ELLINWOOD — John M. Isern, 73, passed away at his home in Ellinwood surrounded by loved ones. Born on Jan. 29th, 1951 in Hutchinson, Kan. he was the son of Martin L.J. and Florene (Schmitt) Isern. John was a lifetime Ellinwood resident graduating from high school in 1969. He later graduated from Kansas State University in 1976 where he received his Bachelor’s degree. John later married Jacque Kukula on April 25, 1981 at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. 

John worked at H & H Groceries and American Parts before working as a Court Service Officer for 13 years. More recently John worked as the Court Administrator of the 20th District Judicial court before retirement in 2018. He served as the President of the “Kansas Association of District Court Clerks and Court Administrators” and on various boards and capacities at St. John Lutheran Church and within the community. John was very active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts programs and coaching his son’s sports activities while they were young. John was a longtime member who held many positions including the Commander at the American Legion Post #320, was instrumental in creating the Ellinwood Rec. Commission, and remodeling the high school. He served as the “Voice of the Ellinwood Eagles” for many years where he announced football and basketball games and served many years on the USD #355 School Board. John also loved softball and was a member of the Salty Dogs for over 12 years. In 2014 John received the Jerry Menges award for outstanding service and John and Jacque were voted Citizens of the Year in 2019 for the After Harvest Festival. He also proudly served in the United States Navy Reserves for almost 30 years. Due to the 9/11 attacks he was called to active duty where he served in Bahrain for six months. John loved attending the various activities of his beloved grandchildren.

Survivors include wife of over 42 years Jacque Isern of the home; sons, Tim (Beckie) Isern, Ryan (Tatum) Isern, and Tyler (Cate) Isern; sister, Jane (Gail) Isern; brothers, Mark (Sheila) Isern and Myron (Jan) Isern; nine beloved grandchildren, Blaine, Salena, Keaston, Morgan, Landry, Mya, Cole, James, and Mason. 

Funeral Service will take place 11 a.m., Friday, April 5th at St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Kenton Abbott officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will take place Thursday, April 4th, 12-7 p.m. with family present from 6-7 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or American Legion Post #320 in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 2, 2024