Hugo Kickhaefer

Hugo G. Kickhaefer was born October 24, 1931, to Ewaldt and Lizzie (Schlesener) Kickhaefer on the family farm in rural Woodbine, KS. He was confirmed on June 17, 1945 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Shadybrook, KS. Hugo graduated from Woodbine High School in 1949 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force, stationed in Wichita, KS. While serving in the Air Force, he met and later married Donna (Wheat) Kickhaefer on October 02, 1955, at the Methodist Church in Jewell, KS. They returned to Herington where they farmed for five years. In 1960, Hugo began working for Evans Grain Co. managing the grain elevator in Marysville, KS until 1975. At that time, Hugo and Donna purchased the grain elevator at Latimer, KS which they owned and managed until their retirement.

Hugo loved the outdoors. He especially loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. One of his favorite activities was driving around to check on the farms and crops. He also enjoyed oil painting, playing cards, and woodworking in his free time. Hugo loved taking his grand-dog Bella to the park on his scooter. He loved telling stories of his time growing up with eleven siblings and many cousins, harassing the teachers in the country school that he attended, his time in the Air Force as a mechanic on the large bombers, and playing baseball. He and Donna explored most of the United States and Canada on a number of trips with friends. Most of all, Hugo loved his family and found joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Hugo’s faith was important to him. When he could no longer see to read his Bible, he would listen to the audio version. He was also a reliable volunteer at the church when the lawn needed mowing or a variety of other trustee duties.

Hugo, at the age of 90, entered his eternal rest on Thursday, September 15, 2022, in Herington, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ewaldt and Lizzie Kickhaefer, siblings Virgil Kickhaefer, Gerhardt Kickhaefer, Orville Kickhaefer, Alvin Kickhaefer, Levi Kickhaefer, Rosalie Tucker, and infant brother, Walter Max Kickhaefer. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Donna; children Marta (Jerry) Bengtson, Kenneth (Barb) Kickhaefer, Gary (Carrie) Kickhaefer, and Lori Kickhaefer Keazirian; grandchildren Lindsay (Shawn) Billinger, Brooklyn (Jake) Woolard, Mica Bengtson, Jonathan (Payden) Kickhaefer, Maggie (Austin) Lord, Zachary (Julia) Kickhaefer, Nathan (Chandler) Kickhaefer, Taylor Kickhaefer, and Jennifer Beames; great grandchildren Braelyn Billinger, Brynna Billinger, Brant Billinger, Brooks Billinger, Rhett Woolard, Everly Woolard, Hunter Kickhaefer, Lake Kickhaefer, Blaine Lord, Claire Kickhaefer, Delaney Kickhaefer, and Levi Kickhaefer; and by siblings Marvel Birchfield, Linda (Don) Gruidel, Lavada (Rob) Gleissner, Eugene (Ruth) Kickhaefer, and Robert Kickhaefer; also many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington, KS on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral service for Hugo will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the church with interment to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, rural Woodbine, KS. The family invites you to join them for food and fellowship at the church following the burial. Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Hugo’s name may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington.  Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Hugo at www.yazelmeglifh.com.