Kenneth R. "Mert" Straub, 67, died January 8, 2011 at his Otis, Kansas, residence. He was born April 27, 1943 at Claflin, Kansas, the son of Raymond and Helen (Zecha) Straub. He married Doris Bartonek December 21, 1968 at Olmitz, Kansas. A longtime resident of Otis, Mr. Straub was owner of Straub Construction and and employee of BOC Gases, Otis, for twenty-five years. After retirement he was custodian for Otis-Bison High School. Mr. Straub was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz and was a Third Degree Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Doris Straub of the home; three daughters: Melissa Swift and husband Eric, Wilmington, Massachusetts; Tami Christiansen and husband Curtis, Enid, Oklahoma; and Sharnelle Herrman and husband Chris, Great Bend, Kansas; three brothers: Harold Straub and wife, Eileen, Russell, Kansas; Don Straub and wife Pat, Great Bend; and Gary Straub and wife Kay, Albert, Kansas; one sister, Diane Hackerott and husband Larry, Hays, Kansas; and six grandchildren: Chandler Christiansen, Kendra Swift, Gage Christiansen, Courtney Christiansen, Aiden Swift, and Hunter Herrman. Wake service will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at St. Ann Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 13, 2011 at St. Ann Catholic Church. Father Ultan Murphy will be celebrant. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church; and from 9:00 a.m. to service time Thursday at the church. Memorials are requested to St. Ann Catholic Church, Hays Medical Center Hospice, and Otis Elementary School playground equipment, all in care of the funeral home.