Kenneth Kirk Ekart

HERINGTON - Kenneth Kirk Ekart, 89, departed this life, Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017, at the Windsor Place care facility in Iola, KS.  He was born on September 11, 1927, in Wamego, KS, the son of Harry L. and Iva (Kirk) Ekart.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 3rd, 2017, at the St. John Catholic Church, Herington, with Fr. Soosai Rathinam, officiating.  Following the service, there will be a military committal at the St. John Catholic Cemetery of Herington.   

Mr. Ekart graduated from Wamego High School in 1945.  He served in the U.S. Air Force from August of 1946 and was honorably discharged in July 1949 as sergeant in radar repairs.  He attended Kansas State University for a couple of years. He began working for the Rock Island Railroad and after 37 years retired from the Cottonbelt Railroad as senior conductor.  After retirement he took an interest in auctions, woodworking projects, puzzles, reading, and his picturesque yard.  In his spare time, he enjoyed watching westerns and following KU basketball. 

He was married to Donna P. Schreiber on January 21, 1956, at Alma, KS.   They loved to travel.  They loved to travel both in the United States as well as Europe.  They enjoyed square dancing, bowling, and spending time with their families.  She preceded him death on April 15, 2013, and preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his four children; Kim Peterson (Larry) of Iola, Kris Ekart  (Rebecca) of Loveland, CO, Gail Hill (Gary) of Lawrence, and Carol Childers (Scott) of Baldwin, KS; 11 Grandchildren; and 1 great granddaughter, Harper.

The family requests memorials to St. John Catholic Church-Herington; and they may be sent to Zeiner Funeral Home, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS, 67449.