Wanjura, Agnes Lena (Ripper)

Agnes Lena Ripper Wanjura, 92, died at her home on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Funeral services were held on Sept. 22, at St. Michael Church with the Father John C. Bily officiating.

Grandson Eric Wanjura read the readings for the Mass of Christian Burial, and granddaughters, Nancy Hopkins, Daphne Dobert, and Amy Wanjura Velasquez presented the gifts. Grandson, Michael Wanjura, gave the eulogy.

Interment followed in the church cemetery. Mrs. Wanjura's grandsons Vic Wanjura, Michael Wanjura, Eric Wanjura, Greg Wanjura, and John David Wanjura, and nephew, Jody Horak served as pallbearers.

Mrs. Wanjura was born Aug. 28, 1913, in Weimar to Frank and Louise Till Ripper, the second of four daughters.

She attended Bois d' Arc School and received religious training from the sisters at St. Michael, with whom she lived for a year. She was a faithful Catholic and member of St. Michael Church all her life.

On Oct. 27, 1931, Agnes married Victor Hugo Wanjura Sr., at St. Michael Church.

They established a home north of Weimar where they enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage until Victor's death in 1993.

Four children, David, Donald, Victor, Jr., and Gladys were born at their home. In addition to caring for her family, Agnes often helped Victor with farming and raising livestock.

She loved gardening, growing flowers, quilting and sewing. For many years she was involved in a Home Demonstration Club and she was named an honorary life member of St. Ann's Society.

An excellent cook, she enjoyed serving her family fresh vegetables from her garden, home grown fruit, baked bread, kolaches, and cinnamon rolls.

For many years she enjoyed cooking and serving Rotary Club lunches with Leona Andel at Andel's Guest House.

Agnes is survived by her four children David Wanjura of Weimar, Don and Sue Wanjura of Lubbock, Buck and Linda Wanjura of Weimar, and Gladys LeBleu of Houston; sister, Dolores and husband Floyd Hall; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Francis Wanjura, and sister-in-law Georgia Wanjura all of Weimar. Eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sandra Robinson of Schulenburg was her caretaker during the days of the last nine years of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Gertie Horak and Hattie Berger; and son-in-law, Charles LeBleu.

Weimar Mercury, September 29, 2005, page 2A

Wanjura, Alfred J.

Funeral services for Alfred J. Wanjura, 77, of Weimar were held Tuesday Nov. 15, from St. Michael’s Catholic Church, with Father Charles Carolan officiating.

Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Wanjura died Sunday morning, Nov. 13 at Youens Memorial Hospital.

A farmer, he was born April 12, 1906, a son of William and Theresa (Tengler) Wanjura. He married Erna Stern here. Their only two children preceded him in death, Betty Jean on January 25, 1953, at the age of 2, and Theresa Lynn on October 1, 1980, at the age of 26.

His wife survives, along with two sisters, Mrs. Olga Eisterhold of Freeburg, Mo., and Mrs. Ray (Hattie) Kubesch of Weimar.
He was preceded in death by a brother, William Wanjura, and a sister, Mrs. Frank (Martha) Haas.

Serving as pallbearers were Curtis Walzel, Herbert Wick, Fred Wanjura, Edgar Wanjura, Johnnie Kasper and David Wanjura.

Weimar Mercury, November 24, 1983

Wanjura, Alois Alfonse

Alois Alfonse Wanjura, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Wanjura of this section, died very suddenly last Saturday morning at the family home. Funeral took pace Sunday afternoon at the St. Michael’s Church with interment in the Catholic Cemetery at this place. Quite a large crowd witnessed the last sad rites.
Alois Alfonse Wanjura was born Nov. 18th, 1909 and died August 11th, 1928, being 18 years, 8 months and 22 days old at time of his death.

The father of the boy while in our office Monday stated that the young man felt as well as usual that morning and after being lifted from his bed to a chair he soon requested them to place him back on the bed. This they did, afterward the boy called for a drink of water. Soon after drinking of the water the young man died.

