce Mentzer; grandson, Bryan Pumphrey; and sister, Lila Bogacz.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Jeanine (Craig) Pumphrey, Bel Aire, Kansas; Sherryl (Darren) Abramson, Folsom, California; son, Craig (Denise) Mentzer, Neosho Falls, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Michelle Mentzer, Terre Haute, Indiana; along with his beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the First Christian Church, Iola, Kansas. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Iola First Christian Church or to the Iola Food Pantry, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.