Donald Louis Noll, 92, passed away peacefully at Homestead Assisted Living of Manhattan on May 6, 2024. He was born September 20, 1931 to Florence and Gerald Noll of Flush, Kansas. He lived in Flush until high school graduation and then moved to Manhattan, Kansas. He enlisted in the Army in 1953 and while stationed in Germany, served as a heavy artillery repairman, and was a key player on the Army basketball team. He remained a Manhattan resident the rest of his life.
He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Kathleen Lucia Ann Lenherr on June 18,1956 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Flush, Ks. The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Joseph E. Biehler. Don and Kathleen were married for almost 65 years and were an incredible example of faith, family and love.
Don received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in Radio and Broadcast Journalism. He worked the majority of his career in the furniture business and was a partner and manager in KNS Enterprise and the Kaup Furniture Downtown and later worked for Faith Furniture. Don was an avid pitch player, golfer, and bowler and loved being outdoors. He was a grand storyteller and loved visiting with friends and family, telling stories and bragging about his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved attending his children’s and later, his grandchildren’s, sporting events. He enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, but especially anything K-State, the Kansas City Royals and the Masters Tournament. He enjoyed vacations with Kathleen to Switzerland and Hawaii.
Don was a member of Seven Dolors Parish and later St. Thomas More Parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight. He was preceded in death by his son Keith Noll, daughter Lucia Springer and wife, his parents and four siblings, Robert Noll, Kenneth Noll, Patricia Heptig and Marjorie Schlegel.
He is survived by two sons, Dean Noll (Tracey) of Lawrence, and David Noll of Kansas City and one daughter, Lisa Kirmer (Brad) of Emporia, 15 grandchildren including Jeremy Noll, Jessica Noll-Nelson, Sarah Pritchard, Justin Springer, Jenna Springer, Austin Noll, Jordan Noll, Morgan Noll, Nollan Kirmer, Nick Kirmer, Camden Kirmer, Addie Kirmer, Thomas Noll, Katie Noll and Lucia Noll and 10 great-grandchildren including Finn Nelson, Liam Nelson, Lilly Nelson, Mia Pritchard, Evelyn Pritchard, Ian Pritchard, Avery Springer, Miles Springer, Reagan Springer, and Asher Thomas. Don is also survived by one sister, Florence Pray, Manhattan.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 14th, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2900 Kimball Avenue, Manhattan, with Father Don Zimmerman as Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at Flush.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 13th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. A Parish Vigil will follow the visitation at 7:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for the Flush Picnic. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.