Verlin Lee “Squirrel” Wichman passed away peacefully June 1, 2024 with his family at his side. He was born March 14, 1943 in Waterville, KS, the first child of Ernest Fredrick and Patricia Faye (Pickett) Wichman. He attended elementary school in Clay Center, Oskaloosa, and Valley Falls before his family moved to the Holton area in 1957. He graduated from Holton High School in 1961.

Verlin married Susie Beightel on October 26, 1961 at the Circleville Methodist Church. To this union were born 3 daughters, Lisa Annette, Jodi Lynne, and Mary Patricia, who was stillborn in 1966.

Verlin worked at several different jobs while in high school. After he graduated, he worked as a route salesman for Gilk- Potato Chips until they sold out in 1965. He then was employed at Goodyear Tire & Rubber for 30 years, medically retiring in 1995. Verlin was the owner and operator of Wichman Furniture in the 80s and 90s.

In Verlin- younger years, he liked cars and Demolition Derby. He also had a love for bass fishing with his long-time friend, Harold Cashier, until his passing. Most recently, he found enjoyment of his hummingbirds and most all birds in general.

After Sue retired in 2007, the couple enjoyed day trips to antique shops and flea markets. Having accumulated quite a collection, they became vendors at a few area flea markets. They enjoyed meeting people from all over and became good friends with many regular customers and vendors. Several of these vendors have become their “Flea Family” even after he and Sue could no longer participate in the markets.

In recent years, Verlin became very interested in Holton and Jackson County history. He has many postcards and photographs of early Jackson County and enjoyed sharing them with the community.

Verlin is a member of the Circleville Methodist Church. He was a member of the now defunct Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 3417, where he filled several offices. He served on the Jackson County Zoning Appeals Board for many years.

Verlin is survived by his wife, Sue, of the home, two daughters, Lisa Lehmkuhl and husband Fred of Holton and Jodi Shupe and husband Dan of Circleville. His grandchildren are Katie Morris (Jared) and Ryan Lehmkuhl (Sara) of Holton, Amanda Blake Fund of Norwalk, Iowa, Ethan Fund of Saint Charles, Missouri, Brynn and Sawyer Shupe of Circleville.

He is also survived by six great grandsons, Turner, Owen and Miles Morris, and Greyson, Reed and Otto Lehmkuhl, all of Holton. Surviving siblings are Carol Searles Rolins (Rob), Denison, Amy Spiker (Jared), Holton, and Kevin Wichman (Sandy), Circleville; 4 sisters-in-law Cheryl Wichman of Everest, Mary Edwards of Holton, Geraldine Moore of Maple Hill, Ginger Christian (Steve) of St. Petersburg, FL and 2 brothers-in-law, Bob Beightel (Linda) of Holton and David Beightel of St. Louis, MO.

In addition to his daughter, Mary Patricia, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dale Wichman and Allen Wichman; 1 sister-in-law, Jan Beightel and 2 brothers-in-law, Melvin Edwards and Tom Moore.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Olive Hill Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Verlin will lie in state Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the HCH Pulmonary Therapy or HCH Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.