She was born on a farm in West Prussia Germany on August 16th, 1934, the youngest of 3 children born to Gustoff and Olga Polakow. Wally (pronounced Vallie in Deutsch) migrated to the USA, with her immediate family, in November, 1951. They were sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Peoria. The family arrived just before Thanksgiving and ate their first ever Thanksgiving dinner at First Baptist. Wally, with her family, joined the church and has remained a member to this day. Wally married Herman Neumann on August 18th, 1956. She later married Calvin J. Webber on February 2nd. 1974. He survives. Wally was preceded to heaven by her parents, her Brother Siegfried Polakow, her Son Randall Peter Neumann, and her Grandson Nichols Calvin Neumann. She leaves behind to join them at a later date her Sister Betty Boich, and her Sister-in-law Sharon Polakow. She is also succeeded by her Daughter, Debora (Terry) Johnson, Son Curtis (Laurie) Webber, and Son Scott (Amy) Webber. 5 Granddaughters: Andrea (Chris) Dibbern, Brianna Webber, Megan (Shane) Oldmixon, Brooke Webber, and Sydney Webber. One Grandson Nathan (Alana) Johnson. 4 Great Granddaughters: Onna Dibbern, and Lily, Finley, & Mia Johnson. One Great Grandson Calvin Oldmixon. Three nieces, 7 Great Nieces, and 2 Great Great nieces. Four nephews, 6 Great Nephews. And 2 Great Great Nephews. Wally was a professional seamstress. She completed training and was licensed in Germany. She was hired by dress maker Princess Peggy shortly after arriving in Peoria. They soon learned she was better than good and started having her set the time standards for piece work. She worked there for over five years and was awarded for not missing a single day. After she married Calvin, she became a full time home maker and devoted her time to caring for her family. She was the best wife, mother, and grandmother ever, according to her family. She was also grandmother to all the children in the neighborhood. She always had a cookie when they needed one. Wally was a life member of the German American Society of Peoria. Specifically a member of Harmony. She was a caring friend to all who knew her with her quick sense of unique humor. She will be dearly missed by all, especially her beloved Cal who said, “She was the best thing that ever happened to me”.
Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Peoria. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Monday prior to the services at the church. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
Graveside services will be Tuesday Feb. 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Memphis City Cemetery in Memphis, Missouri.
If you prefer, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Peoria, Peoria Rescue Mission, or Snyder Village Health Care.
You may view Wally’s obituary online at www.remmertfuneralhome.com
