Jerry William Abitz, 81, of Wheaton, Kansas, died Sunday, December 13, 2020, at the Wellsprings Care Center in Wesmtoreland. He was a life-long resident of the community.
Jerry was born October 14, 1939, in rural Wheaton, Kansas, the son of Herbert F. and Adelina Honig Abitz. He attended Pleasant Hill School and in 1958 graduated from Wheaton High School.
Jerry was born with Cerebral Palsy, but he never let his disability keep him from living a normal life. He was the bookkeeper for the family farm and also was an active member of the operation. He raked hay and drove tractor. He raised chickens and sold his eggs to the local school and store. In his later years, Jerry was willing to help at the nursing home. He set the dining tables and folded napkins. Jerry had a very bright mind, and an exceptional memory, and ability with figures. He enjoyed playing cards and dominos and was known sometimes to be outspoken.
Jerry was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church and served as the Sunday School Superintendent for fifteen years. Just before his 70th birthday, Jerry received the Resident of the Year Award from the Kansas Health Care Organization.
Jerry is survived by his brothers, Lee Abitz (Barbara), Emmett, and Ron Abitz (Barbara), Westmoreland; five nieces and nephews, Branda Hupe (Kevin), Lynette Abitz, Chris Abitz (Jessica), Joe LaBlanc (Staci), and Marcus Abitz (Jordan); and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Service day and time is pending and will be announced by the Campanelloa Family Funeral Home.