Gerald W. "Jerry" Wykert passed away February 25, 2017, in Topeka.
He was born in Soldier, KS, on April 15, 1929, to Frank and Eva (Vanderwall) Wykert. He graduated from Circleville High School in 1947. After farming with his father several years, he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1 for 37 years. He was employed at the Goodyear Topeka plant for over 30 years, where he was known as "Pinky". After retirement he belonged to the Strato Jets Square Dance Club and served as the NE KSDA secretary for several years.
Gerald married Erma Alice Dye on July 14, 1959 and together they raised two sons, Doug (Las Cruces, NM) and Larry (Topeka). Erma preceded Gerald in death in 1981.
Gerald is survived by sons Doug (Justy) and Larry (Julie), four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Bob of Topeka and Kenneth of Circleville, and his companion of many years, Wini Zinn.
A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. A private family inurnment will be at a later date at West Lawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.