Kenneth 'Ken' Alfred Dechant, 73, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on July 15th, 2025, at Smoky Hill Health & Rehabilitation. Born on April 14th, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Alfred “Fritz” W. Dechant and Dorothy (Honas) Dechant.
Ken graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1970, then joined the Army Reserves in 1971. He was stationed at the 388th Medical Battalion in Hays, Kansas, and served there until he was honorably discharged in March of 1977. He then went on to receive his associate’s degree in accounting and business administration/management from Brown Mackie College in 1991.
On July 8th, 1972, Ken married the love of his life, Judy Ann Werth. Fr. Steve Letourneau united them in marriage at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays, Kansas. Their union was a celebration of love and dedication that prospered over the next 53 years.
Ken worked as a grocery manager at Dillons in Great Bend, Kansas for 10 years. After moving to Salina, he worked 9 years as the safety coordinator at Dillons. He then went on to work for Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C as a Communications Specialist II, retiring in September of 2014.
On any given day of the week, you could find Ken watching the KC Chiefs, KC Royals, or Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed playing card games with family and friends, such as pitch or pinochle. His favorite pastime of all was watching his children and grandchildren's sports games, band concerts, Special Olympics bowling, and various other activities. Rain or shine, he would be in the crowd cheering for his family at every event.
He was a member of St. Mary Queen of the Universe Parish in Salina, Kansas.
Ken was preceded in death by his father Alfred 'Fritz' W. Dechant, younger sister Joyce D. Dechant, and nephew Wade M. Dreiling.
Remaining to cherish Ken's memory are his wife Judy, his mother Dorothy Dechant; Sisters: Linda Rohr (Allen), Janice Prater, and Marybeth Dreiling (Bruce); Children: Ryan Dechant (Courtney), Tara Dechant, Erica Dechant, and Adam Dechant (Chaneil); Grandchildren: Ashlyn, Ariel, Skylar, Cooper, Finley, and Kaidyn Dechant; and many more nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary Queen of the Universe on Thursday, July 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, located at 230 E Cloud St. Salina, KS 67401.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 25th at St. Mary’s, with Fr. Kevin Weber officiating. An Inurnment ceremony will be held immediately after at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, located at 3350 E Crawford St. Salina, KS 67401.
The family invites everyone to a luncheon at St. Mary’s Parish Hall directly following the Inurnment.
Memorials will be decided upon by the family at a later date and can be made in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St., Salina, KS, 67401