Our dear mother and grandmother, Minnie Marie Weidner, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 21, 2018 in Livingston, Texas. Minnie was a Christian, so we take great comfort in knowing she is with her heavenly Father. She was born June 19, 1921, in Doniphan, Arkansas to Lawrence and Mary Wilson. One of eight children, life was a struggle growing up. However, those struggles shaped Minnie into the wonderful, hard-working, kind, generous person she became.
Minnie taught herself to play guitar and mandolin and toured briefly with her uncle’s band. That all changed in 1939 when she met the love of her life, Claud Weidner. They married later that year. During World War II, Claud service in the United States Coast Guard while Minnie took care of their children and went to work daily as a detonator inspector in an ordinance plant. After the war, the Weidner family moved to Texas, eventually settling in the Houston area. Through 75 years of marriage, she cared for her home and family which included four children, 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her passions were cooking for her family, growing beautiful flowers and canning fruits and vegetables grown in the family garden.
Mrs. Weidner is preceded in death by her husband Claud Weidner; son, John Weidner; granddaughters, Eliese LaRoche and Lisa Gurka; her parents and all seven of her siblings. She is survived by her children; Jimmy Weidner and wife Connie; Dee Gurka and husband Leon; daughter-in –law, Sherry Weidner; 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.