Walter Dechant, 96, Hays, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at HaysMed.
He was born April 13, 1926, in Antonino, the son of Joseph and Anna (Speier) Dechant. On September 30, 1947, he was united in marriage to Marie Antoinette Feltis in Hays, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on December 25, 2011. Walter was a farmer, owned and operated Dechant Oil Company, and enjoyed his work as an oilfield pumper and producer. His memberships included St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Assembly #282. He loved bowling, playing in many card clubs and dancing with Marie, and the extensive traveling they did together.
Survivors include his son: Steven Dechant and wife Mary Kay of Hutchinson, three daughters: Debra Rippe of Aurora, CO, Judith Kisner and husband Mark of Sugar Land, TX, and Glori Dechant of Olathe, twelve grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marie, son-in-law: Ron Rippe, grandson: Kenon Lane Rippe, three brothers: William, Gene, and Richard Dechant, and seven sisters: Josephine Legleiter, Alice Legleiter, Marcella Zimmerman, Adeline Zimmerman, Eleanor King, Stella VonFeldt, and Mabel Riedel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Daise officiating. Burial will follow in St Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 pm until 6:30, a vigil service will be at 6:30, followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church or to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. Condolences and memories of Walter may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com