Norbert Michael "Norb" Windholz, 80, Hays, died Monday, September 21, 2026 at his home.
He was born September 2, 1946 in Hays, the son of Albert and Clara (Dreiling) Windholz. Norb graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy and attended Fort Hays State University, majoring in environmental science. He was a clean water technician with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and he farmed with his father until 1984. On July 15, 1964, he was united in marriage to Gloria A. Tholen at St. Joseph Church in Hays. They celebrated 62 years of marriage and were blessed with three children, Kelly, Todd, and Tyler. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Norb enjoyed watching history shows and western movies, and he loved hunting, fishing, and relaxing drives in the country. Norb’s family was the center of his life and he was active in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Whether coaching his children’s baseball teams, attending his children and grandchildren’s activities and sports events, ATV rides with his grandchildren, or family phone calls and texts, he was always mentoring and loving them.
Survivors include his wife Gloria of the home in Hays, his children Kelly Hutchison and husband Matt of Hays, Todd Windholz and wife Jami of Overland Park, and Tyler Windholz of Shawnee, one sister Catherine, nine grandchildren Nathan, Kaci, Kenzie, Cady, and Cory Windholz, Mitch Mastenbrook and wife Maddie, Hayden Hutchison, Mattie Douglas and husband Jacob, and Palmer Hutchison, three great grandchildren Easton, Harper, and Mae, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Jill Marie, his brother Gerald, and his sister Geraldine.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Private family inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the church. The family suggests memorials payable to St. Joseph Catholic Church for the Capital Campaign. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Norb may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com