Joseph H. Kongs

Joseph "Joe" H. Kongs, 97, of Washington, KS, died Friday, July 8, 2016 at the Washington County Hospital in Washington, KS. Visitation was Thursday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. A rosary service was held at 7 p.m., Thursday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Washington. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m., Friday, July 15 at St. Augustine's. Father Joseph Kieffer officiated. The pallbearers were his grandchildren, James Clark, Mary Gippner, Elizabeth Babbitt, Amy Moritz, Andrea Jill Wood, Herbert Hawkins III, Kathleen Hupe, Joseph Hawkins, Ashley Kongs, Jacob Kongs and Tyler Kongs. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery alongside his wife, Lucille. Joe was born March 25, 1919 at Kelly, KS, son of Jacob L. and Mary Agnes (Kramer) Kongs. At a young age he moved with his family to California before returning to Kansas to reside. At the age 15, Joe returned to California and worked at Purity Grocery. After one year he returned and graduated from Corning High School in 1939. On November 15, 1949, Joe married Lucille Kathleen Welsh at Alexandria, MN. He worked for his brother, Edwin, at Kongs Implement in Marysville until enlisting in the U.S. Army in May 1942. After his honorable discharge he returned and again worked for his brother. After 2 years he was asked by John Deere to open an implement store in Washington, KS. In 1948, he moved to Washington and opened Washington Implement selling John Deere equipment. In 1986, he sold the dealership to his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Cindy Kongs. Joe's family and faith was very important to him. He showed this by supporting his family in their decisions and following their activities throughout their lives. In later years he enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He supported his church throughout his life taking great pride in being part in the construction of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Washington where he served as Chairman of the Building Committee. He also served on the church council and was a member of Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Washington City Council, was a founding member of the Centennial Homestead Nursing Home, the Washington Golf Course Board, American Legion, and was a 50 plus year member of Rotary. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucille K. Kongs, on January 20, 2008; brothers, Robert Kongs, Edwin Kongs, and Ollie Kongs; and sisters, Angela Kniest and Ositha Holthaus. Survivors include three daughters, Kathy (George) Clark, Washington, Joan (Louis) Huber, Leawood, and Barbara Hawkins, Marysville; son, Mike (Cindy) Kongs, Washington; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and special friend Wilma R. Jones. A memorial fund has been established to St. Augustine Catholic Church or the Washington County Hospital. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph H. Kongs, please visit our flower store.