Wynona passed away peacefully at home in Centennial, CO on March 3rd, 2018.
Her life was a simple and beautiful circle that came to a close in her 84th year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father Hie H. Kleen and mother Gretina (Tina) Gerdes Loots Kleen, an older sister Eileen Kleen Robinson, and two half-brothers Roy Thomas Faulkner and Gary Kleen.
Wynona is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Henry Wichmann (age 84), half-sister Juanita Kleen Hanson of Ft. Collins, CO, daughter Cheryl Renee Trayer (62) of Stilwell, KS, son Michael Robert Wichmann (55) of Mariposa, CA, and grandson Cody Michael Wichmann (26) also of Mariposa, CA.
Birth and childhood years…
Wynona was born on April 10, 1933, in Pocahontas County, Iowa. She was baptized on May 7, 1933, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pomeroy, IA. She was raised by her mother in Marengo, Iowa during the Great Depression and learned to value the important things in life: God, family, and friends. These values would shape her future as a caring wife, mother, friend, and servant of the Lord.
High School Years…
Wynona grew up in the fertile, rolling hills of Iowa County, Iowa, in a small town called Marengo, just south of the Iowa River and north of Interstate 80. She helped her mother make ends meet by caring for the elderly in their 2-story home.
Wynona went to Marengo High School, graduating in 1950 as Valedictorian of her class. As a teenager, she enjoyed roller-skating, the county fair, and hanging out with friends at the soda fountain in Marengo. She met her future husband, Bob, in high school. Bob grew up on his family’s 110-acre family farm near the town of Homestead, IA, located in the Amana Colonies 11 miles to the east of Marengo. She spent her summers working in the fields detasseling corn by hand.
College Years…
After graduation from high school, Wynona attended Valparaiso University in Indiana where she studied from 1951-1952. She did not have the funds to finish her education at that time and years later (1971-73) attended Tarrant County Junior College in Hurst, TX. She earned an Associate’s Degree in medical terminology.
Marriage and the child-rearing and working years…
Wynona married Bob on June 14, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo, Iowa. They initially lived in Iowa City, IA as Wynona worked to support them while Bob finished his business education at the University of Iowa. She was a devoted wife and followed her husband through many career moves across the country. From their rural home in Iowa County, IA, they moved from: Iowa City, IA; Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX (enter Cheryl); back to Iowa City, IA; Bettendorf, IA (enter Michael); Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Overland Park, KS; Murray, UT; Hurst, TX; Moore, OK; Centennial, CO where they resided for over 40+ years.
Wynona was a model mother and homemaker. This occupation included lots of “Iowa” cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, baking, sewing, knitting, and involvement in church activities. Wynona believed in quality effort, a clean house, and “waste not, want not”. She emphasized family togetherness and there was always a hearty home-cooked meal on her table. She was active in her kid’s homework and school activities and believed in the power of a good education. Wynona instilled the love of music in them, as she herself played the piano. Buying Michael his first guitar at the age of 13, she did not know then the lifetime of enjoyment that he would find with music. Cheryl picked up her gift of enjoying arts and crafts. Wynona loved her children and continually prayed for them.
Wynona was able to work out of the house when her children grew older. She held positions such as medical transcriptionist, Exec Sec – City of Hurst, TX, Admin Sec to VP of S. Oklahoma City Jr. College, Office Manager for two different Lutheran churches in Arapahoe County, CO, and Assistant to a Personnel Consultant. In her retirement she volunteered at Homestead Elementary school for many years, improving the library for the kids, while also making some very close friends. She was officially honored as an “outstanding volunteer” in the Cherry Creek school district.
