Joseph R. “Joe” Lichti, 71, of Moundridge, died Feb. 14 surrounded by his family at the Newton Regional Medical Center. Joe, a lifelong resident of rural Moundridge, was born Sept. 19, 1952, in Newton to Raymond and Betty Lichti. He grew up on a farm west of Moundridge, learning to drive a tractor at the age of 6. He farmed most of his life and was employed as a farm worker and large equipment operator. He served as a volunteer firefighter and reserve police officer in Moundridge.
Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known for hosting fun social activities that sometimes involved roasting a pig or taking his friends pheasant hunting.
He was a member of the Eden Mennonite Church of Moundridge and served as usher. He went to Cloverleaf Grade School and graduated from Moundridge High School. He attended Bethel College in North Newton for a short time.
As a youth, Joe was a member of the Golden Opportunity 4-H Club and later the Future Farmers of America. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association.
On Aug. 9, 1975, he married Debra Sue Dirks at Eden Mennonite Church. They had three children, who gave him five grandchildren, who provided great pride and joy.
He is survived by his wife, Debra, of the home; a son, Matthew and his wife Leah of Moundridge; a son, Tyler of McPherson; and daughter Samantha and her husband Heath Doane, of Canton; two grandsons, Atley and Zaiden Lichti; and three granddaughters, Preslie, Piper and Pixie Doane. He is also survived by his sisters, Lou Lichti of Frederick, MD, and Carol Lichti and husband Jim Haag of Victor, ID.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church. Services will be livestreamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87084313976?pwd=NFUvcHdqMHhNeWRFc0oxTndCR1hsUT09 Meeting ID: 870 8431 3976 Passcode: 67107. Cremation will follow with burial to take place at the Eden Mennonite Church Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call from 3 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, February 19 at Moundridge Funeral Home, with family present from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Eden Mennonite Church or Angel Arms in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.