Jon F. Isch

Jon Frank Isch, 88, of Sabetha, Kansas, died on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Apostolic Christian Nursing Home in Sabetha, Kansas, with family by his side.

Jon was born on October 9, 1937, at the Sabetha Hospital to Frank and Irene (Herrmann) Isch. He was the firstborn in the family, with five younger sisters. Jon spent his early years in Berwick, Kansas, where he attended first grade before the family moved to Morrill, Kansas. He graduated from Morrill High School in 1955 and went on to attend Kansas State University, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Alpha Zeta, an honorary agricultural society. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Jon was an Eagle Scout. He also served three years in the Missouri Air National Guard.

In October 1960, Jon asked a Sabetha High School business teacher, Janice Collins, on a first date to Nabs Café for a Coke. They were married on June 11, 1961, and shared nearly 65 years of marriage. Together they welcomed two children, James Robert (JR) and Joleen (Jody), and built a life filled with family and treasured memories. The family was members of the Morrill Church of the Brethren, where Jon served as treasurer for many years. After moving to Sabetha, they attended what is now known as the NorthRidge Church.

After graduating from Kansas State University, Jon returned to Morrill and worked at the family grain and feed business at the Morrill Elevator. Following his father’s retirement, Jon and his uncle, Elmer Isch, operated the elevator together. After they sold the business, Jon spent 10 years in banking as a loan officer. When his son, JR, later purchased the elevator and brought the business back into the family, Jon welcomed the opportunity to return to his passion for agriculture and reconnect with many longtime friends.

Jon enjoyed a good round of golf—highlighted by a hole-in-one on the 8th hole at McDowell Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. He also enjoyed spending time in his workshop on woodworking projects and took great pride in a well-kept lawn. He liked dining out, spending time boating at the Lake of the Ozarks, and most of all, making memories with family and friends. Jon enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and internationally, often taking the backroads and visiting with local folks along the way. For 25 years, Jon and Jan wintered in the Phoenix area of Arizona. They were devoted Kansas State fans as well, holding K-State football season tickets since the Bill Snyder era began in 1989.

Jon loved a good laugh and enjoyed his “Thirsty Thursday” FaceTime calls with his five sisters. He took a genuine interest in the lives of his children and grandchildren and made it a point to attend as many of their events as he could.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irene Isch, and his brother-in-law, Pat Moynagh.

Jon is survived by his wife, Janice, at their home in Sabetha; his two children, JR (Chris) Isch of Sabetha, and Jody (Trent) Lancaster of Ottawa, Kansas; his four grandchildren, Madison (Josh) Srna of Gardner, Kansas, Cooper Lancaster of Sabetha, Briana (Logan) Hall of Sabetha, and Dylan Grote of Kansas City, Kansas; his three great-grandchildren, Parker Srna, Garrett Hall, and Grayson Hall; his five sisters, Jane Moynagh of Denton, Texas, Marty (Chic) Lang of Plano, Texas, Becky (John) Howard of Hiawatha, Kansas, Ellen Isch of Overland Park, Kansas, and Lisa (Terry) Garrett of Burlington, Kansas; and his many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the NorthRidge Church. The interment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery in Sabetha. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Apostolic Christian Home and the Sabetha Community Health Foundation, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.