John's Obituary
John William Heersink Jr. 82, passed at home in Wamego, KS, surrounded by family on March 28, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. John was born on December 29, 1941 in Alamosa, Colorado to John William Sr. and Oriana (Van Iwaarden) Heersink.
After graduating high school in Prairie View, KS, John joined the Marine Corps in which he served for nine years including a deployment to Vietnam and later served ten years in the Army National Guard. After the military, he moved around and held many jobs throughout his career. He married the love of his life on February 7th, 1993. John loved being a husband and father, but his favorite title of all was Papa John. He loved spending time with his grandsons and took great pride in fixing their cars and monster trucks at “Papa John’s Shop”. In his free time, he loved watching Royals baseball, having his morning coffee at the Friendly Cooker, spending time with family, and could often be found taking his best buddy and dog Lucy for a drive in the truck. His love of reading was unmatched and his collection of books impressive.
John is survived by his beloved wife Jan (Whittlesey) of thirty-one years. They were blessed with two daughters, Shaleya Nelson (Devin) of Topeka, KS; Dustina Carlson (Cord) of Wamego, KS and three grandsons, Karson, Jacoby and Levi Nelson. He is also survived by a step-daughter Tana Johnson; brothers Tom Heersink (Marcia), Norman Heersink (Connie), Larry Heersink (late wife Judy), Steve Heersink (Marlene), Phillip Heersink and sisters Janice Miller (late husband Arthur), Grace Kresie (Bryce) and Ora Lynne Smith (Rex) along with numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; as son, Mike Heersink; and a brother Mark Heersink.
Graveside services with Military Honors by the U. S. Marine Corps Funeral Honors Detail and the Wamego American Legion Post No. 172 will be Monday morning (April 8, 2024) at 11:00 at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley. Friends are invited to attend.
The family will host a Celebration of Life for John on Monday afternoon (April 8, 2024) at 1:00 at the Wamego United Methodist Church with Pastor Kevin Clouse officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Wamego High School Honor Flight. Please make checks payable to Wamego H. S. Honor Flight and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547
Online condolences can be left at www.campanellastewart.com
