John Conrad Hertlein

John Conrad Hertlein was born in rural Wilsey on December 25, 1938, to Ray and Lucy (Greer) Hertlein. His cousin (Eleanor Hertlein Philips Muller) often said he caused the Hertlein family Christmas dinner to be late—since they couldn’t eat without Aunt Mildred, who helped welcome him into the world.

John passed away on September 11, 2025, at KU Medical Center, surrounded by family, following complications from a stroke.

He was a graduate of Wilsey Rural High School and completed training with the Army National Guard. He later became co-owner of a filling station in McWhinneyville, KS—where, his future wife bought tires. That encounter led to a lifelong partnership, when he married Ruby Roy on March 14, 1964.

After their marriage, he worked in Emporia at both a welding shop and an electrical shop, gaining hands-on knowledge that would later support his next adventure, farming and raising cattle, a role he took on with pride and dedication.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruby; sons, Jim and Tim Hertlein, of Emporia; grandsons, Tyler and Eric Hertlein, of Overland Park; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Sawyer Funeral Home, with a visitation starting at 1:30. Burial will follow at Wilsey Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to White City United Methodist Church or Council Grove United Methodist Church. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.

Condolences may be left at www.sawyerchapel.com.