Terrell Wiekhorst

Terrell Wiekhorst passed peacefully Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Sidney Regional Medical Center Extended Care. He was surrounded by his family.

At his request cremation has taken place.

A memorial service was held at Prairie West Church in Potter on Friday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Betsy Galloway-Carew officiating. Inurnment followed in the Potter Cemetery.

Terrell was born to Violet and Ray Wiekhorst November 15, 1932 in Kimball. He grew up on the family farm north of Potter. He attended school in Potter, graduating with the class of 1950.

He was active in football and basketball and sang in the school choir. He was part of a quartet that sang "Dry Bones" and many other great old songs.

Terrell was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and served two years being honorably discharged in 1955.

He married Patricia Dindinger August 30, 1953 and to this union two sons and one daughter were born.

He was a member of the American Legion and Lions Club. He served on the Potter School Board. Terrell was an active member of the Potter Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years and an honorary member until his passing.

After serving his country, Terrell went to work for Dindinger Electric where he learned the Electrical Trade. This was followed by a job with Good Electric and wired many homes and businesses for their first electricity.

Terrell worked for the Rural Electric Company as a lineman for 19 years, during that time he suffered an accident, resulting in the loss of his right arm but continued to work for the company. He retired to farming and doing mechanical work in his own shop. This provided a challenge which he overcame with his ingenuity. It also provided the nickname "Captain Hook" which he was known for.

He was an electrician, plumber, carpenter, mechanic, farmer and part time philosopher. He shared these talents with everyone around him and had a big part in the success of his children and grandchildren. He built two new houses and relocated another adding to the village of Potter.

Terrell always had a project planned. His mind was always active and he could work through others to build just about anything. Terrell loved to fish and camp building campers for this purpose.

Terrell was preceded in death by his father, Raymond, and mother, Violet.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat, of Potter; his children, Terry Wiekhorst and wife Kathy of Green River, Wyo,, Gina Mathewson and husband Randy of Potter, and David Wiekhorst and wife Karen of Potter; grandchildren, Tom Wiekhorst, Daniel Wiekhorst, AJ Wiekhorst, Jessica Robidoux, Beau Mathewson, Shelby Mathewson, Heidi Finn, Ben Mathewson, Shaun Wiekhorst, and Jeremy Wiekhorst; and 16 great grandchildren

Memorials may be made to the Potter Volunteer Fire and Rescue Unit Fund.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service in Sidney was in charge of arrangements.