Joseph F. Hekele, 90, died August 23, 2012 at Golden Living Center, Wilson, Kansas. He was born March 14, 1922 at Odin, Kansas, the son of Joseph Alois and Anna Agnes (Seus) Hekele. He married Martha Moeder October 25, 1950 at Hoisington, Kansas. She died October 11, 1988. A lifetime Odin resident, Mr. Hekele was owner of Hekele and Sons milk hauling business and was co-owner of the Hoisington Cheese Plant. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mr. Hekele was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council #2630, both of Odin; Hoisington Horseshoe Club, and the church choir. He loved music and played many instruments. He was an avid trap shooter. Survivors include three sons: Terry Hekele and companion Earlene, Great Bend, Kansas; Joe Hekele, Jr. and his wife Tina, Odin; and Mike Hekele and his wife Kim, Odin; four daughters: Anne Beck and her husband Allan, Claflin, Kansas; Jacque Phelan and her husband Dennis, Rangely, Colorado; Joan Miller and her husband Brian, Claflin; and Angie Miller and her husband Brock, Eudora, Kansas; one sister, Ruth Corbett, Ellinwood, Kansas; twenty-three grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Greg Hekele; one daughter-in-law, Leota Hekele; five brothers, John Hekele, Martin Hekele, Frank Hekele, Arthur Hekele, and Alex Hekele; and three sisters, Tillie Springer, Mary Hekele, and Rose Schwartz. Vigil service and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 27, 2012 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin. Father Charles Mazouch, Father Patric Riley, Father Pascal Klein, and Father Daniel Sheetz will concelebrate the Mass. Burial with military graveside rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard will be in Holy Family Cemetery. Memorials are requested to Holy Family Church Window Restoration or Kans for Kids, in care of the funeral home.