Robert Francis Kinderknecht passed away Sunday evening, October 25, 2020, at his home in Sheridan County, near Park, Kansas, at the age of 83. Bob was born on September 9, 1937, the 12th child of Alex and Anna (Bollig) Kinderknecht in Sheridan County, near Park, Kansas. After graduating from Park Rural High School in 1956, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served in Korea.
He married Virginia Billinger on September 12, 1959 and to this union three children were welcomed to the family. Bob worked at Midwest Coop and Heinrich Feeds Elevator in Grainfield, KS for many years before making farming his full-time job. Over the years, he nurtured numerous baby calves that he would mix milk bottles for morning and night, tended the fields around the homestead, and was willing to lend a helping hand to any neighbor in need.
Bob was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. His greatest enjoyment and blessings were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they made him very proud. He and Virginia would attend the grandchildren’s school events, ball games, music concerts, wherever the location. He enjoyed his Polka music and never went anywhere without his four-legged campaign, Tuff.
Survivors include: his high school sweetheart, Virginia; three children, Lisa and husband Larry Cox, Ellis, KS, Larry Kinderknecht, Quinter, KS, and Don Kinderknecht, Seattle, WA; two grandchildren Emily and husband Jordan Mattheyer, and Ethan and wife Britny Cox, all of Ellis; and two great-grandchildren, Mason Mattheyer and Malloy Cox; a sister, Thelma, and husband Gilbert Wildeman of Park; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Julius, Eugene, Marvin, Cletus, Virgil and Charles; two sisters, Dorothy Waldman and Esther Mader and three infant sisters.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at 10:30am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. Burial will follow the service in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Park with military honors. A rosary will begin at 10:00am at the church. The family requests those in attendance to please wear masks and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or masses and may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main St. Quinter, Kansas 67752.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com