BARBARA WEPKING

Barbara Ellen Wepking, 96, of Avon, and formerly of Huron and Sioux Falls, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, December 10 at the FirstPresbyterianChurchin AvonwithPastorLorneyVan Gerpen officiating. A private placing of the urn will be at RestlawnMemorialGardens in Huron. Peters Funeral Home in Avon was in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Ellen Wepking, daughter of Glenn A and Ruth V (Fox) Erdmier, was bornJuly2,1926inShannon, ILandgraduatedfromShannon High School in 1944. She married Milo J Wepking on May 12, 1946 at Shannon, IL.

Barbara taught personal development courses at Nettleton College in Sioux Falls for 19 years. During this time she prepared several students to compete in the Miss South Dakota, Miss USA and Miss American pageants. She also worked in retail for several business entities. This is where she developed her love for shopping and her people skills. Barbara also had a passion for spectator sports; especiallyimportanttoherwas NBAbasketballandtheBoston Celtics.Barbarataughtherself to play the organ and loved listening to organ music at church. She also enjoyed travelingandvisitingfamily and friends.

Barbara is survived by threechildren:JillGroganof Phoenix, AZ, Jan Thomas of Phoenix, AZ, and Jeff (Monica) Wepking of Avon; five grandchildren:Nikki(Aron) PetersenofWatertown,Kelly (Joe)BuckleofBismarck,ND, Jonathan(Jamie)Wepkingof Moorhead,MN,Macall(Eric) Stenson of Phoenix, AZ and Jenn Doeden of Milford, IA; seven great grandchildren: Colton and Mason Ryan, Harper Stenson, Easton and Maverick Doeden and Nora and Drew Wepking. A sister-in-law, Maryanne ErdmierofFreeport,IL,also survives her.

Sheisprecededindeathby her parents; husband, Milo in 2004; a sister, Betty Messenbrink; a brother, Gene Erdmier and a son-in-law, Donald Grogan.