John Weihing
John Weihing | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 48th district | |
| In office January 7, 1987 – January 9, 1991 | |
| Preceded by | William E. Nichol |
| Succeeded by | Joyce Hillman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 26, 1921 |
| Died | February 26, 2003 (aged 82) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Shirley Ruth Wilkerson
(m. 1948) |
| Children | 4 (Lawson, Martin, Warren, Adell) |
| Education | Colorado State University (B.A.) University of Nebraska (M.S., Ph.D.) |
| Occupation | Plant pathologist, university professor |
John L. Weihing (February 26, 1921 – February 26, 2003) was a Republican politician and university professor from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 48th district from 1987 to 1991.
Early life
Weihing was born in Rocky Ford, Colorado, in 1921, and graduated from Rocky Ford High School.[1] He graduated from Colorado State University with his bachelor's degree in 1942,[1] and served in the military during World War II, participating in the Normandy landings as a paratrooper.[2] Upon his return, he attended the University of Nebraska, receiving his master's degree in 1949 and his doctoral degree in 1954.[1] Weihing specialized in plant pathology, and taught at the University of Nebraska in the plant pathology department from 1950 until 1971.[3]
In the 1970s, Weihing worked with State Senator Terry Carpenter to convert the former campus of Hiram Scott College into the University of Nebraska Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff.[4] He served as the director of the center from 1971 to 1984.[1]
Nebraska Legislature
In 1986, State Senator William E. Nichol announced that he would run for Lieutenant Governor,[5] and Weihing ran to succeed him in the 48th district, which was based in Scottsbluff.[3] In the nonpartisan primary, he faced former Scotts Bluff County Commissioner Clinton Morrison, attorney Joe Romero, and veteran Max Schachter.[6] Weihing placed first in the primary with 42 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election with Morrison, who placed second with 28 percent.[7][6] In the general election, Weihing defeated Morrison in a landslide, winning 61–39 percent.[7]
Weihing declined to seek a second term in 1990, observing, "If I were to run and win, at the beginning of the next term I would be 70. It's time to turn the reins over to someone new."[8]
Death
Weihing died on February 26, 2003.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Prokop, Arlie, ed. (1989). Nebraska Blue Book 1988-89 (PDF). Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
- ^ a b "Former Panhandle state senator Weihing dies". Kearney Hub. March 1, 2003. p. 2A. Retrieved March 16, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Weihing seeking election to state Legislature seat". Star-Herald. Scottsbluff, Nebraska. February 4, 1986. p. 3. Retrieved March 16, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Hansen, Sandra (February 28, 2003). "Research pioneer John Weihing remembered". Star-Herald. Scottsbluff, Nebraska. p. 1A, 2A. Retrieved March 16, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Nichol To Run For Lieutenant Governor". Gering Courier. November 28, 1985. p. 1. Retrieved March 16, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Cordes, Henry J. (May 14, 1986). "Ewing Veterinarian Tops DeCamp by 2-to-1 Edge". Omaha World-Herald. p. 11. Retrieved March 16, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Beermann, Allen J. (1986). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 13, 1986, General Election, November 4, 1986 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
- ^ "Sen. Weihing won't seek second term". Star-Herald. Scottsbluff, Nebraska. January 25, 1990. p. 1. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.