Ferdinand “Fred” Werth, Jr., 85, died Nov. 13, 2023, at The Arbors, Hutchinson. He was born Oct. 3, 1938, in La Crosse, to Ferdinand and Lidwina Lydia (Hepp) Werth, Sr.
Fred graduated from Great Bend High School in 1958 and served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1965. During his service in the Navy, Fred designed and built bombing range targets. He retired as a welder with Krause Plow in South Hutchinson. Fred enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, his Harley Davidson, and working on his Chevy truck. He was a devout Catholic, attending Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson. Fred also participated yearly in the Hutchinson Christmas Parade Toys for Tots Motorcycle Drive.
Fred married Virginia “Ginger” Stutzman in November 2003. She passed away April 28, 2020.
Fred is survived by: his brother, Vernon (Diana) Werth of Colorado; his children, Katherine (Eugene) Wilbourn of Oklahoma, and Michael J (Misty) Werth of Kansas; stepsons John (Amanda) and Chris (Gayle) Stutzman of Kansas; grandchildren, Tiffani (Robert) Glen, Kayla (Aaron) Butler, Megan (Lloyd) Welch, all of Oklahoma, Jesseca (John) Brady of Virginia, Ashley (John) Rios of Texas, Sydney Werth of Arizona, and Jordan Werth of Kansas; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by: his parents, Ferdinand and Lydia Werth; his brother, Robert; and his wife, Ginger.
Rosary will be 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, followed by the Funeral Liturgy at 10:30 a.m., all at Elliott Mortuary, with both led by Father Eric M. Weldon. The family will greet friends from 9 a.m. until service time Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Liebenthal, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.