Ralph Theodore Vannahmen

Ralph Theodore VanNahmen was born on Oct. 14, 1927 at Windhorst, Ks. He passed peacefully on Sept. 1, 2024 at Brookdale Senior Living, Dodge City with his loving wife, Ann at his side.

One month and 13 days short of his 97th birthday.  He is preceded in death by parents Theodore VanNahmen and Mary (Reidlinger) VanNahmen, a daughter Rebecca Keller, sisters Martha Daubert, Agatha Gunkel, and Gladys Osborne, and brothers Leeroy and John as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife Ann (Mehringer) VanNahmen ,Dodge City, KS; daughters Theresa (Mike) Rinehart, Flemingsburg KY; Janet Strawn, Kinsley KS; Grandsons Cody (Abbie) Rinehart, Cincinnati OH; Clint (Kelley) Rinehart, Crescent Springs, KY; Ryan Keller, Salina, KS; Nicholas (Hayley) Strawn, Ellsworth, KS; Kevin Strawn, Kinsley, KS. Great Grand children  Emma and Cole Rinehart, Kendall and Charlie Rinehart, Baron and Embrie Keller and 2 month old Kinsey Strawn.

Ralph was a lifelong Kansan, he enjoyed watching the Kansas Jayhawks play basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.  He grew up on a farm south of Offerle. He told of riding to Offerle to school in a horse drawn wagon "school bus".

Ralph was a man  of God. He loved the Lord deeply and prayed regularly,  almost constantly the last few months.  He was proud of his Catholic faith.

He was proud of having served the Lord in stewardship of the land and feeding the world. He especially loved their cattle.

Growing up he worked on the family farm and raised cattle.  He especially loved their cattle.

When his country called, he proudly served in the U.S. Army. After his discharge he returned home to continue farming.

In 1953 he married Ann at St. Nicholas Church in Kinsley, KS.  For most of their married they worshiped at St. Joseph Church in Offerle, KS.

Together they built a life tilling the soil and raising cattle. They were blessed with 3 daughters, Theresa, Rebecca (Becky) and Janet.

Ralph was a caring gentle soul. He never failed to give flowers and a card to Ann on her birthday and holidays.  He also brought fun little gifts to his daughters for no reason. But they were expected to work on the farm. The whole family worked together. It was here the girls learned the dignity of honest physical labor. Thru this they learned "you do what you have to do". But they also enjoyed recreation together. Many a Sunday afternoon would find them driving around the countryside through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas admiring the landscapes and appreciating each other's company--usually enjoying a picnic lunch!

Later in life, he and Ann enjoyed many cross-country trips taken with family or friends.

He was never shy about telling his daughters or, later, his grandsons that he thought that the babies were fussing too long and should be picked up!  He loved children and children loved him.  He was very fond of his many nieces and nephews and the feeling was mutual.

Ralph and Ann had recently celebrated their 71 wedding anniversary on August 8, 2024.   Up until 6 months ago the were blessed to stay together on the beloved farm they had worked so hard.

He will be missed by many people, especially his loving wife and daughters

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace

Visitation is 10am to 5pm on Wednesday September 4th at McKillips Funeral Home, Kinsley.  Rosary will be at 7pm on Wednesday at St. Joseph Church, Offerle.  Mass will be at 10am on Thursday in Offerle with burial in New St. Joseph Cemetery.