Irma Wessel

Irma, more affectionately known as “Irm,” Clara Wessel was born the fourth of nine children and a “firecracker baby” on July 4, 1926, to Edward D. Sr. and Lena (Rosburg) Goslar near Berne, Iowa (four miles west of Ricketts). She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak and received her education from country schools.

Irma married LaVern “Chesty” Wessel in a double ceremony with Phillip Goslar and Leona Klaus on July 14, 1946, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. The couple was blessed with five children: Carol, Steven, Randy, Jan, and Gregg. Irma worked at Fred’s Café in Denison and served as a telephone operator in Ricketts. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to her family and an industrious spirit. On the farm, alongside her husband, she truly flourished. Irma’s contributions to farm life were invaluable; she butchered chickens, was dedicated to hog chores and walking beans, tended a bountiful vegetable garden, and preserved her harvests through canning, ensuring her family enjoyed nourishing meals throughout the year. She took great pride in creating a warm and loving home for her children, ensuring they were well-cared for and surrounded by the comforts of family life. Always the first one up in the morning, she prepared breakfast to start the day. Her home was not only a sanctuary but also adorned with vibrant flower beds, adding splashes of color and joy to her family’s surroundings.

For five years, Irma and LaVern owned Ricketts Lanes. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Ricketts Business Club, and the Ricketts Community Club. She devoted her time to cleaning St. Luke’s Church and was actively involved in TAPP, a program dedicated to helping families in need. She and LaVern participated in traveling bowling tournaments, where their shared passion for the sport took them on a few journeys across the country. The couple received the Leadership Award. Irma was also a remarkable cook, celebrated for her Sunday dinners, delicious pies, and outstanding potato salad, making family gatherings truly special and memorable.

Irma found joy in spending time with family and friends over card games. A skilled player, she greatly enjoyed Euchre, Pinochle, and Mouser—activities that brought laughter and connection to her loved ones. She also enjoyed outings at the casino, where she relished the time spent with her siblings and daughters. As a family matriarch, she had a loving insistence on everyone gathering for holidays, birthdays, and other family celebrations. This year, Irma was named Quasquicentennial Queen for Ricketts’ 125th Celebration and was delighted to share the moment with her granddaughters while being driven in a convertible down Main Street.

Irma passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 98 years, one month, and 26 days.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, LaVern Wessel; her son, Steven Wessel; her grandchildren, Matthew Evers and Douglas Steven Wessel; and her siblings, Lola Sievers, Phillip Goslar, Edward “Peter Gun” Goslar Jr., Jean Goslar, and Audrey Klockgether. She was also preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Ernie and Verna (Michaelsen) Wessel. She is survived by her children: Carol (Butch) Meadows of Charter Oak, Randy Wessel of Berne, Jan Wessel of Ricketts, and Gregg (Brian) Wessel of Audubon; her daughter-in-law, Pat Wessel of Ute; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her siblings: Wilma Sievers of Denison, Shirley Gosch of Ute, and Ron Goslar of Ute; and many other relatives and friends.