Joseph LeRoy “Joe” Klaus, 86, Hays, died Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at HaysMed.
He was born April 14, 1934, in rural Ellis County, the son of Alex W. and Adeline (Leiker) Klaus. He was a graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy in the class of 1951. From 1953 until 1955, he served in the United States Army in Korea. On May 28, 1960, he was united in marriage to Janet Urban at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Joe was a systems technician for Southwestern Bell for 32 years, retired from AT&T in 1987, and owned and operated Joe’s Telephone Service for 15 years. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984, Hays VFW Post #9076 where he was past Post Commander, and a longtime member of the VFW Honor Guard. He enjoyed his bowling league, tending to his yard and garden, watching western movies, his coffee group, and volunteering at the VFW. Most of all, he was a proud grandpa who loved his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Janet, of the home in Hays, two sons: Bill Klaus and wife Brenda and Bob Klaus and wife Tammy, all of Hays, three daughters: Karen Cederberg and husband Jim of Centennial, CO, Sharon Basinger of Centennial, CO, and Debbie Nunnelee and husband Cal of Highlands Ranch, CO, two sisters: Lillian Schlyer of Hays and Violet Mermis of Salina, 18 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law: Ed and Ella Urban, a daughter: Mary Grizzle, a granddaughter: Samantha Mader, a brother: Walter Klaus, and two sisters: Ruby Binder and Velma Pfannenstiel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, October 19, 2020, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm, a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary, all on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Diocese of Salina Retired Priest Fund or to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Condolences and memories of Joe may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com