The Personal Wynona…
Wynona met her half-sister, Juanita, and family (Rich, Doug, Debbie) later in life. Their families spent much time together in ensuing years and they became very close when Juanita’s family relocated from Iowa to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Wynona valued her church and neighborhood friends, and she and Bob were particularly close to Don and Millie Wittwer (Michael’s Godparents) whom they met in Bettendorf, IA. Don and Millie eventually settled in Colorado Springs, CO and often invited Wynona and Bob to visit them at their Cover Mountain Ranch, a beautiful aspen covered high-altitude paradise that overlooked the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Wynona vowed to live in “Colorful Colorado” someday, referring to it as “God’s Country”. To the end, Wynona and Millie (94) talked on the phone every Sunday.
Wynona had a love of nature and enjoyed visiting the various National Parks where Michael lived and worked. She even enjoyed fishing for trout in Wyoming or salmon in Alaska. She loved beautiful Colorado landscapes and became a very gifted painter (oil and watercolor), winning blue ribbons at the Colorado State Fair. Her many paintings are a testament to the beauty she saw in God’s creation.
Nothing could have made Wynona prouder than to see grandson, Cody, use his God-given gifts to become a college graduate and a professional athlete (NFL football player). She was proud of the man he grew up to be and was thrilled to know he would soon be married to his high school sweetheart, Alina Parga, of Catheys Valley, CA.
Later in life….
In 2010, Wynona was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare, neuromuscular disease that progressively affected her voluntary muscles. She endured her affliction with toughness and grace, having a very strong will to live. She smiled and laughed a lot in her final years, and always worried more about others than herself. She particularly enjoyed her daily happy hour half beer or wine. Wynona had a few TV show favorites including “Life Below Zero”, the Hallmark Channel shows Hour of Power and the Gaither Gospel Hour. She found sincere joy in listening to Mike’s guitar playing.
After becoming homebound, Wynona had many loving visits from her church family (Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO), pastors, neighbors, and friends whom all cared for her deeply. Mom’s face lit up when each one of them came through the door, and she was an intent and empathetic listener. In her final years, she dearly enjoyed the companionship of the many Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) that came to her aid. These ladies came from different cultures all across the globe and certainly broadened her perspective of the human race and spirit.
Michael moved from CA to CO in February 2016 to assist in his mother’s daily care at her own home. Cheryl visited and called often, always uplifting spirits. Closest of all was Bob, Wynona’s devoted husband and companion for nearly 70 years. Bob served as her primary caregiver and care manager throughout her illness. He selflessly remained by her side to her final breath. Their love and devotion to each other was sincere, obvious and enviable.
Closing the Circle…
Wynona remained very strong in her faith in God, and in spirit and mind until her death. Her simple and beautiful circle of life here on earth has now closed. She will be dearly missed by her family and many close friends. Her spirit will live on in those whom she so gently touched. Wynona believed in her salvation through grace in Jesus Christ. She will rest in peace with God in her new heavenly home.
Gifts in Wynona’s memory can be made in lieu of flowers to two organizations that gave us tremendous support, the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter www.alscolorado.org/ and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church http://shepherdhills-church.org/
Spouse:
Robert H Wichmann
1st LT, US Air Force
Her life was a simple and beautiful circle that came to a close in her 84th year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father Hie H. Kleen and mother Gretina (Tina) Gerdes Loots Kleen, an older sister Eileen Kleen Robinson, and two half-brothers Roy Thomas Faulkner and Gary Kleen.
Wynona is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Henry Wichmann (age 84), half-sister Juanita Kleen Hanson of Ft. Collins, CO, daughter Cheryl Renee Trayer (62) of Stilwell, KS, son Michael Robert Wichmann (55) of Mariposa, CA, and grandson Cody Michael Wichmann (26) also of Mariposa, CA.
Birth and childhood years…
Wynona was born on April 10, 1933, in Pocahontas County, Iowa. She was baptized on May 7, 1933, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pomeroy, IA. She was raised by her mother in Marengo, Iowa during the Great Depression and learned to value the important things in life: God, family, and friends. These values would shape her future as a caring wife, mother, friend, and servant of the Lord.
