Leon E. Wichman

Leon E. Wichman, 90, of Pender, NE died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender. The visitation will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender. The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in rural Pender. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Pender. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Leon was born on October 20, 1934, to Carl and Clara (Gralheer) Wichman in Pender, NE. He was baptized on November 18, 1934, and confirmed on May 9, 1948, and was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in rural Pender, NE. Leon graduated from Pender High School in 1951. He farmed on the family farm his entire life except for the time he served in the US Army from January 1956 to October 1957. Leon married Jana Anderson on May 16, 1959, in Obert, NE. Together they had three children Daniel, Cheryl and Dana. Leon and Jana farmed their entire life and lived on the family farm west of Pender until they moved to Pender in 1997. Leon continued to farm until his Parkinson’s forced him to retire. Leon and Jana traveled to many places and danced as often as possible.

Leon was proud of his farming upbringing and was part of the first Pender FFA Organization and helped charter the Pender FFA Alumni. His faith and military service were important to him and that reflected by his dedication to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and to the American Legion Post 55. He was one of the first veterans to join the board and help build the Pender Veterans Memorial Park. Leon served on the Thurston County Fair Board for 33 years, the Federal Land Bank board, Thayer Township board, and the Local Co-op board. He was also a member of the Northeast Nebraska Pork Producers and the Northeast Nebraska Cattleman Association. Leon and Jana enjoyed many years dancing with the Country Sunshiners' Square Dance Club. Later in life, Leon joined the Parkinson’s Support Group. Leon was involved with several organizations and was always willing to help or contribute to them. He loved the Pender Alumni weekend celebration and attended every banquet so he could reminisce with other Pender Alumni members.

Leon is survived by his wife, Jana Wichman, of almost 66 years.

Son, Daniel Leon (Connie) Wichman of Pender, NE.

     Granddaughter, Stacia (Drew) Grizzard, their children, Jasmine, Lincoln and Harrison.

     Grandson, Brant (Courtney) Wichman, their children, Grace, Jackson, Owen and Oliver.

     Granddaughter, Celsey (Adam) Gurley, their children, Kaden and Noah.

Daughter, Cheryl Marie (Joe) Gangemi of Glendale, AZ.

     Granddaughter, Hannah Gangemi.

     Grandson, Liborio Gangemi.

Daughter, Dana Rae French of Pender, NE.

     Grandson, Davin French, his children, Cash, Cooper, Faith (Luna), Kairece, Kailey, Aiden, Blair, Connar.

Sister, Lois Fillipi; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Clara Wichman; stepmother, Mildred Wichman; in-laws, Wilbur and Lucile Anderson; son-in-law, Daryl French; brothers, Norman Wichman, Roger (Linda Wichman-Hagar) Wichman; sister, Janice Nolting; brother and sister-in-laws, Karen Wichman, Billy & Judy Anderson, Brock Anderson, Marvin Fillipi, and Lyle Nolting.