Richard Joseph “Rich” Moeder, 96, passed away peacefully Oct. 15, 2024, at The University of Kansas Hospital in Great Bend Campus. He was born July 24, 1928, in Odin, to Edward and Ida (Penka) Moeder.

After growing up in Odin, Rich served in the United States Army as a member of the quartermaster section HQ8th Army in Korea from May 20, 1951, to Oct. 6, 1952, and was cited for his meritorious service, rising to the rank of Sergeant.

Upon returning home, Rich married Geraldine “Jean” Reif on Nov. 10, 1953, in Odin. The couple moved to Great Bend, spending 68 years together and raising four daughters. Rich remained in Great Bend, living in the home that he and Jean built, until recently moving into RiverBend Assisted Living.

Rich started Rich’s Electric in 1957 and was proud of saying that he wired around 800 new homes in the Great Bend and surrounding areas. After 57 years in the business, Rich retired at the age of 86.

In his free time, Rich enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and bowling. But his favorite hobby was vegetable gardening, growing more tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, onions, garlic, cantaloupe, pumpkins, and corn (some years around 2,000 ears) than the family could keep up with, and sharing all with family, friends, and neighbors.

Rich was a devoted member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, serving as an usher for many years. He was also a regular at all the weekday and Saturday services. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #862.

Survivors include four daughters, Deb Floodman and husband Michael of Wichita, Cheri Hayes and husband Bill of New Fairfield, Conn., Diane Stalcup and husband Kevin of Great Bend, and Karen Williams and partner Kendal Nelson of Andover; eight grandchildren, Kyle Gerstner and wife Allie, Abby Rickard and husband David, Macee Kelley and husband Daniel, Kelli Myers and husband Shane, Matt Stalcup and wife Andrea, Barry Stalcup and wife Daphne, Lauren Williams, and Kacey Williams and partner Ryan Fletter; 15 great grandchildren; two brothers, Edwin and Lawrence; one sister, MaryAnn. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean; his parents, Edward and Ida; three brothers, Lenard, Raymond, and Leo; two sisters, Monica and Viola; and son-in-law Kirk Williams.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, Oct. 21,2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to Prince of Peace Parish, Holy Family School Endowment Fund, or Great Bend Columbus Club in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Rd. 

Great Bend, KS., 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 17, 2024