Marion Wietharn

February 20, 1936 - February 1, 2021

Marion Wietharn, 84, Allen, Texas, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021. Marion was born February 20, 1936, in Baileyville, Kansas, the son of Edwin and Irmena Rettele Wietharn. He graduated from Baileyville High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. Marion married Phyllis Ann Stueve at St. Michael’s Church in Axtell, Kansas, on September 7, 1959. He worked just shy of 40 years for the State of Kansas where he retired in the Division of Information Systems and Communications. Marion was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed golfing, fishing and working on small engines. He was so brilliant in how mechanical things worked that he became the neighborhood handyman willing to tackle anyone’s lawn equipment repairs or home plumbing issues. Marion is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Kent Wietharn, Jule Rook (David) and Ross Wietharn (Jenny); six grandchildren, Evan Wietharn, Rachel Eldridge (Matthew), Trent Rook, Bryce Rook, Anna Wietharn, and Michael Wietharn; and all thirteen of his siblings, Galen Wietharn (Cleta), Phyllis Burger, Donnie Wietharn (Alice), Al Wietharn (Tillie), Dee Heideman, Bill Wietharn (Kay), Jane Niehaus (Frank), Gerri Lierz (Robert), Lynn Wietharn (Ruth), Keith Wietharn (Judy), Sue Wassenburg (Bob), Darlene Slattery (Jerry) and Max Wietharn. Marion was the fourth eldest. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Kenny Burger and Lee Heideman. Marion loved the outdoors and camping. Trips during the summer to scenic areas in nearby states with the family camper were the highlights of their early lives. He took his family to all the state parks and recreation areas in the states surrounding Kansas, but the most memorable moments were just pulling off the side of the road in Colorado in the mountains and camping near fresh, ice-cold brooks or streams and exploring the countryside. Marion was very close to all his family and doted on his nephews, nieces and grandkids. He would challenge them to a game of pool or ping pong in his basement where there were also plenty of toys and games to play. In his later years he wrestled with Parkinson’s disease, but was determined not to let it stop him from doing what he loved, golfing and fixing things. Amazingly, he never lost his touch with the pool cue. He absolutely loved to watch his grandkids in all their activities – especially sports. While in Texas, he and Phyllis enjoyed spending Friday nights watching his grandkids march in the high school band at football games and Saturdays going to his grandsons’ basketball games. Visitation will be 3 to 5 pm. Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where a rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing absolutely required. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church at and will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page. Marion will be buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 801 SW Westchester in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Parkinson’s Voice Project at parkinsonvoiceproject.org, or Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson.org. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.