Young Wanjura had been afflicted since birth being, helpless and requiring the attention of someone at all times, and this care and attention was lovingly tendered the poor boy during all these eighteen years of his life, and at the end the parents felt keenly the loss of their beloved son.

The Pall bearers were John Freis, Henry Heger, Emil Herzik, Anton Freis Jr., John Hauser, and John Heger, Jr.

The Mercury extends heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents.

Weimar Mercury, August 17, 1928, page 1

Wanjura, Aloisia Maria

Died Saturday about 1 p.m., March 19, 1910, at her home about one and a half miles north of Weimar, after a short illness, Miss Alvisia[sic] Wanjura, aged 24 years. Miss Alvisia[sic] was an affectionate and dutiful daugher and the pride of the hosuehold, had manyh friends who will miss her happy smile and winning ways. The remains were interred in St. Michaels cemetery Sunday afternoon, Father Czymanski[sic] officiating. The Mrcury extends condolence to the bereaveed.

Weimar Mercury, March 25, 1910, page 4

Wanjura, Amalia (Banse)

Mrs. Frank Wanjura, wife of a prominent farmer living a short distance north of town, died Monday afternoon after a brief illness, and was buried in St. Michael’s cemetery the following afternoon, Rev. Father Szymanski officiating at the grave. Mrs. Wanjura was a daughter of John Banse, Sr., and wife of this city, a most excellent lady in every respect, and her death is sincerely deplored. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved ones in this sorrow.

Weimar Mercury, November 25, 1910, page 1

Wanjura, Betty Jean

Throat Illness Claims Life of Wanjura Baby, 2

Four days after her second birthday, little Betty Jean Wanjura, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wanjura, died at 3:45 o’clock Sunday morning in Youens Hospital, of trachial[sic] bronchitis.

She had only been ill since Friday night, when she developed a sore throat and cough. Saturday morning she received medical treatment and seemed to be getting along well until that night, when constriction of her throat organs began to increase rapidly. she was rushed to the hospital, where everything possible was done, to no avail.

Funeral services were held at Hubbard Funeral Home Wednesday morning, January 28, with Rev. C. Emigholz officiating. Interment was in St. Michael’s Cemetery, with Msgr. Anthony drozd in charge.

John Kasper Jr., Dennis Slubar, David Wanjura and donald Wanjura served as pallbearers.

Betty Jean was born at Weimar January 21, 1951, and baptized September 23, 1951, in the evangelical & Reformed Church. Her mother was the former Miss Erna Stern.

Surviving in addition to the parents are one grandfather, William Wanjura, and a number of uncles and aunts.

Weimar Mercury, January 30, 1953

Wanjura, Carolina (Barwick)

Funeral services for Mrs. Joe A. Wanjura, 75, who died at the family residence here Sunday, were held Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, at 9 o'clock from Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael's Church, with interment In St. Michael's Cemetery. Rev. H. Pruski officiated.

She had suffered for the past 12 years with a heart ailment.

Mrs. Wanjura, nee Carolina Barwick, was born July 22, 1872, in Kurmwald Macheren, Oesterrich, daughter of Frank and Carolina Barwick.

In 1880,she came to this country with her parents, who settled at Schulenburg. Two years later both parents died, and the ten-year-old daughter was taken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dach, Sr., at High Hill. There she lived until her marriage on Nov. 6, 1893, to Mr. Wanjura. The young couple made their home in the Black Check community near Freyburg, moving to Sedan in 1896, and in 1906 they bought the Frank J. Berger farm near Weimar, where they have lived ever since.

A faithful Catholic, she was a member of the St. Anne Society of St. Michael’s Church for many years. Always ready to help, despite her more than a decade of illness, she was well-liked and respected by friends and neighbors.

Surviving are her husband; one son, Fred Wanjura; nine daughters, Mrs. Anton Kloesel, Mrs. Joe Kunz, Mrs. Henry Pokluda, Mrs. Fred Ulrich, Mrs. Herbert Wick, and Misses Sophie and Lydia Wanjura, all of Weimar, Mrs. Lewis Rosa Herzik and Miss Mary Wanjura of Schulenburg; one sister, Mrs. Mallie Moralle of Los Angeles, Calif., 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Four sons preceded her in death, three as infants and one at. the age of 18.

