Gerald Leroy Wilhelm

Gerald Leroy Wilhelm, known affectionately as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 20, 1948, in Centralia, Kansas, Jerry was a man whose spirited nature and generous heart left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have known him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Valentine Wilhelm and Arcena Sanders, his brother Valentine Leo Wilhelm, and his sister Karen Stolzenberger. He graduated from Circleville High School in 1966.

After high school, Jerry honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 as a parachute rigger with the esteemed 82nd Airborne Division. His time in the military instilled in him a deep sense of duty and camaraderie, which he carried throughout his life.

Upon returning from service, Jerry married Donna Kaul, and together they welcomed a son, Jay. Their marriage later ended in divorce. In 1974, Jerry married Ramona "Monie" Pelton of Holton. Monie brought 3 daughters, Dora, Kelly, and Tawni to the union, which Jerry raised as his own. Together, they had a daughter, Brandi, and moved to Soldier, KS, where they lived for 20 years. Jerry and Monie ultimately divorced in 1996. After their divorce, Jerry moved to Falls City, NE, and lived there for another 20 years. In 2017, at the bequest of his daughter, Jerry moved to Rossville, KS to be closer to family and remained in Rossville until he was hospitalized in 2024.

Jerry was a skilled journeyman lineman and took great pride in his work. He was initiated into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 304, in 1973, where he dedicated 26 years of service before retiring in 1999. His work was not just a job but a passion, and it gave him a great sense of pride and fulfillment. He often enjoyed sharing stories of his time as a lineman with his family and friends. Post-retirement, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Rossville American Legion, post 31.

Jerry's interests were as varied as they were rich. In his early adult life, he enjoyed horseback riding and participating in trail rides, embracing the freedom and beauty of the great outdoors, with his beloved dog Smokey by his side. Music was another of Jerry's loves; he taught himself to play the guitar in his early twenties. Jerry also dabbled in coin collecting, a hobby he later passed down to his daughter, Brandi.

Jerry is lovingly remembered by his family, including his daughters Brandi Bergstresser (Brandon) of Rossville, KS, Dora Clark (Noel) of Holton, KS, Kelly Browning (Steve) of Emmett, KS, and Tawni Myers of McCool Junction, NE, as well as his son Jay Searles (Annette) of Holton, KS. He also leaves behind his brothers, Virgil Wilhelm (Anna) of Holton, KS, Roger Wilhelm (Darnell) of Fairview, KS, and William Wilhelm (Charlene) of Sabetha, KS, along with his sister Angie McCarvel (Jim) of Meriden, KS, 18 beloved grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He had a generous spirit that was always ready to lend a helping hand. His generosity extended beyond his practical skills to his interactions with others, where he was always ready to share a laugh, a story, or a piece of advice (whether you wanted to hear it or not).

The life of Gerald Leroy Wilhelm was a life well lived, and the memories he leaves behind will be treasured by all who were touched by his presence. In honoring Jerry's life, we acknowledge the end of an era and the passing of a soul who was truly one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him throughout his remarkable journey.