Martin Ray Harsch

Martin Ray Harsch, 83, died on August 16, 2025, surrounded by his beloved “triangle” — his wife, Kathy, and their daughters, Kim and Becca.

Martin was born on April 17, 1942, in Claremore, Oklahoma, alongside his identical twin brother and built-in best friend, Myron. They were the second and third of five brothers in the family. The family moved to the countryside west of Osage City, Kansas, where Martin grew up working on the farm. He graduated from Osage City High School in 1960. Afterward, Martin moved to Olivet, Kansas, where he continued farming alongside his twin, Myron.

Martin served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. In 1964, he held the rank of Private (E-2). He earned a perfect score on a physical combat proficiency test and received a plaque, which was proudly on display for years.

Martin met his wife, Kathy, on a blind date in 1975 in Atchison, Kansas, where she was working as a special education teacher. He often recalled asking her for a good-night kiss under the moonlight after that first date — the first of 50 years of good-night kisses. The couple celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on June 6, 2025.

Martin and Kathy started their own farming operation in 1980, growing crops and raising pigs and cattle. After nearly a decade of marriage, they welcomed their first daughter, Kim, in 1985, followed by Becca in 1988 — completing what Martin fondly called his “triangle.”

In 1984, Martin worked at Wolf Creek in Burlington, Kansas, during the construction of a nuclear plant. A year later, he took a position as shop supervisor for the Lyon County Road & Bridge department in Emporia, Kansas, a role he proudly held until retiring in 2007. His job took him to different parts of the country to learn how road graders and construction machinery were made — from Volvo in Canada to Caterpillar in Illinois, and Komatsu in Tennessee and Georgia.

Though he got the monkey off his back, so to speak, in 2007, Martin wasn't even close to being done working. He never slowed down; being still just wasn’t him. Retiring from Lyon County simply gave him more time for his other full-time job: farming, which he continued for the rest of his life.

Martin had a real passion for older CASE tractors and Massey Ferguson combines. He loved finding them, fixing them up and giving them a fresh coat of paint. But what he loved even more was talking about them — with anyone who asked.

One of his greatest joys in recent years was Penny Bear, the family’s Yorkie. Since 2008, she was their heartbeat — the family mascot, as he dubbed her. He always said she didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Neither did he. The two shared a special bond and each faced their own cancer battles with quiet strength. Penny died just weeks before Martin, on July 1, 2025. They were kindred spirits.

Martin had a unique way of making people feel seen. Instead of saying, “Nice to meet you,” he would say, “Glad to know you.” When he was with someone, they had his full attention, often accompanied by a warm hand squeeze. He made people feel special because, to him, they were.

Martin will be remembered for his quiet generosity, strong work ethic, deep knowledge of farming and machinery, and his steady willingness to lend a hand — or a tractor — to anyone who needed one.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Dove’s Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, Kansas. In honor of Martin, skip the black. Wear your best denim. If you'd like, pair it with your sharpest pearl-snap shirt in Martin’s memory.

Martin was preceded in death by his twin, Myron; his uncle, Max; his parents-in-law, Betty and Gene Williams; and the Harsch family mascot, Penny. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy; and their daughters, Kim and Becca. Other survivors include his niece, Amanda Poeverlein, and her husband, David; his niece, Anna Harsch Blanton; his brother, Doyle Harsch; and his brother, Wayne Harsch. He also leaves behind his cousin, Dick Ruby; his cousin, Gregg Ruby; his nephew, Kevin Harsch; his sister-in-law, Debi Metro, and her husband, Steve; many great-nieces; and extended family in addition to a cherished network of fellow farmers in the area.

The family sends warm thanks to Dr. Anup Kasi, Erin Carroll, ARNP, and their team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center; and Dr. Marius Pacioianu of The University of Kansas Health System, Saint Francis. Special thanks also go to Dr. Kennth Goins, formerly of KU Eye Center, and his team.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Martin's name to Farm Aid at give.farmaid.org or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.