Marvin J. Kaiser, 81, Hays, died Thursday, September 1, 2022 at HaysMed.
He was born October 12, 1940 in Great Bend the son of Joe L. and Regina (Debes) Kaiser. In 1958, he graduated from Odin High School and later served in the U.S. Army Reserves during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked as a manufactured housing executive, and for the majority of his career worked for Marlette Homes, now Clayton Homes. He had a love for farming and working cattle. On December 30, 1961 he was united in marriage to Bernice M. Rziha in Odin, and they were married nearly 61 years. He served on the Claflin School Board of Education, Kansas State Special Olympics Board, coached Claflin Recreation softball and baseball, McPherson American Legion Baseball, and Catholic school basketball.
Marvin’s memberships included St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, St. Nicholas Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council # 10044, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Assembly #282. During his 65 years in the Knights of Columbus, Marvin held many offices including: Faithful Navigator, Grand Knight, District Deputy, State Officer, Former State Advocate, and as Membership Director, started 16 new councils.
He loved his grandchildren, enjoyed spoiling them, and was proud to be called Great Papa.
Survivors include his wife Bernice of Hays, a son: Brian Kaiser and wife Lynne of Wichita, a daughter: Paula Beck and husband Andy of Hays, a brother: Gilbert Kaiser and wife Kathy of Kingman, two sisters: Jolene Rziha and husband Jim of Great Bend, Marilyn Ricke of Hoisington, a sister-in-law: Lucille Kaiser of Hoisington, three grandchildren: Shawn Kaiser of Wichita, Jenna Barnthson and husband Beau of Olathe, and Brandon Beck of New York City, NY, a great-granddaughter: Aleena Barnthson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Ronald Kaiser, a sister: Corrine Finger and husband Larry, and a brother-in-law: Ted Ricke.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards Officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30, a vigil service will be at 6:30, followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Holy Family Elementary School or to TMP-Marian High School. Condolences and memories of Marvin may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
1906 Pine Street
Hays, KS 67601
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 4, 2022
