Richard W. "Rich" Geschwentner

Richard W. “Rich” Geschwentner

Richard W. “Rich” Geschwentner, 84, Hays, formerly of Ellis, died Sunday, November 12, 2023 at HaysMed.

He was born August 1, 1939 in Ellis, the son of Joseph and Ottilia (Gnad) Geschwentner.  Rich graduated from Ellis High School, went to a trade school in Colorado, learning electronics repair, and later had a side job doing television and appliance repair.  On August 1, 1959, he was united in marriage to Faye A. Zimmerman in Schoenchen, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage.  For 30 years, he was in the grocery store business in Ellis, first as an employee then owning and operating Rich’s IGA from 1977- 1999.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Ellis Knights of Columbus Council #2133, and the Ellis Chamber of Commerce.  Rich loved cars, family camping trips at the lake, and animals, especially his dogs and stray cats he would feed.  He enjoyed yardwork, music, polka dancing, and playing piano while Faye played the accordion.  His greatest love was his family and they meant everything to him.

Survivors include his wife Faye of the home, two sons, Jeff Geschwentner and wife Laura of Ellis and Patrick Geschwentner and wife Wendy of Ottawa, two daughters, Kim Gaschler and husband Rick of Ellis and Kelly Kratz and husband Greg of Lawrence, eight grandchildren, Brandon and Nicholas Geschwentner, Mara Lang and husband Jon, Lindsay Clark and husband Dana, Eric Gaschler and wife Kristen, Moriah and Noah Geschwentner, and Keegan Kratz, seven great grandchildren, and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jeanette Kraft and husband Marvin, Helen Godfrey and husband Dick, Cary Zimmerman and wife Teresa, and Barbara, Roseann, and Jackie Zimmerman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, several infant siblings, and three brothers-in-law, Kenny, Joel, and Jude Zimmerman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ellis, with Fr. Dana Clark officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A combined vigil service and Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School, St. Mary’s Church, or to the Ellis Knights of Columbus Council #2133.  Condolences and memories of Rich may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

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