Raymond George Weidner

Arden – Raymond George Weidner, 83, died Friday, April 29, 2011 at The Oaks at Sweeten Creek. Mr. Weidner was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio to the late Charlotte Steck Weidner and Arthur Albert Weidner. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Gordon Weidner and a sister, Leona Galla. Mr. Weidner graduated from Michigan State University and was a U.S. Army Veteran where he served during World War II and played the Trombone for the Army band. He was employed by the U.S. Forest Service for 35 years and was a member of the American Forestry Association. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 15 years and his love for animals drew him to volunteer at the WNC Nature Center where he had served for several years. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Gilbert Weidner; two sons, Karl Weidner and his wife, Sally, of Louisville, Kentucky and Eric Weidner and his wife, Beverly, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; three grandchildren, Jennifer Weidner, Brian Weidner and Sara Thompson and one great grandchild, Connor Thompson. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 4:00 PM at Skyland Methodist Church with the Reverend Keith Turman officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the WNC Nature Center, P.O. Box 19151, Asheville, NC 28815