HOISINGTON — Joan Rziha, age 82, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Nov. 18, 2025, at Aster Estates Homes Plus in Great Bend, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and quiet service that touched countless lives. Born on Feb. 28, 1943, in Wichita Kan., to Leroy and Loretta (Demel) Morgenstern, Joan grew up with strong values that shaped the woman she would become. She graduated from Hoisington High School in 1961 and attended Marymount College. She was united in marriage on Aug. 21, 1965 to Leonard Rziha in Hoisington Kan. Joan was employed in her early life at First Kansas Bank in Hoisington.
Joan is survived by her husband, Leonard Rziha, with whom she shared 60 years of love, and partnership.
She was the proud mother of three sons, each raised with her steady guidance, deep love, and unfailing faith, Mike and wife Rhonda Rziha, Topeka, Kan., Scott and wife Robin Rziha, Hoisington, Kan., Gary and wife Shanon Rziha, Lenexa, Kan.
Her greatest joy was her family. She treasured her role as grandmother to Abi and husband Bryce Boxberger, Hoisington, Kan., Alex and wife Madison Rziha, Russell, Kan., Paul Rziha, Great Bend, Kan., Ariael and husband Logan Murphy, Lenexa, Kan., Sahara Rziha, Lenexa, Kan. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Ian Boxberger, and Katherine and Beau Murphy. Other survivors include her brother Robert Morgenstern and wife Jan of Hoisington Kan.; her sister Roxanne Bell and husband Tom of Salina, Kan.; sister Pam Willis and husband Greg of Hoisington Kan.; sister-in-law Lou Ann Morgenstern of Hoisington Kan.; and 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Loretta (Demel) Morgenstern; her brothers, Jerry and Donald Morgenstern; and her nephew, Matthew Morgenstern.
A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Joan lived her Catholic values through quiet, steadfast acts of service. She was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Altar Society in Hoisington, Kan. She devoted many years as the funeral dinner planner, offering comfort to grieving families through meals, compassion, and presence. She also served as a Pink Lady volunteer at Clara Barton Hospital and dedicated countless hours to Holy Family School. Joan never sought recognition, her kindness was expressed in simple, everyday acts of love that left a lasting impact on others.
Outside of her service, Joan treasured traveling with her family. Whether visiting the lake, exploring Colorado, relaxing on Padre Island, or enjoying the magic of Disney World, she embraced every opportunity to create memories with those she loved. With a playful heart and a natural gift for nurturing, she joyfully cared for children and touched many young lives. Joan also loved spending time with her friends bowling and playing cards, where her witty sense of humor always kept things interesting.
Joan will be forever remembered for her warm heart, her devotion to family, her steadfast faith, and her lifelong dedication to serving others. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the love she shared, the example she set, and the generations blessed by her presence.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2024, at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with Father Warren Stecklein presiding. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20th, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. John Altar Society, Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, or donor’s choice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 20, 2025