High School Years…
Wynona grew up in the fertile, rolling hills of Iowa County, Iowa, in a small town called Marengo, just south of the Iowa River and north of Interstate 80. She helped her mother make ends meet by caring for the elderly in their 2-story home.
Wynona went to Marengo High School, graduating in 1950 as Valedictorian of her class. As a teenager, she enjoyed roller-skating, the county fair, and hanging out with friends at the soda fountain in Marengo. She met her future husband, Bob, in high school. Bob grew up on his family’s 110-acre family farm near the town of Homestead, IA, located in the Amana Colonies 11 miles to the east of Marengo. She spent her summers working in the fields detasseling corn by hand.
College Years…
After graduation from high school, Wynona attended Valparaiso University in Indiana where she studied from 1951-1952. She did not have the funds to finish her education at that time and years later (1971-73) attended Tarrant County Junior College in Hurst, TX. She earned an Associate’s Degree in medical terminology.
Marriage and the child-rearing and working years…
Wynona married Bob on June 14, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo, Iowa. They initially lived in Iowa City, IA as Wynona worked to support them while Bob finished his business education at the University of Iowa. She was a devoted wife and followed her husband through many career moves across the country. From their rural home in Iowa County, IA, they moved from: Iowa City, IA; Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX (enter Cheryl); back to Iowa City, IA; Bettendorf, IA (enter Michael); Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Overland Park, KS; Murray, UT; Hurst, TX; Moore, OK; Centennial, CO where they resided for over 40+ years.
Wynona was a model mother and homemaker. This occupation included lots of “Iowa” cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, baking, sewing, knitting, and involvement in church activities. Wynona believed in quality effort, a clean house, and “waste not, want not”. She emphasized family togetherness and there was always a hearty home-cooked meal on her table. She was active in her kid’s homework and school activities and believed in the power of a good education. Wynona instilled the love of music in them, as she herself played the piano. Buying Michael his first guitar at the age of 13, she did not know then the lifetime of enjoyment that he would find with music. Cheryl picked up her gift of enjoying arts and crafts. Wynona loved her children and continually prayed for them.
Wynona was able to work out of the house when her children grew older. She held positions such as medical transcriptionist, Exec Sec – City of Hurst, TX, Admin Sec to VP of S. Oklahoma City Jr. College, Office Manager for two different Lutheran churches in Arapahoe County, CO, and Assistant to a Personnel Consultant. In her retirement she volunteered at Homestead Elementary school for many years, improving the library for the kids, while also making some very close friends. She was officially honored as an “outstanding volunteer” in the Cherry Creek school district.
The Personal Wynona…
Wynona met her half-sister, Juanita, and family (Rich, Doug, Debbie) later in life. Their families spent much time together in ensuing years and they became very close when Juanita’s family relocated from Iowa to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Wynona valued her church and neighborhood friends, and she and Bob were particularly close to Don and Millie Wittwer (Michael’s Godparents) whom they met in Bettendorf, IA. Don and Millie eventually settled in Colorado Springs, CO and often invited Wynona and Bob to visit them at their Cover Mountain Ranch, a beautiful aspen covered high-altitude paradise that overlooked the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Wynona vowed to live in “Colorful Colorado” someday, referring to it as “God’s Country”. To the end, Wynona and Millie (94) talked on the phone every Sunday.
Wynona had a love of nature and enjoyed visiting the various National Parks where Michael lived and worked. She even enjoyed fishing for trout in Wyoming or salmon in Alaska. She loved beautiful Colorado landscapes and became a very gifted painter (oil and watercolor), winning blue ribbons at the Colorado State Fair. Her many paintings are a testament to the beauty she saw in God’s creation.
Nothing could have made Wynona prouder than to see grandson, Cody, use his God-given gifts to become a college graduate and a professional athlete (NFL football player). She was proud of the man he grew up to be and was thrilled to know he would soon be married to his high school sweetheart, Alina Parga, of Catheys Valley, CA.
