Richard Gayle Horchem, 88, died Oct. 21, 2020, at the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka, Kansas. He was born April 17, 1932, on a farm southeast of Ransom, the son of Peter Jr. and Eva (Jaehde) Horchem.
Dick graduated from Ransom High School and Kansas State University. He married Lavonne Kay Horchem in 1953. She survives.
Additional survivors include his sister, Linda (Terry) Claycamp, Hays; two sons, Brad (Cindy) Horchem, Manhattan; and Todd (Brenda) Horchem, Ness City, along with four grandchildren, Travis Horchem, Newton; Megan (George) Heyns, Kansas City, Missouri; Kali (Mark) Solomon, Wichita; and Jana Horchem, Englewood, Colorado; and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Schneider; brother, Rex Horchem; and son, Craig Horchem.
Dick spent two years in the U.S. Army after college then returned to Ness City. He was a teacher and coach in the Ness City school system where he enjoyed working with the young student athletes before shifting all of his attention to the family farm in the 1970s. He continued to go to the farm almost daily until his death.
Dick’s life will be celebrated at a small graveside service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in the Ness City Cemetery.
Friends may sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Memorial contributions may be given to the USD 303 Horchem Memorial Fund to support the high school athletics program and sent in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, PO Box 96, Ness City, KS 67560, or make a donation to an organization of your choice.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.