Pallbearers for the funeral were her grandsons, Bennie Kunz, G e o r g e Kloesel, Henry Kunz, George Herzik. Robert Wick, and Monte Peck.

Weimar Mercury, January 23, 1948, page 1

Wanjura, Charlie Sr.

Charlie Wanjura Sr., 87, of Weimar died Feb. 21 at Colorado-Fayette Medical Center. Funeral services were held Feb. 24 at St. Michael Church with Father Bily officiating.

Interment followed at St. Michael Cemetery.

Charlie was born Nov. 2, 1918 in Weimar to Frank and Emelia Wanjura.

He attended St. Michael School.

Mr. Wanjura married Frances (Kobersky) Wanjura on Oct. 6, 1951 at St. Michael Church.

He lived his whole live in Weimar. He was a farmer and rancher. He also was a member of the Honorary Chapter Farmers Degree (FFA), Outstanding Rancher 1988-89 presented by Soil and Water Conservation.

Charlie was a great dad, wonderful husband and loving grandfather. He loved to farm and raise cattle, country life, horse, mules, and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; son, Charlie Wanjura Jr. of Weimar and friend Melanie Frank of Columbus; granddaughters, Erica Green and husband Jonathan of Keller, and Leah Hoffmann of College Station and friend Jonathan Dudensing of Frelsburg; and sister-in-law, Georgia Wanjura of Weimar.

He was preceded in death by his daughters, Emilia Wanjura and Charlene Hoffmann; brothers, Alvin, Joe and Rudy Wanjura; stepbrother, Victor Wanjura; sisters, Mary Addicks and Elsie Bittner; parents; and niece, Georgia Marie (Wanjura) Smith.

Pallbearers were Jonathan Dudensing of Frelsburg, friend of the family; Jonathan Green of Keller, husband of granddaughter; Jody Ripper of Columbus, second cousin; Monroe Ripper of Eagle Lake, second cousin; Donald Kobersky of Holman, second cousin of wife; and Eugene Hoffmann of Weimar, son-in-law.

Weimar Mercury, March 2, 2006, page 2A

Wanjura, Emilia (Anders)

Funeral services for Mrs. Frank Wanjura, 66,were held Tuesday morning, March 30, at Hubbard Funeral Home, with continued services at St. Michael’s Church.

Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Rev. Clarence Leopold was assisted in the services by Rev. Benton Thurmond, who recited the mass.

Mrs. Wanjura died Sunday morning at 7 o’clock at Youens Hospital, after several days’ serious illness.

A lifelong resident of this area, she was the former Miss Emilia Anders, daughter of the late John and Johanna Anders. She was born May 1, 1887, and was married to Mr. Wanjura January 10, 1911. Mrs. Wanjura was a member of St. Michael’s Church and St. Ann Society.

Surviving in addition to her husband are four sons, Rudolf, Charlie, Joe, and Alvin Wanjura, all of Weimar; two daughters, Mrs. Bennie (Mary) Addicks and Mrs. Sylvester (Elsie) Bittner, also of Weimar; a stepson, Victor Wanjura of Weimar; and ten grandchildren. One son died in infancy.

Pallbearers were Lawrence Addicks, Lawrence Ripper, Morris Kosler, David and Donald Wanjura and Leonard Banse.

Weimar Mercury, April 2, 1954, page 1

Wanjura, Emilia Marie

Wanjura Rites Held Monday, St. Michael's

Funeral services for Emilia Marie Wanjura, 18, who died Saturday morning in a traffic accident, were held Monday morning, April 2, from St. Michael's Catholic Church, with Father Charles Carolan officiating.

Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Miss Wanjura was the daughter of Charlie and Frances (Kobersky) Wanjura. She was born here February 1, 1961, and attended St. Michael's School before enrolling at Weimar High School, where she would have been graduated this spring. She ranked scholastically among the top ten in her class.

