Robert Hettenbach

Robert Allen Hettenbach, 82, passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2025 at home in Wichita, KS. He was a business owner, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and co-owner of Kay's This N' That with his late wife Kay.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Kay Hettenbach, parents Milton and Lora Hettenbach, brother Royal Dean Hettenbach, and son Joey Davis.

He is survived by son Travis and future daughter-in-law Hannah, son Doug (Jennifer), grandchildren Henry, Kevin, Destiny, Noah, and Rebekkah (Lucas). Please join us for a celebration of life service on February 22nd, 2025 at 1pm to be held at Life.Church West, 3210 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67205. Family visitation can take place at 1230pm or immediately following the service.

Robert was born November 24, 1942 in Abilene, KS. His parents took him home to Woodbine, KS and he grew up in that area until the family moved to Chase county near Cedar Point in 1950. The family business was raising cattle, ranching, and breaking horses and they did so until his father was unable to, well into the 1990s.

Robert graduated from Florence High School in 1960. In the fall of 1960 Robert moved to Wichita and went to WTI to study electronics, radio, TV, and industrial electronics. Robert graduated WTI in 1962 and went to work at Rabell Electronics repairing radios and other electronics in the aircraft industry. Robert joined the Army National Guard in 1964 and was activated to the Army shortly after. Robert spent time in Ft Leonardwood, Ft Riley, and Ft Carson during the Vietnam War, but he was never deployed overseas.

After his time in the army, Robert returned to Rabell in 1971 where he met Clara Kay - the secretary. He didn't like her at first - his words: "Yucky! Girl!". After a few months of slow business, the boss asked him to help "the secretary" send out flyers to drum up more business. During that time, as told by Robert, "she tricked him into liking her". Robert and Kay's relationship blossomed quickly, leading to their marriage on May 8, 1972. At the time they met, Kay was already a loving mother to two sons, Doug & Joey.

In October of 1974, Robert & Kay welcomed a son of their own, Travis.

Kay left Rabell and Robert helped her start her own business, Kay's This N' That while still pursuing his career in electronics repair. His career spanned several decades and companies including Rabell, Bendix, ICT, and Coulter Electronics. After leaving his career in electronics repair, Robert found a new passion in real estate. He acquired rentals, flipped multiple houses, and still continued to help Kay run Kay's This N' That.

In 1978, Robert and Kay divorced but remained friends. Robert continued to help Kay with Kay's This N' That over the years. Robert and Kay rekindled their love for one another and remarried on May 8th, 2002 - their original wedding date. Robert said it was so he "could remember their anniversary". Robert and Kay remained married until Kay's death in 2020. Robert's health declined shortly after Kay's passing. He had a stroke followed by significant heart problems and then broke his hip due to a fall, which ultimately led to moving into assisted living in 2022.

Travis and Hannah moved into Robert & Kay's home the same year. They moved Robert back home to live with them in 2023. In August of 2024, Robert's health declined again leading him to require at-home Hospice Care. Robert remained on Hospice Care long enough to be able to celebrate his 82nd birthday, Travis's 50th birthday, and enjoy spending time with family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Robert was at home, resting peacefully when he passed on January 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to His Helping Hands at 1441 E 37th St N, Wichita, KS 67219 in memory of Robert Hettenbach.

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)