Adolph Degenhardt

Adolph Degenhardt

Adolph Degenhardt, 97, formerly of Hays, died Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at McCrite Health Center in Topeka.

He was born November 20, 1921 in Pfeifer the son of John J. and Anna Marie “Emma” (Basgall) Degenhardt.  He served for three years in the Civilian Conservation Corps and was a United States Army World War II Veteran.  Adolph was a welder, co-owner, and foreman for Hays Machine Works for 38 years.  He married Elsie Wendling on August 24, 1942 in Pfeifer.  She preceded him in death on March 21, 1951.  He married Florentine Meder- Urban in Hays on July 19, 1952.  She preceded him in death on August 29, 1971.  He married Alice Wudarczyk, and she preceded him in death.  He spent over 20 happy years with companion and dear friend, Lydia Sander before she preceded him in death.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Anthony’s Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166, the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and the Knights of Columbus in Topeka.  He was hard working, generous, devoted to his religion and his church, had a good sense of humor, enjoyed playing pinochle, polka dancing, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  

Survivors include two daughters; JoAnn Degenhardt-Staley (Lyle) and Priscilla Degenhardt-Burke (Bob), two sons; Raymond Degenhardt (Donna) and Col. (Ret) Ernest Degenhardt (Tish), 11 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 12 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wives; Elsie, Florentine, and Alice, special friend; Lydia, five brothers; Sylvester, Victor, Walter, Dale, and John, two sisters; Regina Basgall and Alvina Bieker, a step-daughter Eileen Urban-Jacobs, and a grandson; Derek John Degenhardt.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Barry Brinkman officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A parish vigil service will be at 7:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Condolences and memories of Adolph may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com    

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