In Memory Of
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Herman Jody Kuckelman
Axtell, Kansas
05/22/1949 - 02/10/2026
Herman “Jody” Kuckelman, 76, of Baileyville, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.
Jody was born on May 22, 1949, in Axtell, Kansas, to Herman and Mary A. (Carroll) Kuckelman. He attended Baileyville Grade School and Baileyville High School, graduating with the Class of 1967. Following graduation, he began helping on the family farm, where his lifelong love of agriculture truly took root.
On April 25, 1970, he was united in marriage to Lois Engelken at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, Kansas. The couple first made their home in Topeka before moving to the Axtell area, where they raised their four children and built their life together. It was there that Jody established and operated his dairy farm, dedicating himself fully to the work he loved.
To Jody, farming was never just an occupation — it was his life’s work. He took great pride and simple joy in caring for his land, his cattle, and the daily rhythm of the dairy operation. Even in retirement in 2014, farming remained close to his heart.
In his earlier years, Jody worked in construction and helped build Crestview Manor Nursing Home. He was also employed at the Courier-Tribune, the Frankfort Index, and Mainline Printing, and later worked at Goodyear Industries before returning to the Axtell area to focus on his dairy and farm operation.
Jody was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville and the Knights of Columbus. He especially treasured his role as a grandfather and took great joy in following the lives of his grandchildren. He enjoyed reading and rarely slowed down, always finding his way back to the work of his dairy operation.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herman, on April 19, 1987; his mother, Mary, on June 8, 2003; his brother, William Kuckelman, on April 2, 2011; and his sister, Carolyn Mulryan, in June 2010.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lois, of the home; his children, Jeff (Jan) Kuckelman of Lewis, Kansas; Angie Kleidosty of Tonganoxie, Kansas; Cheryl Houck of Berryton, Kansas; and Rebecca (Ryan) Moodie of Shawnee, Kansas; his sisters, Sara Kramer of Weatherford, Texas, and Alice Hammes of Seneca; and eight grandchildren, Jarrod Kuckelman, Elena Kuckelman, Ryan Kuckelman, Dylan Kleidosty, Sam Kleidosty, Claire Kleidosty, Jack Moodie, and Magnus Moodie.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 7 P.M. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
Memorials may be given in Jody’s memory to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital and sent in care of the family.
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So sorry for your loss
So very sorry on the loss of Jody, our love, prayers and sympathy goes out to Lois and her family. May he rest in peace.
Sympathy to Lois and all the Kuckelman families
So sorry to hear about Jody our love and prayers to you Lois and the kids not around now to atend
My sincere sympathies to Lois and family. Jody will truly be missed. Anyone who knew Jody, knows how much he loved sports. As a sales rep, I stopped at the dairy every six months. I always scheduled extra time than normal, knowing we were going to discuss the latest issues regarding local, college and professional sports. I cherish our long-time friendship.
Lois, Jeff, Angie, Cheryl, and Rebecca: So Sorry to hear of Jody’s passing…. His laughter is one of my favorite memories of him! He is in a better place now though there is hole in your hearts. God bless you in the days ahead. Be kind to yourselves and each other as you mourn this loss.
So sorry for your loss.
Lois, you & the kids have our sympathy. Jody was a great kid, I had the pleasure of growing up with him & spent many good times with him. He has been in our prayers for the last year. Hope he did not suffer at the end.
ou the kids will be in our prayers, it is not easy to lose a spouse – If we can help let us know.
Alan & Charlemne Broxterman
Lois, sorry the hear of Jody’s passing. I always enjoyed the time I got to spend with him.
Lois and family, So sorry to hear about Jody’s passing. He was always a great guy with a smile on his face. I hope you and the family will find comfort in the memories of your life together.
Lois and family we are so sorry to hear about Jody. While in high school we had some good times just hanging out. Living in Pennsylvania the last 30 years we lose track of our friends and was surprised to hear about Jody. He was a good friend and will be missed but never forgotten.
Lois and family,
Just found out that Jody is gone from this earth . Jody will be missed and living life without him will be difficult… call me if you ever want to talk Elaine Manahan Wassenberg