George Paul Gatschet, age 85, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Via Christi Village, Hays. George was born on February 17, 1939, in Hays, Kansas, the son of George W. Gatschet and Agnes L. Brull.
George graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in 1957. He married Ethel Ann Leiker on September 10, 1960, at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria. Ethel preceded George in death on April 25, 2012.
George dedicated much of his life to serving others. He was a long-time Administrator for St. John's Assisted Living Center in Hays and an active volunteer at TMP-Marian, contributing in various capacities from the kitchen to handyman work. As a devout Catholic, George was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays and the 3rd degree St. Joseph Council Knights of Columbus. He was also a committed member of the Perpetual Adorers and served as an Altar Server for over twenty years.
Beyond his community service, George was a talented woodworker and furniture builder. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was always eager to help and support his Catholic community.
George is survived by his four daughters, Kathy (Rege) Klitzke of Wichita, Carol (Richard) Staples of Hays, Joyce (Kevin) Rupp of Hays, and Lisa Craig of Olathe; a brother, Paul (Carolyn) Gatschet; seven grandchildren, Kaitlan Goetz, Jacob Klitzke, Erica Fisher, Maria Cutright, Richard A. Staples, Lesley Hagar, and Danielle Craig; as well as eleven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; two brothers, Francis and Thomas; and a sister, Jeanne Winter.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM on Saturday at the church and continue until the time of the service.
Services are in the care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Thomas More Society at Hays Catholic Schools to benefit local Catholic education, a cause deeply cherished by George and Ethel, reflecting their family's long-standing commitment and tireless support for Catholic schools.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared on George's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.