John A. Heublein

John A. Heublein, 81, a cherished educator and devoted dad, passed away peacefully on April 22. Born on June 15, 1942, in Nashville, Kansas, to Albert and Fern Heublein, John's journey was one marked by dedication, warmth, and an unquenchable passion for mathematics.

After graduating high school in Isabel, John pursued a degree in mathematics education at Kansas State University. His career as a high school math teacher began in Dwight, Kansas.  He was then drafted into the United States Army from 1968-1970. After his time in the service, he continued his teaching career in Wamego, where not only did he enrich the minds of countless high school students, but he also built his family, welcoming his daughter Dawn and son David with his then-wife Lynn.

The early 1980s saw John and his family make a significant move to the Assaria/Salina areas. Here, he taught college mathematics at Kansas Technical Institute, which later became Kansas College of Technology and eventually Kansas State University - Salina. His decision to move was famously sealed by his children's excitement over the new Southeast of Saline school's playground, urging him to "Take the job, Dad!" This move proved fruitful, allowing him to continue influencing and shaping young minds for over five decades, ending when he suffered a stroke in June of 2014. John's love for mathematics wasn’t just a career, it was a way of life. He approached every challenge like a complex equation, every new experience as a fascinating problem to be solved, and in his personal life, he found joy as the asymptote—always approaching but never fully embracing retirement.

In Salina, John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. And throughout his life, he was a staunch supporter of his children's sports and various activities at Southeast of Saline. His dedication extended beyond the classroom. He volunteered time to coach his kids’ sports, providing hours of outfield fly practice in their back lot on Water Well Road for his daughter before softball games. He also helped with his kids’ Kipp Wide Awake 4-H Club activities. John’s passion for sports was only rivaled by his love for teaching and his unwavering support for his family, especially his grandson, Cooper, of whom he was profoundly proud.

John is preceded in death by his parents, his son David, and his son-in-law Steven Rohrer. He is survived by his daughter, Dawn and seventh-grade grandson, Cooper, of Salina; sister, Kathy Heublein of Medicine Lodge; sister Carol Jean Oller, of Enid, Oklahoma, and various nieces and nephews. His memory will live on through his family, students, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. In honor of John's legacy, memorials may be made directly to his grandson, Cooper Rohrer, for his own post-secondary education.

Visitation will be at Ryan Mortuary in Salina from 5-7pm on Thursday, May 2 with a short service beginning at 7. The family has opted for cremation with private burial at a later date.

John’s life was a testament to the joy of teaching and the enduring power of education. He will be deeply missed but forever an inspiration. His family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the CNAs, CMAs, and nurses at Holiday Resort of Salina as well as Interim Healthcare for the care they provided John for several years.

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