Vernon Weichel Obituary

Vernon "Vern" Lee Weichel

September 10, 1934 - July 12, 2025

Vernon "Vern" Lee Weichel was born on September 10, 1934, on the farm near Plymouth, Nebraska, to Louis J. and Ida M. (Loth) Weichel. He was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical Church of Christ. He attended church faithfully, throughout his life, and was a member of the Peace United Methodist Church until his peaceful passing. Vern attended Plymouth school until he graduated in 1952.

Vern started working for his mother and father on their family farm at a young age. After high school, he joined the National Guard Armory, serving for 10 years. In 1957, Vern moved to Lincoln and worked for Cushman's Manufacturing, as well as helping his father on the farm.

Vern met June Bitting in 1958 at the Ranchero Drive Inn in Beatrice. Vern and June married June 21, 1959, at the First Christian Church in Beatrice. They resided in Lincoln until 1960, when they moved to his family farm. There, Vern and June raised crops and numerous livestock. Vern remained on his farm (a fully blessed 66 years) until his death.

To the union of Vern and June, three children were born, Cassandra (Cass), Kirk, and Valoree (Val). Vern worked various jobs, maintained the farm, supported, and protected his family. Through the years, he worked at Dempster Manufacturing Company, drove bus for Tri-County school district, as well as maintaining his farm and livestock. In 1962, June was diagnosed with cancer. This led to her having an above the knee amputation. Even though June was limited, she continued to drive a tractor to help Vern. They were quite the team.

Vern retired from Phillps fertilizer plant (now Koch) in rural Nebraska in 1995. Once retired from farming, he helped his nephew, Dennis, plant and harvest crops part-time. Vern helped remodel the Country Store in Plymouth and helped friends with remodeling homes.

Vern was never a stranger to anyone and known as a "workaholic." He managed to have some relaxation and fun in life. Vern enjoyed fishing, boating, water-skiing, playing cards, playing board games, solving Sudoku puzzles, and doing word finds. He learned to work his computer, playing hearts and his favorite game was Aggravation. Vern made the game board out of wood with his own hands, carving the holes to place marbles on. He was an avid race fan and loved going to the races at the Beatrice speedway.

Vern and June loved to travel. They traveled to New Orleans, La., to visit relatives. They also traveled to Branson numerous times. In Branson, Vern and June loved to go to music shows such as Boxcar Willie, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens. Vern loved his family. He enjoyed attending grandchildren and great-grandchildren school activities with his wife. Vern helped his church with office duties and sang in the church choir.

Vern in survived by his wife, June; daughters, Cass Bienhoff of Plymouth, and Val Ideus (James) of Martell; son, Kirk Weichel (Cindy) of Harbine, Neb.; grandchildren, Brad Bienhoff of Plymouth, Brooke Oberly (Troy) of El Dorado, Kan., Brianna Weichel of Hastings, Neb., Dillon Weichel of Fairbury, Neb., Stephanie Awnings (Tompson) of Martell, Neb., Hannah Geagham (Stephen) of Omaha, Neb., Macy Johnson (Tyler) of Seward, Neb., and Adam Ideus of Martell, Neb.; 11 great-grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Delmar Weichel; sister, Winona Vail; sister-in-law, Luella Weichel; and niece, Cindy Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Peace United Methodist Church in Plymouth with Pastor Lori Miller officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, July 18, 2025, at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Plymouth from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Peace United Methodist Church or St. Jude's Hospital in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com.

Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.