Ilse Elfrieda "Nanny" Weidner

AHOSKIE, NC - Ilse Elfriede Otterbein Weidner, age 94, formerly of Maryland, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, North Carolina.
Born on September 10, 1931, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Erna Otterbein and Franz Wetzel, Ilse was affectionately known as "Nanny" to her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who touched countless lives with her warmth, strength, and generosity.
At the age of 28, Ilse courageously left Germany and came to the United States with her daughter, Monika. Though she did not yet speak English and faced the challenges of a new country, she built a beautiful life filled with love, resilience, and accomplishment. Through determination and hard work, Ilse put herself through school and became a licensed hairdresser, practicing her craft in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida for over 60 years. During that time, she made many lifelong friends and earned the admiration and respect of those who knew her.
Nanny loved life and found joy in the simple pleasures-visiting casinos to play the slot machines, enjoying games of bingo, taking long morning walks along the beach, singing in the church choir, and spending time with loved ones. She was a faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in South Daytona Beach, Florida, where she met her beloved husband, Vernon "Bill" Weidner. Together, they shared 45 wonderful years before his passing. Afterward, Ilse moved to Maryland to be closer to her family. She also cherished traveling back to Germany to visit her relatives and friends.
Ilse was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon "Bill" Weidner, and her daughter, Monika Roberts.
Left to cherish her memory are her son-in-law, Rex D. Roberts of Charlotte Hall, MD; her grandchildren: Tina Morris and husband Robert of Saint Leonard, MD; James "Tim" Miller and wife Lori of Dunkirk, MD; and Tommy Miller II and wife Michelle of Dunkirk, MD. She is also survived by her stepchildren: Paul Weidner and wife Karen of Ormond Beach, FL; Mary Weidner Durham and husband Matt of Colorado Springs, CO; Phillip Weidner of Holly Hill, FL; and John Weidner and wife Deb of Mustang, OK.. Her great-grandchildren include Lindsey Shaner and wife Jenna of Prince Frederick, MD; Christopher Shaner of Chesapeake Beach, MD; Robert "RJ" Morris of Saint Leonard, MD; Brooke, Morgan, and Olivia Miller of Dunkirk, MD; and Thomas III and Madison Miller of Dunkirk, MD. She was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren Jaelyn and Joseph Shaner and Chloe Morris. A longtime friend and sister-in-law, Ellen Back of Ormond Beach, FL, also survives, along with numerous extended family members and friends.
The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date in Ilse's hometown in Maryland.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com. Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is assisting the Weidner family with arrangements.