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1945 John 2025

John A Wetenkamp

September 21, 1945 — December 9, 2025

Ralston

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John Arthur "Johnnie" Wetenkamp, age 80, of Ralston, Nebraska, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE.

John was born on September 21st, 1945 to Glenn William Wetenkamp and Agnes Edna (Frady) Wetenkamp in rural Plattsmouth, NE. He was raised on the family farm, attended grade school at the Wetenkamp School west of Mynard, NE, and graduated from Plattsmouth High School in 1963. From 1963 to 1967, he attended Wayne State College and received a Bachelor of Science in Education. From there, John taught Chemistry, Physics, and Math at Auburn High School in Auburn, NE from 1967 until 1985. While at Auburn, he obtained a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Northwest Missouri State University. In 1985 he ended his teaching career in order to move back to Plattsmouth to care for his aging parents. He enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the Fall of 1985 and began work on another Bachelor's degree, in Electrical Engineering- completing it in 1992. Following the death of his parents, John began his second career as an Electrical Engineer. From 1992 until his full retirement in 2015, John worked for a number of companies, including IBM, NYNEX, Inacom, and Central States Indemnity. From 2002-2011 he also helped his brother Albert revolutionize his company, Wetenkamp Utility Sales, by creating controllers and motherboards that made it easier for end-users to monitor and regulate the amount of odorant injected into Natural Gas lines all over the Midwest.

John was known as a kind and gentle person, who would help a stranger in need at any time. He had a gift for singing and playing the piano, he loved gardening, and animals. Growing up, he and his 3 siblings would sing in 4-part harmony competitions all over Nebraska, as well as at family gatherings at the farm. His quirky sense of humor was known in the family as "Johnnie Jokes". He enjoyed playing cards with the family, never missing family events and get-togethers. He was loved and will be missed immensely by his entire family.

John was a lifelong bachelor; he was preceded in death by his parents and 3 older siblings: Edna Jean Schnieder, Edith McCaw, and G. Albert Wetenkamp. He is survived by his Sister-in-Law, Becky Wetenkamp of Plattsmouth , along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand- nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Visitation for John will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 5-6 pm at the Harvey Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a funeral service starting at 6 with Rev Michael McGregor Officiating.  Burial will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Plattsmouth. Memorials may be directed to the Mynard Liberty United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home, Plattsmouth, NE. 402-296-4445

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

5:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)

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Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home

1408 8th Ave, Plattsmouth, NE 68048

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Funeral Service

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

6:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

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Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home

1408 8th Ave, Plattsmouth, NE 68048

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

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