Robert Harlan Kickhaefer

Bob’s life began on February 13, 1943, on the family farm as the youngest son born to Ewaldt and Lizzie (Schlesener) Kickhaefer. He was baptized March 24, 1943, at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Shadybrook, KS.  He was confirmed April 14, 1957.  His sponsors were Harvey Kickhaefer, Maxine Poufal and Dale Schlesener.  Bob was a graduate of Woodbine High School in 1961, the last class to graduate and he was the salutatorian. He loved telling stories about growing up with 11 siblings and all the ornery trouble they would get into.  

 

Bob farmed for many years.  He had a dairy, raised beef cattle, and grew various crops such as wheat, alfalfa, and milo. During those years, Bob and some of his brothers helped each other harvest one another’s crops. He gained an interest in becoming an auctioneer.   After graduating from school in Kansas City, he set out on a career and opened a business called Bob’s Auction service. He specialized in livestock and estate auctions.  He played baseball and basketball in school and continued his joy of sports as an adult playing fast pitch softball for many years and later played some slow pitch ball. He took on the role of coach as several of his children participated in little league baseball and softball.  

 

He is survived by his children Heather (Matt) Wendlandt, Gunnar (Hillary) Kickhaefer, Jason Kickhaefer, Stacie (Jeremy) Jones, Stephanie (Matt) Daniel, and Brady Kickhaefer; grandchildren Kenley Kickhaefer, Levi Kickhaefer, Isabel Schelhammer, Luke Schelhammer, Lauren Schelhammer, Jaycee Zotti, and Sophia Zotti; and his siblings Marvel Birchfield, Gene (Ruth) Kickhaefer, Linda (Don) Gruidel, and Lavada (Rob) Gleissner and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ewaldt and Lizzie Kickhaefer, siblings Virgil Kickhaefer, Gerhardt Kickhaefer, Hugo Kickhaefer, Orville Kickhaefer, Alvin Kickhaefer, Levi Kickhaefer, Rosalie Tucker, and infant brother, Walter Max Kickhaefer. 

 

At the age of 81, Bob passed away on Sunday May 26,2024 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. His family will gather with friends on Sunday June 2, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. at Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington. His graveside service will be held on Sunday June 9 at 2 p.m. at Shadybrook Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Bob at www.yazelmeglifh.com.