Jerome A. Minnick

Jerome A. Minnick, age 94, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at Rock Creek of Ottawa. A memorial service is planned at 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 9, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Ottawa, with military honors by Whiteman Air Force Base Honor Guard. Family will meet with friends from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., Sunday, December 8, 2019, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Jerome was born August 16, 1925 in Ottawa, the son of Floyd and Maude M. (McCulloch) Minnick. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident. Jerome graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1943, attended a year and a half at Ottawa University where he met his wife, Betty Wendelburg, and graduated from the University of Kansas. Jerome served in the Army Air Corps during World War II from October of 1943 until 1945, attaining the rank of Captain. He was recalled to the United States Air Force for the Korean War and served until 1952. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Ottawa and a former member of Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A. M.(Ancient Free & Accepted Masons) and Warren Black Post #60, American Legion, and Director of the Kansas State Motor Car Dealers’ Association. On June 26, 1948, Jerome was united in marriage with Betty Wendelburg at Stafford, Kansas. She survives of Ottawa. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in June 2019. Survivors include daughters, Ann Moore of Denver, Colorado and Susan (Bob) Arbuthnot of Belleville, Kansas; son, John Minnick of Ottawa; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Maude Minnick. He was the owner and salesman 45 years at Minnick Motors in Ottawa, retiring in 1990. Jerome enjoyed skiing, golf and fly fishing. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Central Heights Honor Flight c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Jerome’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com