Ralph Morris Kinderknecht, age 90, of Ellis, Kansas passed away at his home on May 27, 2020. He was born on September 10, 1929 in rural Ellis County, Kansas to Jacob and Otillia (Bittel) Kinderknecht. He married Barbara Scheck on November 7, 1955 at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2013.
Ralph worked for Ellis County for 23 years as a bridge supervisor. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, Ellis 3rd degree Knights of Columbus and the Wakeeney Eagles lodge. He enjoyed gardening, polka dancing, pinochle and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his sons, Melvin (Tracy) Kinderknecht of Ellis and Gilbert (Cheryl) Kinderknecht of Ellis; daughters, Debra Kinderknecht of Ellis and Brenda Kinderknecht of Hays, KS; sister Beatina Weber of Great Bend, KS, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Leland Kinderknecht, 7 brothers, Walter, Charles, Victor, Eugene, Herman, Richard, and Alan Kinderknecht; three sisters, Lillian Wishnuck, Iona Dinkel and Regina Goff.
Visitation will be Friday 6 PM – 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and Knights of Columbus rosary at 7 PM all at the church
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, May 30, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s School. Contributions made payable to St. Mary’s School may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].