Merle Patrick "Wapsah" Jessepe, 61, of Netawaka, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at his sister's home in Hoyt, Kansas.

He was born on September 20, 1961 in Horton, Kansas the son of Nelson and Mary Shipshee Jessepe. Merle worked as a printer for Hallmark cards, in culinary arts, as a carpenter and as a cook for the Kickapoo Senior Citizens. He married Lori Wabnum in Horton, Kansas. He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe.

Survivors include his wife, Lori Wabnum Jessepe; two sons, Stryder Keo and Sobie Banks; three daughters, Taylor Keo, Lea Mae Jessepe and Jade Jessepe; two sisters, Gaynell Jessepe and Gilreath Aitkens; four brothers, Louie Aitkens, Lyman Shipshee, Kevin Aitkens and Robert Jessepe and numerous grandchildren.

Kennekuk Church Services will be at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Kickapoo Community Building on the Kickapoo Reservation. Burial will be on Friday morning at the Mason Cemetery on the Kickapoo Reservation. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com