Wilma J. Kay

May 29, 1925 ~ November 8, 2017

VISITATION
Friday, November 10, 2017
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin--Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, November 11, 10:30 A.M.
St. John's Lutheran Church
Depew, Iowa

CLERGY
Lori Harmening

PIANIST
Glenn Henriksen

VOCALIST
John Banwart

INTERMENT
North St. John's Lutheran Cemetery
Depew, Iowa

Wilma Josephine Kay, daughter of Walter and Josephine (Jacobson) Weltzin, was born May 29, 1925 in Depew, Iowa. She began her education in Depew and then transferred to Cylinder where she completed her high school education. Following high school graduation, Wilma attended St. Olaf's College in Northfield, Minnesota.

In 1893 Wilma's grandparents established and operated the Weltzin's Inland Store in Depew. Her parents Walter and Josephine assumed ownership and Wilma grew up working with them at the store. She returned to Depew after attending St. Olaf's for one year to help her father with the store. The story was told that Wilma met Joe at the store, after dropping a can on his toe. This friendship resulted in Wilma and Joseph E. Kay uniting in marriage on November 29, 1947 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Depew, Iowa. To this union three children were born.

Wilma and Joe took over operating the store which became Wilma's life until her retirement in 1984. They also farmed near Depew for several years.

Wilma was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Depew, where she was active on countless boards and committees. Wilma was an individual that put other's needs before hers, always finding a way to help out. It was more important for her to care for those in need than to be concerned with herself. Wilma was a dedicated and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and neighbor. She was very proud of her children, granddaughter and great grandchildren, never missing any event that she could possibly attend. It was important for her to stay involved and updated on her relatives and their families.

Wilma served on the Independence Township election board for many years. Wilma "never left her home". Her roots were in Depew and she loved making Depew her home.

Wilma passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Joseph Wayne Kay; and her husband, Joseph.

She is survived by her children, Jere Kay of Depew, Iowa and  Judy Fuller and her husband, Ron of Shakopee, Minnesota; her granddaughter, Ami Fuller; great grandchildren, Kannon and KayAnna; sister-in-law, Mary Anderson; brother-in-law, Richard Kay; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home