Jack Nathan Wisman

Jack Nathan Wisman, 77, of Topeka, Kansas, died on September 22, 2026, at home following an extended illness. He was born on February 17, 1949, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, the first child to Sam and Fannie Einstein Wisman.

A lifelong Topekan, Jack graduated from Topeka West High School in 1966 and earned a degree in history from the University of Oklahoma in 1971.

In 1973, Jack joined the family business, Einstein's Outdoor Outfitters located at 1820 SW 10th Ave in Topeka, with his mother and brother Alan. As co-owner, he devoted decades to serving customers and helping the business remain an important part of the Topeka community. Einstein’s, established in 1910, remains open under the ownership of Alan Wisman.

Jack's commitment to his community extended far beyond his professional life. He served as a board member of the Kansas Historical Society, worked as a docent at the Kansas State Capitol, was a supporter of Doorstep, and was active in numerous civic and charitable endeavors.

Jack was proud to be Jewish and loved the Temple Beth Sholom community. Over the years, Jack served in many leadership roles, including as president, master of ceremonies for the annual Blintze Brunch, and singing in the choir. As his brother Alan said, "The Temple was his family." In recognition of his service, he received Temple Beth Sholom's Lawrence Litwin Award for Leadership and Community Service along with his wife, Rhoda.

Jack and Rhoda were married on October 28,1984 at Temple Beth Sholom.

Jack was an avid reader who loved history, William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Western ballads and films, playing golf, and cheering on the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He was known for his wry sense of humor, baritone speaking and singing voice (which you could hear on radio advertisements), and devotion to his family and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Rhoda; brother Alan (Molly) Wisman; sister Rosann Wisman (Michael Lilek); Rhoda’s family, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many cousins, friends, and members of the Topeka and Temple Beth Sholom community.

Look up the word “mensch” in the dictionary (which Jack read as a child), and you'll find a picture of Jack Wisman. His integrity, kindness, intelligence, humor, and commitment to his community were unmatched.

Jack was so, so loved. May his memory be for blessing.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom at 200 SW Munson Ave in Topeka, followed by burial at Topeka Cemetery at 1601 SE 10th Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in Jack's honor to Temple Beth Sholom or Doorstep Inc.