Rosann Felder, 94, Hays, Kansas, passed away surrounded by her family at Via Christi Village on July 17, 2024. Rosann was born February 26, 1930, at St. Anthony’s hospital in Hays, to George and Hilda Halbleib of Brownell. She graduated high school at Sacred Heart Academy, Wichita, earned her Certificate of Teaching at Fort Hays State College and began teaching in country schools that same year.
Rosann and Louis Michael Felder were married May 1, 1951, at St. Mary Catholic Church, McCracken, KS. They were married 73 years, raised five children and built their family farm, which produced Hereford cattle and grain crops. A “born-teacher”, Rosann was an active and life-long community volunteer, serving as a 4-H club leader, CCD & RCIA teacher, Hospice volunteer, Altar Society officer, Eucharistic Minister, World Marriage Day coordinator in her parish as well as numerous other roles in her church and community. While she was in her 60s, her passion for teaching led her to complete a Certificate in Facilitative Family Ministry which she applied to her volunteer work as a religious education teacher, parish liaison to the Diocesan Rural Life Committee, Interfaith Council of Churches, and many other roles. Many county fairs and the state fair tapped into Rosann’s baking expertise to serve as their food judge every year.
Rosann is survived by her husband, Louis, children: Mike Felder (Rita) Brownell, Paula Clayton (Steve) Overland Park, Jean Webb (Bill McGovern) Wichita, Mary Jo Hafliger (Bob) WaKeeney, Chris Felder (WaKeeney); and her sister Judi Kingry, Canada. Grandchildren: Meghan Little, Kristin McCoy, Adrian Webb, Serena Barnard, Liza Randol, Kirk Hafliger, Stephanie Hommon, Travis Webb, Nick Felder, Jared Marmet, Nathan Felder and 31 great grandchildren.
Rosann was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Rita Issinghoff and Joan Rupp.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 2 pm, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney. Father Curtis Carlson of St Fidelis Basilica will preside. Burial will follow at Christ the King Cemetery.
Visitation: 5-7pm, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Wake service at 6pm and rosary at 6:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Christ the King Altar Society or Knights of Columbus, Masses at Christ the King Catholic Church, or the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Fund (McCracken). Send donations to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney KS 67672.