Bert R. Degand Sr.

Bert R. Degand Sr., 77, of Topeka, KS passed away at his home on February 19, 2025, after battling colon cancer.

Bert was born on September 24, 1947, in Topeka, KS. He graduated from Hayden High School and was a Vietnam veteran with the United States Army. Bert retired from Delmonte Pet Foods, but he later started his own family computer business with his youngest son, Bret.

Survivors include his wife, Viola, of almost 55 years, but they had known each other over 60 years. They have three children: Tammy Tefft (Brian Sr.); Bert Degand Jr.; and Bret Degand (Rachel). There are six grandchildren: Brian Jr., Brittany, Bret Jr., Halle, Delaney, and Blake. There are three great grandchildren: Bentley, Anistyn, and Brynlie.

One brother, Phil Degand Sr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Virginia Degand as well as two brothers, George Degand and Mike Degand Jr.

Bert enjoyed spending time with family and loved racing. From the early days of his dirt track racing at Shawnee County Fairgrounds to the years of his children and grandchildren racing quarter midgets, he loved every minute of it. He traveled all over the country to quarter midget grand nationals with his grandchildren. Later, he enjoyed going to the casino with his wife to the concerts and spent some time gambling on the slot machines.

He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. He was loved by his family and will be missed but not forgotten.