Ernest A. Kroeger

Ernest “Ernie” Adair Kroeger, age 91 of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Via Christi Village. He was born on October 4, 1933, in Ellis, Kansas to Katie (Gashler) and Charles Kroeger. Ernest graduated from Ellis High School and on August 21, 1954, he married Darlene Kroeger in St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.

Ernie’s career included Ogallah and Penokee Co-op, owner of Ernie’s Pro Hardware, Enterprise, American Electric and St. John’s Rest Home. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, an honorary Life Member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree member of the Bishop Cunningham Assembly and did missionary work at Saint Paul's church in Crown Point, New Mexico. Ernie enjoyed watching Fort Hays basketball as a season ticket holder. He was an avid puzzler, auction goer, and volunteered when needed.

Ernie is survived by three daughters, Lynette Wasinger and husband Jerry of Hays, LouWayne Davidson and husband Rick of Hays and Lori Newell and husband Galen of Wichita. Grandchildren, Joel Wasinger and Blake Wasinger and wife Teresa, Ben, Brett and Bryce Davidson, Chris Newell and wife Kara and Nicole Mannion and husband Alex as well as his great grandchildren, Maddison and Matthew Wasinger, Owen, Sadie, Kennedy and Hayden Newell, Brayden, Hadley and Avery Mannion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five brothers and one sister.

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 East 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:00 AM prior to services at the church. Inurnment, inclusive of Military Honors, will follow the mass at 2:00 PM in the State of Kansas Veterans Cemetery - WaKeeney, Kansas.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Ernie's tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and/or St. Paul's Church - Crown Point, New Mexico in care of the funeral chapel.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.