Gerald E. 'Jerry' Wiechman, Scott City
https://www.priceandsons.com/obituaries/gerald-wiechman
October 9. 1928 - August 12, 2023
Gerald E. “Jerry” Wiechman, age 94, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on October 9, 1928, in Sedgwick County, Kansas, the son of John and Hilda Koch Wiechman.
A resident of Scott County, Kansas since 1929, he moved with his family from Sedgwick County, Kansas, and grew up on the family farm for miles north of Scott City. He was a farmer and stockman.
Jerry, as he was best known, attended schools in Scott County, graduating with the class of 1946.
Following graduation, Jerry became engaged in farming with his father. He became a very aggressive farmer, introducing many new practices both in farming and the cattle business, one of which was the introduction of high-moisture corn as cattle feed to Scott County and Kansas.
Jerry was active in his church serving numerous positions. He also served on the Lutheran Hospital Board, Scott County and Kansas Livestock Association, charter member of the Scott COOP, and served as a board member and president of Western Kansas Groundwater Management, Scott County Soil Conservation, Park Lane Nursing Home board, and alongside his wife Joyce, served as chairman of the All-School Reunion Committees in 1980, 1990 and 1995, and Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 3110.
Jerry was an adventurous sort. He sneaked a parental signature from his mother to play football in high school, knowing full well that his dad would say no. He never got over his love for football and got to relive it when his grandson, Erik was on the varsity team.
As a senior in high school, he was a member of the SCHS Flying Club where he achieved a solo license.
His favorite hobby, however, was probably his work. He took great pride in growing beautiful crops and marketing good cattle. It was rumored that Jerry and his brother Donnie (with whom he partnered for many years) had the straightest rows in Scott County. In 1958 he was the winner of the 100 Bushel Milo Club, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, and was the “Outstanding Young Farmer” of Scott County in 1961. His farm became a frequent stop for governors and foreign dignitaries. He served as a mentor for many young men who worked for him as summer jobs.
When his sons grew up they became partners with their dad. The operation has continued to grow despite many tough setbacks. Some hail storms and falling cattle prices tried really hard to put him out of business, but Jerry was a very determined man and always came back fighting. He was very proud of his sons when he opted to turn operations over to them. After Gordon’s death, he again became very proud of his grandsons, Erik and Brian who became partners as well.
Jerry loved having fun too. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, dancing, square dancing, and in later years golfing and traveling especially in the motorhome, and being a super grandpa. Just when he and Joyce were starting to enjoy retirement, their son Gordon’s death made it necessary for him to spend more time at the farm, but Jay gave him a leave of absence to spend winters in Arizona.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, sons Jay W. Wiechman of Kirwin, Kansas, Norman and Laura Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, daughter-in-law Susan Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, sister Velda Riddiough of Scott City, Kansas, 10 grandchildren, Erik and Leann Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, Brian and Mikayla Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, Jaycie Gluck of Savage Minnesota, Jeremy and Annagrey Wiechman of Little Elm, Texas, Kenny and Cyreesa Wiechman of Georgetown, Texas, Jessica and Luke Adkins of Salina, Kansas, Gabrel and Kristen Baca of Austin, Texas, Joseph and Megan Baca of Wichita, Kansas, Jerrad and Stephanie Lewis of Eudora, Kansas, Josh and Cynthia Lewis of Garden City, Kansas, and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Gordon Wiechman, three brothers, Marvin Wiechman, Martin Wiechman, Donald Wiechman, three sisters, Geneva Faurot, Luella Erskin, and LaVera King.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Matthew Koterba presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be written to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m Monday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.