Ida Mae Weimken

STERLING – Ida Mae Wiemken, 85, of Sterling, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

She was born Aug. 24, 1932, in Woosung, the daughter of Harry Dale and Faye Geraldine (Brown) Houpt.

Ida Mae married Don Wiemken in Royce City, Texas, on July 2, 1985. She was employed at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, Iowa, from 1964 to 1974. She then worked for Dixon State School from 1975 to 1983, and Edgewild Nursing Home in Sterling from 1984 to 1989. Ida Mae enjoyed traveling during her retirement, and spending the winters in Alabama. She also enjoyed reading, making quilts, and doing crafts.

Survivors include her husband, Don; her children, Duane (Beverly) Schommer, Darrell Schommer, Diane VanLaningham, Denise (Steve Leathers) Schommer, and Don (Amanda) Schommer; stepchildren, Forrest (Donna) Wiemken, Christa (Allen) Hicks, Howard (Barbara) Wiemken, and Doris (Bill) Crews; one sister, Fern Wiemken of Folkston, Georgia; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, with one expected in April; and a nephew, Stanley Houpt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Harry Dale Houpt Jr.; her stepdaughter, Judy Weigle; her stepson, Alan Wiemken; a son-in-law, Harold VanLaningham; a step-great-grandson, Peter Miller; and a step-great-granddaughter, Erica Kerley.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, and the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Ave., Rock Falls, with Pastor Jason Borton officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.