Obituary for Jack Edward Rehm
Jack Edward Rehm, 86, of Bonner Springs, went to his Heavenly home on August 20, 2022.
Jack was born September 13, 1935, on the family farm in Bonner Springs. As a lifelong resident, he graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1953. He married his sweetheart, Betty McCord, whom he lovingly referred to as Rose, in September of 1956 at the Edwardsville Christian Church. They worked on the family dairy farm until 1963 when that farm became the home of what is now Bonner Springs High School.
Jack was a commercial carpenter and his family proudly referred to many of the buildings he worked on throughout the city as “the house that Jack built.” He retired from Hoffman Cortes Construction in 1997, but his first love was farming.
Jack was active in FFA and 4-H and worked for Kansas State University as an AI technician for beef and dairy cattle in three counties. He and Betty’s home on Gibbs Road saw the acreage go from the site of a large animal vet clinic to row crops, pumpkins, corn and ultimately, brome. Over the years, he raised cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens, and even the occasional horse, goat or peacock. Many of these animals were shown by his children at the Wyandotte County Fair, where he spent countless summers and served on the Board of the Wyandotte County Fair Association.
Jack was a clerk and ringman for farm and livestock auctions and volunteered those skills at the County Fair and church fundraisers.
He was a 32 Degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite for over 50 years. He also served on the Rural Water District #7 Board.
In his retirement, one of Jack’s favorite hobbies was junking. Known by some as the Fred Sanford of Bonner Springs, he could often be spotted looking for treasures. Jack loved to make a deal and he used his shrewd negotiation skills to launch Jack’s Field of Bargains, which came to be considered by many to be somewhat of a local landmark.
Jack loved the Lord, and was a founding member of Walnut Grove Bible Church, where he served as a worship leader.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and June Rehm; his brother, Robert Rehm; his sister, Janice Jackson; and his grandson, James Crosby.
He was most proud of his family, who brought him great joy. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty McCord Rehm, and his children and grandchildren: Debbie Rehm Crosby; Michale Rehm, (Rachale and Mack); David and Karen Rehm, (Megan, Paul and Sara); Jeff and Becky Barger, (Kaitlin, Elizabeth, Emily, Jack and John); 4 great-grandchildren, and many other friends whom he considered family.
Jack’s strong work ethic, generosity, love of God and compassion for others was evident to not only his family, but to all those he touched, and will continue to inspire and bless.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Walnut Grove Bible Church or the Bonner Beautiful Commission.
Visitation will be from 10am to 12:30pm, and the Funeral will be at 12:30pm, both on Monday, August 29, 2022 at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in Bonner Springs, with burial to follow in Elm Grove Cemetery near Bonner Springs.
Jack was born September 13, 1935, on the family farm in Bonner Springs. As a lifelong resident, he graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1953. He married his sweetheart, Betty McCord, whom he lovingly referred to as Rose, in September of 1956 at the Edwardsville Christian Church. They worked on the family dairy farm until 1963 when that farm became the home of what is now Bonner Springs High School.
Jack was a commercial carpenter and his family proudly referred to many of the buildings he worked on throughout the city as “the house that Jack built.” He retired from Hoffman Cortes Construction in 1997, but his first love was farming.
Jack was active in FFA and 4-H and worked for Kansas State University as an AI technician for beef and dairy cattle in three counties. He and Betty’s home on Gibbs Road saw the acreage go from the site of a large animal vet clinic to row crops, pumpkins, corn and ultimately, brome. Over the years, he raised cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens, and even the occasional horse, goat or peacock. Many of these animals were shown by his children at the Wyandotte County Fair, where he spent countless summers and served on the Board of the Wyandotte County Fair Association.
Jack was a clerk and ringman for farm and livestock auctions and volunteered those skills at the County Fair and church fundraisers.
He was a 32 Degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite for over 50 years. He also served on the Rural Water District #7 Board.
In his retirement, one of Jack’s favorite hobbies was junking. Known by some as the Fred Sanford of Bonner Springs, he could often be spotted looking for treasures. Jack loved to make a deal and he used his shrewd negotiation skills to launch Jack’s Field of Bargains, which came to be considered by many to be somewhat of a local landmark.
Jack loved the Lord, and was a founding member of Walnut Grove Bible Church, where he served as a worship leader.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and June Rehm; his brother, Robert Rehm; his sister, Janice Jackson; and his grandson, James Crosby.
He was most proud of his family, who brought him great joy. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty McCord Rehm, and his children and grandchildren: Debbie Rehm Crosby; Michale Rehm, (Rachale and Mack); David and Karen Rehm, (Megan, Paul and Sara); Jeff and Becky Barger, (Kaitlin, Elizabeth, Emily, Jack and John); 4 great-grandchildren, and many other friends whom he considered family.
Jack’s strong work ethic, generosity, love of God and compassion for others was evident to not only his family, but to all those he touched, and will continue to inspire and bless.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Walnut Grove Bible Church or the Bonner Beautiful Commission.
Visitation will be from 10am to 12:30pm, and the Funeral will be at 12:30pm, both on Monday, August 29, 2022 at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in Bonner Springs, with burial to follow in Elm Grove Cemetery near Bonner Springs.