Wilma Wolner

Wilma Mae Wolner, age 78, of Saint James, died on December 17, 2023, at Madelia Health Hospital in Madelia.

A memorial service will be held at the East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 11:00 am. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the East Sveadahl Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Wilma was born June 29, 1945 to William and Nellie (Espeland) Hicks in Winnebago, Minnesota. She graduated from Winnebago High School in 1963. She then attended Mankato Teacher's College and later Mankato State University, receiving her master's degree in media science. On November 26, 1971, she married Burton Wolner at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church. Together, they raised one daughter, April.

Wilma taught library science and computer classes for the New Ulm school district for 33 years, retiring in 2000. Following retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher in Butterfield and was the director of the Watonwan County Historical Society from 2005 to 2018.

Wilma is survived by her husband, Burt; daughter, April (Al) Reed of Madelia; granddaughter, Brianna (Justin) Kilmer of Madelia; sister, Kay (Ambrose) Sonnek; best friend, Joyce Resoft; and many nieces and nephews.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, George (Donna) Hicks; sister, Murna (Ken) Johnson; sister in infancy, Dorothy; and brother-in-law, Jim Evenson.