Richard Laverne Hladek was born February 12, 1928, in rural Trego County, KS to the late Frank and Anna (Macek) Hladek. He passed away Monday, March 19, 2012, in the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care at WaKeeney, KS at the age of 84.


He attended rural county schools and graduated from Trego Community High School with the class of 1945. He entered into the United States Army October 1, 1948, and was discharged December 6, 1949. While in the reserves, he was called back to serve again until August 27, 1952.


Richard's first job was in construction working for Ben Deines. He later worked as an electrician for Elmer Michaelis.

On February 6, 1954, Richard was united in marriage to Mildred A. Boyer in Hays, KS. Richard always farmed in Trego County with his brother on the same farm that has been in their family for almost a century.


Richard was a member of the American Legion Moore Post #197 in WaKeeney. He also enjoyed going to antique auctions.


Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Mildred of WaKeeney; a son, Mark, also of WaKeeney; two daughters, Cindy Nussbaum and husband, Charles, of Topeka, Christy Schmitz and husband, Larry, of Reading; two grandchildren, Carissa and Brannon Schmitz; and two sisters, Mildred Schneider of Salina, and Ann Schemm.


Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant daughter, Merri Ann Hladek; and three brothers, Edward, William, and Frank, Jr.

Visitation is Thursday, March 22, 2012, in Schmitt Funeral Home at WaKeeney, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Services will be held at the Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney, KS on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11:00am.

Memorials are suggested to The American Diabetes Association and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home 336 N. 12th WaKeeney KS, 67672.