Jerry Norman Nitschke, age 88, of Wamego, passed away June 6, 2024, at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
Jerry was born (along with his twin sister, Jermaine Norma) on January 1, 1936, to Otto and Emma (Klundt) Nitschke in Alfred, North Dakota. He was one of twelve children (six brothers and six sisters). He worked on the family farm until 1956.
After leaving the family farm, Jerry joined the United States Army in March of 1956. He went to basic training in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was stationed in Korea for one year during the Korean War, before returning to the United States & stationed at Fort Riley Kansas, where he was a platoon leader and trained new recruits. It was here that Jerry met his future wife, Connie Brockell.
After being honorably discharged from the Army in March 1959, Jerry & Connie got married on May 20, 1960 & spent the next 64 years together.
On February 1, 1961, Jerry went on to work at Manhattan Auto Supply as a store manager, which kickstarted a 49-year career in automotive parts sales & distribution. Throughout that time, he worked for Big A Auto Parts, CM Auto Supply, & Dick Edwards Ford.
Jerry and Connie would go on to have two sons, Steven Ray, born December 1, 1962 and Darin Lee born June 7, 1965.
In 2010, Jerry retired from the parts business. He enjoyed working in his yard and garden, putting together puzzles, and the only options in life to drive were Ford Trucks and John Deere Tractors, according to Jerry. He loved to be around his family and friends and have fun telling jokes and stories of all the mischief he took part in. Jerry was a member of the American Legion in Manhattan, he and Connie always had fun being part of the activities going on there. Most recently, Jerry was able to participate in the Kansas Honor Flight through Wamego High School with his student ambassador, Alexa, this last April.
Jerry was preceded in death by his five brothers, Kenneth (Marian) of Jud, ND; Larry (Shirley) of Jamestown, ND; Emmett (Verdella) of Jamestown, ND; Milton (Jolene) of Jamestown, ND; and Dwight of Alfred, ND. As well as four sisters, Joyce Henne of Alfred, ND; Jeannine Nitschke of Jamestown, ND; Jermaine (Walter) Murray of Roseburg, OR; and Carol (Leroy) Joslin of Antlers, OK.
He is survived by wife, Connie; sons, Steve (Deanna) Nitschke of Manhattan, Darin (Julie) Nitschke of Topeka; Sisters, Darlene (Norbert) Schlenker of Sutterline, OR; Karen Sears of Mt. Vernon, MO. Grandchildren, Dallas (Kaitlin) Nitschke of Salina, Stevie Nitschke of Washington, Madison Nitschke of Topeka, and Joshua Nitschke of Topeka; Great grandchildren, Burch Alan, Kellen Ray, and Emmett Lee.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 14 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Memorial service on Saturday, June 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel.
In honor of Jerry the family asks you to drive your old car or Ford if you have one so he can have one last car show!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kansas Honor Flight, an organization Jerry was most appreciative of. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.