Gwendola Joyce (Von Wedell) Hildebrandt

Gwendola Joyce (Von Wedell) Hildebrandt, 84, of Pittsburg, Kan., passed away, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, following a short illness.

She was born Aug. 7, 1927, in rural Cherokee County, to Harry W. and Audrey M. (Thomas) Von Wedell. She grew up in rural Hepler, Kan., and attended Immanuel Lutheran School. She graduated from Hepler High School in 1945. Following high school, she attended a school of cosmetology in Wichita, Kan.

On June 12, 1949, she was united in marriage to Eugene V. Hildebrandt at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hepler, by Eugene's father. He preceded her in death on Aug. 29, 1994.

Mrs. Hildebrandt worked for several years as a beautician, later becoming a full-time mother and housewife.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Growing up on a farm gave her a love for gardening and working in the yard.

Membership was held in the Faith Lutheran Church, Pittsburg, where she was very active. She also was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society.

Mrs. Hildebrandt is survived by three daughters, Patricia Hildebrandt of Parkville, Mo., Kristin Johnson and her husband, Craig, of Girard, Kan., and Gina Traxler of Fort Scott, Kan.; four grandchildren, Lindsay Johnson, Katelyn Johnson-Becker, Jordan Traxler and Levi Traxler; one great-grandson, Blake Becker; one brother, Thad Wedell of Brazilton, Kan.; four sisters-in-law, Rosalie Wedell of Girard, Kan., Leota Figge of Wamego, Kan., Grace Springer of Duluth, Kan., and Alice List of Dallas, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Harold Wilkeson and Robert Wedell; and one grandson, Hunter Traxler.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19, at the Faith Lutheran Church, Pittsburg, with the Rev. Aaron Schumann officiating.

Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., Sunday, at the Brenner Mortuary. Friends may call after 1 p.m., Sunday, to sign the register book.

The family suggests memorials to the Faith Lutheran Church. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. Fourth St., Pittsburg. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.