DENTON J. WEICHMAN, 78

Denton James Weichman, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. F rancis H ospital i n G rand Island o n August 4. Denton was born on February 5, 1947, in Stuart to Frank and Grace (Kaup) Weichman, t he t hird o f f our siblings. H is early years were spent on the family farm and d riving t o t own f or s chool a nd practices. His steadfast beliefs of right and wrong were on display early in life when he refused a typing assignment that landed him in after school detention. This act of defiance did earn him the sympathy of another student, Ann, who delivered him cookies through the window. T hey were together ever since, married in 1970. A r ancher all h is l ife, D enton a lso w orked a s a h igh school s cience teacher and spent summers as a firefighter with the United States Forest Service. He had a keen eye for acting when the time was right and m oved i nto b anking i n t he 1 980s, m oving u p t o e ventually purchase First National Bank of Ainsworth with his wife. He proudly served Ainsworth for many years, both in his work and his community involvement, including serving on the school board, chamber of commerce, and North Central Development Center. He retired from banking, but never from ranching, working and tending to his properties that he loved. He spent his final years enjoying the athletic and academic prowess of h is g randchildren w hile l iving i n G rand I sland. D enton w as a n advocate f or a griculture a nd t he o utdoors, a s well a s a s elf-styled track coach for his children and grandchildren alike. He imparted valuable wisdom to all, and he worked hard to make life better for his family until his final day. Denton is survived by his wife Ann of Grand Island; siblings Karen MacClendon and husband, Travis, of Blountstown, Fla., brother, Leon Weichman and wife, Connie, and sister, Rochelle all of Stuart; mother-in-law, Jan Brayton of Stuart; children Molly Johnson and husband, Justin, and their children, Brayton, Connor, Grace and Willa of G rand I sland, d aughter, K atie Z ulkoski a nd h usband, W alker, a nd their children, Calvin and Leo of Lincoln, and son, Taylor Weichman of Bentonville, Ark.; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral service was held on Friday, August 8, in the Ainsworth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael Eurit officiating at the event. Music was provided by Sherry Campbell with the congregation singing “ Great Is T hy F aithfulness.” A E ulogy w as g iven b y T aylor Weichman. Casketbearers were: Brayton Johnson, Connor Johnson, Scott Wewel, Andrew Wewel, Mason Bauer, Mark Brayton, Joe DiNapoli and Michael Weichman. A private family interment followed in the Ainsworth Cemetery under the direction of Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. I n lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial donations be made to the Ainsworth Community Schools in Denton’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.