Irma Jean Wallin

Irma died Tuesday morning, January 9, 2024, at her home, rural Northwood, Iowa. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 19, 2024 at 2PM at the First Lutheran Church in Glenville with visitation to be held an hour prior.

The story of Irma Jean (Myers) Wallin is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering faith. She was born on March 27, 1935, in Hay River, Wisconsin, as the fourth daughter of James Frank and Mabel Emily (Jones) Myers. Growing up in a close-knit family, Irma was confirmed at Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church in rural Glenville, Minnesota. She graduated from Northwood High School in Northwood, Iowa, in 1953.

It was at the roller rink in Gordonsville, Minnesota, where Irma first laid eyes on Dale, the love of her life. She was just fifteen years old at the time. During her Jr-Sr year of high school, Irma worked at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, Minnesota, folding clothes alongside her mother, Mabel. After graduation she worked at Queen Stoves as a secretary and JCPennys on weekends. Irma and Dale exchanged their vows on May 1, 1954, at Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church rural Glenville, Minnesota. They started their married life on a small acreage in Freeman Township, living in a 20x20 house built by Dale and his brothers. They later moved to Shell Rock Township, where they lived and farmed for a year before purchasing 158 acres in Worth County in 1957. Together, they had three children named Thomas, Melanie, and Kyle.

Irma's work ethic was second to none, and she never shied away from any task. She worked alongside Dale, taking care of chickens, doing chores, walking the beans, and working the fields, sometimes doing wheelies with the tractor. Her resourcefulness was admirable, and she used her confirmation dollars to buy a sewing machine, which she used to mend clothes for her family and friends until her last breath. Irma's frugality was remarkable, and she enjoyed sewing new clothes for her kids. Over the years, she found joy in volunteering at the church, spending time with Dale going to Card Party, and Square Dancing.

Irma's unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she knew her Savior intimately. She spent time in quiet reflection on scripture every day, and she shared her favorite bible verses in homemade cards for her family and friends. Her favorite bible verse, "Thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee" (Deuteronomy 26:11), was a testament to her belief in God's goodness and her unwavering faith.

Irma's last Christmas with her loved ones will be a cherished memory that will be forever treasured. While her life on earth was not without struggles, she knew that she would be rejoicing with the Lord in heaven. Though her life has ended, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Irma is survived by son, Thomas Wallin of Glenville; daughter, Melanie Jean (Doyle) Anderson of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; son, Kyle (Janet) Wallin of Northwood, Iowa; 9 grandchildren, Joshua and Tami Wallin; Ashton, Caleb and Whitney Anderson; Hayley, Morgan, Mitchell, and Reanna Wallin; sister Phyllis Lau, Bonnie (Richard) Grass; sisters-in-law, Violet Hanssen, and Julie Wallin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irma was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-two years Dale Wallin; Parents James and Mabel Myers, In-Laws, Rea and Mary Wallin, Sisters, Betty Myers, Ferne (Glen) Virchow, Brothers and Sisters-in-laws, Bjorn Nelson and Willis Lau, Merlin (Susie) Wallin, Lyle (Arlene) Wallin, Verl (Vera) Wallin, Edward Hanssen ,and Arlo Wallin; daughter-in-law, Janice (Sawin) Wallin; niece and nephews.


The service will be live streamed through Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home's Facebook page using the following link:
https://fb.me/e/6MRbE0gpQ