Wilma Verthein

Wilma F. Verthein, 93, of Waukon, IA, died Friday, September 6, 2024, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family.

Wilma Frieda Verthein was born on June 2, 1931, the daughter of Julius and Sophie (Vieth) Rissman. She grew up on the Rissman farm and attended country school of Lycurgus through the 8th grade, eventually receiving her GED. Throughout her life she lived in rural Lansing, IA, and Waukon.

Wilma met the love of her life Willard Verthein and the two were married on December 1, 1949, at Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. She worked as a nurse's aide at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Northern Engraving in Waukon. Wilma had a strong work ethic, but also enjoyed having fun in life. She enjoyed being outdoors fishing, gardening, and going for rides around the countryside. Wilma also loved playing cards, crocheting and quilting, going bowling, and was an avid lover of music and dancing with a talent for playing the accordion!

Survivors include her four children: Wayne (Gail) Verthein of Waukon, IA, Lana (Earl) Erdenburger of Rochester, MN, Linda Murray of Pine Island, MN, and Mark (Mary) Verthein of Waukon, IA; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Willard; her parents Julius and Sophie; a daughter Wendy Storms; her brother Herbert Rissman; sister-in-law Bonnie Rissman; son-in-law Dale Murray; and a nephew Randy Rissman.