Joseph M. Wehmeier, 50, Topeka, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka after a long battle with cancer. He died in the loving embrace of his daughter, Samantha; son, Joseph; his godfather, Frank Thomas; and other loving family members and friends present.
He was preceded in death by Larry G. Wehmeier, who adopted him as an infant; stepmother, Shirley Detienne; and his wife, Penny Jo Herrick, who was his life partner for 24 years.
He is survived by their son, Joseph Dean Wehmeier; their daughter, Samantha Jo Wehmeier; his godfather, Frank R. Thomas; his dogs Tater and Thelma; and his cats, Max and Jaspurr; along with a host of in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Joe lived in Topeka for much of his life. He attended Topeka High School. He was a proud painter. He worked for the Topeka Parks and Recreation Department.
For 14 years, Joe lived in Iola. Joe and Penny’s son, Joseph, and daughter, Samantha, graduated from Iola High School. Joe liked to fish and he liked working with plants. And he always enjoyed making people laugh. In 2015, his children moved him to Topeka where he enjoyed the last few months of his life.
Throughout this journey in life, Joe developed many meaningful, caring and loving friendships. His soul is with God, and his spiritual presence is with all of us.
We love you.
Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka. Cremation will follow the services.
Inurnment will be at the Wilmington Cemetery in Harveyville. Memorial contributions can be made to the Old Prairie Town, Ward-Meade Botanical Gardens Sound Wall Fund and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at davidsonfuneral.com.
Joseph Wehmeier
