Robert F Harpenau, 95, of Wichita died on April 1, 2025, at Keepsake Kottage.

Bob was born on November 21 1929 in Inglewood, California to Joseph C. and Philomena A. Cheray Harpenau. In 1934 the family all moved to Kansas. Bob attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School and High School and graduated in 1948, in the Fall of 1948 he enlisted into the United Stated Navy. Bob was stationed state side during his stint in the U. S. Navy, he served 3 years 11 months and 01 day and was discharged from the receiving station in San Diego, California at the Rank of Machine Accountant Third Class. He was very proud of his service to his country. When he was younger before he graduated, he tried to enlist during WWII and was sent home.

Following his military service he returned to Kansas. Bob enjoyed 25 years working for the Wichita Police Department when he retired. Later he worked several years with the Hemodialysis Unit associated with one of the local hospitals. Later he worked part-time with the US Marshal’s service were provided security in the federal court house. He was honored to have been able to provide security in the federal courthouse in Oklahoma City following the bombing in 1995. He related that he witnessed dedication, compassion, kindness and unity among the first responders and others which touched him deeply in the aftermath.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, jokes, playing cards or dominoes, and in his later years, dancing. While raising a family, vacations primarily consisted of camping trips, fishing, swimming and water-skiing. During those years neighbors and friends gathered to have home-made ice cream, play volleyball, or evenings playing cards together. When not playing cards with friends, the family would often gather around the big dining room table to play cards. In later years, various domino games were added to the line-up. This tradition of the family gathering for cards and games lasted for many years and brought a lot of pleasure to all involved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Joseph Harpenau, brother-in-law, Bob Crawford, and a great-grand daughter, Abigail Yaussi.

He is survived by 8 children: Bruce (Shari) Harpenau of Wichita, Kathi Grant of Wichita, Jim (Renee) Harpenau of Wichita, Sharon (Mike) Yaussi of Wichita, Susan Duff (Jerry Goodwin) Salina, Mark (Carrie) Harpenau of Mesa AZ, Tom (Michelle) Harpenau of Wichita, Nancy (Daryl) Towne of Bel Aire along with his sister, Ruth Crawford. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Rosaries will be on Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M. prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.
Memorials can be given in Bob’s memory are to be Sts. Peter and Paul School, and sent in care of the family.