died on October 23, 2021, at Methodist Fremont Health.
The daughter of Rev. Paul and Lela (Zimmerman) Wiegman, she was born in Oakland on March 9, 1946. She grew up in Tekamah and Ponca, where her father served as a Lutheran minister. Arriving at Midland Lutheran College as a freshman in 1963, she lived in Fremont for the remainder of her life.
She married Charles S. Wilhite, a Midland music professor, in 1967. During their 50 years of marriage - he died in 2018 - the couple enjoyed the friendship of colleagues, frequent entertaining, and travel. Several of their summer trips included research on long neglected American piano music, music they often performed in public recitals.
Ann earned a master's degree in history at Creighton University. As an instructor at Midland, she taught a variety of upper-level history classes. She was the first at the school to offer a course on American women, a subject previously overlooked. It was her favorite class. With William E. Christensen, she wrote With Fervent Prayers and Buoyant Hopes, a history of Midland.
An avid collector of dolls, especially Cabbage Patch Kids, she produced a monthly newsletter, The Cabbage Connection, which brought both readers and new friends from across the country. The daughter of a minister and a piano teacher, Ann had a long career as a church musician, including many years as the organist and choir director at First Congregational Church in Fremont.
In her later years, she benefitted from the affection and support of JoLynn Lamb of Fremont.
Survivors include her brother Paul (Linda) Wiegman of Estherville, Iowa; nephew David (Sarah) Wiegman of Omaha; cousins Gilbert Zimmerman of Springfield, Missouri, and Ruth Thompson and Fred Nielsen, both of Omaha; and a great niece, Catherine Wiegman of Omaha.
Following cremation, a private family inurnment will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Fremont, to which memorials may be directed.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(6)
Kathie Forman & Katherine Forman
Morgantown, WV Monday, November 1, 2021 Although it was through our mutual love of Cabbage Patch Kids that we met Ann, it was her kindness, wit, and engaging personality that kept us friends for 27 years. Seeing her CPK newsletter in the mailbox brought joy to her many subscribers each month. She was a lady of many talents: In addition to her way with words and musical accomplishments, she was a very talented seamstress. Despite our physical distance (Nebraska -- West Virginia) we had the pleasure of visiting with Ann in person on five separate occasions. Her intelligence and sense of humor made her very special. She is and will be missed.Dillon
Tampa, FL Tuesday, October 26, 2021 So sad to hear of Ann’s passing. I met her when I was a young Cpk collector in the 90’s. We would chat for hours about all the new editions.Rest well my friend and you will be missed.
Nancy Schroeder
Blair, NE Tuesday, October 26, 2021 We remember Ann's family in prayer asyou mourn and celebrate her life. We give thanks to God for
Both Ann and Dr. Wilhite for their many years of shared music
and history at Midland.
Blessings and Peace of the Lord,
Nancy Schroeder
Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, October 26, 2021 Was a colleague of Ann's at Midland for many years. She and Charles provided a much needed "flavor" to the college and its energy for many years. Thank God. Know that both of you were very special to me. Much love and respect-Gregg KupferNancy Carolan
Decorah, IA Monday, October 25, 2021 Ann was my "cabbage friend" and was a font of information about her "kids". I had the opportunity to spend time with her over the years and she was fun to be around. She had a wonderful sense of humor....especially when she and Dottie Amaryllis, her cabbage patch kid had conversations. She will be truly missed by all the collectors she shared her knowledge with. The "cabbage world" has lost it's biggest cheerleader.Betty Cauley
Lynchburg, VA Monday, October 25, 2021 I never got to meet Ann in person but as a subscriber to Cabbage Connection I enjoyed her newsletter so much. And in the last few years Ann and I frequently emailed about Young and Restless. I really enjoyed reading her take on the show. I will greatly miss my email buddy.