In Loving Memory
Elsie E. Wichman
June 13, 1935 - June 18, 2021

VISITATION
Thursday, June 24, 2021
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa

SERVICE
Thursday, June 24, 2021
7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa

INURNMENT
Friday, June 25, 2021
10:30 A.M.
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa

Elsie E. Wichman, daughter of John F. and Beulah F. (Bales) Smith, was born June 13, 1935 in Clay County, Iowa.  She grew up south of Trumbull Lake, on the family farm and received her education at Lake Center School through 12th grade.

On September 8, 1957 Elsie was united in marriage to Kenneth R Wichman at Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven.  They were blessed with three children.

Elsie was employed as a clerk at Wigdahl Hardware and later Berkley Fishing and Tackle Company.  She and Kenny were grounds keepers for Crown Hill Cemetery for many years, retiring in June 1997.

Elsie was a faithful member of the Ruthven United Methodist Church and church circle, helping with many dinners as well as many other activities held at the church.  She was also very active in the Ruthven American Legion Auxiliary, serving as an officer for many years.

Elsie loved gardening and going fishing.  She also made beautiful quilts for her family.  Elsie was always helping others, whether caring for them or making food to share.  She always put others first.  Elsie was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in 2005.

Elsie passed away Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 86.  She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Beulah Smith; her husband, Kenneth; her siblings, John Smith, Franklin "Swede" Smith, Dorothy Karli, Mary Leininger, Chester Smith, Donald Smith, and a brother that died in infancy.

She is survived by her children, Richard A. (Bonnie) Wichman of Norwalk, Iowa, James P. Wichman of Ruthven, Iowa and Diana L. Wichman of Ruthven, Iowa; three grandchildren, Tiffanie, Adam and Megan; four great grandchildren, Lillian, Sophie, Reese and Remington; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home