Delbert Eugene Wiedeman Sr., 82, of WaKeeney, KS was born September 7, 1939, in Hays, KS to Alvin and Olinda (Rohn) Wiedeman and passed away January 9, 2022, as a cherished husband, father, grandfather and unwavering friend to so many. Del is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children Del Jr. and Crystol, his grandchildren, Chantel, Crystol and Micah, his brother Larry Wiedeman and his nieces and nephew, Heather (Wiedeman) Moore, Heidi (Wiedeman) Holopirek, Jerot Pearson, and Karen (Pearson) Holland and their families.
He was united in marriage to Patricia (Pat) Lawson on August 20, 1967, in Atwood, KS. As a pilot, Del flew his new wife on their honeymoon to Yellowstone National Park in a Cessna 182. They celebrated 54 years of marriage last year.
Del was the most kind, positive and generous person as is indicative of the way he chose to live his life; the same way he proudly served his family, his church, his community, and his country. He served in the United States Navy from 1957-1960. He served on the Zion Lutheran Church Board. He also spent a portion of his career as Secretary- Treasurer, Vice President and President for the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers from 1985 to 1987. From 1988 to 1990 he served in the same roles for the National Association of Wheat Growers where he was instrumental in the creation of the 1990 Farm Bill. In 1991, Del was awarded Kansas Wheat Man of the Year. Del also served on the Conservation board for 20 years. Lastly, he served his wife, children, and grandchildren in everything he did, as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and role model.
After his military service, he received his bachelor’s degree in Business at Fort Hays State University. While in college, he earned his pilot’s license while working at the Hays airport. He started working as an insurance agent with Federated Insurance in Colby, KS. He later moved to WaKeeney where he continued as an insurance agent at Trego WaKeeney State Bank. In 1984, Del started TWI (“Trego WaKeeney Insurance”), and in 1986 Larry Dietz joined TWI to form TWI-Dietz.
One of Del’s greatest passions was his farm. He would frequently joke that he needed to have a job to support his farming hobby. In addition to being a hard-working farmer, Del was quite adept at using things around the farm to teach life skills to his children, grandchildren, and even periodic visitors to the farm. In addition to growing up on the farm, Del was actively involved in the management of the operation since 1975.
Del is predeceased by his parents Alvin and Olinda Wiedeman, his sister Mary Ann Pearson, his brother-in-law Vance Pearson and his sister-in-law Angie (Rein) Wiedeman.
Services will be held at the Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS on Friday, January 14th, at 1PM. Interment will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney following the Celebration of Life service.
Memorial contributions may be donated to the Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital Endowment Fund or St. Labre Indian School. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com