Robert E Huerter Sr.

Robert Emil “Bob” Huerter, 101, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Chanute, Kansas. He was the oldest of five boys born to Paul Emil and Valeria Johnstone Huerter on August 22, 1922, in Nemaha County near Goff, Kansas. He graduated from Goff High School in 1940. In September of 1942, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and was called to service in February 1943. He was commissioned in 1944 and remained in the Naval Reserve until 1961, receiving an honorable discharge. Bob was a Naval Aviator stationed in Northern Africa, flying bomber patrols. While in the service, Robert married Verda Whitcraft in Florida in 1944, she preceded him in death. After his discharge from active duty in 1946 with the rank of Lieutenant, he returned to Goff, Kansas. On October 28, 1947, he married Eileen Roggenkamp. To this union was born five children, Robert Jr, Deborah, Bruce, Donald, and Linda. She preceded him in death on July 15, 1984. He then married Anna Hoefler Ratliff on April 25, 1987; she preceded him in death on December 15, 2018. Robert retired from the Kansas Highway Patrol in 1982 after 33 years of service at the rank of Lieutenant. After retirement he worked at Chanute TV for several years and for Penwell-Gabel, now known as Countryside Funeral Home for many years. Bob was a very devout Catholic at St. Patrick’s in Chanute. He served on the parish council, school board, and other committees. He volunteered many hours at the St. Patrick’s Bargain Store and Harvest House. Bob was a member of the Chanute American Legion Post 170 for over 30 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1046 in Chanute for 76 years. He was a Fourth Degree Knight serving as District Deputy and Grand Knight. He enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, and in later years traveling. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and K-State fan. Bob is survived by his children: Robert Jr. and his wife Susan of Larned, KS, Debbie Huerter of Topeka, KS, Bruce and Jane of Chanute, KS, Don and Debra of Chanute, KS, and Linda Burger of Parsons, KS, Grandchildren: Stephanie and Eric Byers of Chanute, Joshua and Courtney Huerter of Chanute, Micaela Huerter of Kansas City, MO, Becca Huerter of Kansas City, MO, and Leighana Huerter and Steven Skells of Madison, WI, great-grandchildren: Bristol Byers, Bo Byers, Jaxon Huerter, and Wyatt Huerter, step-children: Kathy Wicker (Glenn) of Chanute, KS, Jackie Van Gotten of Chanute, KS, Gary Ratliff (Julie) of Chanute, KS, Mickey Ratliff (Shari) of Chanute, KS, Denice Squire and husband Jean of Westfield, IN, and Michelle Ratliff of Moore, OK, nineteen step-grandchildren, forty-five step great-grandchildren, one step great-great-grandchild, and one brother Daniel Huerter of Bellevue, NE, sister-in-law Joan O’Shea (Robert), and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Valeria, his three wives, step son in law Gary Van Gotten, son in law Brian Burger, brothers James Huerter and wife Jerrie, William (Bill) and JoAnn Huerter, Alfred (Smitty) and Iris Huerter, and sister-in-law Gloria Huerter. A rosary and visitation will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chanute. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church with burial to immediately follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic School and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720.

Robert E Huerter Sr.

August 22, 1922 - December 3, 2023