Louise J. Willbourn

Louise J. Willbourn, 87, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017 at a local hospital. She was born on December 27, 1929, in Zweibruecken, Germany, the daughter of Alfred and Emma (Bender) Gries.

Louise came of age during World War II in Germany and endured the hardships of life during the war, including evacuations, air raids and bombings, and injury and loss of family and friends. She attended primary, secondary, and business schools in Germany, where she acquired fluency in the English language. During the 1950s, Louise worked as a secretary for the U.S. military forces in Pirmasens, Germany. She met her future husband, Russell J. Willbourn, in 1957 in Zweibruecken, Germany where he was stationed as a young G.I. In 1959, she joined him in the United States, moving to his home in Topeka, Kansas. They were married on August 31, 1959.

After coming to the United States, Louise worked for many years as a bookkeeper at Topeka Mill and Elevator, Co., and later was employed in accounting by the Kansas Lottery. Louise was an active member of the German-American Club of Topeka, in which she served as an editor of the club's newsletter, helped organize club functions, and enjoyed activities such as the club's annual masquerade ball, Oktoberfest, and polka dances. Louise also took part in the Karneval (Mardi Gras) festivities of the Germania Club of Kansas City. Louise frequently spoke to local church and school groups about Germany, its culture, and her experiences during World War II. Louise loved animals and supported numerous animal welfare groups, not infrequently taking in or providing care for needy strays.

Louise is survived by her husband Russell of Topeka, Kansas. Other survivors include a son, Dr. Dieter K. Kuntz and his wife, Anne, of Montgomery Village, Maryland; two grandchildren, Rudi Kuntz of London, England, and Emma Kuntz Jones (Jeffrey) of McLean, Virginia; one great-grandchild, Margaret H. Jones; a niece, Gisela Groll of Remscheid, Germany and a nephew, Manfred Gries of Zweibruecken, Germany; and many other relatives in Germany.

In 2015, Louise and Russell moved to Atria Hearthstone senior living community. There, Louise easily befriended other residents and endeared herself to the staff thanks to her warm and bubbly personality. She quickly gained a reputation for her sense of style, sharp wit, and especially her silly jokes. According to her husband, Russell: "Sunshine followed her wherever she went."

The family will receive friends during a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Funeral Chapel & Reception Center, 4700 SW 17th Street. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will host a reception in the chapel immediately following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the CAT Association of Topeka, or to the Helping Hands Humane Society.

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