SMITH CENTER – John Wayne Wiehl, age 70, of Smith Center, Kansas, was called home Sunday, March 24th, 2019.
John was born in Smith Center, to Carl and Valeria (Nedrow) Wiehl. He attended grade school in Portis, Kansas and graduated from Smith Center High School with the class of 1966. He later attended Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas. In 1969, John moved to Stockton, Kansas, when he accepted a position as a parts technician with an International Harvester dealer, Ostmeyers.
Later that year, John met his future wife Cheri Balderston. They were married on October 16th, 1971. They had three children, Travis, Torri and Traci. John’s work with International Harvester eventually took him to Hays, Kansas where he worked for Mid-West International. John and his family moved to Strasburg, Colorado in 1988. For 20+ years, he worked for Case Power and Equipment/Ellen Equipment. After they closed the doors, John spent the next 5 years working for Cummins Rocky Mountain Diesel. In 2016, he retired and moved back to his hometown in Smith Center, Kansas. John was a loyal, dedicated employee and was always known for his strong work ethic and giving his all to his employers.
One of John’s favorite pastimes was ‘cruisin’ in his Ford Mustang. He loved KU basketball, and fishing and hunting. But more than anything, spending time with his family. If you knew John, you loved John. He did not know a stranger and would do anything for anyone. John’s family was the most important part of his life. John will be remembered as a loving, giving, humble man. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. The best of the best.
John is survived by his wife, Cheri Wiehl, of 48 years. Three children, Travis (Pamela) Wiehl, Glendale, AZ. Daughter, Torri (Jason) Schultz, North Platte, NE. Daughter Traci Wiehl, Strasburg, CO. Grandson, Tyler (Naomi) Schultz of North Platte, NE. Granddaughter, Shelbi Smith, Strasburg, CO and great-granddaughter, Quinn Schultz, North Platte, NE. Brothers: Dwight (Gay) – Hutchinson, KS, Russell (Marcia) – Smith Center, KS, Randy (Mary) – Olathe, KS, Bryce, Smith Center, KS. Sisters: Dixie (Marlin) Brown – Wichita, KS, Della Ainsworth – Arvada, CO, Judy Joy – Smith Center, KS, Marge Gilpin – Russell, KS, Connie (Stan) Adams – Shawnee, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.
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