HOISINGTON — Lawrence Emil Demel, 85, died Nov. 5, 2017, at the Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. He was born Nov. 24, 1931 at rural Redwing, to Alois and Christina (Schneweis) Demel. Lawrence married Sidone (Demel) Oct. 4, 1955 at Beaver. She survives.
A lifetime Hoisington area resident, Lawrence was a farmer and stockman. He served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army 224th Infantry Regiment, from 1953 to 1954, being honorably discharged as the rank of Sergeant. Lawrence was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus, both of Odin. He also served on the Odin School Board for seven years.
Survivors include his wife, Sidone Demel of the home; six sons, Michael Demel and his wife Sandy of Hoisington, Richard Demel and wife Kay of Hiawatha, Kenneth Demel of Warrensburg, Mo., Ronald Demel and wife Karen of Hoisington, Duane Demel and wife Deborah of Salina, and Francis Demel and wife Rebecca of Hoisington; six daughters, Lorene Rajewsky and husband Joe of Ellinwood, Maryanne Couture and husband Len of Great Bend, Lynn Meek and husband Rex of Hoisington, Arlene Oberle and husband Scott of Greensburg, Donna Keil and husband David of Great Bend, and Anita Blackwell and husband Jim of Hoisington; four brothers, Bernard Demel of Norman, Okla., Ambrose Demel of Hoisington, Harold Demel of Hutchinson, and Edwin Demel of Lenexa; three sisters, Theresa Bieberle of Great Bend, Dolores Lane of Hoisington, and Kathleen Chacon of Great Bend; 29 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, and 2 step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Tony Demel, and by one grandson Joshua Demel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin.
A Vigil with a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, with Father Terrence Klein. Interment will be at Holy Family Cemetery, Odin, with Military Rites conducted by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 415 N. Main, Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to Kans for Kids or Woodhaven Care Center, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
415 N. Main
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 7, 2017
