In Memory Of
Norma "Jean" Harper
1933
2024
Norma "Jean" Harper
February 28, 1933 — May 2, 2024
Norma “Jean” Harper, 91, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2024.
She was born February 28, 1933, in Burlingame, Kansas, the daughter of Alvin and Elma (Wells) Briggs. She was a 1951 graduate of Osage City High School and received an associate degree from Clarks Business School in Topeka.
Jean was employed by Sears and Roebuck in Topeka for 20 years until retiring.
Active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she served as Deacon and also a member of the Swinging Squares Square Dance Club for 25 years.
Jean married Robert Neal Harper on April 19, 1952, in Osage City, KS. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2010. Survivors include her daughters, Marcia (Harold) Durkes, Karen (Ken) Fink; son, David Neal (Cindy) Harper; six grandchildren, Brandon (Audra) Durkes, Kristi Durkes (Brandon) Bremer, Brad (Liesel) Fink, Nola Fink (Ryan) Weyrauch, Ryan Neal (Lauren) Harper, and Mark (Courtney) Harper and 22 great-grandchildren, Dawson and Ariah Durkes, Makayla, Makenzie, Mia and Blake Bremer, Grayson, Payton, Clayton Neal, Kennison Harper Fink, Daryn, Andrea, Tricia and Anibel Weyrauch, Kaelyn, Robert Jack, and Olivia Harper, Carson Massengill, MacKayleigh and Zayne Arrington, Braxtyn and Sawyer Jones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Briggs and her sister, Arlene Peters.
Jean’s family was her life. She loved spending time with family, attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events and visiting extended family. She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and card parties, camping, traveling, and exercising in her later years.
Jean’s family would like to thank the staff of The Gardens at Aldersgate for the care they provided her.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell, Topeka, KS 66604.
Jean's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
To share a memory of Jean or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born February 28, 1933, in Burlingame, Kansas, the daughter of Alvin and Elma (Wells) Briggs. She was a 1951 graduate of Osage City High School and received an associate degree from Clarks Business School in Topeka.
Jean was employed by Sears and Roebuck in Topeka for 20 years until retiring.
Active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she served as Deacon and also a member of the Swinging Squares Square Dance Club for 25 years.
Jean married Robert Neal Harper on April 19, 1952, in Osage City, KS. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2010. Survivors include her daughters, Marcia (Harold) Durkes, Karen (Ken) Fink; son, David Neal (Cindy) Harper; six grandchildren, Brandon (Audra) Durkes, Kristi Durkes (Brandon) Bremer, Brad (Liesel) Fink, Nola Fink (Ryan) Weyrauch, Ryan Neal (Lauren) Harper, and Mark (Courtney) Harper and 22 great-grandchildren, Dawson and Ariah Durkes, Makayla, Makenzie, Mia and Blake Bremer, Grayson, Payton, Clayton Neal, Kennison Harper Fink, Daryn, Andrea, Tricia and Anibel Weyrauch, Kaelyn, Robert Jack, and Olivia Harper, Carson Massengill, MacKayleigh and Zayne Arrington, Braxtyn and Sawyer Jones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Briggs and her sister, Arlene Peters.
Jean’s family was her life. She loved spending time with family, attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events and visiting extended family. She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and card parties, camping, traveling, and exercising in her later years.
Jean’s family would like to thank the staff of The Gardens at Aldersgate for the care they provided her.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell, Topeka, KS 66604.
Jean's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
To share a memory of Jean or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma "Jean" Harper, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 15
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