Bruce Wingerd

Bruce Harvey Wingerd, 88, passed away on November 10, 2026, at Clay County Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Bruce was born September 21, 1938, in Rossville, Kansas, the second son of Kenneth and Margaret Rhunke Wingerd, who owned and operated a local grocery store. In 1947, the family moved to Marion, Kansas, where they continued the business. Bruce graduated from Marion High School in 1956 and attended the University of Kansas, earning his undergraduate degree in history in 1960. He continued at the University of Kansas School of Law, graduating in 1963. While in law school, he served on the Editorial Board of the University of Kansas Law Review from 1961 to 1963, serving as Associate Editor.

Bruce served in the Kansas Army National Guard and moved to Clay Center in 1964, where he began what would become a 62-year legal career. He was appointed Clay County Attorney in 1964 and served in that position until 1969, when he became City Attorney for the City of Clay Center, a role he held until 1993. He also served as attorney for the Clay Center Housing Authority for 58 years. On June 2, 2003, Bruce was admitted and qualified to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

On May 8, 1966, Bruce married Elizabeth Lee Whalen in Fairway, Kansas. Together they raised three children: Susan, Carolyn, and Brian. Elizabeth preceded him in death in 1995. Bruce later married Jackie Steinbauer on November 26, 1998, and they remained married until his death.

Bruce was deeply involved in the Clay Center community. He joined the Clay Center Rotary Club in 1964 and served in several leadership roles, including president. During his presidency, he spearheaded the community street-sign project, leaving a lasting contribution to Clay Center. Bruce also enjoyed participating in Rotary Radio Days alongside Dan Witters. The live auction, broadcast on KCLY radio, raised funds to support Rotary projects throughout the community.

Bruce spent many Friday nights announcing Clay Center High School Tiger football games at Otto Unruh Stadium alongside his good friend Dan Witters.

An avid golfer, Bruce was a member of the Clay Center Country Club for 60 years. His Thursday senior golf outings and annual February golf trip with friends, which he attended for 52 consecutive years, were longtime traditions. He also loved traveling, reading history, and spending time with friends and family. A loyal KU basketball fan, he rarely missed watching a game on television. He took great pride in supporting his grandchildren and was a familiar face at their sporting events, dance recitals, and concerts.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Margaret Wingerd; his first wife, Elizabeth; his brother, Gordon; and his son, Brian.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Jackie Wingerd; his daughter, Susan (Dylan) of Leawood, Kansas, and their children, Elizabeth, Katherine, and Eric; his daughter, Carolyn (Tom) of Lawrence, Kansas, and their children, Andrew (Brittanie) and Hannah; and his daughter-in-law, Dana of Lawrence, Kansas, and her sons, Gabe and Caleb. He is also survived by Jackie's children, Ben (Katie) and Emily (Josh), both of Austin, Texas, and her grandchildren, Poppy and Murray.

Respect calls will be held at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 3-6 pm.

A private burial will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clay Center Zoo or the Clay Center Carnegie Library in memory of Bruce.