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.