It is with great sadness that the family of Wilma Philbrook announces her passing on
Sunday, June 24th, at the age of 89 years. She was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on
March 17th, 1929 as the daughter of Harold and Kathryn (McLiesh) Brant.
Wilma will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 72 years, Richard Philbrook and
her children, David Philbrook, Richard Philbrook and daughter-in-law Ellen Conroy of
Wamego, Kansas, daughter Cathy Zahradnik and son-in-law John Zahradnik of
Goshen, New York and by her sister Jeanne Hohneke of Story City, Iowa. She
cherished her six grandchildren: Dana, Hannah, Erin, Anne, Jennifer, Emily and her
great-grandson Jackson. Wilma was predeceased by her sister, Beverly Brinton and her
son, Scot.
Wilma was a longtime resident of Leavenworth, Kansas and moved to Wamego,
Kansas in 2009 to be closer to her children. She and Richard joined the First United
Methodist Church in Wamego.
During her 47 years living in Leavenworth, KS, Wilma was an involved member of the
First United Methodist Church and an active volunteer and participant in numerous
organizations. Besides her volunteer activities, she enjoyed bridge groups, her friends, and flower gardening. But most important to her was the role of wife, mother, and
grandmother. She will be greatly missed.
A private family service and interment will be held in Webster City, Iowa.
Memorial donations in memory of Wilma may be made to the State Library of Kansas
Talking Book Service, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS 66801. This wonderful organization
allows those with limited eyesight to continue in their love of literature.