John Franklin Kaiser, age 79, of Manhattan, died Saturday November 19, 2022 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
John was born on May 13, 1943 in Junction City, the son of Lester C. and Jean Marie (Smith) Kaiser. He grew up in the Junction City area and graduated from Junction City High School with the class of 1961. After graduation John joined the U.S. Navy and went to Naval Photographical School in Pensacola, Florida.
He worked at Norfolk, Virginia, then was deployed to the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, USS Observation Island at Cape Canaveral, Florida and was later transferred to Washington D.C. to the Naval Photographic Center. After his Honorable discharge from the Navy, John went to Fort Riley and worked for the Department of Defense as a photographer in the photo lab and then became the Film Service Officer in the TASC Office. After 30 years of service, he retired in 1993.
In retirement John worked for Briggs Auto, Jerrys Carpet World and the Westview Community Church. He enjoyed being part of the Gideons, the Yard Art Classic Car Club in Manhattan and a member of the Westview Community Church. He was able to help the church and many people while working at the church, which was important to him and brought him much joy.
On February 13, 1965 in Mims, Florida, John was united in marriage to Carlene Young. She survives at their home in Manhattan.
In addition to Carlene, John is survived by his sons: Raymond Kaiser (Tracie) of Olathe, Kansas and Scott Kaiser (Heather) of Liberty, Missouri; also, his grandsons: Brendan Kaiser and Kelley Kaiser; his sister Joan Johnston, of Augusta, Kansas; and his nephew Mark Johnston of Chapman, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Michael Johnston.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00p.m. Monday November 28, 2022 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday November 29, 2022 at the Westview Community Church, 615 Gillespie in Manhattan, with Pastor Brian Smith officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in memory of John to the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House Ins, the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter, or the Westview Community Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.