Later in life….
In 2010, Wynona was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare, neuromuscular disease that progressively affected her voluntary muscles. She endured her affliction with toughness and grace, having a very strong will to live. She smiled and laughed a lot in her final years, and always worried more about others than herself. She particularly enjoyed her daily happy hour half beer or wine. Wynona had a few TV show favorites including “Life Below Zero”, the Hallmark Channel shows Hour of Power and the Gaither Gospel Hour. She found sincere joy in listening to Mike’s guitar playing.
After becoming homebound, Wynona had many loving visits from her church family (Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO), pastors, neighbors, and friends whom all cared for her deeply. Mom’s face lit up when each one of them came through the door, and she was an intent and empathetic listener. In her final years, she dearly enjoyed the companionship of the many Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) that came to her aid. These ladies came from different cultures all across the globe and certainly broadened her perspective of the human race and spirit.
Michael moved from CA to CO in February 2016 to assist in his mother’s daily care at her own home. Cheryl visited and called often, always uplifting spirits. Closest of all was Bob, Wynona’s devoted husband and companion for nearly 70 years. Bob served as her primary caregiver and care manager throughout her illness. He selflessly remained by her side to her final breath. Their love and devotion to each other was sincere, obvious and enviable.
Closing the Circle…
Wynona remained very strong in her faith in God, and in spirit and mind until her death. Her simple and beautiful circle of life here on earth has now closed. She will be dearly missed by her family and many close friends. Her spirit will live on in those whom she so gently touched. Wynona believed in her salvation through grace in Jesus Christ. She will rest in peace with God in her new heavenly home.
Gifts in Wynona’s memory can be made in lieu of flowers to two organizations that gave us tremendous support, the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter www.alscolorado.org/ and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church http://shepherdhills-church.org/
Spouse:
Robert H Wichmann
1st LT, US Air Force
Wynona passed away peacefully at home in Centennial, CO on March 3rd, 2018.
Her life was a simple and beautiful circle that came to a close in her 84th year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father Hie H. Kleen and mother Gretina (Tina) Gerdes Loots Kleen, an older sister Eileen Kleen Robinson, and two half-brothers Roy Thomas Faulkner and Gary Kleen.
Wynona is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Henry Wichmann (age 84), half-sister Juanita Kleen Hanson of Ft. Collins, CO, daughter Cheryl Renee Trayer (62) of Stilwell, KS, son Michael Robert Wichmann (55) of Mariposa, CA, and grandson Cody Michael Wichmann (26) also of Mariposa, CA.
Birth and childhood years…
Wynona was born on April 10, 1933, in Pocahontas County, Iowa. She was baptized on May 7, 1933, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pomeroy, IA. She was raised by her mother in Marengo, Iowa during the Great Depression and learned to value the important things in life: God, family, and friends. These values would shape her future as a caring wife, mother, friend, and servant of the Lord.
High School Years…
Wynona grew up in the fertile, rolling hills of Iowa County, Iowa, in a small town called Marengo, just south of the Iowa River and north of Interstate 80. She helped her mother make ends meet by caring for the elderly in their 2-story home.
Wynona went to Marengo High School, graduating in 1950 as Valedictorian of her class. As a teenager, she enjoyed roller-skating, the county fair, and hanging out with friends at the soda fountain in Marengo. She met her future husband, Bob, in high school. Bob grew up on his family’s 110-acre family farm near the town of Homestead, IA, located in the Amana Colonies 11 miles to the east of Marengo. She spent her summers working in the fields detasseling corn by hand.
College Years…
After graduation from high school, Wynona attended Valparaiso University in Indiana where she studied from 1951-1952. She did not have the funds to finish her education at that time and years later (1971-73) attended Tarrant County Junior College in Hurst, TX. She earned an Associate’s Degree in medical terminology.
