Hedwig "Hedi" (Meurer) Wise

These words describe the life and legacy of Hedwig “Hedi” Wise who died four days shy of her 87th birthday on January 21, 2021.

Raised by a single mother in Cologne, Germany, Hedi grew up with the sound of air raid sirens and running to bomb shelters during WWII. She was familiar with hunger and the uncertainty of each day. While war shaped Hedi, it did not define her. She lived life with optimism and the belief that people are good. At 17 years old, she was crowned Miss Cologne 1951. However, she was disqualified because contestants had to be at least 18. She forfeited her crown to the second runner up who then represented Cologne in the Miss Germany pageant.

During the American occupation, she met and married Sidney Wise. As a newlywed, she arrived in the US not speaking English and ready to start her new life. They moved to Lubbock and raised five children. She instilled values like compassion, serving others and an impeccable work ethic. She believed in following Jesus Christ’s example and serving her church. Hedi brought light and love to every situation and moment.

She cherished her family and loved them unconditionally. Her children believe that as a mother, she broke the mold. Hedi centered her life on her Savior and her family. She was a beloved member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and the Lubbock German community. While she left her birth country, she brought Germany to her family through her wunderbar German cooking.

While COVID-19 took her life, her memories will continue to inspire. Hedi lived a simple life, yet her tastes were elegant.

She is survived by her children: Peggy Webb and husband Frank of Lake Charles, LA, Frank Wise and wife Pat of Lubbock, TX, Donna Perry of Lubbock, TX, Glenn Wise and wife Cathey of Arlington, TX and Wes Wise of Fresno, CA; as well as 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 2021 at Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel. Livestream will be available on Resthaven’s Faceboook.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church by calling (806)785-1517.

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.