Jerry Michael Flatterich

Jerry Michael Flatterich, born February 10, 1945 in Ottumwa, Iowa, passed February 12, 2021 in Neodesha, Kansas. Now he is free to drive as many hours as he wishes. No port of entries, no speed limits and best of all, no DOT. He enjoyed being on the road, seeing new places and meeting people from the four corners of the lower 48 states. When not barreling down the road, he enjoyed fishing and, believe it or not, mowing the yard.

He lived in Reinbeck, Iowa, until the age of 14 when he went to Boys Town, Nebraska, where he thrived as a teenager, learning to box. His job was to attend the Priests. What stories he could tell!

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army. He served a tour in Vietnam before being discharged.

He met and married, Elizabeth Cox in Wichita, Kansas. Their union was blessed with two sons, Jerry Michael, Jr and Brian Wade. They later divorced.

On February 10, 1979, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Wiles Birdsell. They had just celebrated their 42nd anniversary on his 76th birthday.

He leaves behind his wife, Phyllis of the home. In addition to his sons, Jerry M. Jr., Seattle Washington, Brian Wade of Wichita, Kansas, a daughter Davalyne Wilson of Wichita, Kansas, a well-blended family, includes, stepsons, Mike Botkin, Sam Birdsell of Altoona, William (Bill) Birdsell (Bridget Ford) Bernice, Oklahoma and stepdaughter, Phylliss (Penny) (Sam Keaton), Grove, Oklahoma.

The blended family reaches two more generations that includes grandchildren, Kelsey, Chesney, Brian Jr., Samantha, Ashley, Aaron, Truman Jacob, Tori, Sirein and Thysie.

There are also 14 great grandchildren, whom he loved to the moon and back. A quiet man whose love ran deep, will be missed.

His parents and one stepson, Scott Birdsell, preceded him in death.

Cremation has taken place with private family services being held at a later date.

Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 North 7th, Fredonia, Kansas.