Marriage and the child-rearing and working years…
Wynona married Bob on June 14, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo, Iowa. They initially lived in Iowa City, IA as Wynona worked to support them while Bob finished his business education at the University of Iowa. She was a devoted wife and followed her husband through many career moves across the country. From their rural home in Iowa County, IA, they moved from: Iowa City, IA; Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX (enter Cheryl); back to Iowa City, IA; Bettendorf, IA (enter Michael); Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Overland Park, KS; Murray, UT; Hurst, TX; Moore, OK; Centennial, CO where they resided for over 40+ years.
Wynona was a model mother and homemaker. This occupation included lots of “Iowa” cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, baking, sewing, knitting, and involvement in church activities. Wynona believed in quality effort, a clean house, and “waste not, want not”. She emphasized family togetherness and there was always a hearty home-cooked meal on her table. She was active in her kid’s homework and school activities and believed in the power of a good education. Wynona instilled the love of music in them, as she herself played the piano. Buying Michael his first guitar at the age of 13, she did not know then the lifetime of enjoyment that he would find with music. Cheryl picked up her gift of enjoying arts and crafts. Wynona loved her children and continually prayed for them.
Wynona was able to work out of the house when her children grew older. She held positions such as medical transcriptionist, Exec Sec – City of Hurst, TX, Admin Sec to VP of S. Oklahoma City Jr. College, Office Manager for two different Lutheran churches in Arapahoe County, CO, and Assistant to a Personnel Consultant. In her retirement she volunteered at Homestead Elementary school for many years, improving the library for the kids, while also making some very close friends. She was officially honored as an “outstanding volunteer” in the Cherry Creek school district.
The Personal Wynona…
Wynona met her half-sister, Juanita, and family (Rich, Doug, Debbie) later in life. Their families spent much time together in ensuing years and they became very close when Juanita’s family relocated from Iowa to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Wynona valued her church and neighborhood friends, and she and Bob were particularly close to Don and Millie Wittwer (Michael’s Godparents) whom they met in Bettendorf, IA. Don and Millie eventually settled in Colorado Springs, CO and often invited Wynona and Bob to visit them at their Cover Mountain Ranch, a beautiful aspen covered high-altitude paradise that overlooked the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Wynona vowed to live in “Colorful Colorado” someday, referring to it as “God’s Country”. To the end, Wynona and Millie (94) talked on the phone every Sunday.
Wynona had a love of nature and enjoyed visiting the various National Parks where Michael lived and worked. She even enjoyed fishing for trout in Wyoming or salmon in Alaska. She loved beautiful Colorado landscapes and became a very gifted painter (oil and watercolor), winning blue ribbons at the Colorado State Fair. Her many paintings are a testament to the beauty she saw in God’s creation.
Nothing could have made Wynona prouder than to see grandson, Cody, use his God-given gifts to become a college graduate and a professional athlete (NFL football player). She was proud of the man he grew up to be and was thrilled to know he would soon be married to his high school sweetheart, Alina Parga, of Catheys Valley, CA.
Later in life….
In 2010, Wynona was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare, neuromuscular disease that progressively affected her voluntary muscles. She endured her affliction with toughness and grace, having a very strong will to live. She smiled and laughed a lot in her final years, and always worried more about others than herself. She particularly enjoyed her daily happy hour half beer or wine. Wynona had a few TV show favorites including “Life Below Zero”, the Hallmark Channel shows Hour of Power and the Gaither Gospel Hour. She found sincere joy in listening to Mike’s guitar playing.
After becoming homebound, Wynona had many loving visits from her church family (Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO), pastors, neighbors, and friends whom all cared for her deeply. Mom’s face lit up when each one of them came through the door, and she was an intent and empathetic listener. In her final years, she dearly enjoyed the companionship of the many Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) that came to her aid. These ladies came from different cultures all across the globe and certainly broadened her perspective of the human race and spirit.
