Robert Nick 'Bob' Dreiling, Hays
https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Robert-Dreiling
November 2, 1931 ~ July 20, 2023 (age 91)
Robert Nick “Bob” Dreiling, 91, Hays, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
He was born on November 2, 1931, in Ellis, Kansas, the son of Celestine and Bernadette “Nette” (Riedel) Dreiling.
Robert was a devout member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.
On August 11, 1952, he married the love of his life, Mary E. Younger at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. They were married for 71 years.
Growing up in Ellis, Robert cherished his childhood days and often reminisced about them. He spent many happy hours riding his bike all over town with his buddies during his school years. Summer was filled with baseball, swimming, and visits to his Aunt Mollie's house for a snack. In winter, he enjoyed sledding and ice skating with friends. Fond memories also included spending time on his Gramp's farm in Ogallah, where he learned about chores, cattle, and farming. His Grandpa took him to the fair every year, creating lasting memories. Robert perfected his skills in mechanics, enabling him to repair machinery and refurbish cars. One of his fondest memories was taking Mary on dates in a 1937 Chevy he bought from a salvage yard and completely restored. He had a passion for tinkering and working with his hands.
When Robert married Mary in 1952, he worked as a mechanic in WaKeeney before moving to Russell for a higher-paying job. Later, he seized an opportunity south of Palco as an engineer for Kansas-Nebraska Gas. He loved his work and eventually moved to Plainville as an employee of K.N. Energy Inc., where he worked for many years. Additionally, he did part-time work for Mosher Funeral Home, digging graves.
In 1965, Robert and Mary purchased land east of Codell, and they pursued their true passion: farming and ranching. For seventeen years, they thrived in this endeavor until they eventually moved to Hays.
Robert then worked for I-70 Repair until he retired.
In his retirement he built a shop, Bob's Repair, and worked with his son. He enjoyed woodworking, building new things from items he salvaged, and fixing anything he found broken.
Robert and Mary enjoyed being part of various social clubs, including a pinochle club and the Sunflower Polka Club, where they danced joyously for over 35 years. Despite his busy schedule, Robert always made time for his family, friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his sister, Elfreda Eberle, devoted wife Mary, and his children, Doris Cline of Gorham, Dennis Dreiling and wife Kathie of Medicine Lodge, and Denise Pywell and husband Terry of Wichita. He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Adam Cline and wife Tammy of Great Bend, Joshua Cline and wife Rachal of Norfolk, Virginia, Larame Cline and wife Britney of Wichita, Preston Pywell of Wichita, Crystal Pywell of Wichita, Samantha Dreiling of Garden City, and Cassandra Dreiling of Wichita, and five great-grandchildren, Danica and Brody Cline of Great Bend, Mary-Elizabeth Cline of Norfolk, Virginia, Jackson and Wyatt Cline of Wichita. Additionally, he is remembered by his two stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Alice Weber, brothers, Clarence “Butch” and Jerry Dreiling, infant son Darrell, infant daughter Mary, and two brothers-in-law, Ralph Weber and Virgil “Abe” Eberle.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Friday, all at the church in Ellis. A Hays Daughters of Isabella Circle #254 rosary will be will at 6:30 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 7:00, all on Thursday at the church.
Memorials are suggested and payable to Mary Dreiling to be decided at a later date. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.
Condolences and memories of Robert may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com
Let us remember and celebrate the life of Robert N. Dreiling, a man who touched the hearts of many and left behind cherished memories that will live on forever.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Nick "Bob" Dreiling, please visit our floral store.