Richard (Dick) Gradig

Richard L. Gradig was born July 28, 1944 to Frank and Carrie (Henke) Gradig. He passed from this life on June 13, 2024 at the farm where he lived his entire life south of Downs, Kansas.

Dick was married to Rose (Gasper) Gradig on June 4, 1966 in Osborne, Kansas and to this union 6 children, 21 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren were born.

Dick was a farmer his entire life beginning at a very young age when he and his brothers took over after his fathers death. He set an example for all with his strong work ethic, thriftiness, and ability to find the humor in every situation. He was one of those rare individuals who could fix and repair anything. Through these admirable traits and with his loving wife, Dick achieved the noble accomplishment of moving from meager beginnings to being a successful farmer. The way in which he lived his life is something every member of his family takes pride in. All of his best traits can be seen in his children and grandchildren who were blessed to spend many years by his side working on projects around the farm, bringing in the wheat harvest, boating at the lake, partying at Christmas time, or simply moving through the mundane challenges of life. He will be dearly missed.

Dick volunteered throughout all his life in various community, church, and school organizations. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus where he could humbly demonstrate his religious faith to others. Always proud to wear his fourth degree tuxedo he never missed an opportunity to show his grandkids how you should always wear the cummerbund upside down so that you can catch the food crumbs.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Carrie, brothers Ray and Marvin, sisters Margene Griffin, Joan Hellmer, and Della Kubicki.

Dick is survived by his wife Rose of the home, 3 sons and 3 daughters. Rita (Bill) Timmons of Houston,TX; Darlene (John) Mick of Carleton, NE; Larry (Allison) Gradig of Bison, KS; Susie (Shane) Schlegel of Ness City, KS; Tony (Eryn) Gradig of Lucas,TX; and Terry (Christina) Gradig of Downs, KS, and sister, Carol Ann Grelish, Winder GA. 

Grandchildren include: Joseph and Mike Timmons; William Mick, Cynthia Mick, Jennifer Schardt, Catherine Mick, Thomas Mick, and Aaron Mick; Kylee Detherage, Bevan Gradig, Lillian Gradig, and Tyler Gradig;Taylor Hop, Sara Dreiling, Nicholas Dreiling, and Ethan Schlegel; Megan Gradig, and Logan Gradig; Mike Gradig, Gage Gradig, and Sophie Gradig.

Great-grandchildren include: Myles and Layla Pleasant, Mollie and Mason Schardt, and Lane Mick; Maya,Wyatt, Vincent, and Bradley Detherage; Maggie Hop.

 Visitation will be on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 5 - 7 PM with a Rosary Service beginning at 7 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Downs. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Downs with Interment to follow at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Osborne. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities in care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437.