Retired Nickerson Fire Chief Gerald Wiens received his final call Jan. 3, 2013. Our Heavenly Father called him home. Gerald Lee Wiens was born in Hutchinson to Bert and Emma Wiens on April 9, 1937.

His mother passed away when he was young and Bert later married Hilda Wiens who helped raise Gerald. From a young age, Gerald had a strong work ethic and demonstrated this by getting a newspaper route when he was a young teen. He was a small business owner in Nickerson and later worked at the U.S.D. 309 bus barns as a mechanic and worked his way up to transportation supervisor. Gerald was active within his community. Serving as Fire Chief for many years, Gerald protected and served the community of Nickerson for many years. The city and Reno County District #3 merged and became one fire department. Gerald retired, not by choice, after he had to have a kidney transplant. Gerald spent his time after retiring from work spending time with his son, Gerry, in Gerry's shop, sitting outside on the porch watching cars and people go by.

He will be greatly missed by: his wife, Carlene Wiens; son, Gerry Wiens; and daughter, Kerry Rayl. His sisters, Patty Tweito, Karen Dreier and Kathleen Deppner, will miss their beloved brother. Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Bert; mother, Emma; stepmother, Hilda Wiens; and his brother, Brad. Gerald also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Chris Wiens, Caleb Rayl, Katelyn Wiens, Carmen Wille, Kathrine Cota, Kristen Wiens, Candace Wiens, Jesse (Dunn) Wiens and Toby (Dunn) Wiens.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at South Hutchinson Mennonite Church, 808 South Poplar, South Hutchinson, followed by a short graveside service at Buhler Municipal Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Elliot Mortuary, Hutchinson. Donations may also be made to the American Diabetes Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.