Obituary for Kenneth Degenhardt
A Strong Warrior Has Fallen.
Surname Degenhardt is composed of Old High German degan ‘young warrior’, hart ‘strong’. A fitting title for this man.
Kenneth E. Degenhardt, age 81, residing in Mulvane, Kansas, ended his fight with a form of progressive dementia on May 31st, 2022, at St. Francis Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.
Kenny was born January 26th, 1941, in Pfeifer, Kansas, to Casper and Anna Margaret (Urban) Degenhardt. He grew up in attendance of the Holy Cross Catholic School in Pfeifer, Kansas, with daily duties as an altar boy. His childhood initials, still etched into a pew in the church.
In January of 1961, Kenny answered the call of duty by enlisting in the US Air Force. His pride in serving this country became an inflection point for all the experiences and “service to others” that would follow.
Trained as an electrician, Kenny owned and operated Degenhardt’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Hays, Kansas. He provided outstanding service to his customers for over two decades.
He also served 16 years as the Director of Facilities at the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation in Wichita, Kansas. Kenny’s desire to serve others was never more appreciated by a group of people.
Not one to let the moss grow, Kenny continued to serve his military brothers and sisters after retiring. A celebrated volunteer recognized for the many hours of distinguished service; he absolutely loved his work at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
Kenny was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Vernon Degenhardt and an infant brother, Larry Degenhardt; his sisters, Viola “Effie” Fiffe, Ruby Antrim, Cleopha (Cleo) Klein; and his grand-daughter, Erynn Hanna.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Degenhardt of Mulvane, Kansas; Sister, Sylvia Kruse (Dave) of Hoxie, Kansas; Sister-in-law, Virginia Degenhardt of Branson, Missouri; Children: Keith Degenhardt of Hays, Kansas; Karen Rush (Rob) of Evans, Colorado; Kay Guzman (Dan) of Wichita, Kansas; Kirk Degenhardt of Hays, Kansas; Keri Sutter (Zac Nelling) of Oak Grove, Missouri; Kindra Degenhardt of Derby, Kansas; Kim Hanna (Eric) of Midlothian, Texas; Steve Griffin of Wichita, Kansas; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on June 17th, at the North Woodlawn Baptist Church, 1409 N. Woodlawn Blvd, Derby, Kansas. Reception to follow internment.
The family suggests donations to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Donate Here or local VAMC in lieu of flowers.
Surname Degenhardt is composed of Old High German degan ‘young warrior’, hart ‘strong’. A fitting title for this man.
Kenneth E. Degenhardt, age 81, residing in Mulvane, Kansas, ended his fight with a form of progressive dementia on May 31st, 2022, at St. Francis Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.
Kenny was born January 26th, 1941, in Pfeifer, Kansas, to Casper and Anna Margaret (Urban) Degenhardt. He grew up in attendance of the Holy Cross Catholic School in Pfeifer, Kansas, with daily duties as an altar boy. His childhood initials, still etched into a pew in the church.
In January of 1961, Kenny answered the call of duty by enlisting in the US Air Force. His pride in serving this country became an inflection point for all the experiences and “service to others” that would follow.
Trained as an electrician, Kenny owned and operated Degenhardt’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Hays, Kansas. He provided outstanding service to his customers for over two decades.
He also served 16 years as the Director of Facilities at the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation in Wichita, Kansas. Kenny’s desire to serve others was never more appreciated by a group of people.
Not one to let the moss grow, Kenny continued to serve his military brothers and sisters after retiring. A celebrated volunteer recognized for the many hours of distinguished service; he absolutely loved his work at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
Kenny was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Vernon Degenhardt and an infant brother, Larry Degenhardt; his sisters, Viola “Effie” Fiffe, Ruby Antrim, Cleopha (Cleo) Klein; and his grand-daughter, Erynn Hanna.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Degenhardt of Mulvane, Kansas; Sister, Sylvia Kruse (Dave) of Hoxie, Kansas; Sister-in-law, Virginia Degenhardt of Branson, Missouri; Children: Keith Degenhardt of Hays, Kansas; Karen Rush (Rob) of Evans, Colorado; Kay Guzman (Dan) of Wichita, Kansas; Kirk Degenhardt of Hays, Kansas; Keri Sutter (Zac Nelling) of Oak Grove, Missouri; Kindra Degenhardt of Derby, Kansas; Kim Hanna (Eric) of Midlothian, Texas; Steve Griffin of Wichita, Kansas; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on June 17th, at the North Woodlawn Baptist Church, 1409 N. Woodlawn Blvd, Derby, Kansas. Reception to follow internment.
The family suggests donations to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Donate Here or local VAMC in lieu of flowers.