She was editor of the school annual, The Claw, this year. She had been its photographer three years and on the staff three years. She also was editor of the school newspaper, The Wildcat, in her junior and senior years.

She was a four-year student librarian and a three-year contestant in prose reading, a University Interscholastic League contest.

Emilia was president of the Future Homemakers of America chapter this year and had been vice president last year. She had been in FHA four years. She had also been in the Spanish Club two years. As a sophomore she was vice president of the pep squad.

She was a member of the National Honor Society and its reporter this year.

As a freshman she was in the Speech and Drama Club and participated in the one-act play contest.

Surviving her are her parents, her grandmother, Mrs. Mary Kobersky, a brother, Charlie Wanjura Jr. (Charles), her sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Eugene Hoffmann, all of Weimar, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers were Victor (Buck) Wanjura, David Wanjura, Lawrence Addicks, Franklin Addicks, James Bittner, Alfred (Buddy) Michalke.

Weimar Mercury, April 5, 1979
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Wanjura, Frank

Funeral Rites for Frank Wanjura, 84, Held Wednesday

Funeral services for Frank Wanjura, 84, one of this area's earliest residents, were held Wednesday morning at Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael's Church with burial in the church cemetery.

The Rt. Rev. Msgr. A. Drozd and the Revs. Thomas O'Callaghan and Thomas Flanagan officiated.

Mr. Wanjura died Monday morning in Youens Hospital, after a long illness.

Born in Dorfdity, Austria, August 18, 1875, he was the son of Joseph and Johanna Wanjura, with whom he came to this country when he was 8 years old. They settled in Fayette county, and he lived in this area the rest of his life. Mr. Wanjura married Miss Amalia Banse in 1901. She died in 1910. On Jan. 10, 1911, he married Miss Emilia Anders, and she preceded him in death March 29, 1954. He was a member of St. Michael's Church here.

Survivors are five sons, Victor, Rudolf, Joe, Charlie and Alvin, all of Weimar; two daughters, Mrs. Bennie (Mary) Addicks and Mrs. Sylvester (Elsie)Bittner, both of Weimar; twelve grandchildren; and one brother, William Wanjura, of Weimar. He was preceded in death by a son, who died at the age of 20, three other children, who died as infants, two brothers and three sisters.

Pallbearers for the services were G. E. (Doc) Rodgers, Joe Adamcik, Lawrence Addicks, Donald Wanjura, Victor Wanjura Jr., and David Wanjura.

Weimar Mercury, December 18, 1959

Wanjura, Frank Jr.

Frank Wanjura, Jr., son of Frank Wanjura, Sr., and wife, residing a short distance north of town, died Friday night, and was buried in St. Michael’s Cemetery the following day, Rev. J. Szymanski officiating. The young man recently had an attack of pneumonia, and was thought to be recovering, when he suffered a relapse and the end came quickly. He was highly thought of by those who knew him, and his death is sincerely deplored. He was about 19 years of age, we are told.

Weimar Mercury, March 31, 1922, page 1

Wanjura, Fred H.

Fred H. Wanjura, 91, of Weimar, died Sunday, Oct. 26, at Colorado-Fayette Medical Center in Weimar.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 28, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Weimar with Fr. John Bily officiating.

Interment followed at the St. Michael Mausoleum.

Mr. Wanjura was born Aug. 24, 1912 in Weimar to Joseph and Caroline (Darwick) Wanjura.

He married Selma Schimcek on Jan. 27, 1936 in Weimar.

He worked as a farmer, rancher and gardener and was a lifetime resident of Weimar. He loved animals especially his pet cat Mitzy.

Mr. Wanjura is survived by his wife, Selma Wanjura of Weimar; one daughter, Gladys Dittrich and husband Clarence of Weimar; one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Lydia Novak and Martha Wick, both of Weimar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and seven sisters.

Pallbearers were Eugene Balusek, Bruce Biediger, David Smith, Leonard Thumann, joe Ulrich and Bobby Wick.

