Harvey James Werth, 86, Hays, died Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Via Christi Village.
He was born April 21, 1936, in Antonino, the son of Felix T. and Anna (Klaus) Werth. On May 5, 1956, he was united in marriage to Dorothy A. Ernst in Antonino. He loved the land and his life as a farmer and cattleman, even foregoing the opportunity for a new car and attending high school because he’d rather be on the farm and working the soil. Harvey was a self-taught engineer skilled at maintaining his equipment, and he enjoyed getting together with friends and neighbors to butcher cattle, pigs, and to cut firewood. He served in the National Guard and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Assembly #282. Harvey loved his family and grandchildren, camping, boating, watching old family reel-to-reel movies, and for a long time playing Santa Claus for his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Dorothy of Hays, two sons: Blake Werth and wife Sandra, Blaine Werth and wife Dionne, both of Hays, five grandchildren: Jacob Werth and wife Kathleen, Ethan Werth, Cameron Werth, Kelton Werth, and Kayla Werth, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Harold and Charles Werth, and a sister: Dolores Haselhorst.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays, with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:00 pm, the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 until 6:30, a vigil service will be at 6:30, followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or for masses. Condolences and memories of Harvey may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com