Joe Leonard Heskett, 70, of Colby, died Saturday Dec. 2, 2023, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby. He was born Dec. 10, 1952, in Hoxie to Leonard and Myrna (Dunning) Heskett.
Joe grew up on the family farm north of Studley until the family relocated to Oakley. Joe led the cross-country team to Oakley High School’s first ever state championship. He graduated from Oakley High School in 1971 and then attended Colby Community College.
Joe was united in marriage to Rosalee Maurath on Aug. 12, 1973, and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary together with family and friends. The young couple moved to Wichita, where he completed a bachelor's and master's degree in speech pathology from Wichita State University.
They then relocated to Tipton to accept the speech pathologist job for USD 272. It was here that they were blessed with two children, Bret and Kyla. Joe had many dear friends in Tipton where he lived and worked covering four schools for almost 30 years.
After retiring from the district, Joe purchased Hinkle, Termite & Pest Control. Together with Rosalee they grew and expanded the business west and relocated to Colby. Joe retired a second time earlier this year when they sold the business to Kyla and Lucas Wiegert.
Joe was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed summers at his cabin in Colorado and winters in Arizona riding the many trails on his RZR. Joe never missed an opening day of pheasant season and enjoyed training and watching his hunting dogs work. He was the host and organizer of many epic adventures for his friends and family.
Joe was the proud grandfather of six grandkids. He found great joy in following along and attending their many activities. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Myrna and brother James Earl.
He is survived by his wife Rosalee; son Bret (Adriana) Heskett of Topeka; daughter Kyla (Lucas) Wiegert of Colby; six grandchildren Emily, Palmer, Logan, and Easton Heskett; Brinley and Rogan Wiegert; sister Donna (Elmer) Schielke of Colby; brother Wayne (Lauren) Heskett of Wamego; sister Vicki (Joe) Halbleib of Cimarron; brother Paul (Jamie) Heskett of Oakley; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby with vigil at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby.
Followed immediately by graveside service at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, or the Northwest Kansas Foundation for HOPE and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit baalmannmortuary.com.