Richard Hohly

Richard Walter Hohly, 84, died peacefully at his home on June 19, 2023, with family by his side.   He was born on June 28, 1938, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, son of Walter Hohly and Maria Royan.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Eve Hohly, and four daughters, Anne (Michael) Newquist, Sara Hohly, Adria Hohly, Maija Diethelm, and six grandchildren: Amanda, Sierra, Dakota,Trey, Gabriel, and Mia.

Richard immigrated to the United States when he was 8 years old.  His father was killed during World War II.  His mother, a widow, married an American soldier, First Sergeant Thomas Lacey.  Richard and his mother crossed the Atlantic to join him in New Hampshire. Richard attended school there through college and earned a degree in Physics and Math from the Univ. of New Hampshire.  Richard then pursued postgraduate studies in Physics at Michigan State Univ., while also teaching college Physics, as well as taking and teaching art classes. It is in Michigan that he met his first wife and had two daughters, Sara and Adria. He then went on to teach Physics, Math, and sometimes Art at several colleges. Later, he obtained a dual PhD in Physics Education from Kansas State Univ.  Later still, he completed another PhD in Theoretical Physics at the Univ. of Kansas.  His thesis was about tachyons, theoretical particles that travel faster than light.  He was intrigued by the possibility that these may be the means of reaching God in prayer, and why Jesus was able to promise that he will be in our midst wherever two or three are gathered together in his name.

Richard and Eve met as teenagers at a youth group gathering at the local Lutheran church in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  They were inseparable friends during their high school years, but then took different paths.   Years later, they reconnected once again and were married on August 19, 1977, in Manhattan, Kansas, where Richard was finishing his PhD, and Eve was starting her pre-med courses, with Richard’s encouragement.

Over the years, Richard continued to produce paintings and sculptures. His kinetic light sculptures were shown in Kansas City, Missouri, and Lincoln, Nebraska. He liked painting large canvases in acrylics.  He had a great sense of color, and, depending on the period in his life, showed a particular interest in abstract expression, geometric designs, or figurative art.

Richard had an inquisitive mind with many insightful and creative ideas and interpretations.  He was an avid reader of science, religion, and history. Richard was a man who spoke his beliefs, and was not shy about expressing controversial views.  In his later years he became engrossed in Biblical prophecy, and wrote an unpublished book on Daniel, Chapter 11.

Richard and Eve attended Crosspoint Church in Hutchinson for many years.  When they moved back to the Kansas City area, they attended Bethany Lutheran Church.

Richard will be greatly missed by his wife and children for his deep faith in God, insightful conversations, and caring nature.

Richard was buried on June 22, 2023, with a small graveside service. There will be a Celebration of Life at their home in the Fall.

Contributions in Richard’s memory can be made to: 

Crosspoint Church in Hutchinson, which Richard and Eve attended for many years:     https://www.crosspointchurch.com/give/ 

Kansas City Hospice, who were always a phone call away during Richard’s last six weeks:  https://kchospice.org/donation/

Sisters Servants of Mary in Kansas City, who came to help with Richard’s care at night in his final weeks, and were a true blessing to Richard and his family:  https://sisterservantsofmary.org/donate