Mary Jo Wodtke

Mary Jo Wodtke, 83, of Topeka, Kansas, passed on Thursday, June 26, 2014. She was born December 28, 1930, in Austin, Texas, daughter of Louis Henry and Ima Jane (Ballard) Bradshaw.

She graduated from Austin High School in 1948. Mary Jo attended St. John's College, Winfield, Kansas, from 1948-1950, graduating with an Associate Degree in business. It was while at St. John's, she met Norbert Wodtke, whom she later married on August 24, 1952 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Austin, Texas. Following their marriage, they moved to St Louis, where Mary Jo worked in the Synodical offices of the Lutheran church Missouri Synod and as secretary to the public relations director of Ralston Purina for two years. After Norbert graduated the seminary, the ministry took Mary Jo and Norbert from Freeport, TX to Guthrie, OK. In June, 1966, Mary Jo and family moved to Topeka, where Norbert served as Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church for 21 years. She attended Washburn University, Topeka, from 1976-1980, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in history and education. Mary Jo served as a substitute secondary education school teacher until she retired in 1988. They then went to Harlingen, Texas, from 1996-2011, where Norbert served as Winter Texas Pastor at St Paul Lutheran church.

Throughout her life she was active in the church, teaching Sunday and vacation bible school, a member of LWML, choir, served on various committees and was active in evangelism. They discontinued going to Texas for the winter after 15 years due to health reasons. Mary Jo was an avid Royals fan and reader and never missed watching a softball or baseball game played by one of her kids. She was a Mary Kay consultant for many years, loved watching Wimbledon, adored all animals and always had a rose garden. She loved walking their dog at Lake Shawnee, particularly through the rose garden.

Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband Norbert of Topeka, whom God blessed with 61 years of marriage. The laughter they shared was the signature of their marriage witnessed routinely by their family. Other survivors include a son Steve (Denise) Wodtke of Topeka, David (Teri) Wodtke of Topeka, John (Sheila) Wodtke of Kansas City, KS and Jo Wodtke (Jana Harden) of Topeka. She is also survived by a sister Martha Jane Anderson of Austin, TX and her brother David Bradshaw of Belton, TX. Mary Jo and Norbert have six grandchildren, Jackie, Travis, Christopher, Andrew, Jake and Alex.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Mrs. Wodtke will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Street, Topeka, after 2:00 p.m. on Monday and visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crossways International, 7930 Computer Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55435 or the Alzheimer's Association, 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66614.


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