John Joseph Kohlrus

John Joseph Kohlrus

John Joseph Kohlrus, 93, Hays, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Brookdale of Hays.

He was born November 7, 1928 in Ellis, the son of Karl and Anna (Augustine) Kohlrus.  From 1951 to 1953, he was with the 1st Battalion 7th Division 31st Infantry in the United States Army during the Korean War.  On February 4, 1954 he was united in marriage to Marietta Marie Leiker and they were married for over 45 years before she preceded him in death on December 20, 1999.  His careers included working as an oilfield driller for many years and then as a custodian and later a supervisor at Fort Hays State University.  He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a lifetime member of the VFW.  John loved the outdoors, watching TV westerns, and gardening, but his true passion was fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons: Tim Kohlrus and wife Shelly and Terry Kohlrus and wife Linda, all of Ellis, a daughter: Mary Detrixhe and husband Gene of Russell, a brother: Robert Kohlrus and wife Van of Germantown Hills, IL, two sisters: Martha Franz and husband Maurice of Washington, IL and Jeannie Thorp of Tremont, IL, three sisters-in-law: Mary Margaret Kohlrus of Overland Park, Helen Kohlrus of Renton, WA, and Linde Kohlrus of Wasilla, AK, six grandchildren: Miles Detrixhe, Tasha Keathley-Helms and husband Derek, Rena Detrixhe, Travis Kohlrus and wife Susie, Jennifer Sproul and husband Chad, and Tim Kohlrus, Jr. and wife Debbie, 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marietta, infant children: Michelle, John, Thomas, and Bradley Kohlrus, four brothers: Pete, Jake, Bill, and Frank Kohlrus, and three sisters: Marie Alberssen, Rali Ketterman, and Eleanor Sekavec-Cox.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Elias Chinzara officiating.  Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the Ellis Public Library or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Condolences and memories of John may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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