1919
Wilma
2008
Wilma Kroening
March 9, 1919 — December 9, 2008
Wilma Marlis Monlux, was born March 9, 1919 in Rock Rapids, Iowa to William and Ethel (Follett) Monlux. Upon the death of her birth mom, Wilma came to Morris at age two to live with her Aunt Maude Monlux Tresler and Robert Tresler, Sr. The Tresler family lovingly became her immediate family.
Wilma attended Morris Public Schools and graduated in 1936. She then worked at Morley’s Home Builder’s Company. In later years she helped part-time at Palmer’s Men’s Store.
On June 15, 1940, Wilma was united in marriage to Norman Kroening at the Federated Church Parsonage in Morris by the Reverend Sowder. This union was blessed with one daughter, Diana. Norman and Wilma shared 53 years of marriage together.
Wilma was an 80 plus year member of the Federated Church and active in their Ladies Aide and Church Choir. She was an excellent soprano and was asked to sing at many weddings and funerals. She was a member of the local chapter GAR Auxiliary (for descendents of Union Civil War Participants). She served on the Stevens County Fair Board and was department chairperson of the Open Class Division in the Women’s Building. She also served on the Election Board for the State and National Elections.
Wilma had a genuine love of music and gave piano lessons to young and old. Her students will always remember her Christmas parties and recitals. But Wilma will best be remembered for her kindness for birds and animals. Neighborhood children (and adults) were always bringing stray or injured critters to Wilma so she could care for, fix and make them well again. She always had her own pet dog, birds and fish.
Wilma’s personal activities included her passion for reading, knitting, crocheting, doing crossword puzzles, collecting family genealogy and playing cards. She played a “mean” game of bridge and at one time belonged to three bridge clubs and two 500 clubs. She always had the coffee pot ready, along with homemade cookies.
Wilma Kroening was called from this life on Tuesday afternoon, December 9, 2008 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 89 years and 9 months.
Wilma is mourned in passing by her daughter: Diana (Mrs. Thomas) Kulseth; two grandchildren: James Kulseth and Amy (Mrs. Jacob) Kozlowski; three great-grandchildren: Joseph, Timothy and Cynthia Kulseth and many nieces, nephews and very special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband: Norman; parents: William and Ethel Monlux and Robert Sr. and Maude Tresler; sisters: Edith (Mrs. Frank Dunn), Elsie (Mrs. Ted Menage), Marjorie (Mrs. Wilbur Ellis) and one brother: Robert, Jr. (Mildred) Tresler.
Pallbearers for the service are: James Kulseth, Joseph Kulseth, Timothy Kulseth, Dave Evenson, Dick Bluth, Dean Pederson and Shane Nelson. Honorary pallbearer is: Lee Johnston. Cheryl Rempel will serve as organist for the service. Special messages will be given by Yvonne Evenson and Tina Nelson. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
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