Ralph C. Dreiling, 85, Hays, died Friday, November 4, 2016 at his home.
He was born September 23, 1931 in Ellis the son of Richard and Barbara (Pfeifer) Dreiling. On January 21, 1952 he married Juanita A. Hoffman. She preceded him in death on July 27, 2015. He was an animal caretaker for 42 years at the Kansas State Agricultural Research Center in Hays. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and he loved to travel, work in his yard and spend time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include a son; Charlie “Chuck” Dreiling of Hays, a daughter; Billie Jean Hejny and husband Larry of Great Bend, Kansas, two granddaughters; Ginger Ann Howard and husband Michael of Cumming, GA and Jenna Lynn Dreiling and husband Brian of Great Bend, four great grandchildren; Carter and Cooper Dreiling and Addison and Carmen Howard, and two brothers; Harry Dreiling and wife Debra and Clarence Dreiling and wife Diann, all of Hays.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers; LeRoy Dreiling and Art Dreiling and a sister; Betty Madison.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine. A parish vigil service will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Joseph Food Pantry, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.