August R. Zordel was born March 1, 1941, in Ransom, KS at Grisell Memorial Hospital and he gained his wings on October 12, 2022, at the age of 81 years 7 months at Grisell Memorial Hospital.
August was the 9th child of Walter & Josie (Clodfelter) Zordel. He was baptized in Christ on June 19, 1955, in the Church of Christ at Ransom, Kansas.
August grew up on the family farm Northeast of Ransom. He attended Cyrus School through the 4th grade, then transferred to the Ransom school district where he graduated in May 1960. As a freshman the family moved to the farm West of Ransom.
In the fall of 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army. He did his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was then sent to Aberdeen Maryland for more training. After training he was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas where he remained until he was honorably discharged in January of 1964.
After returning home he worked for several farmers in the Ransom area.
On May 26, 1964, he was united in marriage to Susan Stull. They started their married life living in the apartment above the drug store, then moved to a small house North of the hospital where they welcomed their first child Elaine Kay on September 17, 1965.
In January of 1966 the family moved to Dodge City where August worked for High Plains Dressed Beef.
In September of 1966 the family moved to the Moris Herl Ranch South of Quinter where they spent 13 wonderful years. During this time, they welcomed their second child Nolan Andrew on January 15, 1969.
On the 1st of August 1979, August took a job with USD 302 as a custodian and the family returned to Ness County living East of Brownell where on November 16, 1979, their 3rd child Anita Jo was born. The family moved to their current home in Ransom in September 1980. On August 23, 1983, they completed their family by adding David Wyatt.
After back surgery, August retired in 2000 with 21 years of service to USD 302.
After retiring, he spent a few years helping Rod Giess on his farm.
After having some health issues, he was forced to completely retire spending his remaining years at home doing his hobbies such as gardening, woodworking and other crafts and hobbies.
August is survived by his wife of 58 plus years Susan (Stull) Zordel. Children Elaine (Kenny) Flax, Gove, KS, Nolan (Jill) Zordel, LaCrosse, KS, Anita Jo (Kevin Schaffer) Shepard, Bison, KS and David Zordel, Independence, MO. 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild due in April. Brother Albert (Louise) Zordel, Ransom and sister Dollie Jean (Clarence) Shoupe, Seeley Lake, MT. Brother in-law Ron (Jan) Stull, Ford, KS and a host of nieces and nephews.
August was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Josie Zordel and Ron and Thais Stull. Brothers Walter Jr, Roy and an infant brother. Sisters Anna Nora, Wanda Joy, Lila Marie and Ida Mae. Brother and sister in-laws Clyde Hazen, Bill Freeman, Arthur Nixon, Elmer Reeder, Wilbur Decker, Wilma Zordel, Esther Zordel and Lois Stull. Son in-law Lance Shepard and great grandsons Takoda Schurr and Kyler Petersen.
There will be a graveside service on November 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Ransom Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Go-Getters Senior Center in Ransom, the Brownell American Legion, or Donor’s choice.