Theresa M. Gottschalk, 82, Hays, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Via Christi Village surrounded by her family.
She was born November 1, 1941 in Hays, the daughter of William and Leona (Pfannenstiel) Befort. On March 30, 1964 she was united in marriage to Donald Gottschalk at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Antonino. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Theresa was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and homemaker. After her children were grown, she obtained her CNA certificate and worked as a personal care attendant. In her later years she took much pride in volunteering at Via Christi and Hospice. She was a calming presence to the residents and patients she served.
Survivors include her husband Donald of Hays, her children, Leann Schumacher and husband Steve, Lou Ann Gottschalk, Lisa Gabel and husband Todd, and Neil Gottschalk and wife Ann, all of Hays, two brothers, Donald Befort and wife Sharron of Hays, Billy Befort of Sacramento, CA, two sisters, Sr. Jean Befort, CSJ of Concordia, and Marge Hines and husband Tony of Hays, eight grandchildren, Chris and Brandon Riedel, Ava Schumacher, Jared and Taylor Gabel, Matthew, Allison, and Justin Gottschalk.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law, Jayne Befort, and a niece, Rebecca Befort.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Curtis Carlson, OFM Cap officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:30 pm followed by a vigil service at 7:00 pm, all on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to HaysMed Hospice, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the Unify, Beautify, Glorify Campaign, or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village. Condolences and memories of Theresa may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com