Pete (Wilbur) Wedeman, 74, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away June 9th, 2008 at the Mayo Clinic following additional open heart surgery. Born at home June 11th, 1933 to Pearl and Leslie Wedeman, Pete spent his childhood in and around Colony, Kansas. A proud Veteran, Pete served as a mechanic in the Army during the Korean War. Following his active duty years, he graduated from Pittsburg State University. On October 24th, 1964, Pete married Winona; together they have celebrated 43 years together. A career government employee, Pete worked for the Department of Agriculture as an auditor until his retirement in 1992. As a member of Westport and Knox Presbyterian churches for 45 years, Pete served many roles, including deacon, elder, and session member. He was an active volunteer both at church and in the community, working with charities such as Crosslines and the Red Cross (donating over 10 gallons of blood during his life). Pete?s hobbies included league bowling, playing cards, and spoiling his grandchildren. Pete was an active member of the Top Railers square dance club for 29 years. He especially enjoyed the gatherings at Pomona Lake. Perhaps one of his most treasured activities began in June of 1991, when he became ?Poppy? to the first of 6 grandchildren. Poppy cherished his role in the lives of his grandkids, always ready with hugs, ice cream, and Jolly Ranchers. He was an expert baby cuddler, story reader, teacher, mentor, and piggy bank trustee, as well as an endless source of quarters and peanut butter crackers. Pete is survived by his wife Winona, daughter Beth and son-in-law Bryan Howard, son Chris and daughter-in-law Kris Wedeman, sister Eileen and brother-in-law Bob Callaway, brother Kenneth Wedeman, brother Wendell and sister-in-law Vanessia Wedeman, mother-in-law Winona Packard, and grandchildren Phillip, Emily, Kathryn and Colin Wedeman, and Tommy and Jason Howard. Pete also leaves behind Bandit, a much treasured friend and true companion.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 16 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at D.W. Newcomer?s Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June, 17 at 10:00 AM at Knox Presbyterian Church, 9595 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS. Graveside services will be Tuesday at 12:00 Noon in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13909 Blackbob, Olathe, KS. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Knox Presbyterian Church.