The Weimar Mercury, October 30, 2003
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli

Wanjura, Johanna (Behnauer)

Johanna Wanjura, whose death occurred Tuesday of last week and funeral held the following day at St. Michael's Cemetery, this city, Rev. Joe Szymanski officiating, was born in 1844, In that part of Austria now known as Czecho-Slovakia. Her maiden name was Benhauer. She was united in marriage while still living in the old country, to Mr. Jos. Wanjura. The couple and their children came to this country in 1882, first settling In the Ammannsville section, and afterward living in the Dubina territory.

The husband died thirty years ago. Mrs. Wanjura lived to be nearly 88 years of age, During her entire lifetime she proved herself a devoted wife and mother, a good, christian woman, a kind neighbor and friend, and one who always endeared herself to her friends and acquaintances.

She is survived by five children, Mrs. Joe Ripper, Mrs. Frank Pavlik, Sr., Messrs. William, Joe A. and Frank Wanjura, all living in this immediate section; also surviving are thirty-five grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

To the grief stricken members of the family our heartfelt sympathy is extended.

Weimar Mercury, March 11, 1932, page 1

Wanjura, Joseph A.

Joe A. Wanjura, 63-Year Resident, Buried Saturday

Funeral services for Joe A. Wanjura, 79, who had lived near Weimar for the past 63 years, were held from Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael's Church Saturday morning, Feb. 5, Rev. Alois Goertz officiating. Interment was in St. Michael's Cemetery.

Mr. Wanjura succumbed Feb. 3 at the family residence, after a heart attack. He had been in ill health for several months and seriously ill about a week.

Born Dec. 17, 1869, in Doerfel Schleslen. Oesterreich, he was the son of Joseph and Johanna Wanjura. In June 1883, he came to this country with his parents, settling at Schulenburg. Later they farmed at Swiss Alp, and in 1886 moved to the Ammannsville section north of Weimar.

In Nov. 6, 1893, he married Miss Carolina Barwick at High Hill. They made their home near Freyburg, later moving to Sedan, and in 1906 brought the Frank J. Berger farm near Weimar, where they spent the remaining years. Mrs. Wanjura died slightly more than a year ago.

Mr. Wanjura was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, St. Joseph Society and Sons of Herman Lodge.

Surviving are one son, Fred Wanjura of Weimar; nine daughters Mrs. Anton (Annie) Kloesel, Mrs. Joe (Lina) Kunz, Mrs. Henry (Emma) Pokluda, Mrs. George (Sophie) Pokluda, Mrs. Fred (Tillie) Ulrich, Mrs. Herbert (Martha) Wick and Miss Lydia Wanjura, all of Weimar, and Mrs. Lewis (Rosa) Herzik and Miss Mary Wanjura of Schulenburg; two brothers, William and Frank of Weimar; two sisters, Mrs. Joe E. Ripper of Glidden, and Mrs. Frank Pavlik, Sr., of Weimar; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Four sons preceded Mr. Wanjura in death, three as infants and one at the age of 18.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Bennie Kunz, George Kloesel, Henry Kunz, George Herzik, Robert Wick and Monte Peck.

Weimar Mercury, February 11, 1949, page 1

Wanjura, Selma (Schimcek)

Selma Wanjura, 87, of Oakland, died Aug. 6, at Colorado-Fayette Medical Center. Funeral services were held Monday,Aug. 9, at St. Michael’s Church with Father John C. Bily officiating.

Interment followed at St. Michael’s Mausoleum.

Mrs. Wanjura was born Nov. 30, 1916 to Frank and Martha (Seims) Wanjura in Oakland.

Mrs. Wanjura attended Oakland School.

She married Fred Wanjura on Jan. 27, 1936 at St. Michael’s Church.

She worked for M-G Processing and Egg Plant and then became a housewife.

She lived in Weimar all of her life. She was a member of the Stanns Organization, Catholic Daughters and St. Michael Catholic Church. She spent her time with flowers, gardening, and her pet cat named Mitz.

She is survived by her daughter, Gladys Dittrich and husband Clarence of Weimar, one grandchild, Sharon Bage and one great-grandchild, Heather, Bage.

