Wilbert A. Artzer

Wilbert Albert Artzer, 89, Topeka, passed away February 2, 2013. He was born April 23, 1923, in Topeka, the son of Albert W. and Veronica Allendorf Artzer. On July 4, 1943, at Fort Campbell, KY, Wilbert married Betty Collier. She survives.

Wilbert served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the European Theatre of WWII from 1943-1945. He retired from Santa Fe shops in 1983 after 42 years as a coach carpenter. Wilbert was a member of American Legion Post 400, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #555, NARVE, and Santa Fe Old Timers. He also volunteered many years at Papan's Landing Senior Center.

Wilbert is survived by wife, Betty, of the home; daughter, Frances "Kay" (husband Ed) Grey, of Topeka; grandchildren, Brenda (husband Greg) Edmonds, of Overland Park, KS, and Lisa Grey, of Lawrence, KS; and great-grandchildren, Bailey and Lindsay Edmonds. He was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Dennis, Wilma Sams, Gerald Artzer, Dorothy Sanchez, and Eugene Artzer.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 7, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Meriden Cemetery. Mr. Artzer will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Papan's Landing Senior Center, 619 NW Paramore St., Topeka, KS 66608 or St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 227 SW Van Buren St., Topeka, KS 66603. To leave a special memory of Wilbert, please visit the guestbook below.