Michael moved from CA to CO in February 2016 to assist in his mother’s daily care at her own home. Cheryl visited and called often, always uplifting spirits. Closest of all was Bob, Wynona’s devoted husband and companion for nearly 70 years. Bob served as her primary caregiver and care manager throughout her illness. He selflessly remained by her side to her final breath. Their love and devotion to each other was sincere, obvious and enviable.
Closing the Circle…
Wynona remained very strong in her faith in God, and in spirit and mind until her death. Her simple and beautiful circle of life here on earth has now closed. She will be dearly missed by her family and many close friends. Her spirit will live on in those whom she so gently touched. Wynona believed in her salvation through grace in Jesus Christ. She will rest in peace with God in her new heavenly home.
Gifts in Wynona’s memory can be made in lieu of flowers to two organizations that gave us tremendous support, the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter www.alscolorado.org/ and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church http://shepherdhills-church.org/
Spouse:
Robert H Wichmann
1st LT, US Air Force
Her life was a simple and beautiful circle that came to a close in her 84th year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father Hie H. Kleen and mother Gretina (Tina) Gerdes Loots Kleen, an older sister Eileen Kleen Robinson, and two half-brothers Roy Thomas Faulkner and Gary Kleen.
Wynona is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Henry Wichmann (age 84), half-sister Juanita Kleen Hanson of Ft. Collins, CO, daughter Cheryl Renee Trayer (62) of Stilwell, KS, son Michael Robert Wichmann (55) of Mariposa, CA, and grandson Cody Michael Wichmann (26) also of Mariposa, CA.
Birth and childhood years…
Wynona was born on April 10, 1933, in Pocahontas County, Iowa. She was baptized on May 7, 1933, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pomeroy, IA. She was raised by her mother in Marengo, Iowa during the Great Depression and learned to value the important things in life: God, family, and friends. These values would shape her future as a caring wife, mother, friend, and servant of the Lord.
High School Years…
Wynona grew up in the fertile, rolling hills of Iowa County, Iowa, in a small town called Marengo, just south of the Iowa River and north of Interstate 80. She helped her mother make ends meet by caring for the elderly in their 2-story home.
Wynona went to Marengo High School, graduating in 1950 as Valedictorian of her class. As a teenager, she enjoyed roller-skating, the county fair, and hanging out with friends at the soda fountain in Marengo. She met her future husband, Bob, in high school. Bob grew up on his family’s 110-acre family farm near the town of Homestead, IA, located in the Amana Colonies 11 miles to the east of Marengo. She spent her summers working in the fields detasseling corn by hand.
College Years…
After graduation from high school, Wynona attended Valparaiso University in Indiana where she studied from 1951-1952. She did not have the funds to finish her education at that time and years later (1971-73) attended Tarrant County Junior College in Hurst, TX. She earned an Associate’s Degree in medical terminology.
Marriage and the child-rearing and working years…
Wynona married Bob on June 14, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo, Iowa. They initially lived in Iowa City, IA as Wynona worked to support them while Bob finished his business education at the University of Iowa. She was a devoted wife and followed her husband through many career moves across the country. From their rural home in Iowa County, IA, they moved from: Iowa City, IA; Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX (enter Cheryl); back to Iowa City, IA; Bettendorf, IA (enter Michael); Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Overland Park, KS; Murray, UT; Hurst, TX; Moore, OK; Centennial, CO where they resided for over 40+ years.
Wynona was a model mother and homemaker. This occupation included lots of “Iowa” cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, baking, sewing, knitting, and involvement in church activities. Wynona believed in quality effort, a clean house, and “waste not, want not”. She emphasized family togetherness and there was always a hearty home-cooked meal on her table. She was active in her kid’s homework and school activities and believed in the power of a good education. Wynona instilled the love of music in them, as she herself played the piano. Buying Michael his first guitar at the age of 13, she did not know then the lifetime of enjoyment that he would find with music. Cheryl picked up her gift of enjoying arts and crafts. Wynona loved her children and continually prayed for them.
