Eugene Westerman

Eugene E. "Gene" Westerman, 79, of Piqua, Kansas, died Friday, August 14, 2009, at Coffey County Hospital in Burlington, Kansas. Gene was born June 6, 1930 to Bernard G. and Anna E. (Link) Westerman in rural Piqua, Kansas. He attended Plum Creek School for four years and then Piqua Catholic School. He graduated from Iola High School. After high school he moved to Denver and was employed at Gates Rubber Company. He joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. On September 22, 1952, Gene married Virginia M. Heiman at a double wedding ceremony at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Piqua with Conrad Heiman, brother of the bride and his wife, Rose Ellen Cavanaugh. In 1963 the family moved from Denver to rural Piqua. He worked for Ollie Kreimer and farmed. He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church and life long member of the Piqua Knights of Columbus where he served two terms as grand knight. He served Woodson county as commissioner for 14 years. Gene loved playing cards, joking around and all of his friends. He liked to garden, go fishing and be with his grandkids and family. SURVIVORS: Wife: Virginia M. Westerman of the home 1 Son: Ralph Westerman of Piqua, KS 2 Daughters: Jenifer Smail & husband, Kenny of Piqua, KS; and Vicki Audley of Wichita, KS 3 Brothers: Alvin Westerman of Iola, KS; Larry Westerman & wife, Cheryl of Humboldt, KS; and Daryl Westerman & wife, Judy of Piqua, KS 2 Sisters: Dorothy Konen & husband, Gerald of Little River, KS; and Linda Sandy & husband, Chuck of Overland Park, KS 7 Grandchildren: Ryan & Jennifer Smail of Maple Lake, MN; Erica Smail of Overland Park, KS; Lindsey & Travis Skillman of Burlington, KS; Shannon & Aaron Piotrowski of Memphis, TN; and Mike, Brenna & Sarah Audley of Wichita, KS 6 Great Grandchildren: Ben, Gabe, Levi & Adam Smail, Colette Piotrowski & Adelene (Addy) Skillman 38 Nieces & Nephews He will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marlene Lampe Sharp. VISITATION: 6:00-7:30p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, KS ROSARY & MASS: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at St. Martin's Catholic Church at Piqua. The Rev. Robert B. Wachter will be celebrant. MEMORIAL SUGGESTIONS: St. Martin's Catholic Church or St. Martin's Cemetery Fund. They can be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .