Gerald A. Sothers

Gerald Albert Sothers, age 96, entered into rest on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Belleville, Kansas. He was born on February 20, 1929, in Courtland, Kansas, to Elder Sothers and Juvernia (Garman) Sothers. Gerald grew up in Courtland and graduated from Courtland High School, Class of 1947.

On New Year’s Day of 1949, Gerald went on his first date with Pauline Johnson. A year later, the two were married on August 20, 1950, and in 1959, were blessed with their first child, Rodney. Their daughters, Sherry and Jann, soon followed, completing their family. Gerald and Pauline were lifelong partners until her passing in 1993.

In July of 1952, Gerald was drafted into the military, serving his country in the United States Army, and spending a year in Korea. Gerald was part of a group of men from Republic County that served during Korea, and in the years after their service, they and their wives would meet up a few times each year for GI suppers.

Gerald worked a variety of jobs throughout his life. Early in his career, he was employed by a nursery contractor in Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka before returning to Courtland. He also worked for Loren Austin, drove a tank wagon for Bill Boyles’ station, and eventually went into farming, which became both his livelihood and his passion. He also spent more than 30 years in sales with Pioneer Seeds, serving the local farming community with knowledge and expertise.

Another passion in Gerald’s life was his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed their basketball games, which were a highlight of his time with them.

In 1994, Gerald found companionship again when he married Idamay (Lindberg) Johnson and moved to Courtland. With this marriage, he gained stepchildren Deanna, Muriel, and Doran, and together they shared many years with their blended family.

He was devoted to his community, serving as Fire Chief for many years and as President of the Courtland City Cemetery Board for two decades. Gerald was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of Courtland, and served as treasurer for several years. He enjoyed playing cards on Sunday afternoon at Pauline’s parents’ house, and later, at the Golden Bell Haven with Idamay.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Rodney Sothers and his wife Diane; daughter, Jann Gieber and her husband Mark; stepdaughters, Deanna Reynolds and Muriel Bonsall and her husband Sandie; grandchildren, Kyle Sothers, Kelsey Mugler and her husband Garett, Krystin Will and her husband Jeremy, Caleb Gieber and his wife Ariel, Seth Gieber and his wife Shannon, and Ryan Sothers and his wife Shari; and great-grandchildren, Taytum Mugler, Braylee Mugler, Gavin Mugler, Colson Will, Connor Will, Brooklyn Gieber, Sawyer Gieber, Quinn Sothers, Jerrod Sothers, and great-grandchild Parker Gieber on the way. He is also survived by his sister Judy Nylund, brother Maurice Sothers, and sister in law Beverly Sothers.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pauline; his second wife, Idamay; parents, Elder and Juvernia Sothers; daughter, Sherry Hager; stepson, Doran Johnson; stepson in law John Reynolds; brothers, Ralph Sothers, Elmer Dean Sothers and his wife Anita, Ronald Sothers and his wife Maudie, sister in law Marilyn Sothers; and brother in law John Nylund.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:30 am, at the United Methodist Church in Courtland, Kansas. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Courtland Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, September 22nd, from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with the family greeting friends from 6pm – 8pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville.

Memorials are requested to Meadowlark Hospice or the United Methodist Church of Courtland, and may be mailed to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Sothers family with arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com