Stephen Edward Hart, 75, died October 30, 2021, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born November 28, 1945, in Hays, Kansas, the son of James Michael and Cecilia (Sack) Hart. Stephen graduated from St. Joseph Acadamy of Hays, and then went on to earn his bachelors and masters degree from Wichita State University.
Stephen was in education for 30 years. He taught K-5th grade and was a school adminstrator and principle for the Diocese of Wichita. He then went on to teach in Marion, Kansas, where he taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Later he worked for the American Milk Production Inc. of Hillsboro and was an office manager for Pratt Well, Pratt, Kansas.
He was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Russell, Kansas, and the Knights of Columbus Council. Stephen put many happy miles on his treasured Harley trike often riding in Toy Runs and with clubs. He was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed target shooting, loved doing yard work and was very particular with it’s care, and loved to draw. He was also considered the Clark Griswald of christmas lights. Stephen’s famous quote was “The one that eats the fastest gets the mostest!” This was true in his love of fried chicken.
He is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Mary Hart of the home; daughter, Lisa Sewell and husband Eric of Trinity, Florida; son, John Hart of Houston, Texas; stepchildren, Cody Roach of Russell, Brandon Roach of Great Bend, Shiloh Roach and wife Krystal of Russell, Chelsie Link and husband Shane of Great Bend; sister, Barbara Janzing of Bel Aire; brother, Joe Hart and wife Kathy of Amarrillo, Texas, Delia Hart of Ocarver, Washington; sisters-in-law, Shawna Shadduck and husband Kelly of Beaver, Michelle Root and husband Steve of Great Bend; brothers-in-law, Everett Hoeffner and wife Davina of Dallas, Texas and Dennis Krawetzke of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Trevor Hart, Kyle & Justin Sewell; and nine step grandchildren, Cheyenne Roach, Annabelle and Alyssa Roach, Aiden, Andy and Reagan Roach, Rylee Rupp, Koby and Jamison Link; and his beloved dogs, Hunter, Teddy, and Harley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Hart, sister, MaryAnn Huslig and husband Erving, and parents-in-law, Sonny Hoeffner and wife Juanita, brother-in-law, Bernard Janzing and sister-in-law, Carolyn Krawetzke.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday. Family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Knights of Columbus Rosary to begin at 7 p.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP and Father Michael Elan. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Beaver, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to the Russell County Shelter, Golden Belt Humane Society or Chasing Tails in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.