Nicholas R. Kjellberg: Reflecting on a Life Richly Lived, and Loved

There are some lives, you know, that just resonate with a certain kind of energy, a warmth that, even when it’s gone, still echoes in the quiet spaces. Nicholas R. Kjellberg, for so many in Great Bend, Kansas, was undeniably one of those souls. Though his earthly journey concluded on April 20, 2025, at the University of Kansas Medical Center – a day that, honestly, felt too soon for those who knew him – the tapestry of his 39 years was woven with vibrant threads of passion, community, and, yes, an awful lot of laughter.

Born right there in Great Bend, on a warm August 14th back in 1985, Nicholas was the son of Randy and Donna Kjellberg. You could say he was rooted deep in the heartland, a fact that surely shaped the genuine, approachable spirit he carried throughout his life. After making his mark at Great Bend High, graduating in 2004, he didn’t stray far initially, attending Barton Community College. But a drive for more, for something broader, led him to Wichita State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Business Management. That blend of local heart and broader vision? It truly defined him, didn’t it?

And then there was Ashley. Ashley Elizabeth Smith, whom he married on October 30, 2010, right there in Great Bend – a day, one imagines, filled with joy and the promise of a beautiful future. Together, they built a family, a true testament to their love, raising three wonderful children: Ava, Nora, and Liam. These children, for Nicholas, were absolutely everything; his pride in them was palpable, his devotion boundless. That’s just the kind of man he was, profoundly invested in the lives he touched most closely.

For many, though, Nicholas’s voice was his calling card, literally. As a radio host for 1590 KVGB with Eagle Communications, his presence was a daily comfort, a familiar sound filling homes and cars across the region. But perhaps even more thrilling, especially for the sports enthusiasts among us, was his role as a Play-by-Play announcer for local sports. He brought the games to life, didn’t he? Every dribble, every tackle, every shot – he narrated it with an infectious enthusiasm that made you feel like you were right there in the stands, even if you were miles away. And really, that’s a gift, to transport people through sound.

Beyond the microphone, Nicholas was, for all intents and purposes, a man of simple, yet deeply cherished, pleasures. He loved the outdoors, finding solace and excitement in golfing, fishing, and hunting. And sports? Well, they weren't just a job; they were a passion, a deep-seated loyalty. The Kansas City Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks, in particular, always had a special place in his heart – and probably sparked a spirited debate or two, you could imagine. But above all, honestly, he simply adored spending time with his family and friends. Those moments, those shared experiences, were what truly nourished his spirit.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Ashley, and their children, Ava, Nora, and Liam – their mother, father, and, well, their rock. His parents, Randy and Donna, also mourn the loss of their son, as do his brother Jeremy and his wife Ashley, and his sister Heather and her husband Jason. His maternal grandmother, Judy Herbel, too, carries this heavy sadness. While he joins his paternal grandparents, Don and Virginia Kjellberg, and maternal grandfather, Dale Herbel, in eternal rest, his memory, his warmth, and his indelible spirit, without a doubt, will live on in all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

For those wishing to pay their respects and, in truth, share stories and memories, visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service, a chance to gather and celebrate his life, is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend, with the Reverend Dwight Dozier presiding over the proceedings. Following the service, Nicholas will be laid to rest at Great Bend Cemetery. And for those who wish to honor his legacy further, perhaps by helping to secure a bright future for his children, memorials may be made to the Kjellberg Children’s Education Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Because in the end, it’s about continuing the good, isn’t it?