Gerald Reed Wedel

Gerald R Wedel 86, died Friday, June 30, 2023 at his Newton residence. He was born November 11, 1936 in Newton, Kansas to Eben and Julia (Schroeder) Wedel. He grew up in the Canton/McPherson area, graduated from McPherson High School, and attended McPherson College.  On October 12, 1956 he married Joyce E Jantz at Grace Hill Mennonite Church and they lived in Newton, KS for their whole marriage.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Joyce, 2 sons Rodney and Roger, and one Daughter Cindy Fulton. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister and sisters Evelyn Bartel and Leola Koehn. He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Jantz Wedel.

Gerald was a member of Grace Hill Mennonite Church.  He served in many roles from youth sponsor, to the church board, to the social committee, to volunteering on mission projects.

He worked in the mobile home industry for many years. After retirement, he relished in working at K&E Interiors with Terry Klassen and Dave Ediger.

He enjoyed raising Pony of the Americas horses and showing them in Kansas & Oklahoma winning lots of trophies and blue ribbons.

He loved going on family vacations to Colorado and fishing for trout.

He excelled in gardening and tomato plants were his favorite to grow, often towering over 7 feet tall.

Yellow dandelions didn't dare pop up their heads in his yard. Using his John Deere mower, no one else could mow and maintain the yard to his standard.

Woodworking was Gerald's greatest hobby and he was very much a perfectionist. He made many projects for their home as well as for others.

He volunteered at both the Newton Homeless Shelter and Et Cetera for many years.

KU men's basketball was his favorite sport and much advice was offered up to the players as he watched them on TV.

A graveside committal service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 at Grace Hill Mennonite Cemetery in rural Whitewater, Kansas. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., in the sanctuary with Pastor Weldon Martens presiding. There will be no public visitation.

Memorials in Gerald's memory may be made to Grace Hill Mennonite Church and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home.