John Weihing
American politician (1921–2003)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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 |
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]