In Memory Of
Joan Walrafen
1925
2018
Joan Walrafen
August 6, 1925 — April 19, 2018
Joan Richmond Walrafen, 92, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2018.
When Joan (pronounced Jo-ann) married Duane Walrafen on June 11, 1948, the entire nation was invited to attend and several million of them did. They were married on the popular national radio program called "Bride and Groom." Joan was offered this opportunity because of her happy, witty, charismatic, bright personality. The same charming personal traits brought her to the very influential position of personal secretary to Mr. Wes Roberts, who at that time was Chairman of the Republican party of Kansas. It didn't hurt their selection for the radio show that the handsome Duane was serving at that time as Chief Engineer of the Kansas Corporation Commission. Their marriage led to a happy, growing family, and a career that took them to the great cities of Rapid City, South Dakota and Topeka, Kansas.
Joan was born August 6, 1925, in Parsons, Kansas, the daughter of Robert and Leoto (Leffingwell) Richmond. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1943 and attended Washburn University. Joan enjoyed working for Kansas legislators, Jan Myers and Audrey Langworthy, for a number of years. Joan was a member of Board of Directors of Mulvane Art Museum for 20 years, and was instrumental in the organization of the Mulvane Art Museums Woman's Board. Joan was a member of Board of Directors of Washburn Alumni Association and served as Alumni Advisor to students for 12 of the 15 years she served. She also received the Monroe award from Washburn Alumni Association. Other boards she was director of were Stormont-Vail Hospital Auxiliary, Shawnee County Mental Health Association, and the Alzheimer's Association of Topeka. She also served as Co-Chairman of the Community Division for United Way.
Mrs. Walrafen was a member of First United Methodist Church of Topeka for over 50 years.
Joan's husband, Duane preceded her in death on December 18, 1992 . She was also preceded in death by her step-father, Bernice "Newt" Newton, and a brother, Robert Richmond and his wife June.
Survivors include sons, Robert Walrafen (Nancy), Gregg Walrafen (Rita); grandchildren, Meredith Walrafen (Ashley), Brianna Rinaldi (Jason); four great grandchildren, Chloe, Collin, Mary and Ian; a brother, Jack Richmond (Laura).
A Celebration of Life will be Thusday, May 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66604. Reception will follow at the funeral home. Burial will be private later at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Brewster Foundation Benevolent Fund, 1209 SW 29th Topeka, KS 66611, Washburn Alumni Association, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66603.
To share your memories of Joan or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
When Joan (pronounced Jo-ann) married Duane Walrafen on June 11, 1948, the entire nation was invited to attend and several million of them did. They were married on the popular national radio program called "Bride and Groom." Joan was offered this opportunity because of her happy, witty, charismatic, bright personality. The same charming personal traits brought her to the very influential position of personal secretary to Mr. Wes Roberts, who at that time was Chairman of the Republican party of Kansas. It didn't hurt their selection for the radio show that the handsome Duane was serving at that time as Chief Engineer of the Kansas Corporation Commission. Their marriage led to a happy, growing family, and a career that took them to the great cities of Rapid City, South Dakota and Topeka, Kansas.
Joan was born August 6, 1925, in Parsons, Kansas, the daughter of Robert and Leoto (Leffingwell) Richmond. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1943 and attended Washburn University. Joan enjoyed working for Kansas legislators, Jan Myers and Audrey Langworthy, for a number of years. Joan was a member of Board of Directors of Mulvane Art Museum for 20 years, and was instrumental in the organization of the Mulvane Art Museums Woman's Board. Joan was a member of Board of Directors of Washburn Alumni Association and served as Alumni Advisor to students for 12 of the 15 years she served. She also received the Monroe award from Washburn Alumni Association. Other boards she was director of were Stormont-Vail Hospital Auxiliary, Shawnee County Mental Health Association, and the Alzheimer's Association of Topeka. She also served as Co-Chairman of the Community Division for United Way.
Mrs. Walrafen was a member of First United Methodist Church of Topeka for over 50 years.
Joan's husband, Duane preceded her in death on December 18, 1992 . She was also preceded in death by her step-father, Bernice "Newt" Newton, and a brother, Robert Richmond and his wife June.
Survivors include sons, Robert Walrafen (Nancy), Gregg Walrafen (Rita); grandchildren, Meredith Walrafen (Ashley), Brianna Rinaldi (Jason); four great grandchildren, Chloe, Collin, Mary and Ian; a brother, Jack Richmond (Laura).
A Celebration of Life will be Thusday, May 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66604. Reception will follow at the funeral home. Burial will be private later at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Brewster Foundation Benevolent Fund, 1209 SW 29th Topeka, KS 66611, Washburn Alumni Association, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66603.
To share your memories of Joan or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Walrafen, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors