Wesley L. Johnson

Wesley "Wes" L. Johnson, 85, of Topeka, KS, and formerly of Home and Marysville, KS, died January 9, 2024, at his home in Topeka.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 12, at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Marysville.  Visitation began at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Rev. Julie Shields officiated.  The musicians were Gail Gilkerson, Deborah Bruna and Wayne Kruse.  Hymns included “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).”

The pallbearers were Nathan Mikoleit, Weston Mikoleit, Noah Lawler, Trace Lawler, Brian Strunk and Brad Dressman.

The honorary pallbearers were Jim Talbot, Eddie Taphorn, Art Lindeen, Duane Polson, Brad Studer and Lynn Millenbruch.

Burial was in the Home City Cemetery.

Wes was born on March 7, 1938, in Marysville to Clarence “Bud” and Laura (Warren) Johnson.  In 1955, he graduated from Marysville High School and joined the Navy where he served aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.  He was united in marriage to Karen Kloxin at the Evangelical United Church of Christ on May 26, 1957.  They were blessed with three daughters, Brenda, Deborah and Laura.

Wes farmed south of Home, KS, for over fifty years before moving to Marysville in 2010. He served on the Board of the Blue Valley Telephone Company, where he made lifelong friends and enjoyed traveling to many rural telephone conferences over the years.  

He was a member of the Beattie and Marysville Masonic Lodge, receiving his fifty-year pin, a member of the Marysville America Legion Post #163 and the Arab Shrine in Topeka.

Wes enjoyed riding his Honda three-wheel motorcycle.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and sister, Shari Gothier.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; daughters, Brenda (Bill) Szewc, Cave Creek, AZ, Deborah (Mark) Mikoleit, Topeka and Laura (Ken) Lawler, Topeka; four grandsons, Weston Mikoleit, Nathan (Darian) Mikoleit, Trace Lawler and Noah Lawler and a great grandson, Kash Mikoleit.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary.