Louis Aloysius Wahlmeier, 82, of Colby, died Monday, Dec. 26,
2022, at his home. Louis was born Nov. 24, 1940, to Aloysius Louis
and Credilla Ruth (Spohrer) Wahlmeier in Jennings. He graduated from
Jennings Rural High School in 1958. He attended college and earned a
degree in education from Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City
in 1963.
Louis was united in the Sacrament of Marriage to Janet Juenemann at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville on Feb. 27, 1965.
He was a junior high school teacher for 12 years in various towns including
teaching some classes in the French language. He was a farm laborer for
25 years with Barton Farms of Colby. He worked at J & J Oil Company
in Colby for five years running the fuel tank wagon. He rounded out his
working years working for five years at Orscheln Farm & Home in Colby.
Louis was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby. He
was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 62 years
serving as the financial secretary for the K of C for 13 years and serving a term as the Grand Knight.
Louis was very strong and devoted to his Catholic faith and the Sacraments. He was involved in many aspects of the church, including teaching classes in religious education and Confirmation, being a Confirmation sponsor for several young adults.
He served on the Parish Council, school council and the Diocese of Salina Pastoral Council. He was an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, Lector and Mass Server for daily Mass for several years.
The one
ministry that was Louis Wahlmeier was the Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults (RCIA). He was a mainstay in this program for 30 years. He
would walk with and teach men and women who would journey through this
program wanting to join as full members of the Catholic church. He
studied and spent hours preparing for the classes and took a real
interest in the people, their lives and their families. He wanted them to
learn about the Catholic faith, receive the sacraments and become
faithful and active members of the church that he loved.
Louis was a kind, gentle, quiet man with a good sense of humor. He loved
people and being around others at all kinds of gatherings. He could
relate with and talk to all ages of people. He earned the respect and
admiration of all who came into contact with him throughout his life. He
frequently donated blood and enjoyed gardening, being very meticulous
with not a weed to be found!
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Norbert, Vincent,
Robert, Galen and Paul Wahlmeier; sisters, Loretta Byrne, Virginia
Bruggeman, Rita Pallante and Sister Frances Cabrini Wahlmeier.
Louis is survived by his wife, Janet of the home; son, Kevin (Janet)
Wahlmeier of Raleigh, N.C.; brothers, Hugh (Kay) Wahlmeier of Horseheads,
N.Y., John (Francia) Wahlemier of San Manuel, Ariz., and Carl (Linda)
Wahlmeier of Jennings; sisters, Elaine Veach of Nashville, Tenn. and
Jane (John) Cassidy of Stillwell, Kan.; along with many nephews, nieces
and a host of friends.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Vigil at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.
28, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Mass is at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby,
with burial in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School or Hospice Services of NWKS and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.
For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.