Donald Hubach 1938-2026
Donald L. Hubach, 88, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.
Born on Feb. 1, 1938, in Fairview, he was the second of five children born to Theodore and Lena (Griebat) Hubach.
Don was a dedicated family man, a lifelong farmer who quietly contributed to his community. On Sept. 16, 1962, he married Carol (McConnaughey) Hubach. Early in their marriage, in addition to farming, they owned a gas station, laundromat and car wash in Denison.
For many years, Don farmed the land in the Denison area, while also performing extensive contract work for neighboring farmers. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or share his equipment. Beyond the fields, Don was deeply invested in the future of local youth, proudly serving on the Holton USD 336 School Board for 17 years.
At an imposing six feet, six inches, Don might have seemed intimidating to those who didn’t know him, but his family knew him as an exceptionally intelligent, loving and gentle human with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a devoted father who was seldom away from home.
He never missed his children’s ball games, always there to provide guidance and advice sometimes even from behind home plate as the umpire. As the years passed and his health deteriorated, his devotion never wavered. He would happily endure 100-degree weather in his wheelchair just to watch his beloved granddaughter, Kynslee, play softball.
Don possessed an insatiable curiosity and a brilliant mind. No one was allowed to walk through the door to visit Grandpa without their “smart phone” ready; he always had a list of questions written down and waiting for them. Of course, if you asked him his own opinion, it usually turned out he already knew the answer better than Google anyway.
He was an avid history buff who loved a good conspiracy theory, and he firmly knew who killed JFK. Country music was his absolute passion, prompting his favorite granddaughter to beautifully note, “Grandpa is in Heaven with Dolly Parton now.”
Don is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Carol Hubach of Topeka; his three children, Michelle (Alan) Meier of Auburn, Russell (Tracy) Hubach of Topeka and Dustin Hubach of Holton; his two sisters, Anita Ray and Marilyn Haynes; and his brother, Bob (Delores) Hubach. His legacy lives on through his four grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren, three great-grandchildren, six stepgreat-grandchildren and another great-grandchild expected to arrive soon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Lena; and his brother, Ted Hubach.
Though we miss him more than words can say, we will carry his memory, his integrity and his wisdom with us forever. Rest in peace, Dad.
A visitation with family in Don’s memory will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Holton Veterans Club, 926 W. Sixth St.
(PAID OBITUARY)
