Denton Ralph “Rip” Schlegel, 78, passed away on July 31, 2023, at Azria Health, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on June 20, 1945, at Hoisington, Kansas, to Ralph & Carrie (Gustin) Schlegel. On October 27, 1973, he married Linda Monroe at Hoisington, Kansas. She died November 28, 2010.
Mr. Schlegel was a lifetime resident of Barton County. He was a 1963 graduate of Otis High School. During his time in high school, he earned the nickname “Rip” for how he would rip the nets from basketball goals and make three-point shots before they were a common shot made. Denton worked as a machinist at Great Bend Industries for over 30 years. When he wasn’t mowing yards or being directed in life by Linda and Glen, he enjoyed polka dances and loved going to Las Vegas.
Survivors include sister-in-law, Jeannette (Ken) Clark of Shawnee; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Denton is preceded in death by his wife; brother and sister-in-law, Curtis and Wanda Schlegel; his parents; and his parents-in-law, Glen and Rosemary Monroe
Friends may sign the book noon to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.
Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Ron Bailey presiding. Inurnment will follow at Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or the First United Methodist Church of Hoisington, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.