George Grossenbacher

G eorge F. Grossenbacher, 87, of Bern, Kansas passed away Sunday, September 6, 2015 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha where he had resided since November of 2013.

He was born on August 6, 1928 at Bern, Kansas the son of Fred and Maude (Schick) Grossenbacher.  He went to Prairie Star Country School and then attended both Sabetha and Bern High School where he graduated in 1946.  He attended junior college in Chanute and later K.U.  He then worked for a while for Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka.

He returned to Bern to farm with his father.  In 1952, he joined the United State Air Force.

On October 1, 1952 George was united in marriage to Betty Auxier of Dawson, Nebraska.  They lived near Scott Field in Illinois until 1953 when he was sent to Fairbanks, Alaska.  They pulled a 28 foot trailer to Fairbanks.  The trip took them 19 long days.  Betty said if their marriage survived that trip, it could survive anything.  After being discharged from the Air Force they returned to Bern to continue farming and raise livestock.

Three sons were born to George and Betty, Jeff, Tim and Doug.  George loved the farm, nature, his family, his grandchildren, friends and his dogs, too numerous to mention by name.

George was a member of the Bern United Methodist Church. He was particularly proud of being part of building the current structure. Throughout the years he served on nearly every committee and position in the church.

George enjoyed his many years in Kansas Farm Bureau serving as County President and on the state resolution board.
He was also honored to be chosen to represent Kansas Farm Bureau and sit in the White House Oval Office to discuss agricultural policies with President Gerald Ford and Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butts.

George loved his time with family and friends camping each summer in Gunnison, Colorado where he and his boys trout fished.  That love of fishing passed down to the grandchildren and their spouses.  The 4 ^th of July was a special time to gather at Grandpa and Grandma’s for a few fun days of fishing, eating and enjoying each other and the outdoors.  George and Betty spent several winters in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to avoid Kansas winters, where another circle of friends entered their lives.

Preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dolores Aul.  He is survived by his wife, Betty of Sabetha; three sons, Jeff Grossenbacher and his wife, Kathi; Jeff joined his dad in farming operation in 1978 and they reside on the family farm, Tim Grossenbacher of Dallas, Texas and Doug Grossenbacher and his wife, Penny of Overland Park, Kansas; grandchildren, Natalie Woods and her husband, Darryon, Megan Weddle and her husband, Colby, Andrew Huffman, Trevor Huffman, Kristin Huffman, Brooke Grossenbacher and Carmen Douglas and her husband, Josh.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bern United Methodist Church.  A visitation will be Friday evening 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha.  The interment will be made in the Bern Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Bern United Methodist Church or the Apostolic Christian Home sent in care of Popkess Mortuary 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas.