Wilma Doris Jessen was born August 31, 1926, to Henry and Edith (Peterson) Jessen
on a farm near Danbury, IA. As Wilma would explain, the couple’s first three children
were all girls. Wilma was the second born of the girls, and she found outside chores
much more interesting than household chores. Wilma became her father’s helper and
remained so, even after the birth of her three little brothers. During her childhood,
her family moved between Danbury and Mapleton farms. Henry’s health had been
damaged during the First World War, and he passed away at the age of 48. At that
point, she was hired out as a housekeeper to several local families.
The family attended Salem Lutheran Church in rural Correctionville, Iowa, and it was
there that Wilma met Ross Reinking. Later, she would tell of how they looked forward
to the youth events just to see each other, and when the youth sat together in the
pews, she and Ross would secretly hold hands. Ross saved up for her beautiful
engagement ring. He was pretty proud of the ring, and Wilma loved it, because Ross
loved giving it to her. They married on June 30, 1945 at Salem Lutheran. The church
was always their place to nurture their faith and friendships.
Ross and Wilma moved into the Reinking ‘home place’ place near Kingsley, Iowa.
There they worked side by side on the farm. The couple was not without their
sorrows. Their first daughter, Sharon, was born at home and died before the doctor
arrived. Twin sons Donald and Ronald were born prematurely and did not survive.
However, Ross and Wilma were blessed with Dennis, Diane and David. One of
Wilma’s favorite pastimes was raising chickens and selling the eggs locally for $.25 per
dozen. She remained very active at the church where she had many lifelong friends.
In December 1982, ross and Wilma moved into their new home in Kingsley. For many
years, Wilma volunteered at the Kingsley Nursing Home and made more friendships.
From 1974 through 2004, Ross and Wilma ‘wintered’ in Mission, Texas where they
enjoyed bike riding, dancing and being with friends.
Ross passed away on March 6, 2006. Wilma remained in their home in Kingsley until
January 2021when her health required her to move into Sunrise Manor Assisted Care.
Wilma moved to Sunrise’s skilled care more recently. Although, her passion for life
was strong, she knew that her body was ready to rest, and September 29, 2023, Wilma
passed away peacefully. The family is very appreciative of the loving care provided to
Wilma at Sunrise Retirement community and by St. Croix Hospice.
Those left to remember Wilma are daughter Diane Sargisson, sons, Dennis (Joan)
Reinking and David (Peg) Reinking, grandchildren, Sandra (Steve) Nissen, Brent
(Sandy) Reinking, Perry (Jody) Reinking, Korey (Julie) Sargisson, Ryan (Heidi) Reinking,
Kyle (Jamie) Sargisson, Adam (Angie) Reinking, Kevin Sargisson, Philip (Lindy)
Reinking, Jordan (Morgan) Reinking, Dhanashree (Brett Frauendofer) Reinking, 27
(soon to be 28) great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Laura
Lee, and many friends and extended family members.
Those preceding Wilma in death are her parents, husband Ross, daughter Sharon,
sons Donald and Ronald, sisters Leona Bell, Hattie Stevens, Ella May Black, brothers
Elmer Jessen, Freddie Jessen, and Henry Jessen, Jr.
Wilma requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to The St. Jude’s Hospital
for Children St. Jude was built upon the dream of our founder Danny Thomas, that no
child should…Facebook - St. Jude Children research Hospital Nov 29, 2022
…and the Siouxland Tanzania Medical Ministries https://facebook.com/story.php/?id=100063567730508&story_fbid=826966142765636.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Rohde Funeral Home
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
7:00 - 7:30 pm (Central time)
Rohde Funeral Home
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
10:30 - 11:30 am (Central time)
Salem Lutheran Church
Wilma's family invites all for a luncheon and fellowship following the service in the basement of Salem Lutheran Church prior to burial.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)
Kingsley Cemetery
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