Elaine Wedemeyer

Elaine Ruby Wedemeyer, 95, of Atlantic, Iowa, and formerly of Adair, Iowa, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the Heritage House in Atlantic.

She was born February 27, 1918, in Cumberland, Iowa, the daughter of James and Cora (Hampel) Smith. Elaine was raised and lived her whole life in the Atlantic, Cumberland and Adair communities. She attended and graduated from Adair High School. On June 18, 1938, she was united in marriage to Walter Wedemeyer in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Elaine taught school for a few years before becoming a house wife and homemaker. She was a 4-H leader for many years. She was an avid quilter and was part of a quilting group. She enjoyed playing cards and joined the neighborhood card club. She was a long time member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church as well as a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the Altar Guild.

Elaine loved to sew and made clothes for her children and grandchildren for numerous years. She was a great cook and as a farm wife dressed many chickens and gathered many eggs throughout her years. Elaine and Walter moved in to Adair in 1992, enjoying many afternoons at the Senior Center.

Elaine is survived by her children, Larry (Arlene) Wedemeyer of Anita, IA, Joyce Johnston of Stuart, IA, Marilyn (Carl) White of Clive, IA and Lynn (Marilynn) Wedemeyer of Owasso, OK; her grandchildren, Kim (Delmar) Kopp, Brian (Susan) Wedemeyer, Karla (Corey) Martens, Tammie (Mike) Harper, Jon (Stacey) Johnston, Susan (Mark) Mernone, Jesse (Ann) Johnston, David (Renaee) Johnston, Chris (Gary) Barsness, Kevin (Jennifer) Wedemeyer, Connie (Brian) Easterwood and Korey Wedemeyer; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Alice) Smith of Council Bluffs, IA; sister-in-law, Laura Smith of Adair, IA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Cora Smith; her husband, Walter in 2006; her son-in-law, Larrie Johnston; her brothers, Lester (Helen) Smith, Ralph (Elsie) Smith and Wayne Smith; and sister, Lois (Paul) Eilts.

Her funeral service will be held Thursday, December 12, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair, Iowa.


Visitation with family will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at Hockenberry Funeral Home in Adair.


Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Adair, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the family to be used per Elaine's wishes.

Family will host a lunch at the Adair Community Centre following the committal service.