Gerald "Jerry" Dee Lichtenhan

Gerald Dee “Jerry” Lichtenhan, 82, of Wamego, Kansas, died Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Wamego Health Center.  He was a long-time and active member of the community.

Jerry was born September 12,1941 in Wamego, Kansas, the son of David John and Dorothy Amelia (Holuba) Lichtenhan. He attended local schools including St. Bernard Elementary School and Wamego High School. He attended Emporia State University and earned a bachelor's degree in business. He began his career with the F.W. Woolworth Company, managing several different stores across the country. He served six years in the Army Reserves and National Guard. Jerry came home to Wamego in 1977 and used his retail management skills to own and operate Lichtenhan Hardware, the family's long-time business. The community knew when they came to the store they would be greeted by Jerry and receive personal service from him and the staff.

Jerry was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church. There he served on the Parish Council, served as Capital Campaign Co-Manager for the Building Committee and was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Lion's Club and Chamber of Commerce. He was a Kansas State football fan and enjoyed reading. His passion was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and serving his community in the hardware store.

Jerry married Mary Suzanne Vice on March 13, 1971.  After fifty-two years sharing their lives and working together, Suzanne survives at their home.

Jerry is also survived by his children; Shanel Cole (Mike), Wamego, Tiffany Hueser (Dan), Wells, and Jeffrey Lichtenhan, Tampa, Florida; and his five grandchildren, Austin Waters, Parker Waters, Emma Hueser, Gabriel Hueser, and Victoria Hueser.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Lichtenhan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, October 30, 2023, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego, Kansas.  Father Mike Peterson will be the Celebrant.  Burial will follow in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery.  Jerry will lie-in-state on Sunday, October 29th, beginning at 3:00 pm with a Rosary being held at 5:00 pm, followed by a visitation until 7:00 pm at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.  The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Bernard Catholic Church, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.