Jon Netson, 72, of Shawnee, Kansas, and formerly of Manhattan, died peacefully on December 18, 2025, after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was a beloved husband, father, and Pampa, and recently graduated to revered Great-Pampa status.
Jon was born to Ralph and Doris (Swanson) Netson on Thanksgiving Day in Manhattan, Kansas. His family moved from Cleburne to Topeka when Jon was young and he graduated from Topeka High School. He had a brief, albeit academically ill-fated stint at K-State, but went on the best blind date ever. He and Michelle Press married on June 5, 1976, making their home in Manhattan for over 40 years. Together they raised four daughters who provided Jon with endless opportunities to serve as dad, coach, Sunday School teacher, youth group sponsor, room parent, fishing teacher, and “picture lady.” He eventually completed his bachelor’s degree at Friends University and earned an MBA. Jon worked in IT at Kansas Farm Bureau for over 30 years and later worked at K-State Housing and Dining Services and as a realtor/broker for Realty Executives and ERA.
Jon was a long-term member of First Christian Church where he served as an Elder, board chair, adult and youth Sunday School teacher, youth group sponsor, and camp counselor. He later served as an Elder at University Christian Church in Manhattan and became an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection upon moving to Kansas City in retirement.
Jon enjoyed his participation in the leadership of Sertoma, Special Olympics, Young Life, and Manhattan Area Technical College. When not volunteering, he provided “feedback” to the officials at K-State football, basketball, and baseball games.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Betty Netson, Wayne Netson, Janet Wiechmann, Bob Netson, and Gary Netson, and in-laws, Harold and Evelyn Press. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Michelle, daughters Kelli (Sean), Katie (Anthony), Allison (Justin), and Ashley (Mike), 11 grandchildren (Ava, Kiley, Madden, Cara, Lucas, Parker, Emma, Joshua, Evelyn, Rae (CJ), and Hunter), and great-granddaughter, Evelyn. As was his nature, Jon also gave fatherly advice to multitudes of friends who became family and served as Pampa to many of their children, including Anderson, Elijah, and Jensen (who preceded him in death). He was also a beloved uncle, mentor, and friend to many.
Services will be held Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11AM at the Longhouse Visitor Center, Overland Park Arboretum, 9209 W 179th Street, Overland Park, KS 66013.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Matthew’s Ministry (Resurrection.church/give) or Happy Bottoms Diaper Bank (HappyBottoms.org), an organization that Jon and Michelle supported with their volunteer services.
