Verta Luellen Weidner

Verta Luellen (Johnson) Weidner, 97, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024.

She was born on August 29, 1927, in Burdick, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer and Mary Ellen (Nelson) Johnson. She was the youngest of six and graduated from Harveyville High School. 

Verta married Clinton Odell “Del” Weidner on July 7, 1948 in Hollywood, California. They were married on the ABC radio program called “Bride and Groom” for the world to hear. At the time, Verta was employed at Santa Fe and they placed big speakers around the office so that her coworkers could hear the nuptials being said. Verta’s sister (Doris) was married to Del’s brother (Bill) and they were Maid of Honor and Best Man.

Together Del and Verta operated and owned Del Weidner Liquor in North Topeka. They also owned Four Corners south of Topeka. 

Verta and Del enjoyed dancing and Verta loved to listen to Del’s band, the “Del Weidner Orchestra” play around Topeka. Eventually, they became snowbirds, traveling to the Florida Keys every winter for over 20 years, until Del’s death in 1992. Verta continued to go for several more years. Verta loved to play bridge and entertain her friends in her home. She kept a close group of friends that she loved dearly. Her favorite thing to do though, was spend time with her family, especially the grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mammo”. 

She leaves behind her children, Margo Leonard and Clinton Odell Weidner II (Susan); stepson, Leonard Del Weidner (Janie); her beloved grandchildren, Valerie Leonard (Jeff), Katie Leonard, Jennifer Akers (Todd) and Leonard Weidner, II; great grandchildren, Cameron (Idalis), Keanna, Quinn, Hayden, Lux and Zane and great-great grandchildren, Kamryn and Ezra. 

She was preceded in death by husband, Del; her parents, three sisters and two brothers. 

A memorial service to honor Verta will be held at 10:00am on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. Her family will greet friends and relatives one hour prior to the service. A private graveside service will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608 or Elara Caring Hospice, 3745 SW Wanamaker Road, Ste A, Topeka, KS 66608. 

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