DR. WILLIAM E. WEIDNER

DR. WILLIAM E. (BILL) WEIDNER 1923 - 2011 Dr. William E. (Bill) Weidner, age 87, passed away on January 4, 2011 at his home in Auburn. Memorial service will be held at the Auburn United Methodist Church, 220 East Magnolia Avenue, Auburn, Alabama, on Saturday, January 15, at 10:00 AM, with Dr. George Mathison and Reverend Nick Holler officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Dr. Weidner was born July 16, 1923, to Florence and George Weidner in Toledo, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mike Weidner of Toledo. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean; and his three children, Sandy Reeve of Lubbock, TX, Nolan (Karen) Weidner of Manlius, NY, and Beth Kondos of Crawfordville, FL. He has three grandchildren, Michael and Dan Weidner and Alyssa Kondos. His brother, George (Sheri) Weidner of Toledo and sister, Carol (Dick) Horning of St. Louis, also survive. He spent four years in the Marine Corps during World War II. His overseas duty was in the Pacific. After his discharge, he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Bowling Green University in Ohio. He received his doctorate at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH. He started the speech and hearing program in the Mansfield, Ohio, public schools. He then served on the faculty at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, for 21 years. He served as department head before coming to Auburn University as department head of Communication Disorders, retiring in 1990. He was active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was instrumental in starting a Sigma Chi chapter at Kent State University. During his career he was active in the state and national organizations and served two terms as president in both the Ohio and Alabama state speech and hearing organizations. He is a Fellow of the national organization. He loved teaching and was a role model for many students at Kent State and Auburn. He retired as a Professor Emeritus from Kent State and Auburn Universities. The Auburn United Methodist Church was an important part of his life. He served on numerous committees, taught Disciple Bible Studies, was active in the Emmaus movement and was one of the teachers in the Joel McDavid Sunday School Class. He was also active in the Auburn Kiwanis Club and served as President and Lt. Governor. He helped organize the local Marine Corps League and served as its first Commandant. The family thanks Hospice and the loving caregivers for their help for many months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercy Fund, Auburn United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3135, Auburn, AL, 36831, or Hospice Advantage, 665 Opelika Road, Auburn, AL, 36830. Fredericks Funeral Home is directing. www.fredericksfh.com