Larry DeWayne Wedel
Larry DeWayne Wedel Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (jostfuneralhome.com)
January 25, 1945 - September 18, 2022
Larry DeWayne Wedel, loving father and friend, passed away at age 77 on September 18, 2022. He was born to Nathan and Betty (Koehn) Wedel on January 25, 1945.
Raised on the family farm northwest of Durham, farming was in Larry’s blood. As a child he enjoyed riding the tractor with his Grandpa Koehn and working in the fields alongside his brothers. He told stories of swimming in the stock tank, Sunday chicken dinners at Grandma Koehn’s and riding in his Uncle Vic’s flashy car.
In high school he was a proud member of the 1963 State Basketball Champion, Durham Hornets. Throughout his life he aspired to keep the “Spirit of ’63” alive and carried that strength and determination through every challenge he faced.
In 1969 Larry and then-wife Theresa purchased their own dairy farm. He enjoyed it all – feeding and milking cows, working the ground, harvesting wheat, and putting up hay. He loved having his kids and grandkids sitting beside him in the tractor. Later in life, he referred to the farm as his friend, and he never wanted to leave. He built close friendships with other farmers in the community. In recent years, he developed a knack for packing silage, and was grateful to be a part of the forage chopping crew.
In times of leisure, he enjoyed Friday nights at Salina Speedway, hot rod tractor pulls, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a special affection for cherry pie, the rumble of a big block Chevy, and the singing of old Mennonite hymns. His children and grandchildren remember him for his playful, easy-going manner, deep voice, big hands, unfailing generosity and tireless work ethic.
Survivors include brothers Doug (Mona) of Est Omerville, Quebec, Canada, Steve (Cindy) of Abilene, KS, Curtis (Joy) of Durham, KS, Monte of Scottsdale, AZ, and sister Mona (Dale) Koop of Abilene, KS; children Darcy (Shannon) of Great Bend, KS, Dana of Portland, OR, and Dara of Fresno, CA; grandchildren Ethan, Evan, Emily and Cy.
Memorial service will be held Monday, September 26, at Grace Community Fellowship, 613 Adams, Hillsboro, KS. Visitation with family at 10:00 a.m., followed by service at 10:30 a.m.. Lunch for friends and family will be served immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Fund in Larry’s name, in the care of Jost Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry, please visit our floral store.