Daniel Dean Kochenower, or to those
that knew him, it was always “call me Dan,” passed away
peacefully March 20, 2019, in Oklahoma City surrounded by his loving
family.
Dan was born April 17, 1963, in Newton
to Harold and Nina Kochenower. Dan attended Newton schools and was
always very passionate about sports, excelling in baseball primarily.
He graduated from Newton High School in 1981 and played baseball
during his college years and coached youth ball for many years
following.
Dan married Vickie Ann Schmidt on May
10, 1985, and the two enjoyed nearly 34 years of marriage and
welcomed two children. Dan worked for Westar Energy for 28 years and
also was loved by his many co-workers. Dan was a loving, caring and
selfless man even at the end of his life. He will be remembered and
missed dearly by all those that knew him. He was a forever die-hard
St. Loius Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed going to Busch Stadium
any chance he could with his family and friends. He also enjoyed
being a high school football referee for nearly seventeen years and
enjoying many outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing.
Dan is survived by his wife, Vickie,
daughter Katie Sieber and her husband Travis of Newton, and son Matt
Kochenower and his wife Steph of Sedgwick. He also is survived by his
three sweet granddaughters, Brynlee Sieber, Makinley and Madeline
Kochenower, his sister Joyce Campbell of Ohio and many other family
members.
He was preceded in death by his
parents, sisters Sheila Ratzlaff, Judy Schmidt and brother Harold
Kochenower Jr.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be
at 1:15 po.m. April 20, the start of the St. Louis Cardinals games.
Please join us at Son Wray Ranch, 5420 N.W. 24th St, Newton, for a
come-and-go celebration.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Dan would
have wanted you to simply spend time with your family, going out to
eat or watching a movie and enjoying every moment, just as Dan always
did.
