Audrey Joanne Wedul

Audrey Joanne Wedul (Fossum) was born July 3, 1928 to Otto and Molester Fossum in the family home near Canton, South Dakota. The second of four girls, Audrey always spoke fondly of her childhood on the farm. She attended a one room school for eight grades, then Augustana Academy for high school. In 1949, she proudly graduated from Augustana College before pursuing a teaching career. 

Introduced by a mutual friend, Audrey married her husband of 58 years, Rev. Otto Wedul, on May 8, 1961 at Lands Lutheran Church near Hudson, SD. Together, they had two children - Margaret (Greta) Wedul Hopkins and Andrew (Drew) Wedul. While the Weduls moved from Albert Lea, MN to Santa Rosa, CA shortly after Greta was born, the four of them enjoyed regular trips back to the Midwest to visit friends and relatives. Throughout their marriage, Audrey and Otto were united by their faith. Always active members of their congregation and community, they particularly enjoyed staying connected to their heritage through their local Sons of Norway chapter.

Audrey was known for her love for music. She served as the choir director in several congregations throughout Minnesota and California, taught piano lessons for many years, and was always excited to share her talent with others. When it was time to move into assisted living at 95, her piano came along and for the next year and a half she accompanied the regular musical performer and led Christmas carols in December whenever she felt up to it.

Once editor of the school newspaper, Audrey kept up with current events throughout her life. She read the entire newspaper daily well into her nineties! Her curiosity about the world was not limited to the page in front of her; she loved to travel and even co-led many tour groups with Otto to Scandinavia, the Grand Canyon, and other destinations near and far. 

Those who knew Audrey will miss her quick smile and thoughtful nature. She had a knack for thinking of others and making sure they knew how much she cared about them.

Audrey is predeceased by her son Andrew Wedul, husband Otto Wedul, and sister Beverly Sendelbach. She is survived by her daughter Greta Hopkins of Crescent City, CA, granddaughter Julia Fanger of Queens, NY, and her sisters Marilyn Thompson of Scottsdale, AZ and Peggy Germain of Winnebago, MN, along with seven nieces and nephews. Audrey’s memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on March 29, 2025 at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, AZ.