IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
John Summervill
A celebration of life for John Charles Summervill, 89, who died June 17, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, was Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.
Military honors were provided by a Fort Riley honor guard. Private inurnment was in the church columbarium. Visitation was 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 19 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 20, with the family present 5 to 7 p.m. June 20 at Elliott Mortuary.
John was born April 9, 1936, in Hillsboro to Wesley and Mildred (Bredemeier) Summervill. He graduated from Marion High School in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959.
John attended Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1962 and a master’s degree in 1963, both in education. He was a very proud Hornet!
His teaching career began in Strong City, where he taught seventh grade. John then moved to Hutchinson and worked primarily for USD 309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson. He started teaching at South Hutchinson Grade School before moving to Nickerson High School, where he taught history and government.
John also served as athletic director for USD 309, coached girls’ basketball and softball, and officiated basketball, baseball, and football games. Never one for rest and relaxation, he worked summers for the Soil Conservation Service and mowed lawns for more than 50 years.
John had a passion for education and for encouraging students and athletes to work hard and strive for excellence. He received many awards. He was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame and the Teacher Hall of Fame and was named Athletic Director of the Year.
Giving back and supporting the community were integral parts of John’s life. He was involved in National Education Association, Kansas NEA, Kansas College Officials Association, and Emporia State University Alumni Association. John also served as a trustee for the ESU Foundation.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, where he participated in the Methodist Men and Doers Sunday school class and was a Sunday morning usher. John was a fixture at church, always volunteering behind the scenes.
John was dedicated to his church, education, and the community, but his greatest love and dedication was his family. He was a devoted and proud husband, father, and grandfather, always supporting his family with unconditional love.
While in college, he met his future bride, Barbara Ann Cooper. They were married July 1, 1961, in Cheney.
John is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Barbara of Hutchinson; children Rodney Summervill (and wife Carol) and Jill Goertzen (and husband Russ) of Buhler; grandsons Jacob Goertzen of Buhler, Joshua Goertzen of Manhattan, and Justin Goertzen and Jesse Goertzen of Buhler; step-grandchildren Megan Anger, Ethan Caster, and Dane Caster; sister Sue Navrat (and husband Dennis); sisters-in-law Marge Summervill and Val Summervill; and numerous nieces, nephews, and former students.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Marion Summervill and Mick Summervill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Summervill Family Scholarship at Emporia State University in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St, Hutchinson KS 67501.