Paul Eugene Wichern

Paul Eugene Wichern, 87, of Jackson, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Paul was born January 18, 1936, in Altenburg, son of the late Oscar and Meta (Lichtenegger) Wichern. He and Jeanette Ruehling were married June 10, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas, Missouri. He was a previous member of Immanual Lutheran Church in New Wells and a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas. Paul was a lifelong dairy and beef farmer on the family farm. He honorably served in the Unites States Naval Reserves for 9 years. In addition to his loving wife of 61 years, Paul is survived by four children, Jeff Wichern of Jackson, Mark (Susan) Wichern of St. Louis, David (Rebecca) Wichern of Jackson and Christina (Jeff) Leuckel of Perryville; five grandchildren, Jessica (Travis) Birge of Westfield, IN, Rebecca (Ryan) McManaway of Indianapolis, IN, Sarah Wichern of Cape Girardeau and Rachel Wichern, of St. Louis and Jewelia Leuckel of Perryville; three great-grandchildren, Kip McManaway, Kinsley McManaway, and Colt Brown; brother-in-law, Paul (Madeline) Ruehling of Pocahontas; a nephew, James Wichern of Lenexa, Kansas; and three nieces, Joy Smith of Shawneetown, Cindy (Chuck) Gass of Pocahontas, and Amy Ruehling of Pocahontas. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, John and sister - in- law Jeanette Wichern. Visitation will be Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. Funeral will be Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas with Rev. Virgil Kelm Officiating. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may take the form of contributions to Saxony Lutheran High School or Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute tab of Paul's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com