Barbara Dean Wiedner

Barbara Dean (Clark) Wiedner, aged 84, passed away on January 17, 2026. She was born on November 18, 1941, in the home of her parents, Ted and Mamie (Fraze) Clark and was the third of seven children. Raised in a large, close-knit family, Barbara and her siblings were always into something, and the Clarks were well known for their storytelling-stories the younger generations loved to hear at family gatherings, even if no one was ever quite sure which were true and which were tall tales.

Barbara started school in Rogers, New Mexico before her family settled in the Stieren community near Gonzales, Texas. She graduated from Gonzales High School in 1959. During her school years, Barbara was very active and involved, participating in all that was available to girls at the time.

Two days after graduating high school, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Allen Wiedner and they moved to the Monthalia area, where they lived their entire married life. Two months after the wedding, they had a memorable "honeymoon" with 12 people while helping her parents and siblings move to California – a story often shared with laughter.

Barbara began working at Spoehler Drug Store in Gonzales in 1959 and continued her employment there after it became Kotzebue Drug Store, working until 1979. She later worked in the administrative office for Gonzales schools. Throughout these years, Barbara was also Allen's right-hand partner-working in the fields, driving tractors, raking and baling hay, running cattle, and keeping the books for Allen's Farm Equipment and Repair. Barbara retired from her job in town in 1983, shortly after Allen built a new shop.

Barbara and Allen shared a deep love for the outdoors, spending much of their time hunting, fishing, and enjoying the river. Hunting trips to New Mexico and Montana with close friends were highlights of their early married years. Even later, Barbara proudly harvested deer right at home-from her bedroom window. They also raised cattle and guineas, all of which were cherished and affectionately named.

In the early 1960s, Barbara joined the Lutheran Church and became a devoted and active member. She sang in the choir, helped with special Easter programs, and served as a youth sponsor for years until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Those years were filled with memories of hotdog and hamburger cookouts at the river, where Barbara's love for fishing was well known-even if she didn't always enjoy eating the fish

Although Barbara and Allen had no children of their own, their white German Shepherd, Zoro, was fondly remembered as Barbara's first baby. Over the years, they built deep and lasting relationships with the many young men who worked for them in the shop, on the farm, and in the hay fields-many of whom lived with Barbara and Allen during summers or throughout the year. Barbara cooked for them, washed their clothes, and cared for them as if they were her own. They remained treasured parts of her life, and Barbara and Allen celebrated their milestones by hosting graduation parties and showers.

Later in life, Barbara faced significant health challenges, including Crohn's disease. As Allen's health declined, Barbara took over much of the shop operations, assisting anyone who walked in needing help. After Allen's passing in January 2020, Barbara resided at The Heights of Gonzales until her passing.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ted Clark and Mamie Kennedy; her husband, Allen Wiedner; and nephews Clinton Clark, Monte Allen, Jim Fisher, Doyle Allen, and Marty Clark.

She is survived by her brothers Joe Clark; Ben (Carol) Clark; Tom (Karen) Clark; Mike (Ann) Clark; and sisters Virginia Lacy and Susan (Haskell) Hendershot, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Her ashes will be interred in a family plot in New Mexico during a memorial service in the spring.