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. Irma 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. She spent time working at Fred’s Café in Denison and serving as a telephone operator in Ricketts. Irma’s years were marked by her commitment to her family and her 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 fostering a warm and loving home for her children, ensuring they were well-cared for and surrounded by the comforts of family life. She was always the first one up in the morning and prepared breakfast to start the day. Her home was not only a sanctuary but was also adorned with vibrant flower beds, adding splashes of color and joy to her family’s surroundings.

For five years, Irma and her husband, LaVern, expanded their entrepreneurial spirit by owning the Ricketts Bowling Alley, creating a gathering place for friends and families in the community. A cherished member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Irma devoted her time to assisting with cleaning the church. She was actively involved in TAPP, a program dedicated to helping families in need, showcasing her compassionate heart and desire to uplift those around her. Together with her husband, LaVern, she participated in bowling traveling tournaments, where their shared passion for the sport took them on countless journeys across the country to compete. Irma was also a remarkable cook, celebrated for her Sunday dinners, delicious pies, and remarkable potato salad, making family gatherings truly special and memorable.

In addition to her culinary talents, 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. Her adventurous spirit extended to 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.

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

Irma 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.

Visitation with the family greeting friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with her funeral service at 11:00 a.m., all on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Soldier Township, near Charter Oak. Interment will take place at St. Paul Cemetery, Ricketts Highway. Memorials may be directed to the family.