Craig Alan Hitschmann, 64, of Natoma, Kansas, died on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Homestead of Russell Assisted Living in Russell, Kansas, surrounded by his loving family.
Craig was born on July 12, 1960, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Urban and Glenda (Wurm) Hitschmann. He grew up in Beaver, Kansas, and graduated from Claflin High School in the class of 1979. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Ronda Lea Beck on July 20, 1984, in Claflin, Kansas. From this union Craig and Ronda were blessed with two daughters Rebecca and Amy. The family moved and made their home in Natoma, Kansas in 1993. Craig owned C&R Oil, as operator and pumper as well as enjoying his time on his ranch. He was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas and attended St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed team roping, competitive pattern horse racing, golfing and spending time with his friends and family. Craig’s biggest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving family include his wife Ronda of the home, daughters Rebecca Rogge and husband Cody of Russell, Kansas and Amy Doyle and husband Dwayne of Wichita, Kansas; brother Marlin Hitschmann and wife Michelle of Hoisington, Kansas; sister Kim Hoffman and husband Jim of Stafford, Kansas; brother Curtis Hitschmann and wife Kathy of Hoisington, Kansas; and sister Tina Johnson of Hoisington, Kansas; five grandchildren Steele, Abel, Valeen, Asher, and Adalynn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and one niece. The funeral mass to celebrate Craig’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 P.M. at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Beaver, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening. A rosary will be held at 7 P.M. at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary Chapel Wednesday evening. Memorials may be given to the Craig Hitschmann Memorial and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.