John Wayne Cluck, 86, passed away Friday, March 22, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Wathena, Kansas.
John Wayne was born on April 18, 1937, in Highland, Kansas to John F. and Katherine E. (Jackson) Cluck. The family moved to Bendena, Ks where he spent his early childhood working with his dad and brothers on the farm. He graduated from Bendena High School in 1955, stayed on the family farm a couple more years, worked a short time with Phillips Petroleum in KC then enlisted in the Army.
Upon returning from service in Germany, John Wayne began a 29-year career with Quaker Oats Co, serving in various positions, while still farming. Following his retirement from Quakers, he went to work for Rural Water District #5 in NEK and was named Rural Water District Manager of the year for the state of Kansas in 2000. On the side he would invest in houses to remodel.
John, or Wayne as many knew him, was a man of many talents and trades. He enjoyed fixing up old tractors, making amazing woodworking projects, and helping anyone that needed a job done.
His free time was spent traveling with his wife/family, playing cards with friends or sitting on the porch swing enjoying the view.
John Wayne married his high school sweetheart Janice Ricklefs on February 3, 1961, in Platte City, Missouri. She survives of the home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Larry Wayne Cluck, brother, Connie Cluck, and sister, Geraldine Clark.
Additional survivors, children, Randy Cluck (Julie), and Rhonda Cluck, St. Joseph, Missouri.
John Cluck (Heather), Wathena, Kansas.
9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Brother, Darrell Cluck.
Sister-in-law, Virginia Cluck.
Numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 27, 2024.At the First Baptist Church, Wathena, Kansas.Visitation: 6-8 P.M. Tuesday evening at the church. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Tuesday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.Memorials: Wathena EMS or the First Baptist Church, Wathena, Kansas.
