Valeira "Pat" Roever Wassenberg

Valeira Roever Wassenberg passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2014 in Liberty, MO. She was born July 15, 1921 to Herman and Anna Holle Roever in the family's home southeast of Hanover, Kansas. Baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, the baby girl of the Roever family was doted on by her nine older siblings and spent many a day running from a cranky goose that lived on the farm. When Valeira was only three years old, the Roever family sold their farm and moved to Carden, Kansas. She attended Carden's Country School along with two of her brothers until she graduated eighth grade. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Friedens Lutheran Church, Home City, KS. After eighth grade, Valeira - who was gifted with the lifelong nickname of Pat - began working in Marysville, waiting tables at Wassenberg's Café. The eating establishment was located a few doors west of the railroad tracks on Broadway, and it was there that she met the tall and broad-shouldered son of the café's owners, Ramon Stephen "Pete" Wassenberg. Pete and Pat were married on January 27, 1940 at St. Gregory's parish house. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Concordia, KS where they became the parents of two children, Stephen Ramon and Susan Elaine Wassenberg-Thompson. By 1954, the family had moved to Topeka where the children grew to adulthood and Pat used her talents clerking for the City of Topeka. Pat enjoyed an active life of family, friends, bowling, and membership to St. John's Lutheran Church. Pat remained in her Topeka home until moving to Liberty, MO to live with her daughter and family in 2004. She spent her final years with a puppy on her lap, brownies on a plate and white wine in a glass. Valeira was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Herman and Anna Roever, her handsome husband, Ramon "Pete" Wassenberg on October 13, 1991, and her siblings and mates: Paul and Alma Scheele, Martin and Felma Roever, Paul and Olive Roever, Henry and Orel Roever, Alfred and Luella Blackwood, Elvera Roever, Fenton and Nola Kraemer, Norman and Anna Roever, Wilbur and Hilda Roever, and an infant brother Frederick. Valeira will live on in the memories and stories of her son, daughter and their families: Steve and Dorothy Wassenberg, T.K. and Susan Thompson, six grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and two dogs that think she was marvelous. Valeira will lie in state at St. John's Lutheran Church, 901 Fillmore, on Tuesday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. where the family will receive friends. Services will follow at the church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.