Denton James Weichman

1947 - 2025

Denton James Weichman

February 5, 1947 - August 4, 2025

Denton James Weichman, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, NE on August 4, 2025.

Denton was born on February 5, 1947 in Stuart, NE to Frank and Grace (Kaup) Weichman, the third of four siblings. His early years were spent on the family farm and driving to town for school and practices. His steadfast beliefs of right and wrong were on display early in life when he refused a typing assignment that landed him in after school detention. This act of defiance did earn him the sympathy of another student, Ann, who delivered him cookies through the window. They were together ever since, married in 1970.

A rancher all his life, Denton also worked as a high school science teacher and spent summers as a firefighter with the United States Forest Service. He had a keen eye for acting when the time was right and moved into banking in the 1980s, moving up to eventually purchase First National Bank of Ainsworth with his wife. He proudly served Ainsworth for many years, both in his work and his community involvement, including serving on the school board, chamber of commerce, and North Central Development Center. He retired from banking, but never from ranching, working and tending to his properties that he loved.

He spent his final years enjoying the athletic and academic prowess of his grandchildren while living in Grand Island. Denton was an advocate for agriculture and the outdoors, as well as a self-styled track coach for his children and grandchildren alike. He imparted valuable wisdom to all, and he worked hard to make life better for his family until his final day.

Denton is survived by his wife, Ann of Grand Island; three siblings, sister, Karen MacClendon and husband, Travis Blountstown, FL; brother, Leon Weichman and wife, Connie; and sister, Rochelle all of Stuart; mother-in-law, Jan Brayton of Stuart; three children, daughter, Molly Johnson and husband, Justin and their children, Brayton, Connor, Grace and Willa of Grand Island; daughter, Katie Zulkoski and husband, Walker and their children, Calvin and Leo of Lincoln, NE; and son, Taylor Weichman of Bentonville, AR; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral Service was held on Friday, August 8, 2025 in the Ainsworth United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Eurit officiating at the event. Music was provided by Sherry Campbell with the congregation singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." A Eulogy was given by Taylor Weichman. Casketbearers were: Brayton Johnson, Connor Johnson, Scott Wewel, Andrew Wewel, Mason Bauer, Mark Brayton, Joe DiNapoli and Michael Weichman. A Private Family Interment followed in the Ainsworth Cemetery under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial donations be made to the Ainsworth Community Schools in Denton's name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.