Lucille lived near Manhattan, Kansas, until graduating high school in 1938. Her life then took a dramatic turn upon meeting Harry Wimmer, a young K State graduate who had spent 1934-35 in pre-colony Palmer working on his Uncle Harold Thuma's farm. After a short courtship, Lucille and Harry had just married when Uncle Harold called again needing help on the farm because he was appointed as Palmer's first superintendent of schools. The newlyweds were off to Seattle via Model A, to Seward via Alaska Steamship, and to the Matanuska Valley via the ARR. They worked the Thuma farm (later sold to Kerttula) and welcomed sons William and Robert into the world.

In 1943, they moved to the BIA residential school in Eklutna where Harry began his first teaching job. They returned to Palmer in 1944 where they were active members in the United Protestant Church. Harry taught high school and Lucille coached the girls' basketball team. Daughter Nancy arrived in 1946. Lucille also worked at Valley Cleaners and was a Cub Scout Den Mother. Harry became principal of Palmer High School in 1951.

In 1959, the family moved to Anchorage where Lucille worked for Domestic Appliance Service and Harry was principal in several elementary schools. In retirement (1973) they traveled widely including to Africa, where Harry's parents had been missionaries.

With their nurturing spirit, Lucille and husband Harry were a beacon of kindness and support to son Robert's children while he finished medical school as a single parent. Harry and Lucille returned to the Valley in 1979, building a house on Echo Lake. After Harry's death in 1999, Lucille moved to Chester Park. She made many friends there and her group was notorious for their annual trips to Hawaii. As that circle dwindled, she began traveling annually with family to reunion vacations around the country: Kansas, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Idaho, including a trip over the AlCan in 2011 celebrating 63 years since her first journey when the road was newly opened to civilian traffic after the war.

Lucille was able to actively participate in two celebrations of her life: at family gatherings for her 99th birthday in Renton, Washington, and for her 100th birthday in Anchorage in 2019.

Lucille is remembered and cherished by deceased son William's wife, Sarah; son, Robert Wimmer and wife, Joan; daughter, Nancy Wertzbaugher, and husband, Jerry; ten grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

A time for family gathering and remembrance is planned for next summer.
Contributor: Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery (49025107)