Walter Klaus

Walter A. Klaus, age 88, of Hays, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Via Christi Village, Hays. He was born August 18, 1925 in Munjor, Kansas to Alex and Adeline (Leiker) Klaus. He attended St. Joseph Military Academy. He married Bernice Ruder on April 21, 1947 in Hays at St. Joseph's Church. She preceded him in death on November 17, 2007.



Walter was a lifelong contractor owning and operating Klaus Construction for many years. He was a US Navy veteran serving from 1944 - 1946. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and the Hays American Legion for 67 years. He enjoyed boating and fishing a Cedar Bluff and spending time in his cabin that he built on the north shore.



He is survived by a son, Alexander W. Klaus and wife Dorothy of Hays; two daughters, Theresa Fraley and husband Kent of Kearney, NE and Kayleen Schmidt and husband Ramon J. of Catharine; a brother, Joseph Klaus and wife Janet of Hays; four sisters, Ruby Binder and husband Paul of Munjor, Lillian Schlyer of Hays, Velma Pfannenstiel of Hays and Violet Mermis and husband Robert of Salina; six grandchildren, Lee Fraley and wife Alicia of Omaha, Kevin Fraley and wife Kristi of Grand Island, NE, Christine Burgardt and husband Lester "Jeff" of Catharine, Jason Schmidt of Catharine, Martin Klaus and wife Dr. Nichole Klaus of Wichita and Luke Klaus of Hays and 9 great grandchildren, Nick and Dani Fraley of Omaha, Kyler Ace Fraley of Grand Island, Gabe, Ellianna and Noah Klaus of Wichita, Kade Burgardt, Ascher Burgardt of Catharine and Brayden Schmidt of Hays.



He was preceded in death by his parents.



Funeral services will be 10 AM Friday, August 1, 2014 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery with military honors by the Hays VFW and the Legion Riders.



Visitation will be held 4-8 PM Thursday, July 31st and Friday 9 AM - 9:30 AM at Brock's - Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine St.



A parish vigil and rosary service will be 7 PM Thursday at the funeral chapel.



Memorials are suggested to the hays American Legion or Hays Area Children's Center



Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to keithley@ruraltel.net













Service Information









Visitation Thursday

July 31, 2014

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Vigil Service Thursday

July 31, 2014

7:00 PM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Visitation Friday

August 1, 2014

9:00 AM to 9:30 AM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Funeral Service Friday

August 1, 2014

10:00 AM

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

1805 Vine

Hays, KS. 67601