Francis E. Velharticky

Francis E. “Gene” Velharticky, age 85, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, in Topeka.

He was born the son of Lumir E. and Eva R. (Rohrer) Velharticky on June 13, 1938, in Culver, KS.

After high school, Gene attended Fort Hays State College which is now known as Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS. He excelled athletically while competing in wrestling. He was a champion wrestler in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Gene enjoyed his time in Hays and had many fond memories from his sport and academic time at the college. He then furthered his education and received his Doctor of Education from Wichita State University in Wichita, KS.

Gene was a lifelong educator, spending 54 years in public education. He educated and coached at various schools in Kansas and Oklahoma. Some of his fondest years were teaching and coaching in Nickerson, KS. Always one to work with his hands, Gene was a talented carpenter and woodworker. He could create fine furniture and grandfather clocks with any wood. Seeing a need to repurpose pallet wood, Gene created,
“Czeckered Marketing” in 2010. His business venture allowed him to market, sell and become a consultant with his furniture manufacturing. If he wasn’t woodworking, Gene could be found restoring old cars.

Throughout his life, Gene was a kind, gentle soul. His dry but witty sense of humor could connect with any age group. He was the biggest John Wayne fan and was thrilled to visit John Wayne’s hometown of Winterset, IA a few years ago. He had a love of horses and throughout the years, he rode and showed his own horses.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Margaret Adeline Velharticky of Topeka, KS; his brother, Kenneth Lumir Velharticky of Lone Tree, CO; his children, Jena Kay Velharticky of Kinsley, KS, Kayla Jean Velharticky of Howard, CO, and William Chase Velharticky of Oklahoma City, OK; his grandchildren, Kendal, Crystal, and Wyatt. He was proud to be a member of his wife Addie’s family including her children, Jim Furman of Harveyville, KS, Mike Furman of Alma, KS, and Brian Furman of Eskridge, KS; her grandchildren, Dillon, Dustin, Dalton, Dakota, and her great-grandchildren. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his dog, Rocky.

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. The family kindly requests western or casual attire for all those that attend.

Memorial contributions can be made in Gene’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.