Eugene (Gene) William Weishaar, Wathena, Kansas, age 78 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family June 3, 2023. Gene was born November 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, North Dakota 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 over 44 years. There was not a part of the church Gene did not touch. He served as Eucharistic Minister for over 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 August 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, brothers –in-law Jon Larson and Mike Lee.
Survivors include six children: David Weishaar, Troy, Ks; Annette Weishaar, Las Vegas, NV; Paula (Scott) Morris, Holton, Ks; Peggy (Tim) Franken, Troy, Ks; Duane (Jamie) Weishaar, Troy, Ks and Jana Campbell, St. Joseph, MO., 13 grandchildren, 6 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 Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Wathena, Kansas. Visitation Friday, June 9, 2023, beginning with rosary at 5:30 P.M. followed by visitation from 6:00P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the church. Interment St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Nortonville, Kansas, following the service at 1:30 P.M. Friends may call after 12 noon Thursday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
