Edward J. Wilper

Edward J. Wilper, age 94, of Harris, Kansas, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 25, 2010 at his home surrounded by his wife, son and daughter. Edward was born February 17, 1916 at Harris, Kansas, the son of Joseph H. and Mary I. (Scully) Wilper. He grew up in the area, graduating from Garnett High School in 1934. Following school he worked at the grocery store in Harris before entering the U.S. Army on March 2, 1942. He served in Australia and Papua New Guinea, as Winch Operator 473. He received a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged at the rank of TEC 4 on August 29, 1944. Following the service he returned to Harris where he began farming. On March 30, 1948, he was united in marriage to Agnes Korte at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children. Edward was a farmer and stockman, raising pigs and cattle. He earned the Anderson County Soil Conservation Award in 1982. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Emerald, where he was an active member throughout his life, serving on the Parish Council and other church committees; lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #6397, Garnett, serving as Post Commander 1993-1994; and Disabled American Veterans Neosho County #25. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ralph J. Wilper; five brothers, Bernard, Joseph, Luke, Omer and Benjamin Wilper; and three sisters, Florence Randall, Katherine Hermann and Cecelia Reiling. Edward is survived by his wife, Agnes Wilper of the home; son, Robert E. Wilper of Topeka, Kansas; daughter Iona L. Wilper of Shawnee, Kansas; brother Charles Wilper and wife, Rita, of Garnett, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews and other friends and relatives. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 29, 2010 at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Emerald, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. Patrick's Cemetery. The family will greet friends following a Rosary at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday evening at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Edward J. Wilper Memorial Fund; proceeds will be used toward restoring the dome on St. Patrick's Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com