(1952-2026)

Daniel “Digger” R. Wimmer, 72, of Bushton, Kan., passed away on May 28, 2026, at his home. He was born in Ellsworth, Kan., on Aug. 30,1953, to Joe and Doris (Nienke) Wimmer. Dan married Glenna Boardman in 1974, and together they welcomed two sons, Dan and Josh. Though their marriage later ended, Dan’s family continued to grow with the birth of his daughter, Leisha, whom he considered one of his greatest gifts. In 1990, Dan married Janie Geier, and through this union he gained three sons, Jamie, Eric and Ross, who he cherished as his own.

For over 40 years, Digger served as a firefighter. He served the Garden City Fire Department (Lieutenant Dan) as the fire marshall, preceding his additional fire service at the Bushton Volunteer Fire Department. He built a life anchored in hard work, determination and unending perseverance.

Digger was a man who could run a bulldozer, welder, tractor, semitruck and any other piece of equipment that was put under him. He embodied hard work and believed that it was the measure of a man. Digger also lived to serve his neighbor and never said no to using his skills to better someone else’s day. His hard work brought him success, and allowed he and Janie to spoil and bless their children and grandchildren. Due to his many years of firefighting and the risks he had taken, he also carried an anchored peace in “meeting his Maker” on the other side of the clouds.

Dan is survived by his children, Dan (Missy) Wimmer, Bushton; Josh Wimmer, Bushton; and Leisha Wimmer, Holyrood; Jamie (Amanda) Martinez, Scott City, Kan.; and daughter-in-law Sarah Miranda, Galt, Calif. He is also survived by his siblings Roy (Ann) Wimmer, Holyrood, and Linda Togerson, Stafford, Kan.

Dan leaves behind many grandchildren who brought him great joy: Brevan Martinez, Dillon Wimmer, Mason Wimmer, Gabby Martinez, Jaelynn Wimmer, Zoe Wimmer, Kason Geier, Maddie Wimmer, Kenzi Martinez, Richard Geier, Benton Decker, Wyatt Decker and Remington Wimmer, as well as four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Janie Wimmer; sons Eric Geier and Ross Geier; parents Joe and Doris Wimmer; brother Randy Wimmer; brother-in-law Rex ( Joe) Togerson; and grandson Gabriel Cortez Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Salem Church, 517 Ave. E, Bushton, Kan., with inurnment following at the church cemetery (Salem-Friedhof Cemetery).

Memorial contributions can be made to the Bushton Fire Department, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.