Kathleen Weigel

Kathleen Margaret (Hamer) Weigel, 81, of Oakley, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023. She was born on January 28, 1942, to John and Catherine Hamer in Evanston, Illinois. She grew up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood in Chicago, attending St. Jerome Church and grade school before graduating from St. Scholastica High School. She was quite proud to share that she never missed a day of school, even though she did walk over a mile, often through snow, while wearing the required school uniform skirt. This foundation of fortitude and faith would serve her well through the rest of her life. When it came time for college, she chose Marymount in Salina, KS. It was going there that would eventually lead her to western Kansas and her cowboy. After teaching in Chicago, she returned to Kansas to teach at Sacred Heart Elementary in Salina. It was after taking a job at St. Joseph School in Oakley that she met Robert Weigel and they were married on July 26, 1969. A dedicated educator, she continued teaching until the last moment possible before welcoming her first child, Michelle. Four more children were added to the family, Julie, Robert, James and Michael.

Kathy quit teaching for many years to dedicate her time to her husband and children, while staying actively involved in the school and church. Whether it was cleaning church, working at the school carnival, teaching English to visiting priests, preparing food for funerals, or being a room mom for parties and field trips, she could be counted on to lend a helping hand, typically with a dose of laughter. Her home was invariably open to her children’s friends, extended family and friends, and neighbors. There was always a spot at the counter for coffee or an extra plate. If you happened to be there for a holiday, you were welcomed in to celebrate and Christmas cookies were decorated or an Easter basket was filled. You were also likely to hear a song or two or join in wearing a silly hat created just for that occasion. If you happened to stop by in the summer, you never left without a cucumber or tomato from the garden. Family stories were often shared about her childhood, including trips to Bailey’s Harbor and ice skating on Lake Michigan. Hearing about the courtship of Bob and Kathy never grew old to their children, and the lifetime of memories they created together are especially treasured now.

Her love of learning and life touched the hundreds of students that entered her classroom. Kathy was intuitive and ahead of her time in her relentless pursuit of supporting the students in her classroom. She spent countless hours researching and preparing materials and lessons to actively engage her students and help them be successful. Acting out stories like Stone Soup and Mrs. Wishy Washy, building a milk jug igloo, singing throughout the day, and enjoying learning were facets of her classroom. Kathy enjoyed a special connection with the teachers at St. Joseph School, who were truly an extension of her family. She continued to teach until retiring in 2009, but never really left St. Joseph School as she continued teaching preschool part time and subbing for several years.

In her last days, Kathy expressed her gratitude for a life well lived, and shared words of wisdom and love with her family and close friends. She repeatedly told us to spread love to others. We hope we can honor her by living our lives as faithfully as she did.

She is survived by her husband, Bob of Oakley; her children, Michelle Hellmuth (Chris), Salina, Julie Brown (Lance Bedore), Hays, Jim Weigel (Katherine Swartz), Benkelman NE, and Michael Weigel, of Oakley; grandchildren, Xavier Salas, Brianna Cozzitorto, Cedric and Zachary Salas, Danielle Smith, Kylie and Kaitlyn Brown, Maci, Shelbi and Kelsi Weigel, and Berkley, Bridge and Brighton Weigel; seven great grandchildren; her brother Mike (Cheryl) and sisters Mary Hamer Burnett (Lowell) and Karen Feldt Dawson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her extended family. Special additions to her family are her former daughter-in-law, Julie Weigel, and extra granddaughters, Michaela Kaus and Breanna McEwen.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Kate Hamer and Martha Hamer; brothers, Jackie Hamer, Tom Hamer and Bill Feldt and her infant son, Robert. She was looking forward to seeing them again!

Visitation has been scheduled for Sunday, July 16 from 5-7 p.m. with the Vigil service beginning at 7 p.m. The funeral will be held on Monday, July 17 at 10 a.m. All services will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oakley KS. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, with a meal and fellowship will follow at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School for air conditioning or teacher bonuses, and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com