Wynona was able to work out of the house when her children grew older. She held positions such as medical transcriptionist, Exec Sec – City of Hurst, TX, Admin Sec to VP of S. Oklahoma City Jr. College, Office Manager for two different Lutheran churches in Arapahoe County, CO, and Assistant to a Personnel Consultant. In her retirement she volunteered at Homestead Elementary school for many years, improving the library for the kids, while also making some very close friends. She was officially honored as an “outstanding volunteer” in the Cherry Creek school district.
The Personal Wynona…
Wynona met her half-sister, Juanita, and family (Rich, Doug, Debbie) later in life. Their families spent much time together in ensuing years and they became very close when Juanita’s family relocated from Iowa to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Wynona valued her church and neighborhood friends, and she and Bob were particularly close to Don and Millie Wittwer (Michael’s Godparents) whom they met in Bettendorf, IA. Don and Millie eventually settled in Colorado Springs, CO and often invited Wynona and Bob to visit them at their Cover Mountain Ranch, a beautiful aspen covered high-altitude paradise that overlooked the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Wynona vowed to live in “Colorful Colorado” someday, referring to it as “God’s Country”. To the end, Wynona and Millie (94) talked on the phone every Sunday.
Wynona had a love of nature and enjoyed visiting the various National Parks where Michael lived and worked. She even enjoyed fishing for trout in Wyoming or salmon in Alaska. She loved beautiful Colorado landscapes and became a very gifted painter (oil and watercolor), winning blue ribbons at the Colorado State Fair. Her many paintings are a testament to the beauty she saw in God’s creation.
Nothing could have made Wynona prouder than to see grandson, Cody, use his God-given gifts to become a college graduate and a professional athlete (NFL football player). She was proud of the man he grew up to be and was thrilled to know he would soon be married to his high school sweetheart, Alina Parga, of Catheys Valley, CA.
Later in life….
In 2010, Wynona was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare, neuromuscular disease that progressively affected her voluntary muscles. She endured her affliction with toughness and grace, having a very strong will to live. She smiled and laughed a lot in her final years, and always worried more about others than herself. She particularly enjoyed her daily happy hour half beer or wine. Wynona had a few TV show favorites including “Life Below Zero”, the Hallmark Channel shows Hour of Power and the Gaither Gospel Hour. She found sincere joy in listening to Mike’s guitar playing.
After becoming homebound, Wynona had many loving visits from her church family (Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO), pastors, neighbors, and friends whom all cared for her deeply. Mom’s face lit up when each one of them came through the door, and she was an intent and empathetic listener. In her final years, she dearly enjoyed the companionship of the many Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) that came to her aid. These ladies came from different cultures all across the globe and certainly broadened her perspective of the human race and spirit.
Michael moved from CA to CO in February 2016 to assist in his mother’s daily care at her own home. Cheryl visited and called often, always uplifting spirits. Closest of all was Bob, Wynona’s devoted husband and companion for nearly 70 years. Bob served as her primary caregiver and care manager throughout her illness. He selflessly remained by her side to her final breath. Their love and devotion to each other was sincere, obvious and enviable.
Closing the Circle…
Wynona remained very strong in her faith in God, and in spirit and mind until her death. Her simple and beautiful circle of life here on earth has now closed. She will be dearly missed by her family and many close friends. Her spirit will live on in those whom she so gently touched. Wynona believed in her salvation through grace in Jesus Christ. She will rest in peace with God in her new heavenly home.
Gifts in Wynona’s memory can be made in lieu of flowers to two organizations that gave us tremendous support, the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter www.alscolorado.org/ and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church http://shepherdhills-church.org/
Spouse:
Robert H Wichmann
1st LT, US Air Force
Gravesite Details
Interred: May 25, 2018
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
