TOPEKA — Florence Evelyn (Pivonka) Deutsch passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Heritage Grove Estates in Topeka, Kan. She was 91 years old.
Florence was born on April 1, 1935, in Dodge City, Kan., the daughter of Edward J. and Mary (Schraeder) Pivonka. She grew up in the Larned, Kan. area and graduated from Larned High School.
Florence married Edward ‘Eddie’ Deutsch on June 27, 1965 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Hoisington, Kan., and they were married close to 40 years. They were blessed with two children, Gina and Jason Deutsch.
She is preceded in death by her husband Edward; her parents; and two sisters Melva Pivonka and Edice Pivonka-Dilley. Survivors include her daughter, Gina Deutsch of Keller, Texas; son, Jason (Penny) Deutsch of Topeka, Kan.; grandchildren, Tanner Annis and Kara Annis of Keller, Texas; honorary grandchild Christian Brown, Tampa Bay, Fla.; brother Donnie (Maisie) Pivonka, Shawnee, Okla.; and many nieces and nephews.
Florence started her career at the young age of 17 with Southwestern Bell/ AT&T as a phone operator, retiring 40 years later.
She was a long-time member of Calvary Lutheran Church, and participated in Stephen Ministries. Florence enjoyed spending time with her husband and family, gardening, and playing bunko with her friends. She would also attend the AT&T Retired Operator’s Luncheon each month. Florence would also volunteer at the election booth on election day.
Per Florence’s wishes, cremation will take place. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Dove Cremations & Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS, 66610. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th, Topeka, Kansas, 66604. Memorial contributions can be made in Florence’s memory to Midland Care Hospice, and sent to 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS, 66606, or to Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners (SCEMG) and can be sent to 1740 SW Western Avenue, Topeka, KS, 66604.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Dove Cremations and Funerals
3700 SW Wanamaker Rd.
Topeka, KS 66610
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 16, 2026
