Irma Holmen
April 8, 1928 — August 30, 2010
Irma Louise Holmen, 82, of Silver Bay, passed away unexpectedly in her home August 30. She was born in her grandmother's home near Ferney, South Dakota, to Werner and Marie (Grieben) Baumgartner on April 8, 1928. Irma grew up in a close knit farming community, full of birthday parties, relatives, and caring for her invalid grandmother. She placed her faith in Christ at an early age and continued in childlike faith all her days. At 19 she met her lifetime love, Alton Holmen. They were married November 4, 1947. They moved to Silver Bay in 1955 and together they raised 3 children.
Irma worked as housekeeper at the Silver Bay Motel and as kitchen help at the 'Silver Platter'. She sold Studio Girl Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, Stanley Home Products and Tupperware. Her final and favorite job was that of U.S. Post Carrier. Literally until the day she died, she remembered the names and addresses from the route she hadn't walked for more than 25 years! She was a wonderful mother and role model, gentle and full of fun.
Irma's golden years were spent wintering in Arizona, coming home for summers spent with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved playing cards with family and her lady friends. Irma was heartbroken by the death of her loving husband, Alton, in April, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Walter.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Elmer) Salo, Milaca, MN, Bruce(Rhonda), Duluth, MN, and Jay (Debra), Colfax, WI; grandchildren, Sara (Robert) Pierce, Superior, WI, Genevieve (Aaron) Thul, Colfax, WI, Scott (Jamie) Holmen, Ashland, WI, Daniel (Melissa) Holmen, Colfax, WI, and Benjamin (Megan) Holmen, La Crosse, WI; great-grandchildren Katrina, Rosalie, Amelia, Caleb, Susan Fern, Emma, Ellie, Robert, and three more 'buns in the oven', nieces, nephews, cousins, and many good friends of all ages.
Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM Service, Saturday, September 4, 2010 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors. Reception to follow at the Two Harbors Community Center, 415 South Ave.