Harry Milton Nachtigal, 93, died April 28, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born January 13, 1930, in Buhler, to Peter Frank and Agatha (Wiens) Nachtigal.
Harry attended Newton High School. After high school, he purchased a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and participated in motorcycle shows with his friends. From 1951 to 1953, Harry served in the United States Army. Following his service during the Korean Conflict, Harry received his pilot’s license for small planes from Topeka, and his pilot’s license for larger planes in Fresno, CA. He volunteered with the civil air patrol, in Kansas. Harry’s employment was with the Union Pacific Railroad as a switchman and brakeman. He also enjoyed writing poetry, hunting, fishing, and flying planes, especially with his grandsons.
In 1962, Harry accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and became a member of Westside Baptist Church, Hutchinson. He was also a member of Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68.
On May 20, 1955, he married Emily Jane Jantz, in Emporia. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Arvada, CO. After residing in Colorado for 46 years, they moved back to Kansas.
Harry is survived by: his wife of almost 68 years, Emily Nachtigal of Hutchinson; daughters, Debra (Gordon) Smith of Holton and Connie (Jimmy) Wallace of Newton; daughter-in-law, Tammy (Kevin) Rouse of Wichita; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; niece, Becky (Bob) Davidson; and nephew, Kelly (Gale) Nachtigal, all of Newton; two granddaughters-in-law; and two great-grandchildren-in-law. Harry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Ronald Nachtigal; granddaughter, Katarina “Kate” Cofer; brother, Virgil Nachtigal and his wife Viola; niece, Randyln Nachtigal; and nephew, Lonny Nachtigal.
Graveside service will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Buhler West Municipal Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m.at Westside Baptist Church, 400 W. 12th Street, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Adrian officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Westside Baptist Church, Gideons International, or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
The family is thankful for the help of grandson, Luke Naghtigal, who has lived with Harry and Emily since he was 12, for all the love, care, and support he has provided his grandparents.