Irma Wendorff

Obituary

Irma Ida Schlueter was born on January 28, 1925, in Cedar Mills Township of rural Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Julius and Paulina (Kohls) Schlueter. Irma was baptized March 1, 1925, by Rev. Baur at St.John's Church in Cedar Mills Township and confirmed by Rev. A.C. Krueger on May 22, 1938. Irma received her education at District 55 and St. John's Parochial School. She married Lloyd Wendorff on April 20, 1947, at St. John's Lutheran Church. They had two daughters, Susan Rasmussen and LuAnn Yerks. Lloyd and Irma shared 40 years of marriage before Lloyd passed away on May 28, 1987.

Lloyd and Irma farmed on the shores of Cedar Lake in Acoma Township. Gardening was a family affair with Irma in charge of the canning and freezing; making sure the fruit cellar shelves and freezer were full for the winter. Irma loved flowers and cared for several flower beds; she was proud of her gladiolus. She was the typical homemaker of that time baking homemade bread, cookies, etc. making sure the family had three healthy meals each day. Irma took time out of a busy farm wife's schedule to talk with her sister-in-law, Doris Schlueter, several times a week. Lloyd and Irma took several bus trips before Lloyd's passing. As a true 'Schlueter' Irma loved to fish at the annual cabin vacation with Harvey and Doris Schlueter and Ray and Delores Hoff. Other hobbies were crocheting, sewing clothes for her girls, and embroidering dish towels. As she grew older Irma became an avid Twins fan, never missing a game on TV. Irma also worked at Green Giant and J.C. Penny's part time.

In 1989, as a young widow, Irma moved to Country Club Manor Apartments in Hutchinson. Being alone was a big change for her and she found employment with Lundahl's Catering at HTI; she worked for them 7 years. After she retired, she volunteered for the Hutchinson Auxiliary working in the Coffee Shop and Thrift Shop; Irma really enjoyed these outings. A few of Irma's friends also became widows, left their farms and moved to the same apartment complex; they filled their days with card playing, travel and shared a special bond of past and present, chatting about 'old times'.

Irma moved to Ecumen Oaks and Pines in 2014, entering yet another phase of life and the options for more care if needed. Card playing with close friends and relatives was her pass time. A serious fall sent Irma to the hospital in 2021, and she began her last years on earth at Harmony River Living Center on March 1, 2021, at the age of 96. She looked forward to Mondays; the day her niece, Deb Holtz and her husband Greg and nephew, Randy Schlueter brought her to bingo. Irma created a unique bond with each of the Harmony nurses; she received wonderful care till her last breath.

Irma treasured her family; she loved the holiday gatherings, birthday parties and traveling to Detroit Lakes to see Susan's family. Even in her 90's Irma would make an unexpected call to a grandchild or great-grandchild just to stay in touch; family was her world. In May, Irma's first great-grandsons graduated from high school; JJ and Riley. Although she said she couldn't travel to West Fargo to JJ's celebration; she was determined to go to Riley's graduation party in Hutchinson and she accomplished that last outing.

Irma passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center, at the age of 99 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Irma is survived by her:
Daughters, Susan Rasmussen and her husband, David of Detroit Lakes, MN,
LuAnn Yerks and her husband, Michael of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Traci (Dennis) Mace, Rebecca (Ryan) Esser, Stephanie (Jake) Lauritsen, Brandon (Sarah) Yerks, Timothy Yerks (fiancé, Jenna), Benjamin (Megan) Yerks;
Great-grandchildren, Jason Jr. “JJ”, Reagan, Larsen, Ava, Sydney, Garrett, Riley, Leyton, Kyrin, Corbyn, Nolan, Jersey, Blair, MaKenna, Spencer, Simon;
Many other relatives and friends.

Irma is preceded in death by her Parents, Julius and Paulina Schlueter; Husband, Lloyd Wendorff; Siblings, Charles Schlueter, Martin Schlueter, Harvey Schlueter, Gladys Schlueter; Sisters-in-law, Adeline Schlueter, Doris Schlueter, Delores Wendorff, Ella Plath; Brothers-in-law, Edward Wendorff, Hugo Plath.