Donald Paul Huninghake

Donald Paul Huninghake, 70, of Frankfort, Kansas, passed away on May 7, 2025, at his home.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 11, from Noon to 5 p.m. at Padden Funeral Chapel.  A rosary service will follow at 7 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church in Frankfort.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 12 at Annunciation Catholic Church.

Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Frankfort.

Don was born on July 15, 1954, to Victor and Rachel Huninghake. He was a tiny 3lb 8oz miracle and a complete surprise. His twin brother David was born first, and no one knew there was another baby coming. From the start, he defied the odds and shared a lifelong bond with his twin brother. David was by his side when he came into this world, and by his side when he left it.

He attended the one-room Ruest Grade School for first grade, then Annunciation Catholic School through 8th grade, and graduated from Frankfort High School in 1972.

On September 15, 1984, he married the love of his life, Stephanie Gleason. Together they shared 40 years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and a partnership built on hard work and devotion. They were blessed with two daughters, Richelle and Amy.

He was, above all else, a farmer - in heart, mind, and soul. He believed in hard work, common sense, and simple truths. Everything in life could be tied back to farming, to the land, to livestock, or to the wisdom passed from one generation to the next.

But his greatest joy in life came later in the form of his grandkids, his “sweetie pies”: Isla, Connor, Max, Reagan, and Taylor. They called him Papa Don, and they absolutely adored him, just as much as he adored them. He loved holding their little hands, snuggling them while they napped, and spoiling them with sweet treats. His love for them was pure, deep, and endless.

Don couldn't sit still. Whether riding his skid steer, visiting the farm, going out to eat, or traveling to see the grandkids, he was always ready to go. He always enjoyed time with the people and places he loved. He was the kind of person who never knew a stranger. He was known for his funny sayings and brought smiles to everyone around him. He hated attention, but earned admiration. He was a man of quiet strength, deep humility, and enduring love.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Rachel Huninghake; brother-in-law Larry Hofman; and sister-in-law, Glenda Burdolski.

Don is survived by his wife, Stephanie, of the home; daughters Richelle (Colt) Wesley of Auburn, KS and Amy (Jeremy) Schreiner of Salina, KS; grandchildren Isla Schreiner, Connor Wesley, Max Schreiner, Reagan Wesley, and Taylor Wesley; siblings Helen (Tom) Quiring of Broken Arrow, OK, Elaine Hofman of Blaine, KS, David (Julie) Huninghake of Frankfort, KS, Leo (Mary) Huninghake of Frankfort, KS, Jerry Huninghake of Westmoreland, KS, and John (Ann) Huninghake of Frankfort, KS; in-laws Steve and Nancy Gleason of Frankfort, KS, Laura (Dan) Roeder of Frankfort, KS, Tom Burdolski of Edwardsville, KS, and Sarah (Mick) Cook of Topeka, KS; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, C/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508