Genevieve Arlene Wenger, 94, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly December 21, 2018, at Vintage Park Assisted Living Facility in Hiawatha, Kansas.

She was born in Topeka, Kansas, on July 23, 1924, the daughter of: Richard Wunsch and Kate Jameson Wunsch. Genevieve attended East Indianola Grade School in North Topeka and graduated from Seaman High School in 1942. She attended Kansas University for one year before going to work for the Santa Fe Railroad Offices in Topeka for 13 years. While there she became President of the Santa Fe Women’s Club. She taught shorthand at Clark’s Business School for one year.

On September 23, 1956 she married Harry Wenger of rural Powhattan, Kansas. Together they raised 2 sons: Eli (Paula) Wenger of Hiawatha and Eric (Kristi) Wenger of Lenexa, Kansas. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Anthony Koehn, Aaron Wenger, Emily Covington and Eric Covington. Her legacy also includes 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margaret McNaught of Oregon and husband Harry.

Genevieve was an accomplished musician and was involved in many community organizations. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Powhattan where she played the organ and directed the choir for nearly 60 years. She was an active member of the UMW group and served on many of the committees within the church. She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary to Wenger Post #373 and was recently recognized for 62 years of membership and over 65 years as a member of Eastern Star.

Genevieve very much enjoyed her time in the Hiawatha Music Club where she was a longtime member. She served on the Powhattan USD 510 School board for a number of years and then began working there as the High School Secretary in the late 1970’s. She was a lifelong member of the Girl Scout Troup 10 of North Topeka. Genevieve was actively involved in 4-H in her youth and later in the Modern Sunflowers Club of Powhattan.

Prior to moving to Powhattan she was the Church organist and Choir director for 10 years at Seaman Congregational Church in Topeka. One of her greatest joys in life was giving piano lessons to nearly 200 students through the years. She played for over 100 funerals and nearly as many weddings in the Powhattan area.

A Celebration of Genevieve’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 28, at the Powhattan United Methodist Church. Pastor Kevin Rea and Shane Spangler will officiate. Interment will follow at the Powhattan Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Thursday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to United Methodist Church of Powhattan or the Morrill Free Public Library of Hiawatha, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, Chapel Oaks 124 S7th., Hiawatha, 66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com