Verlyn Frederick Witthuhn, age 98, of Bazine, Kansas, passed away April 2, 2020 at Cedar Village, Long Term Care, Ness City, Kansas. He was born on July 19, 1921 at home, 1.25 miles west of Bazine, the son of Louis H., Sr. and Anna (Mauth) Witthuhn. He was raised on the family farm, attended Walnut Hill School and Bazine High School, graduating in the class of 1940. Verlyn served in the U.S. Army from 1942 – 1946, stationed in the Philippines, during World War II.
Verlyn and Melba Irene Price were married on June 3, 1947, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bazine. Verlyn was a life-long farmer, cattleman and rancher. He retired in 2008. He was a lifetime resident of Bazine and involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors at the Bazine Cooperative Grain and Supply, Bazine City Council and Larned PCA Board of Directors. He was a founding member and elder of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and a founding member of American Legion Post 392.
Verlyn was a square dance caller and instructor for over 20 years in western Kansas. Verlyn and Melba enjoyed square dancing and made many friends over the years square dancing.
Verlyn was a devoted and loving husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. He is survived by his wife Melba, of 72 years; three children and spouses, Verlene (Gayle) Miller of Bentonville, Arkansas; Arlen (Michele) Witthuhn of Bazine, Kansas; and Sharlitta (John) Johnson of Topeka, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kimberly Rossman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jason (Jenny) Miller of Bentonville, Arkansas; Brianne Johnson of Topeka and McKenzie Johnson of Kansas City, Kansas; four great granddaughters, Harley and Brinna Rossman and Jules and Jess Miller.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Lena and Ralph Strecker, brother Milton “Bud” Witthuhn, brother and sister-in-law Louis H., Jr. and Sibyl Witthuhn, brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Harriett Witthuhn, three nephews, Jon Strecker, Larry Witthuhn and Eldon Witthuhn and two nieces Janice Strecker and Verta Witthuhn.
Interment in the Bazine Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bazine Fire Department or Cedar Village, Long Term Care.