Jerome D. Stucky

Jerome Dean Stucky, 69, son of the late Dean and Hulda Stucky, was born in Goessel, Kansas on January 13, 1952. Though his parents lived in Hillsboro at the time, they traveled to Goessel, for there was no room for them at the inn. The summer after Jerome was born, the family moved to Boulder, Colorado, where Dean was doing graduate studies. Later the family moved to Wichita. Jerome attended Murdock Elementary School. On his way to school while in the first grade, Jerome was struck by a car, suffering head and leg injuries. He remained out of school for the rest of the year. He defied the doctor’s concern that he would not walk properly again, even winning some first place ribbons in track. He caught up quickly with his studies and excelled in all his classes at Murdock and Robinson Junior High. Jerome attended Wichita High School Southeast. One of his high points was a trip to Germany during the summer of his junior year. After graduation, Jerome attended Bethel College and later Wichita State University. He did especially well in the advanced German classes he took. For a time, Jerome lived in Fairview House, a communal living arrangement that included the Pastor as well as some members of the Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church. He had many fond memories of the outstanding people who gave their all to the project. Over the last few years Jerome and his brother, Phil, reminisced a lot about childhood. Times spent in California with their Gaede relatives and in Kansas with their Stucky cousins were always rated tops. And observing the traditions of the family elders not only fascinated them but also provided a valuable foundation they felt fortunate to have. Jerome spent the last eight years of his life at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater, Kansas. There he encountered some exceptionally fine people who treated him well. It was a great fit for him. Jerome developed COPD in his later years. Though he still got around by himself, he simply was unable to take in sufficient oxygen. In late October, he developed double pneumonia, which led to other infections and problems. He died at peace in Newton Medical Center on November 8, 2021. Survivors include brother, Philip J. Stucky of Chicago, and cousins Mark (Diana) Stucky of Castle Rock, CO, Greg (Gracia) Stucky of Santa Fe, NM, Barbara (Randy) Clinkscales of Hays, Debbie Stucky of Miami, Fl, Annie Stucky-Jones of Overland Park, and Rick (Debbie) Stucky of Spokane. A host of Gaede relatives reside in California. The burial is private. There will be a memorial service for Jerome at 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 26, at the Moundridge Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited after the service to a light meal and fellowship at the neighboring Opera Block Venue in Moundridge. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates acts of kindness to those in need. Memorials have been established with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Wichita PO Box 2435 Wichita, KS 67201-2435 and Wheat State Manor 601 South Main Whitewater, KS 67154 The funeral home will also be accepting donations to these entities at PO Box 410, Moundridge, Kansas 67107.

Jerome D. Stucky

January 13, 1952 - November 8, 2021