Gary L. Woessner, 60, of Hiawatha, died Monday afternoon, June 22, 2015, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.
Gary was born at Fostoria, Ohio, November 14, 1954, one of three children born to Jack and Caroline Joseph Woessner.  He grew up and attended school at Fostoria, later working to earn his GED.
He was a member of Church of God Seventh Day at Hiawatha. He loved his family, enjoyed fishing, listening to music, KC Chiefs, and Royals baseball.  Gary also enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and was active in children’s summer sports and baseball for 17 years.
Gary worked in the warehouse, driving a fork lift.  He took machinist’s training at Wenger Manufacturing at Sabetha, but returned to warehouse work as he enjoyed it more.  He also did packing and welding.
At Junction City, he met, later married Carmen Ellington, May 25, 1974, at Hiawatha.  They were foster parents for a number of children through the years and have made Hiawatha their home for over 40 years.  She survives.
Also surviving are his mother Caroline Woessner of Fostoria; four sons:  Gabe Woessner of Platte City, MO, Michael Woessner of Lawrence, Akeem Woessner of Atchison, Alphonso Woessner of Mulvane; two daughters Hannah Woessner of Hiawatha, Cheyenne Woessner of Horton; a sister Brenda Mungia of Rising Sun, Ohio; and 9 grandchildren.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Jack; and a sister Pamela Carter in 2009.
A Celebration of Gary’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Malcolm Grier officiating.  Cremation will follow service with family inurnment at a later date at Hiawatha Cemetery. 
Friends may call at the funeral home after noon until 7 Thursday evening.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services Friday.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gary Woessner Memorial Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.A message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com