Wilma Mercer Fiedler

Wilma received her early education in Eubank, KY and completed the Indianapolis City Hospital Nursing Program of the University of Indiana. Wilma joined the US Army Air Corp as a 1st lieutenant and flight nurse. She flew in the Pacific Theater during the Korean War. When the US Army Air Corp transitioned into US Air Force, Wilma was one of the first officers in the new branch of service. Wilma even modeled the new US Air Force uniforms. While participating in Military Medical Air Evacuation Flights from the Korean War, Wilma met Sgt. Leon (Lee) D. Fiedler, her future husband. They were married on December 13, 1951, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Some of Wilma’s many roles included: Air Force officer, Hospital Floor Nurse, Chief Nurse, Army Officer’s wife, University of Louisville Department Chair’s wife, dental practice manager, member of the Society of Air Force Nurses and member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. During their 64 years of marriage, Lee and Wilma traveled and lived throughout the world. In 1994 Lee and Wilma retired to Indian River Colony Club, Viera, Florida.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, James K. Mercer, Mary Maud Singleton Mercer, and her husband of 64 years Dr. Leon D. Fiedler; as well as her siblings; Lema Mercer Zeller (Homer Zeller), Harold Mercer (Vera Mercer), Ruby Mercer Alexander (Orville Alexander), Orvis Mercer (Juanita Mercer), Theron Mercer (Alice Mercer), Carl Mercer (Joyce Mercer), and Arthur Mercer (Mildred Mercer).

She is survived by her sons Hans Fiedler (Teresa) of Louisville, KY and Kirk Fiedler (Victoria) of Columbia, SC; Grandchildren Amber, Christine, and Kirk Ryan; great-grandchildren Ruby, Stone and Jet; sister-in-law Lois J. Fiedler/Levesconte of San Jose, CA.

Wilma was a sweet and compassionate woman who will be missed by many.

A service in Wilma's honor will take place at 1 PM at the Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Road in Louisville, on Monday November 7, 2022. Friends and family can gather for visitation time from 12 until the time of service at 1 PM. Wilma will be laid to rest in Resthaven Memorial Park following the service.