- Visitation
Sunday, April 27, 2025
4:00 to 7:00 pm
Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
Monday, April 28, 2025
10:00 to 11:00 am
Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL
- Service
Monday, April 28, 2025
11:00 am
Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL
- Full Obituary
Gloria S. Wiese-Sander, 99, of Cedar Park, TX, passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2025.
She was born on December 31, 1925, in Brisbane, Australia, to Ernest and Elizabeth (nee Ryan) Smith. Gloria met her loving husband, Elvin Wiese, in Brisbane while he was serving in the U.S. Army during WWII and were married on July 29, 1941. She and their son, John, came to America on the ship, Mariposa, which coincidentally was the same ship Elvin was on for his deployment. Elvin preceded her in death in July of 1979.
Gloria lived in Highland, IL, for most of her American life, moving to Texas in 2015 to be near her daughters. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid Auxiliary, and the Dorcas Circle of Highland, IL. She also volunteered making blankets and braille books. Gloria worked at the Freight Salvage Store in Highland for over 25 years. She enjoyed going to horse shows with Elvin and their family, St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, dancing, and playing cards. After retiring from the Freight Salvage Store, she married Melvin Sander and lived in Alhambra, IL. He preceded her in death in 2008.
Her whole family was very proud of her Australian heritage. Each of Gloria’s children were able to return to Australia with her for visits. She was a loving Mother, Grandma, Grandma Great, Grandma “Grape”, and Grandmummy. Gloria will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Gloria is survived by her children, John (Pam) Wiese, Carolyn (LeRoy) Hellman, and Debra (Alan) Hill; grandchildren, Brian Wiese, Kelly Wiese Floyd, Kasey Wiese Eley, Terry (Kim) Hellman, Rusty (Angeles) Hellman, Cayce (Joe Zullo) Hill, Sommer (Jarred) Maxwell, and Dyer (Casey) Hill; 14 great grandchildren; and 8 great great grandchildren, all whom she knew and loved very much.
Memorial donations may be made to the Highland VFW Post #5694.
Visitation: Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral home, Highland, IL, and Monday, April 28, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL
Funeral Service: Monday, April 28, 2025, 11:00 am, at Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL
Clergy: Pastor Scott Busacker
Interment: Highland City Cemetery
Luncheon to follow at Michael’s Restaurant in Highland, IL
Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
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