Ivan Leroy Wieters

I chose this photo as the theme for Ivan's Memorial because of how very important he was for the Kansan farmers in his Co-op work and his role in the financial management of their businesses. This includes his dedication to the re-building of Greenleaf, KS after the devastating tornado that wiped out the town. His integrity, honesty, authenticity, and his unique sense of collegial & kind humor gave them trust and confidence in his wisdom and insights. These character values are ever challenged in the current landscape of American morality and with a lesser commitment to justice for all, and of caring for others and not just oneself. Yet these are character values we cherish deeply when we are treated as Ivan always treated each individual in his life. No doubt all that knew him were inspired by seeing that success can be achieved in this life, with honesty and integrity. And, if they had a choice in their own lives, even years later, that his example provided a compass to encourage them to take the highroad, and do the right thing, no matter hard it might be. My thoughts also went to many, many miles he drove all across Kansas, at all times of the night and day, with many vast and ever changing picturesque skies. Some also threateningly ominous and yet, the beauty even then, with the sunshine and the rainbows that come after the rains, reminding him of the magnificence of our world to be cared for responsibly, as he always shared as being so important to him.