Gene Weishaar 1944-2023
Eugene (Gene) William Weishaar, 78, Wathena, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 3, 2023.
Gene was born Nov. 10, 1944, the third oldest child of Arthur and Loretta (Noll) Weishaar.
Gene graduated from ACCHS in 1963, joined the Air Force in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969 at the rank of E-5. He served in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, and Minot, N.D., as a jet engine/airplane mechanic where he formed lifelong friendships with his fellow servicemen. He then worked at Rockwell International (Bradken) as a machinist/quality control manager until his retirement. In 2004 he went to work for I&M Machine and Fabrication, retiring in 2014.
Gene’s hobbies included woodworking, golfing, a good game of pitch and hunting and fishing with his kids and grandkids. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, build or repurpose with his many talents. His children will remember his strong hands, kind heart and perseverance. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and family gatherings, especially Sundays spent with family at Grandma and Grandpa Weishaar’s.
Gene was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Wathena for more than 44 years. There was not a part of the church Gene did not touch. He served as eucharistic minister for more than 30 years and obtained status of Grand Knight and Chancellor of the Knights of Columbus Council 9532. Gene will be fondly remembered as Grandpa Gene by the many youths he taught in religious education.
He was an active member of Wathena American Legion Post 161, serving as chaplain, color guard and bugler.
Gene married DeAnn Marie Huff on Aug. 22, 1970. DeAnn preceded him in death on June 6, 1982. Gene then met and married Jennifer A. Mercer on July 27, 1990. She preceded him in death on July 13, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Alberta Weishaar; and brothers–in-law, Jon Larson and Mike Lee.
Survivors include six children: David Weishaar, Troy, Annette Weishaar, Las Vegas, Nev., Paula (Scott) Morris, Holton, Peggy (Tim) Franken, Troy, Duane (Jamie) Weishaar, Troy, and Jana Campbell, St. Joseph, Mo.; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Also, sisters Betty Larson, Roberta Spradling, Theresa (Bob) Freeman, Alvera Lee and Pauline (Tom) Lee; brother Don (Pat) Weishaar; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Wathena. Visitation will be held Friday, June 9, beginning with rosary at 5:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church. Interment will be held in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Nortonville, following the service at 1:30 p.m. Friends may call after 12 noon Thursday at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Renovation Fund, Knights of Columbus Council 9532 or Wathena American Legion Post 161, sent in care of Harman Rohde Funeral Home, P.O. Box 426, Wathena, KS 66090. www.harmanrohde.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
