John J. Wetter, age 91, passed away December 12, 2018 at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas; surrounded by family.

He was born to G. Henry and Margaret (Stroot) Wetter on December 7, 1927 at their family home in rural Norton County. A lifelong Norton County resident, John attended Highland School through the eighth-grade. He completed his freshman year at Norton Community High School, but his help was needed on the farm. He received his GED in May 1970.

On January 16, 1954 John married Verena V. Seiler at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Wichita. They made their home near Norton in the house where John was born. To this union eleven children were born.

John spent most of his life farming, but also drove a school bus, worked at the sale barn, and for 21 years was the boiler fireman for the State of Kansas at Norton State Hospital-later Norton Correctional Facility. He also served on the Highland School Board. He was a life-time member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #1510 for 69 years.

He is survived by four sons: Fred (Megan) Wetter of Norton, Clarence (Rebecca) Wetter of Norton, Gerald (Justina) Wetter of Norton, and Paul Wetter of Hays; seven daughters Mary (Mike) Mattas of Wilson, Theresa (Stan) Blair of Oakley, Phyllis Wetter of Euless, TX, Leona (Neil) Rumford of Dodge City, Marcia (Terry) Kraft of Dodge City, Lois (Jack) Bunch of Halstead, Sara (Ernie) Valdez of Sandia Park, NM. In addition, he is survived by 16 grandchildren: Amanda (Kelby) Ternes, Andrea (fiancé Connor Flegler), ReChelle (Brad) Zerr, Natalie Blair, Veronica Blair, Luke Blair, Megan Canfield, Scott Rumford, Gina (Shaun) Cochran, Wesley (Helena) Bunch, Kylie Bunch, Ezra Wetter, Epiphany Grubbs, Piper Smith, Cody Valdez, and Alison Valdez; and eight great-grandchildren: Ty, Tatum, & Tristan Ternes, Corbin Boles, Maverick Cochran, Kynzlee & Emersyn Bunch, and Annabel Schwinabart, in addition to other family members and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verena; and sister, Helen McVay.

Visitation will be 6:00-7:00 PM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton on Friday, December 14, 2018. Rosary and Vigil service will be at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the church, with Fr. Ted Stoecklein presiding. Interment will be at Norton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus Council #1510.