Wilma Verthein

Wilma F. Verthein, 93, of Waukon 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 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 eighth grade, eventually receiving her GED.

Throughout her life she lived in rural Lansing and Waukon. Wilma met the love of her life, Willard Verthein, and the two were married December 1, 1949, at Little Brown Church in Nashua. 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, Lana (Earl) Erdenburger of Rochester, MN, Linda Murray of Pine Island, MN, and Mark (Mary) Verthein of Waukon; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and two 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; her sister-in-law, Bonnie Rissman; her sonin-law, Dale Murray; and a nephew, Randy Rissman.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.