Dighton- Nikki E. Hemel, 70, died on Friday, December 15, 2017 at his home in Dighton. He was born on September 19, 1947 at Dighton the son of Edwin S. & Emily Jean (Rowe) Hemel. He married Mary Wempe on March 1, 1969 at Hutchison. He later married Beverly Kerkhoff on July 20, 1999 in Lane County.

Nikki graduated from Dighton High School in 1965 and earned his Auto Body Certification from Goodland Area Vo-Tech. He served as a Military Policeman in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. He moved to Hutchinson in 1977 and to Victoria in 1985 before returning to Dighton in 1990. He worked as a Body Shop Manager in Garden City, Hutchinson & Hays. After returning to Dighton he worked for Lane County as the Weed Director and Road Supervisor. He later was a truck driver, and Parts Man at Bretz Inc.

He was a member of St Theresa Catholic Church in Dighton, Ness City Knights Of Columbus and American Legion Post # 190 of Dighton. He served on many American Legion Funeral Honor Guards and was looking forward to going on the Honor Flight this coming April. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, cribbage & playing pool.

He is survived by his Wife- Beverly Hemel of the Home, 2 Sons- Adair Hemel of Ness City & Kegan & Danell Hemel of Atwood, 2 Step-Daughters- Rhonda & Mike Bainter of Grainfield & Laurel & Kenny Burbrink of Halstead, Brother- Rikki Hemel of Van Alstyne, Texas, 2 Sisters- Alana Chapman & Alicia Pike both of Dighton, 17 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchild.

Rosary will be at 7:00 PM Monday and Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM Tuesday both at St Theresa Catholic Church in Dighton with Rev Warren Stecklein presiding. Burial will be in Healy Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post # 190 and Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. Calling Hours will be from Noon to 5:30 PM Monday at Boomhower Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to St Theresa Catholic Church, St Catherine Hospice, American Legion Post # 190 or American Cancer Society in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.


Boomhower Funeral Home 145 N. Wichita, P.O. Box 891 Dighton, Ks 67839
620-397-5792