Damian H Wichman

Damian “Dan” Henry Wichman passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, at Olathe Hospice House after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Sandra Kay (Masheter) Wichman. Dan is survived by his son Brian, his wife Cheryl, their children Alex and Sam, of Round Rock, TX, and his daughter Dana Odgers, her husband Brett, and their children Kyle, Grace, Avery, and Colsen, of Overland Park, KS.

Dan was born on August 10, 1939, to Albert and Johanna Wichman in Seneca, KS. Dan is survived by siblings Galen Wichman and his wife Peg of Richmond, KS, Carol Bleything and her husband Dick of Olathe, KS, and Daryl Wichman and his wife Jan of Manhattan, KS. He was preceded in death by sister Louise Ann Wichman and brother Leslie Eugene Wichman, both passing in childhood.

Dan graduated high school in Valley Falls, KS, in 1957. He was very active in the Valley Falls alumni gatherings. Dan served in the US Army from 1959-65. After his honorary discharge he worked at the Richmond Coop and Bendix mobile home factory through 1974, when he began his career with General Motors at the Delco Battery plant in Olathe. Dan retired from General Motors in 1999.

Dan met Sandra “Sandy” Masheter in 1969. They eventually started dating and were married on September 11, 1971. Their first child, Brian, was born in 1972, and second child Dana followed in 1975. Dan and Sandy were devoted parents who stressed education and shuttled their children to many sporting events. They were parishoners at local Catholic churches in Olathe and Gardner, with Dan attending Divine Mercy parish in his later years.

Dan was always comfortable in the outdoors. In his youth he enjoyed hunting, and as he grew older dedicated much of his time to his yard, garden, and small orchard. He and Sandy canned many fruits and vegetables grown in their garden and orchard, and he continued canning after Sandy’s passing. Dan was also a devoted Kansas State athletics fan, as both Brian and Dana graduated from KSU. Dan and Sandy, and later Dan alone, made many trips around the country to see KSU games, especially bowl and conference championship games.

On Friday, March 1, 2024, a visitation will be held at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 555 W. Main St., Gardner, KS, at 9 AM followed by a Rosary at 9:30 AM and funeral service at 10 AM. Inurnment is immediately following at Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Olathe Hospice House.