JJohn Michael Yoger, 68, Girard, Kan., died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, at his home.

He was born Oct. 23, 1946, in Girard, the son of John L. and Ann Paulin Yoger. The family moved to Osawatomie in 1956. John graduated from high school then moved back to Crawford County to attend PSU. He received his BS in Business Administration in 1968 and his MS in 1975, all from PSU.

John was united in marriage to Jan Lallemand/Niggemann on Feb. 16, 1997.

He was owner/operator of Lightning Creek Farms since 1964. He was a farmer/stockman since that time.

John was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; the Blue Lodge, Mirza Shrine, Mirza Chefs, Crawford County Farm Bureau, and Kansas Farm Bureau where he held numerous positions within the county and state agencies.

The John Yoger Polka Band was formed in 1965, and June of 2015 marked 50 years making music. He earned his pilot’s license in 1992.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dan Yoger.

Survivors include his wife, Jan; children, Denice Robinson (Keith) of Wichita, Mike Yoger of Cherryvale, Kan., Dan Yoger of Wichita, Betzi Tarter (Kevin) of Overland Park and Ben Niggemann (Ashley) of Wichita; seven grandchildren, Kate and Alec Robinson, Lexi and Laney Tarter, Luke, Maggie and Hank Niggemann.

Services were Oct. 24, followed by private family entombment in Pittsburg Garden of Memories. Condolences may be sent to www.bathnaylor.com.

Memorials are to the Shriner’s Transportation Fund, c/o Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.