Meng, Robert D. 1939-2025 Wathena, Kan.
WATHENA, Kan. – Robert “Bob” Dean Meng, 85, of Wathena, Kansas, passed away peacefully under hospice care on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Two Timbers, in Highland, Kansas.
Bob was born on July 29, 1939, in Gladden of Burr Oak Township in Doniphan County, Kansas, to Henry and Vera (Kiehnhoff) Meng. He was a lifelong resident and farmer of Doniphan County, and a member of the Christ Lutheran Church, where he also served on the board for many years.
He married his one and only, Dixie (Wykert) Meng, on Sept. 16, 1961, at the Christ Lutheran Church, in rural Wathena. They would have celebrated their 63rd anniversary before she passed last August.
In addition to full-time farmer, Bob was a seed dealer for a multitude of companies throughout the years. He also worked as a crop adjuster for a short time, and served on the Farm Bureau board for many years. He served on the USD 429 school district for 12 years, and was the Doniphan County Commissioner for four years. He was also a former member of the Lions Club. As busy of a man as he was, he always made time to cheer on his kids and grandkids.
Bob was the epitome of a small town farmer and he has left behind a legacy like no other, with generations to continue on the life and farm he built. He attended Kansas University for one year, before returning back home to farm. He was the founder of Meng Farms and enjoyed telling his son and grandson how to run the operation from his ranger or golf cart, while wearing his beloved blue overalls. In recent years, you’d always know he was around by the sound of his cane tapping the ground. He was a walking encyclopedia, who had a love for history. He knew no stranger and could talk for hours about anything. Bob was an ornery man, who always had something to say, whether it be full of knowledge or wit, you’d walk away with something new learned. He was the instigator of a fun time, and many were had.
His love for farming, his family, fresh peaches and homemade pie were unmatched. Although a man of many titles, being “Grandpa” was his favorite, and he was a pretty special one. In addition, he carried the title of “Uncle Bozo” to many nieces and nephews.
He is once again reunited with the love of his life, whom we are just sure has a home cooked meal with an apple pie for dessert waiting for him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and brothers-in-law.
Survivors include his two brothers, Don (Betty) Meng, of Wathena, and Jerry (Susan) Meng, of McPherson, Kansas, and sister-in-law, Pat (Terry) Masters, of Wyoming; his children, Brenda Ward, of Sabetha, Kansas, and Doug Meng, of Troy, Kansas; and his grandchildren, Garrett Meng and Alyssa Schmille, of Troy, Daniel and Tanna (Meng) Kuhnert, of Denton, Kansas, Riley and Kassi (Meng) Peters, of Vermillion, South Dakota, Dakota Ward and Diana Gomez, of Liberal, Kansas, and Kyler Ward, of Belgrade, Montana; and his great-grandchildren, Layla, Will, Harlen and Jamison Kuhnert, and Maleah and Noah Ward.
Funeral, Friday, May 2, 10 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church, in Wathena. The family will receive friends Thursday evening 5 to 7 p.m. at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in, Wathena, where friends may call after 9 a.m. Thursday. Burial: Walnut Grove Cemetery, in rural Iowa Point, Kansas.
Memorials can be made to the Christ Lutheran Church, or Wathena or Troy Fire Department. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
