Irma Wangen

Irma Ramona Wangen passed away at her home on January 12, 2017.

Irma was born on June 12, 1930, to Henry C. and Ida J. Vickerman on their farm in Preble Township, Fillmore County, Minn. Irma was baptized, and later confirmed, at Newburg Methodist Church, rural Mabel, Minn. She attended school through eighth grade at Newburg School. On June 19, 1948, Irma married James O. Wangen in Lanesboro, Minn. Irma worked with James on their rented farm near Mabel, Minn., until they purchased their present farm near Lanesboro, Minn., in 1955.  They purchased their second farm adjoining the first in 1961 and in 2014 purchased her parents’ homestead. Irma held various jobs though her life, including cook at several local restaurants, HECO in Harmony, and a number of years as a home health aide. Irma always regretted not graduating from high school and in 1979, earned her GED, in which she took great pride. Irma was a member of Elstad Lutheran Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rebekah Lodge.

Irma enjoyed gardening, dancing to old-time music, visiting with friends and most importantly, spending time with her family, as they meant everything to her.

In 1985, James and Irma retired to Harmony, where they lived for 18 years. In 2003, they moved back to the farm and have lived there since. James and Irma raised eight children on their rural Lanesboro farm.

Irma is survived by her eight children: sons Gary (Mary) of Mabel, Minn.; Curtis (Ruth) of Stewart, Minn.; Jimmie of Harmony, Minn.; and Gene (Barb) of Wykoff, Minn.; and daughters Bonnie of Belvidere, Ill.; Rhonda (Tim) Manka of Black Creek, Wisc.; Marcia (Mike) Randall of Minnetonka, Minn.; and Lorinda (Paul) Dredske of Poplar Grove, Ill.; 21 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Irma was preceded in death by her husband James on January 7, 2017, her parents and nine siblings: Minerva Gerard, Beulah Hermanson, Verna Hart, Edna Warman, Clarissa Vickerman, Merland Vickerman, Arlis Vickerman, Ivan Vickerman and a brother who died at birth; and great-granddaughter Megan Schultz.

Funeral service was held 11 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Elstad Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro. Burial took place in the church cemetery. Visitation was 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Arrangements were handled by Mengis Funeral Home of Mabel, Minn.