Joseph Dedonder Passes Away

Joseph Achille DeDonder, 77, passed away Monday, November 20, 2023, in Topeka.

Joe was born November 2, 1946, in Wamego, the son of Philip V. and Louise C. (Zeller) DeDonder.  He was raised in the Sandy Hook Community and graduated from St. Marys High School.  Joe served in the Kansas National Guard.

As a young man, Joe was part of the Sandy Hook 4-H club and as a father, he was involved in the Jayhawks 4-H club with his children. Joe enjoyed traveling, fishing, bee keeping, camping, hunting, watching KSU and Chiefs football, and attending the many events of his grandchildren.

Joe was a farmer and stockman.  He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Joe was a member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 657 and a 4th Degree Member of Thomas A. McNeive Assembly No. 289.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Christopher, Robert, and Francis and a sister-in-law, Marsha DeDonder.

On August 5, 1967, Joe and Bonnie Schwindt were married at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Topeka.  She survives at their home. 

Other survivors include two sons, Michael (Missy) DeDonder, Kansas City, MO, and John DeDonder, Lenexa; three daughters, Christi (Bobby) Martin, Seneca, Sheryl Clark, DeSoto, and Deborah (Mark) Bylkas, Manhattan; brothers, Richard (Cathie) DeDonder, St. Geroge, William (Donna) DeDonder, Greg DeDonder and Tim DeDonder, all of St. Marys and Andrew (Susie) DeDonder, Wetmore; sisters, Karen (James) Mulligan, St. Marys, Mary Ann (Don) Davis, Silver Lake, and Peggy (Malcom) Smith, St. Marys;  a sister-in-law, Becky DeDonder, St. Marys; 29 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren with four on the way.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  Joe will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. followed by the rosary on Friday, November 24, 2023, the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, or the St. Marys Food Pantry and sent in care of the funeral home.