Elmer Anthony Rietcheck, 89, passed away Monday, February 1, 2021 at Hospice House of Reno County, Hutchinson, Kansas from complications related to Covid-19.

Elmer was born in rural Sheridan County, Kansas on January 28, 1932, the second of seven children, to John and Rose ( Geerdes) Rietcheck.  He attended school in rural Sheridan County, graduating from Sheridan County Community High School in 1949.  During high school, Elmer was part of the livestock judging team where he had a natural talent for judging hogs.

Elmer served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War.  He was stationed in Japan as a military police officer.  After completing his time in the military, Elmer returned to Kansas.  He married Bernadine Haffner on May 6, 1961 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas.

The couple purchased Elmer's maternal grandparents' home in Seguin, Kansas where they raised their three children and renovated the house.  Elmer used his interest in agriculture to provide for his family.  He was a practical, hard working person who raised cattle, hogs, and various crops.  He conscientiously tended the land and his livestock.  When Elmer wasn't working, he spent time with his family, enjoyed playing pitch and faithfully followed Kansas City Chiefs football games on television.  He eventually retired in his early 70's.  In 2014, Elmer and Bernadine sold the family home and moved to Mennonite manor in South Hutchinson, Kansas to be closer to their children.

Elmer is survived by his wife Bernadine; daughter, Karen ( James) Demel of Douglass; daughter, Geri ( Bob) Hickman of Hutchinson; son, John ( Linda)  Rietcheck of Conroe, Texas; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are sisters, Carolyn ( Paul) Gatschet of Hays and Phyllis ( Ralph) Melenson of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; brother, Vernon Rietcheck of Hoxie; brother-in-law, Kenneth Ostmeyer of Garden City; sister-in-law, Roberta Rietcheck of Colby.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alfred Rietcheck and Robert Rietcheck; sister, Dorothy Ostmeyer and sister-in-law, Barbara Rietcheck.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home, 528 North Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas.  Interment of his ashes will take place in the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Wakeeney, Wakeeney, Kansas at a later date.  A celebration of life will be scheduled when it is safe to gather after the pandemic subsides.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials go to Hospice House of Reno County, 1523 East 20th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas 67502, or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 South Maple Street, South Hutchinson, Kansas 67505.

Elmer is best described as a genuine, decent person.  He was a good man with a memorable sense of humor.  Farewell, Dad and godspeed.