She was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.

Pallbearers were Bruce Biediger, Eugene Balusek, Paul Dittrich, David Smith, Joe Ulrich and Bobby Wick.

Weimar Mercury, August 12, 2004

Corrections:

The obituary on Selma Wanjura in last week’s edition should have stated she was the daughter of Frank and Martha (Seims) Schimcek. She was also a housewife all her life and worked at M-G Processing and Egg Plant . Mrs. Wanjura was also a member of the St. Ann’s Society.

Weimar Mercury, August 19, 2004

Wanjura, Theresa

Theresa Wanjura, the beloved wife of Wm. Wanjura, Sr., of the Dubina section, died Monday night, after a brief illness of the flu and pneumonia. The funeral took place Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock at St. Michael's Cemetery, Rev. Jos. Szymanski officiating. Mrs. Wanjura was born in Austria, but had lived in this country a number of years. She was 51 years of age at the time of her death. She leaves a devoted husband and five children. Mrs. Wanjura was a lovable, good woman, a general favorite in the community in which she lived, and a devoted wife and mother. The heartfelt sympathy of all our people goes out to the bereaved husband and children in the sad loss they have sustained.

Weimar Mercury, March 12, 1920, page 1

Wanjura, Theresa Lynn

Funeral services for Miss Theresa Thealynn Wanjura, 26, of Rt. 3, Weimar, were held Saturday, Oct. 4, from Hubbard Funeral Chapel, with burial in Masonic Cemetery.

Rev. Ernest Dean officiated.

Miss Wanjura died Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Youens Memorial Hospital, after a long illness.

Born Dec. 6,1953, at Eagle Lake, she was the daughter of Alfred and Erna (Stern) Wanjura.

Surviving in addition to her parents are six uncles, Louis Stern of Jackson, Fla., Adalbert Stern of Weimar, Erwin Stern of California, Herbert Stern of Weimar, Ray . Kubesch of Weimar, and Bennie Waizel of Weimar; and three aunts, Mrs. Selma Walzel and Mrs. Hattie Kubesch of Weimar and Mrs. Olga Esterhold of Freeburg, Mo.

Pallbearers were Robert W. Frank, William H. Estlinbaum, Curtis Walzel, Donnie G. Stern, Edgar Wanjura and David Wanjura.

The family requested that donations be made to Youens Memorial Hospital in her memory.

Weimar Mercury, October 9, 1980, page 3

Wanjura, Unnamed Baby

A 14-pound baby was born to Frank Wanjura and wife near town, Saturday night, the child died. [Interment in St. Michael's Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, November 25, 1910, page 5

Wanjura, William

Ninety-year-old William Wanjura was found dead Tuesday morning in the shallow water of a creek near the home of his daughter, Mrs. Martha Haas, with whom he lived.

The aged man who had had a heart attack recently, apparently suffered another attack or a dizzy spell and fell, drowning in the water which was no more than a foot in depth. His cane was stuck upright in the mud nearby, as if he might have attempted to brace himself with it. Mrs. Haas found him at 10:15 a.m.

The creek, about a quarter-mile from the Haas home, was on the farm which Mr. Wanjura had occupied for more than 50 years before selling it several years ago to Guilford McMillan of Schulenburg.

Funeral services will be held at 9;30 Thursday at Hubbard Funeral Home, continuing with services at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church and interment in the church cemetery.

Mr. Wanjura, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wanjura, was born Sept. 2, 1871, in Austria, Hungary, and came to this country when he was 14 years old, settling at Ammannsville. In 1894 he married Miss Theresa Tengler, who died in 1920. He was a member of St. Michael’s Church and St. Joseph’s Society.

Surviving him are two sons, William of Sugar Land and Alfred of Eagle Lake; three daughters, Mrs. Olga Eiserhold of Freeburg, Mo., Mrs. Martha Haas and Mrs. Ray Kubesch of Weimar; 8 grandchildren and 19-great-grandchildren.

Weimar Mercury, July 12, 1962. page 1