John A. Degenhardt, 93, Hays, died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at Hays Medical Center. He was a born Sept. 26, 1919, in Pfeifer to John J. and Emma Marie (Basgall) Degenhardt.

He married Albina Hepp on July 17, 1939, in Pfeifer. She preceded him in death Aug. 16, 1997.

He was the former owner of Home Lumber Company in Hays, retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, an usher at the church for many years, a member of the Sunflower Polka Club, the Eagle's, the Kansas Sheriff's Association, the Kansas Peace Officers Association, a volunteer fireman and was a blood donor for many years, donating more than six gallons. He was an avid sportsman, an expert trapshooter, and enjoyed woodworking, bowling, fishing, hunting and dancing.

Survivors include four daughters, Pat Everhart, Moore, Okla., Judy Kreutzer, Russell, Mary Jo Hoffman and husband, Floyd, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Donna Cooey and husband, Ralph, Longmont, Colo.; a brother, Adolph Degenhardt, Hays; 18 grandchildren; 27 great- grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a special friend, Evelyn Nichols; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, John Degenhardt; four brothers, Sylvester, Victor, Walter, and Dale Degenhardt; two sisters, Regina Basgall and Alvina Bieker; a son-in-law, Kenneth J. Kreutzer; and two great-granddaughters.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church; burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, both at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine. A vigil service will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Holy Cross Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Hospice of Hays Medical Center or Masses, in care of the funeral home.

Hays Daily News, 9/7/2013