Wayne Ukena

Wayne Hubert Ukena Wayne Hubert Ukena, 90, of Hiawatha, died Wednesday afternoon, September 10, 2014, at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Hiawatha. Wayne was born in Leona, Kansas, November 20, 1923, one of three children of the late Harry and Esther Hegenderfer Ukena. He grew up in the Leona-Robinson area where he was active member in the 4-H Club, Church activities, and graduated from Robinson High School. Wayne enlisted in the United State Army Air Corps and served for three and a half years, discharged at the rank of staff sergeant. He served in North Africa, Italy, Corsica, and Northern France before discharged in 1945. Wayne received a bachelor of science degree in animal science from Kansas State University at Manhattan. He received the Union Pacific scholarship which awarded four years of college. Wayne was a member the Livestock Juding Team and Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity while at KSU. He married Georgiann Alexander in May 25, 1946, at the Everest Methodist Church. A daughter Nancy Jane was born to this union. Wayne and Georgiann were teachers in the school districts of Everest, Effingham, and Horton, where he taught for ten years. Wayne had a great love for Angus cattle and maintained a fine herd which he showed at many fairs and shows, and was a member of the Kansas Livestock Assn. and Kansas Angus Assn. He supported 4-H club work and all educational affairs. They also had made their home at Valley Falls, Forsythe, MO, prior to moving to Hiawatha. While at Valley Falls, he was president of Jefferson County Economic Development Council and Valley Falls Tree Board. She died December 22, 2013. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha, and VFW Post at Valley Falls. Survivors include his daughter Nancy Keith of Effingham; two sisters: Beverly Bottiger of Lakeland, FL, Euna Vaye Brant of Topeka; and two granddaughters: Natalie Keith Yardley and Alexandra Keith-Henry. Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Monday, September 15, at First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha, with Reverend Randy Quinn officiating, to be assisted by Pastor Charlie Neill. Interment with military honors will follow at the Miller Cemetery, east of Everest. Memorial contributions are suggested to Topeka Rescue Mission or St. Jude s Hospice, which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com Wayne Hubert Ukena