Joseph Peter “Joe” Wiewel, 81, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Joe was born February 19, 1934 in Okarche, Oklahoma, the son of August and Cornelia (Steiferman) Wiewel.  He grew up in Okarche and graduated from Holy Trinity High School.  He then attended St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas where he obtained a Degree in Education.

Joe was united in marriage to Bernice Stegman on August 6, 1966 in Wichita, Kansas.  They made their home in Herington, Kansas from 1966 to 1968 when they moved to Latham, Kansas.  Then in 1970 they moved to Wichita, Kansas until 1989 when they moved to a farm near Galatia, Kansas.  They moved to Russell in 2011.

Joe was an Elementary Teacher in Herington and Latham.  While living in Wichita, he was the owner and operator of Happy Days Pre-School.  He retired from education and started a vegetable business on his farm in Galatia.  He completely retired in 2011 when Bernice and he moved into Russell.  He was a member of St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  He enjoyed gardening, studying classic tractors and going to tractor pulls.  He was a kind hearted man who was always willing to help others.

Surviving family include his wife of 48 years, Bernice of the home; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Thomas Wiewel and Robert Wiewel, and sister Mary Louise Murray.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, June 19, 2015 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Vigil & Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  A Memorial has been established with St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.