With great sadness, we must inform you that Wade Arlin Gaeddert, MD, died away on Thursday, February 15, 2024. He was 58 years old. Our hearts are heavy as we share this news with you. His dying moments were spent in the tranquil embrace of Princeville, Hawaii, on the lovely island of Kauai, where he and his cherished wife, Angie, were enjoying a relaxing vacation. His passing did not come as a surprise to anyone.
Wade Gaeddert was the son of Arlin Dean Gaeddert and Beverly Anne (Wiegand) Gaeddert. He was born on March 27, 1965, located in the town of Moundridge, Kansas. Following the completion of his high school education at Inman in 1983 and his undergraduate studies at Bethany College (Lindsborg) in 1987, he decided to embark on the virtuous journey of healing and ultimately earned his doctoral degree from the University of Kansas Medical School.
In the future, he would receive additional training in the medical field during his residency in Columbia, Missouri. Destiny entwined his journey with that of Angela Karen Poss, his soulmate, while he was attending Bethany College, which was a transforming period in his life. Hugo, Colorado, which is Angie’s hometown, was the location of their wedding ceremony, which ended in 1990. Dr. Gaeddert was an ear, nose, and throat specialist who worked in the McPherson location of the Hutchinson Clinic for a considerable amount of time.
He was a member of the McPherson community until his retirement. His reputation as a professional and compassionate health care practitioner was well-known, and as a result, patients came from all over the world to seek his medical knowledge. In addition to being a devoted physician, he loved his family with nothing but his whole heart.
Being a loving son, husband, father, brother, and most recently, a grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, he was a wonderful person in all of these roles. Wade was quiet and welcoming, and he clearly cared about the people in his immediate environment.
Wade had an unwavering fondness for the great outdoors, whether it was snow skiing or water skiing, crossing vistas through trekking, or finding refuge by the lakeside. He enjoyed all of these activities. Singing karaoke and making memories that will last a lifetime were two of the most treasured activities that took place in the company of dear friends and family members.
Not only does Wade leave behind a legacy of love and devotion, but he is also survived by his cherished wife of 34 years, Angie, and their three children: Nichelle (Nate) Chastain and their children, Otto and Hugo, of Kansas City, Missouri; Brooke (Ethan) Fowler and their daughter, Maren, of Jackson, Mississippi; and William (Louie) Gaeddert of Lenexa, Kansas.
Other members of his family include his stepfather, Loren Regier, who resides in Inman, Kansas; his siblings Wylene (Doug) Lengel of McPherson, Kansas; Dawn (Gary) Belknap of Elkhorn, Nebraska; and Keena (Michael) Leochner of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; as well as a large number of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, colleagues, and friends. Father Arlin Gaeddert, mother Beverly Gaeddert-Regier, and an infant brother named Lyle Dean all passed away before him. He was the last surviving member of his family.
The First United Methodist Church will be the location where the family will host a gathering for guests on Friday, March 8, 2024, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. On Saturday, March 9, at 10:00 AM, there will be a celebration of his life held at the First United Methodist Church. Following the celebration, he will be laid to rest at the North Inman Cemetery.
Donations in memory of the deceased may be sent to the following organizations: First United Methodist Church, McPherson Family YMCA, Life’s Bridges Hawaii, Inc., Pleasant View Home (Inman), or Bethany College (Lindsborg) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, located at 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, Kansas 67460.
