WILMINGTON — Never wanting to leave a party early, Susan Pirner Wiechman was called home on February 19, 2023. She was born on December 1,1933, to Carl Max and Ottilie Nagel Pirner in Toledo, Ohio.
While attending Devilbiss High School she was active with the Turner’s Club – a German-American group that brought other immigrants in the area together through gymnastics and social activities. Sue then went to Bowling Green State University where she thrived with the Delta Gamma Sorority and earned her bachelor’s degree in Education.
Upon graduation she began her teaching career and met her husband, Phil Wiechman. She and Phil relocated to Wilmington through Los Angeles, CA; Grand Rapids, MI; Holland, MI and Winston Salem, NC. Finally finding the right place to settle, they concentrated on raising their three children who were the center of her world. She taught school in Wilmington and then parlayed her love for parties and knack for entrepreneurship into a catering business and then finally master wedding cake decorating.
Sue worked very hard and on her rare days off could be found at her beloved Hanover Seaside Club – at the oceans edge – with her toes in the sand. She was an avid bridge player and understood the value of volunteerism. She really enjoyed people watching at the Wilmington International Airport when staffing the information desk. Many evenings a week she could be found at Thalian Hall ushering patrons and getting to see the show to boot! In 2019 Sue received an honor for her 30 years of service to Thalian Hall.
Sue is predeceased by her mother, father, sister Charlotte Grace, brother Max Richard and former husband Phil Wiechman. Survivors include Marilyn Pirner of Houston, TX, sister-in-law; her sister Carolyn Penland (Bill) of Brooklyn, MI; son Philip Steven Wiechman, Jr. (Donna) of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Julie Wiechman of Plymouth, MI and daughter Carla Wiechman (Phil Hayes) of Wilmington, NC. She took much joy watching her granddaughters grow and become beautiful and independent spirits. Those special girls are Gabriela Lyons Cudicio, Audrey Dare Jarrett, Elsa Grace Jarrett, and Lauren Sims Parsons (Matthew).
The family is grateful for the extraordinary care Sue received over the years by Dr. Dean Karras and his amazing staff of nurses Julie (retired), Kelly and Appie. They were so incredibly helpful at every turn of a long and challenging journey.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 24, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the home of Carla and Phil (2102 Randolph Road, Wilmington, NC 28403). A celebration of life will be on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 2 p.m., St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12 N. Sixth Street, Wilmington, NC. Her ashes will be interred in the Ash Garden on the church premises.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Thalian Hall Association or a charity of one’s choosing.
Please sign the online guestbook here.
