Howard Wayne Wohlgemuth

Howard Wohlgemuth died peacefully on Nov. 26, 2014, at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, after graciously living with the limitations of Parkinson's disease.

Howard was born November 7, 1938, to Abe and Wilma (Flaming) Wohlgemuth. He grew up in Whitewater and attended school there. He married Carolyn Voran on June 11, 1963. They made their home in Hesston. He was an active member of the community and worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years. He also served area residents food and ice cream for 32 years at the Hitchin' Post / Howards Drive Inn; was the voice of the Swathers - announcing Hesston High School basketball and football games; a member of the Kansas National Guard; a member of the Hesston Fire and Ambulance Departments; and served on the Hesston City Council.  His "favorite" job was delivering flowers (occasionally with a song) for the Wild Geranium because no one would frown at him when he showed up. He was an active member of Swiss Church in Whitewater and Garden Community Church in rural Hesston, and it was very important to him that his family attend church together.

Howard believed in and set examples of hard work and serving others. He was the first one to lend a hand to anyone in need. He always had a smile on his face and often an ornery look in his eyes, especially when pulling a practical joke on someone or teasing them. Howard had a very competitive spirit, whether it was in basketball or baseball in his younger years, coaching youth teams, or playing "noodle ball" at the Villa. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in their different activities.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Wohlgemuth (Hesston); son, Duane Wohlgemuth - children, Emma and Lucas (Hesston); son, Darin and Deanna Wohlgemuth - children, Kaleb, Seth and Rachel (Kelley, Iowa); daughter, Denise and Dennis Chittick - children, Paiton and Kolbi (Kalona, Iowa); son, Delvin and Cherie Wohlgemuth - children, Cody and Macy (Hesston); brother, Dick and Sue Wohlgemuth (Spring Grove, Minnesota); sister, Kathy Wiebe (Whitewater); sisters-in-law, Jan Wohlgemuth (Whitewater) and Betty Wohlgemuth (Houston, Texas); and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eldon and Larry Wohlgemuth; and grandson, Noah Wohlgemuth.

A visitation with family will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2014 at Schowalter Villa Chapel in Hesston, Kansas, with the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Garden Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Garden Community Church Missions or the Swather Power Club (Hesston Athletic Boosters).  Moundridge Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.