Eugene F. Kippes

Eugene F. “Gene” Kippes – age 92, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Via Christi Village Care Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born May 15, 1930, in Victoria, Kansas to Peter C. and Pauline “Lena” (Schwartz) Kippes. Gene’s first wife was Mathilda “Mattie” (Sander) Augustine. She preceded him in death on February 14, 1986. Gene’s second wife was Neyla (Rohr) Wildeman. She preceded him in death on January 25, 2018.

Gene started his career as a truck driver. He later owned and operated Gene’s I -70 Fina service station in Hays for over 20 years. In his retirement he was a school bus driver for U.S.D. # 489 for a number of years. He grew up in the Vincent area, attended Vincent Grade School, and was a 1949 graduate of Schoenchen High School. Gene was a U.S. Army veteran and served from 1953 to 1955.

He was a member of Hays American Legion, Sunflower Polka Club, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Gene is survived by his step children, Ron Augustine and wife, Debe, Hays, KS; Amanda Cronn and husband, Harry, WaKeeney, KS; Paul Wildeman and wife Connie, Hays, KS; Michael Wildeman, Wichita, KS; Donna Creel and husband, Greg, Sheridan, WY; Jim Wildeman and wife, Karla, Pasadena, TX; his step daughter-in-law, Tina Augustine and Charlie Hughes, Joplin, MO; 15 step-grandchildren; 32 step-great grandchildren; and brother, Lloyd Kippes and wife, Benita, Edmond, OK.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his first and second wife; his step-sons, Larry Augustine and Mark Wildeman; his brothers, Roy Kippes and Perry Kippes; and his sisters, Rita Pfeifer and Pearl Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 18th and Vine, Hays, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Kevin Weber. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas with Military Honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard.

A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday May 10, 2023, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday May 10, 2023, and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Thursday May 11, 2023, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

The family suggests memorials made payable to: Saint Boniface Catholic Church, Vincent, Kansas in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas, 67601.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com