Gilbert Willis Roduner

Gilbert Willis Roduner, 79, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2007 at the Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka. He was born on February 26, 1927 in Mitchell, SD, the son of William G. and Otillie Kost Roduner. He attended Wolf Creek and Huelburn Grade Schools near Freeman, SD and Freeman High School. He enlisted in the Army in 1945, served in France and Germany and was discharged in 1949 after two years of service at the General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth. Gilbert lived in Leavenworth prior to moving to Topeka in 1951. He was employed by Coca Cola for several years and then Strathman Sales until his retirement in 1989. He worked part time for Sears from 1992-2002 in the hardware department. Mr. Roduner was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. He was a Golden Age Eagle and belonged to the Fraternal Order of the Aerie No. 58 since 1959 of which he was a Past Worthy President and Treasurer. He was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church and was chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years. Gilbert married Ingrid Werdermann on December 19, 1947 in Berlin, Germany. She preceded him in death on May 16, 1990. He was also preceded in death by one son, Thomas L. "Tom" Roduner on October 22, 2004. Survivors include one daughter, Mary Tralle of Topeka, one son, William G. "Bill" Roduner, II of Willard, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a long-time companion of 15 1/2 years, Elwanda Sewell of Topeka. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at New Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Gilbert will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contrbutions may be given to New Hope United Methodist Church, 2915 S.W. 8th St., Topeka, KS 66606 or to the KSU Cancer Center, 1 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.