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Saints!

Friday
March 29th, 2024

richard haefeleULYSSES – Richard Ralph (Dick) Haefele, 93, died Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at his home in Ulysses. 

He was born October 6, 1926 in Topeka.

He married Beverly Baughman Jan. 29, 1949 in Butler, Mo. She survives.

He left school at age 17 to serve his country in the Navy during WWII as a ship’s signalman stationed in the Philippines.  When he returned from service, he obtained a GED and studied English and history at Washburn University under the GI Bill.  

He taught at Grant County Rural High School and was known for encouraging his students to think independently.  

He also started Haefele Construction, and eventually left teaching to pursue carpentry full-time.  He built a number of houses in Ulysses and was well-respected for his remodeling and cabinetry craftsmanship on small and large projects including the lower level of the Grant County Bank.  

He later returned to the school district maintaining the buildings and grounds and occasionally substitute teaching.

Dick and Bev raised four children in Ulysses.  Claudia (Eureka, CA), Mark (Houston, TX who preceded him in death), Marty (Lawrence, KS), and Kyle (Lincoln, NE). 

He was instrumental in starting the Ulysses Golf Course and the high school golf program, where he served as its first coach. 

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge serving as Grand Lecturer across the State of Kansas.  

He was active in Rotary, and led the local Red Cross blood drives for many years.

• There will be no services.

Cards may be sent to Beverly Haefele at the Western Prairie Assisted Living 705 N. Missouri, Ulysses, KS 67880.  

Remembrances may be left on the Garnand Funeral Home website (garnandfuneralhomes.com). 

Memorials may be sent to the American Red Cross of Central/Western Kansas 120 W. Prescott, Salina KS, 67401; or the Rotary Club of Ulysses PO Box 232, Ulysses, KS 67880.