Jerry Wiechman
Gerald E. ‘Jerry’ Wiechman
Gerald E. “Jerry” Wiechman, 94, died Aug. 12, 2023, at Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City.
He was born on Oct. 9, 1928, in Sedgwick County, the son of John and Hilda (Koch) Wiechman.
A resident of Scott County since 1929, he moved with his family from Sedgwick County and grew up on the family farm four 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 SCHS 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 in numerous positions. He also served on the Lutheran Hospital Board, Scott County and Kansas Livestock Association; was a charter member of the Scott Co-op, serving as a board member and president; and served on the boards of the Western Kansas Groundwater Management District, Scott County Soil Conservation District and Park Lane Nursing Home.
Alongside his wife, Joyce, he served as chairman of the All-School Reunion Committees in 1980, 1990 and 1995, and the Aid Association for Lutherans Branch No. 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, Scott City; two sons, Jay W. Wiechman, Kirwin, and Norman Wiechman and wife, Laura, Scott City; one daughter- in-law, Susan Wiechman, Scott City; one sister, Velda Riddiough, Scott City; 10 grandchildren, Erik Wiechman and wife, Leann, Scott City, Brian Wiechman and wife, Mikayla, Scott City, Jaycie Gluck, Savage, Minn., Jeremy Wiechman and wife, Annagrey, Little Elm, Tex., Kenny Wiechman and wife, Cyreesa, Georgetown, Tex., Jessica Adkins and husband, Luke, Salina, Gabe Baca and wife, Kristen, Austin, Tex., Joseph Baca and wife, Megan, Wichita, Jerrad Lewis and wife, Stephanie, Eudora, and Josh Lewis and wife, Cynthia, Garden City; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gordon Wiechman; three brothers, Marvin Wiechman, Martin Wiechman and Donald Wiechman; and three sisters, Geneva Faurot, Luella Erskin and LaVera King.
The funeral service was held Aug. 16 at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City with Rev. Matthew Koterba presiding.
Interment was in the Scott County Cemetery.
Donations can be written to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price and Sons Funeral Homes, Box 553, Scott City, Ks., 67871.