Kenneth John Hiegert, age 96, died December 13, 2020, at Diversicare in Council Grove, Kansas.
Kenneth was born in St. Mary’s, Kansas on December 6, 1924 to Annie Catherine (Hutley), and Anthony Paul Hiegert. After graduating from Paxico High School, he married Adella (Dell) Ann Hiegert on January 12, 1948. They resided in Paxico briefly before moving to Jetmore, Kansas for his job and eventually settled in Council Grove, Kansas, where they built their lifelong farm and cattle business.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, his parents, brothers (Henry Hiegert, Eugene Hiegert, and Paul Hiegert); sister-in-law Rita Hiegert, sister (Dorothy Dieter), and brother-in-law, Jack Dieter. He is survived by five children: Judy Shipman (Bill), Kenneth E. Hiegert (Terry), Peg Taylor, Steve Hiegert (Valerie) of Council Grove, and Terri Baker of Tucson, Arizona. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild.
A lifelong member of St. Rose Catholic Church, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and served as a treasurer for many years. He was a WW11 veteran and served his country in the Army with a tour of active duty in the Philippines, earning the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Good Conduct Medal, and WW11 Victory Medal, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He was also active in the American Hereford Association. He will be warmly remembered by his love of family, the farm, and his registered Hereford cattle herd. He especially loved to travel and enjoyed many family vacations, always providing humor and his own perspective on the scenery and people he encountered on the trip. Family will fondly remember his outgoing personality, love of conversation, and his ability to always make friends wherever he traveled. He spent many hours tending to his cattle herd and loved being outdoors working the land as he built the family farm. He took great pride in his gardening skills and was quick to share the fruits of his work with family and neighbors. He also derived great pleasure from owning registered coonhounds, and logged many hours in the woods coon hunting with friends. He always had time to visit with the neighbors and friends over a cup of coffee or provide a helping hand when needed. His strong faith, love of family, and respect for the land will live on in our memories as we miss him daily.
A private graveside service with memorial mass is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose Catholic Church. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, 137 North Union Street, Council Grove, KS 66846.