The final grandparent on my mother’s side died recently. Grandpa Jim. I have too may memories of him to recount, but I will always remember him wearing his cowboy hat and the way he laughed. I was honored to be able to write his obituary, which follows. I miss him, but I know he is in a better place now.
Jim James Wiederstein, 84 of McPherson, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014, at McPherson Hospital. He formerly lived in Marion, El Dorado, and Galva. Jim had been an oil field worker and refinery worker.
Jim was born on November 22, 1929, in Galva, KS, the son of Albert and Elizabeth (Goertz) Wiederstein.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the El Dorado American Legion and El Dorado VFW.
He attended grade school at the Grasshopper Country School in rural Galva.
Jim participated in rodeos by taking part in the calf roping events. He particularly enjoyed going over to John Grant’s to practice his roping skills. Later in life he became a mason.
Besides working as an oil well pumper, he co-owned a cafe in Galva. He was a farmer, and he loved to live in the country. Assembling jigsaw puzzles served as one of his favorite pastimes, but when he wasn’t doing a puzzle, you could usually find him having coffee with his friends.
Jim had a wonderful sense of humor. He was always quick to laugh and joke.
Spending time with his family brought Jim great joy. Whether it was chatting with his daughters and their husbands or spending time catching up with his grandchildren, Jim cherished every moment. He especially enjoyed seeing his great-grandson EJ. His face always lit up.
Survivors include: daughters Beth Ann Shafer and husband Geoff, of Galva, KS, and Karen Vogts and husband Steve, of Canton, KS; brother Dean Wiederstein and wife June, of Inman, KS; sister Mary Jane Tatro, of Hutchinson, KS; four grandchildren, Amanda Shafer of Galva, KS, Christopher Shafer of McPherson, KS, Todd Vogts of Sterling, KS, and Troy Vogts of Canton, KS; and one great-grandson, Edward James “E.J.” Shafer of Salina, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Minnie Davis, Helen Crane, and Edna Rucker.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 10, 2014, with Military Honors at Empire Cemetery in Galva, KS. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, July 9, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Memorial donations may be given to the American Legion Riders Chapter #24, McPherson, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.
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