John Nathan Wissler

John Nathan Wissler, 73, of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Premier Estates, Pawnee City, Nebraska as his little Trigger saying goodbye as he ran out the door, John peacefully passed. Sometimes in life we feel lucky, on November 17, 1949 in Pawnee City, Nebraska, George and Dora (Curtis) Wissler felt that way when they brought their first son John, home to their farm in southeastern Nebraska.

John Wissler’s love of learning began in a rural country school, with abundant encouragement from his mother. John was a high school student athletic manager, leading to his decision to paint the lockers at Pawnee City High School for his Boy Scout Eagle project. He also dipped his toe into politics at this time by starting the Young Republicans Organization. Upon graduation from high school in 1968, John was awarded an athletic trainer scholarship enabling him to attend Doane College (Crete, Nebraska).  At Doane, he was fondly nicknamed “Doc” and recruited student athletes to the college. Even then he could spot talent. 

After graduation in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in education, John enjoyed a long career at Ralston High School, first as a teacher and then as athletic director. One former Ralston student wrote him a note last Father’s Day, saying, “You were a fair and steady presence in the lives of all of your students at that time, when we were at an impressionable age and needed that guidance.”   John left his job at Ralston in 1999 to manage the first of three USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships that he brought to Omaha. Later he went to work for the Creighton University Athletic Department.

But John Wissler’s real passion was his Cornhusker Flyers Track Club which he founded in 1977 and continues today. These athletes, coaches and parents were his family. One former coach said the Club’s rolls counted 2,000 current athletes and alumni in 2018, but “like McDonalds,” quit counting. “Maybe by their fiftieth year they can say 2,500.”

Former Flyers may smile remembering the giant personalized cookies he had delivered to his athletes at their individual schools just before the annual Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Track and Field Championships and hosted by Burke High School at the end of each school year. Some members may groan while remembering Coach Wissler’s rules, from “don’t look back” before the finish line to mandatory dress-up dinners after national competition that required ties.

John coached “his kids” on the track and in life, cultivating a training culture that emphasized hard work, loyalty, learning opportunities, and always good sportsmanship. Road trips to track meets all over the USA, side trips to local attractions after national competitions, an athlete exchange trip to China, and coaching the American junior team at a World Youth Championship in Hungary were all equally memorable to this man who never considered himself an athlete yet knew intuitively how to prepare young people for great athletic accomplishments. His Flyers not only became national champions but achieved international success in the sport. Being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Youth Track Coaches Association in 2022 was confirmation of Coach Wissler’s dedication to youth athletics.

Upon retirement, John moved back to Pawnee City to care for his mother. They were always ready to attend an auction, hit the garage sales or shuffle a deck of cards. John loved to cook, and this passion was reflected by his multiple shelves of cookbooks. Antique collecting was also a big part of his life. Many collectible “finds” were given as wedding presents as Flyers grew up and got married. Their coach rarely missed a wedding if within driving distance.  

 After his mother's passing, John continued to enjoy their favorite activities until Parkinson’s Disease made it impossible to remain in his home. Despite the progressive loss of mobility, John did his best to outrun concerned nursing home staff while pushing his walker down the hallways. He lived life on his terms.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dora, and his brother James. He is survived by his sister Jean (James) Coady, sister-in-law Deb (James) Wissler; nieces, Heidi Koster, Shayla Wissler; nephews, Joshua Wissler, Kiel Coady, Keenan Coady, Killian Coady, Ryan Wissler, Jacob Wissler; great nieces, Stachya Wissler, Cadince Coady, Claire Coady, Anna Koster, Emily Koster, Kenzie Coady, Corinne Coady; great nephews, Konnar Coady, Kalyn Coady, Kason Coady, Salvatore Wissler-Vartuli; extended family and lifelong friends. 

Funeral Services 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church/United Christian Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Pastor Connor Barr officiating.  Visitation Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Memorials can be made to a teacher scholarship of choice in memory of John Nathan Wissler, to the Cornhusker Flyers Track Club for athlete development, or the Pawnee City Assisted Living Walking Trail. Online condolences can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com. 

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Nathan Wissler, please visit our floral store.