GREAT BEND – Darlenne J. “Dot” Werhahn, 99, passed away July 28, 2018, at Locust Grove Village in LaCrosse. She was the daughter of Frank Avery and Josephine (Foster) Thompson. Dot was born November 1, 1918, on the family farm near McCracken, while her father was still in the Army in France.

She graduated from Alexander High School in 1936 and from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Life Diploma in Teaching. She received her Master’s Degree in 1943. She taught in Seward and Rush counties. In 1945 she joined the Marine Corps, serving in Campe LeJeune and Washington D.C., returning to the civilian life in 1947. After working for the Bell Telephone Company in Salina, she returned to teaching in Ness and Ellis counties.

On October 26, 1952, she married William F. Werhahn from Barton County. He passed away on May 2, 2008. She and Bill were members of the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend and the American Legion in Pawnee Rock. Dot was a housewife and teacher in Pawnee county until she retired in 1979. During those years, she was a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Hillside EHU, FHKSC alumni, Farm Bureau, KARSP and WELCA of the St. Mark Lutheran Church. She loved to read and sew, listen, play and sing along with music, as well as play the piano.

Survivors include, one son, Randy Werhahn of Pawnee Rock; one daughter, Jan and husband Tom Hannah of Florissant, Colorado; one sister, Virginia Taylor of Alexander; five grandchildren, McKinna and husband Sean Hughes, Collin and Nicholas Werhahn, Alicia and husband Brian Wirtz and Kalee Hannah; and three great-grandchildren, Emma and Bailey Hannah and Ryleigh Wirtz. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dwane and Frank Ural Thompson.

Visitation will be from 1-9 p.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2018, with family present from 7-8 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be Thursday, August 2, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Great Bend Cemetery in Great Bend, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding. Military Rites will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 31, 2018